Imagine backpacking through the lush

landscape of Costa Rica or taking wine

tasting classes in Italy all while earning

college credit. If this sounds great, look

no further than the University of Mem-

phis’ study abroad program.

Chrystal Goudsouzian, study abroad pro-

gram advisor, explains to learn more

about study abroad programs take a trip to

the office. “Usually coming in is the best

way to find out where students can go,

what their financial situation is, and what

the best fit is going to be for them,” she

said.

Goudsouzian then compiles a list of places

that would be a good fit and the student

applies. Some places listed are even popu-

lar for non-traditional students like France

and Costa Rica.

Cheryl West, a former non-traditional stu-

dent at U of M who received her masters

in French, explained why France was a

popular option for her.

“I chose a program in a remote [part of

France] and hardly anyone spoke English.

It was a chance for me to be totally im-

mersed in the culture.”

Students are not limited to the places they

can visit based on language aptitude, their

course of study, or the amount of time

they want to spend overseas. “If they have

kids or jobs, we can even do short term

trips,” Goudsouzian said. “You can go for

a semester. You can go for an entire year.”

The over 200 places one can visit may

sound exciting, but the thought of financ-

ing the trip can be nerve-racking. How-

ever, what may not be known is students

at the U of M have already started financ-

ing their study abroad program through

enrollment fees.

“All students pay into a scholarship fund.

It’s called the International Experience

Scholarship fund and everyone pays $10 a

semester,” said Goudsouzian. “Last year

we awarded, I want to say, roughly

$440,000 away in scholarships. And U of

M is one of the only schools with this

fund that uses it entirely for scholarships.”

The scholarship fund doesn’t provide full

financing for the trip, yet the reward

money gives students some assistance.

The amount one spends on a study abroad

program, however, is nothing compared to

the amount of opportunity gained.

“I was gone for 9 weeks so I was a little

bit apprehensive,” West said. “But having

the support of family and having my goal

was good. My goal was to be a high

school teacher and now I have a job at St.

Benedict High School teaching French.”

ISSUE 2 OCT 2010 VOLUME 8

REAL STUDENTS

TRAVELING ABROAD………..4

TIPS ABOUT STAYING SAFE

ON AND OFF CAMPUS………2

Adult & THE UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS

ADULT & COMMUTER STUDENT SERVICES

Commuter

Connection

GET INFORMED ABOUT

LOCAL ACTIVITIES………….6

The World at Your Door

Real Heroes Among Us The tragic events of September 11 launched a war on terrorism sending many

American men and women overseas to protect the U.S. Although still in the midst

of a war, the climate in America has evolved. Some troops have begun to return to

the states and pursue educational goals. A few of these American heroes have

even landed at the University of Memphis. Mary Jean Nelms, coordinator of vet-

eran affairs at U of M, said, “Our [veteran] student numbers can change a lot but

currently, looking at all the VA educational program chapters, we have three hun-

dred ninety-six veterans, not including dependents of veterans, enrolled this fall as

of September 7.”Veteran students get financial support for college courses- To learn more about the heroes among us continue to pg. 3

Want to hear more study abroad stories? Check out our Student Spotlight on pg. 4

<< Harry Niewald III, U.S. Navy (L) & Jonathan

Bratcher, U.S. Marine, at the mobile USO event on

the campus of University of Memphis

You’re walking alone down a

dimly lit street, arm full of

books, and out of nowhere

someone tries to attack you.

What do you do?

The Staying Safe On and Off

Campus seminar offered stu-

dents a chance to learn exactly

what to do.

Detective Marco Anderson with

the University of Memphis Po-

lice Department, gave students

key safety advice and pointed

out ways to avoid becoming a

target.“The main thing is to remember to walk in groups and

be sure to program the campus police number in your phone,”

Anderson said.

Anderson also emphasized other important tips like not leaving

purses and backpacks lying around and keeping cell phone

cords or GPS devices out of sight in your car.

Students attending the workshop believed the information was

helpful. One student was pleased to find out about the many

police stations located on campus.

Andrea Valentine, a freshman majoring in pre-physical ther-

apy, said, “I really liked that he pointed out the main places to

get help. Before, I only knew about the station on Patterson.”

The workshop also featured videos demonstrating self-defense

techniques.

Steven Messer, a freshman majoring in Spanish, said, “I liked

the videos. I got a view of what could happen if you got at-

tacked.”

Detective Anderson believes in protecting students and wants

you to know he is here for you. “We have about thirty-four

officers on this campus for your protection. We’ve been one of

the safest campuses in Tennessee and we want to help keep it

that way,” Anderson said.

Living

Statistics report adult learners are one of the fastest growing stu-

dent groups among US colleges. With the number of non-

traditional students enrolling in higher education increasing,

securing financial support for the distinct group may prove to

be more difficult. Following these few tips can help any student

stay ahead of the aid line and prepare to finance their education.

Apply for financial assistance early. The

sooner you apply, the sooner your applica-

tion gets reviewed. Knowing what kind of

aid is available to you allows time to pur-

sue other methods of funding your educa-

tion if necessary.

Look for scholarships geared towards

you. There are plenty of scholarships and

grants available, but they won’t always

find you, so be prepared to look. Whether

you are adult learner, veteran, a single

parent, or even left-handed citizen, check

into finding scholarships matching your

unique qualities.

Know the difference between the student loans.

Learning the difference between a subsidized and

unsubsidized federal loan can save you. Interest rates

and payment plans can vary greatly with the two loans. If you

decide to pursue a private educational loan make sure to do your

homework as well.

If you don’t need it, don’t borrow it. Who wants to be in debt

forever? Plan ahead. Assess what your school expenses are in

advance and only accept loans to cover the specified

amount.

Use your resources. Many companies provide tuition

assistance programs. If you are a part-time student, who

works as well, ask your supervisor about what tuition

benefits are available to you.

Continue to do your research. When it comes to financ-

ing your education, the more you know the better off you

are. Even if you have obtained money for your education,

keeping abreast of changes in financial aid and learning

about additional scholarships can be helpful. Grab a

few books geared toward acquiring higher education

funding and staying out of debt. A few great guides include

“501 Ways For Adult Students To Pay For College” by Gen and

Kelly Tanabe or “The Total Money Make-over” by David Ram-

sey.

Add the ACSS channel to your MyMemphis Portal and receive

cheap gas prices locations and updates. Go to MyMemphis Portal

and click on Content Layout > New Channel > News > Adult and Commuter Student Services Twitter

Staying Safe On and Off Campus

Picture from debtcconsoldiationuk.com

Cashing In: Investing in Your Education

A&C Connection - September 2010 - pg 2

<< A student watches as Detective

Anderson gives safety tips

To get more tips on staying safe, visit www.memphis.edu/acss and listen

to the staying safe on and off campus podcasts.

The University of Memphis offers

many opportunities for you to de-

fine yourself and grow into the

leader you wish to become.

I encourage you to “seize the day”

and take advantage of your resources inside and outside of

the classroom.

Our study abroad program allows students to enhance

leadership skills on a cultural and academic level. In our

Student Spotlight section, non-traditional students share

what wonderful experiences we can have when you take

advantage of an opportunity to study abroad.

We also chose to honor our veteran students in this

month’s newsletter. Veterans are more than just leaders,

but true heroes among us. Their stories reveal that you can

learn to lead in many different ways and we should cher-

ish our freedom and appreciate the chance to cultivate our

minds through higher education development.

I’m also excited about the wonderful events and immedi-

ate leadership possibilities you can have by simply getting

involved.

On October 6, stop by the Student Health Fair and pro-

mote healthy living along with your peers. Support the

Commuter Student Association or Adult Student Associa-

tion by attending one of their events. Then visit our web-

site (www.memphis.edu/acss) for information regarding

various campus activities.

In closing, I hope each of you have settled into your

classes and are starting to find your niche on campus. If

finding that niche has turned out to be a bit of a challenge,

do not hesitate to contact me. Your academic and social

advancement is important to me and the staff in Adult and

Commuter Student Services. Always remember we are

here for you.

Sincerely,

Joy Stout

A Moment with the Director

Making your mark through Leadership

Contact Information

Joy Rogers Stout

Director, Adult and Commuter

Student Services

The University of Memphis

243 University Center Voice: (901) 678-2644

E-mail: jstout@memphis.edu

Continued from page 1

A&C Connection - September 2010 - pg 3

Real Heroes Among Us

through various educational programs including the G.I. Bill

and the Reserve Educational Assistance program. One veteran

student found his way to the university through the U.S. Ma-

rine Corps.

“The program I am in is called the Marine Enlisted Commis-

sioning Educational Program,” Jonathan Bratcher, an enlisted

marine, said. “Instead of getting out of the military until your

contract is up and going to college on your own, you can

compete for a position in the program where you stay on ac-

tive duty and receive all paying benefits.”

Bratcher, a finance major, has been in the military for 5 years

and attended the University of Memphis for a year before

enlisting with the marines in 2005. He served in Afghanistan

and his college experience has taken on a new meaning.

“I’ve enjoyed being here and college is a lot different this

time around. I have a lot more discipline.”

Stephan Christiansen, who served as combat engineer in the

U.S. Army and spent four years in Iraq, also believes being in

a university environment is a different experience. “I just

have a different view about life than probably the average

student who is 30 or younger,” he said.

Both Bratcher’s and Christiansen’s perspective on being at

the University of Memphis resonates how grateful veterans

are to have the freedom to get an higher education. A freedom

they have fought for American students to have. The number

of veterans students at the U of M displays just how many, at

this university alone, have fought for that freedom. Take time

to honor a veteran for they are truly heroes among us.

Students and Faculty Shining Brightly THETHETHE SPOTLIGHTSPOTLIGHTSPOTLIGHT

A&C Connection - September 2010 - pg 4

LORRAINE MEINERS-LOVEL’S

VOYAGE to the CZECH REPUBLIC

Why did you choose to study in the Czech

Republic?

I went to Pilsen, Czech Republic to study

Teaching English as a Foreign Language

and obtain my TEFL teaching certificate.

What were some highlights of your trip?

Teaching ESL is a career change for me and

I had never been abroad before, so this was

a real adventure. Teaching English to my

Czech students was an amazing experience

and confirmed my thoughts, that this is what

I want to do in my next career phase.

The trip included an excursion in Pilsen and

around the rest of the Czech Republic. We

went to Prague, and took a weekend trip to

Moravia, which is Czech wine country. I

successfully completed the TEFL certificate

program, so I got my certificate at the end of

summer there.

What would you tell someone about the

benefits of studying abroad?

By all means, do it! I had a great time and

for me, it meant being able to concentrate on

myself and my studies without being dis-

tracted by my family and life in general. I

was able to take time and really think about

what I wanted from this next chapter of my

life and come back really refreshed and

motivated to finish my graduate studies.

Two adventurous non-traditional students, Regina Doherty

and Lorraine Meiners-Lovel, put aside their hectic schedules

and busy family lives to explore a foreign land. Here’s a

peak into their exciting study abroad trips.

REGINA DOHERTY’S COSTA RICAN GETAWAY

Why did you choose to study in Costa Rica?

The truth is, when I began school at the University of Mem-

phis I saw one of the advertisement posters in Dunn Hall. I

told God I wanted to do that someday. I lost my job and was

given an open window that would allow me to be away from

home for 35 days. I got a little nervous about it when I first

realized that I really may be going. I could not afford this at

all. Receiving the scholarship money was the only way I

could do this financially. I believe God made the way

because he wanted me to have this experience in my life.

What were some highlights of

your trip?

Tortuga Island was very nice. I got to ride the banana boat

and swim in the Pacific Ocean. Two things I can mark off on

my things to do list. The waterfalls and the volcanoes were

very beautiful. The humming birds, the butterflies, the flowers,

and the cathedrals were magnificent. It was very overwhelm-

ing!!! Costa Rica also has a very unique children’s museum.

What would you tell someone about the benefits of study-

ing abroad?

I am glad that I went. The experience of doing something so

out of the ordinary to this capacity gives me quite a sense of

accomplishment.

<< Above: Lorraine on a walk-

ing tour in Pilsen, Czech Re-

public.

<< Below: The Pilsen Puppet

Museum

<< The Astrological clock at

City Hall in Prague, Czech Re-

public.

<< Regina enjoying the Pacific

Ocean in Costa Rica.

<< Regina visiting the sites,

including Poas Volcano

National Park, in Costa Rica.

HOME

GAMES Go Tigers,

Go!

OCT 1 Women’s Volleyball vs. Marshall

7:00 PM - Fieldhouse

OCT 2

Football vs. Tulsa

6:00 PM - Memphis, TN

OCT 3 Women’s Soccer

vs. Southern Mississippi

1:00 PM - Mike Rose Com-

plex

OCT 15 Women’s Volleyball vs. Houston

7:00 PM - Fieldhouse

OCT 16

Football vs. Southern Mississippi

11:00 AM - Memphis, TN

OCT 22 Women’s Soccer

vs. Rice

7:00 PM - Mike Rose Com-

plex

OCT 23

Men’s Soccer vs. SMU 7:00PM - Mike Rose

Complex

OCT 30 Football vs. Houston (Homecoming)

6:00 PM - Memphis, TN

Around Campus: Friday Film Series Every Friday from 7:00p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the UC Theatre Tiger Blue Goes Green (Technologies Awareness Day) Oct 5 from 10:00a.m. to 3:00p.m. in the Student Plaza Service on Saturday Oct 9 from 8:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. in UC 304

Lunch and Learn Career Services Workshop Oct 13 and Oct 27 at 12:30p.m. in UC 304 SAC Homecoming Step Show Oct 28 at 6:00p.m. in the Rose Theatre Homecoming Parade Oct 29 at 5:30p.m. around campus

University of Memphis Choirs Choral Sampler Oct 5 from 7:30p.m. to 10:00p.m. in the Rose Theatre Love in Time of War stage production Oct 11-17 at 8:00p.m. in Theatre and Communications French Film Festival Oct 11-17 at 7:00p.m. to 10:00p.m. in the Rose Theatre The Art Museum at University of Memphis Visit Mon-Sat from 9:00a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to view various on-going collections and exhibits

Student Health Center Hours Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays: 8am - 6:00pm & Tuesdays from 9am - 6:00pm

Fine Arts Events:

Recreation Center Hours Monday– Thursday: 6:30am- 10:30pm

Friday 6:30am-9:30pm Saturday 9am-6pm and Sunday 1pm-6pm

The Memphis Tigers basketball teams are ready to show off their talent during Memphis

Madness at the FedEx Forum on Friday, October 15.

Memphis Madness will treat Tiger fans to introductions of the 2010-2011 men and women

basketball teams, an autograph session with the players, a women’s team practice, and a

scrimmage between the men’s team. There will even be a chance to witness a dunk contest

and a 3 pt shoot out. The doors of the event open up to the general public at 7pm. The ad-

mission is free. Tiger fans are encouraged to come early, for a big turnout is expected.

“Last year, we had to shut the doors. It was phenomenal,” Brandon Hays, Director of Mar-

keting and Promotions for U of M Athletics, said. “Season tickets for Tiger basketball can

sell out really fast, so this is a great opportunity for the public to see the Tigers for free.”

To keep the crowd entertained as they wait, there will be live music starting at 6:30pm.

Memphis Madness promises to be a “can’t miss” event for all. For more information about

Memphis Madness visit www.gotigersgo.com.

A&C Connection - September 2010 - pg 5

MEMPHIS MADNESS

MISSION

The mission of the Adult & Commuter Student Services

office is to provide a supportive environment for non-

traditional and commuter students that promotes intellec-

tual, social and academic growth and development through

services and programs that foster lifelong learning.

CONTACT AND GENERAL INFORMATION

The Adult and Commuter Student Services office is located on The University

of Memphis campus in the University Center, Room 243. Our regular hours are

8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30

p.m. Friday. If you need after hours help, please call us to make arrangements.

We welcome comments, questions, or suggestions. We can be reached by

phone at 901-678-2644 during our regular business hours or after hours leave

us a message on voice mail. You may also reach us through e-mail at

acss@memphis.edu.

Got Comments about the Adult & Commuter

Connection? E-mail us at:

acss@memphis.edu

CSA’s Upcoming Events

Oct.14– General Meeting 3pm UC River Room

A&C Connection - September 2010 - pg 6

Memphis is full of culture and festivities

during the fall season. Festivities range

from family fun carnivals to spookier

events perfect for those who love Hallow-

een. This October, grab a family member

or a friend and take advantage of the fun.

Zoo Boo

Location: The Memphis Zoo

Dates and Times: October and

23, 2010 -- 6:30-9:30 p.m. Oc-

tober 29, 30, and 31, 2010 --

5:30-9:30p.m.

Admission: $10 for members

and $12 for non-members in

advance, $12 for members and

$15 for non-members at the gate

Description: Features a not-so haunted

tour of Primate Canyon, a costume contest,

magic shows, Dracula's Disco, and the

Little Beauty Shop of Horrors.

www.memphiszoo.org

Source: http://memphis.about.com/od/halloween/

tpfallfestivals.htm

RiverArtsFest

Location: South Main Street

Dates and Times: October 23 and 24,2010,

Times TBA.

Admission: Free

Description: The RiverArtsFest is a fine arts

festival featuring art exhibitions, an art mar-

ket, live music, food, wine, and more.

www.riverartsfestmemphis.org

Hauntedweb of Horrors Haunted

House

Location: 700 North Germantown

Parkway

Dates and Times: October 8-9, 15-16,

20-23, and 27-31, 2010

Doors open from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on

weeknights and 7:30 p.m. to midnight on Fri-

day and Saturday

Admission: $10 per haunt or $18 for both

haunts

Description: The Hauntedweb of Horrors

serves up two separate haunts, all in one loca-

tion! www.hauntedweb.com

Be a part of the Commuter Students

Association (CSA)

Visit us at: memphis.edu/commuterstudents

Be a part of the Adult Students

Association (ASA)

Visit us at: memphis.edu/adultstudents

Connect: