I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :

Consider Study Abroad 2-3 SSS Online 7

Workshop & Event Descriptions 4-5 Tutorial Updates 7

Fall Calendar of Events Information 5 Contact Information & Hours 8

Student Highlights 6 Policy Reminders 8

Preparing for your Future 7 Important Dates 8

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 2

V O L U M E I I , I S S U E I

It’s that time again! Back to college and back to full schedules. Summer was too short, right!? Anyway, the Fall 2012 semester is here and we should make the best of it. As we emphasize in SSS...be positive and ready. Yes!

Start by checking with your SSS office that all your classes, financial aid concerns, and academics are in order. Schedule your appointment as soon as possible. Check the calendar of events and workshops to make your selections early. The SSS Student Advisory Committee and your SSS staff made a wide variety of workshops available at different times and locations thinking of your student needs. Take advantage of every opportunity and invest in yourself!

You are the best financial investment! Mr. Warren Buffet, the most successful investor in the world, travels to universities giving speeches to educate and motivate students. Here is one of his speeches to teach us the value of our body, to invest in ourselves, and in education for a great future:

“Imagine that a Genie offers you any car in the world. The catch is that it is the only car you will ever own. What would you do? You would read the manual ten times, change the oil twice as often as required, and you would take fastidious care so that that car remained the car of your dreams forever.

Think about what this tells you about your body. You get only one mind and one body—the same ones you will have at 20, 40, 60, etc. Take care of them and maximize their potential. It will be too late to take care of your body and mind (and car) later on. You can maintain them, but it is hard or impossible to undo big mistakes or negligence later on. You do not want to end up with a wreck on your hands.

Your main asset in life is yourself. Treat yourself as a valuable asset. If you value yourself, and invest in yourself, you will be worth a great deal through out your lifetime, both to yourself and to your community.” ~ Warren Buffet

SSS is here to assist you in your investment. Have a great semester!

P A G E 2

Consider Studying Abroad...

F A L L 2 0 1 2 N E W S L E T T E R

“While in Italy the biggest challenge that I faced was the language barrier. It was so hard to understand the people

when I asked them for directions when I got lost, which was often. There were a few times that I found an Italian that

spoke English to help me. I purchased a small Italian Pocket Phrasebook that really came in handy.” Stephanie David

(Italy)

“Northern England was completely different from Miami. It was always cold and gloomy. At times for weeks there

would be no sunshine. At first I wore 3 tights under my jeans to keep warm. I wore ear muffs on top of my winter

fleece hat with two pairs of socks. The cold weather was one of the biggest challenges I faced while abroad. Since I

lived in a sea side town, the cold was intensified by the ocean wind, “ ~ Christe McDavid (Scarborough, England)

“From this experience I have gained self-confidence, I realized that

my dreams can become a reality. Everything that I want to do in

life is possible, it all comes down to how determined I am and how

hard I am willing to work for to accomplish my goals.” ~ Stephanie

David (Italy)

“The greatest benefit of my study abroad experience was learning

about the different cultures and having friends from the other side

of the world. They shared with me their traditions, way of life and

cultural foods. I tasted Nigerian and Bruneian food for the first

time.” ~ Christe McDavid (Scarborough, England)

“My favorite thing from my trip was the night that my classmates and I danced with the Venetians during the Venezia

Balla Cerchi Nell'acqua (Venice dancing circles in the water). They were doing dome sort of river dance, I had never

seen something like that in my life. Everyone, expect for my classmates and I, were in unison. The people were so

happy and had so much life and energy. I was moved by their spirit and warmth.” ~ Stephanie

David (Italy)

“My favorite part of England was eating scones and drinking hot tea. I love British scones, I had

to monitor how much I eat because it was very caloric, but it was very delicious. I also loved

attending Catholic Church there. The churches were beautifully painted and polished and the

reverence of the people was encouraging. I loved the topography of the land in Northern

England; it is very hilly and mountainous. I had to walk up a hill every day to go to school. At

first my legs would get tired as I was not accustomed to hills, but in less than 2 weeks I hardly

even realized I was climbing a steep hill. At times I would go running on the mountains and feel

like I was on top of the world. ” ~ Christe McDavid (Scarborough, England)

Study abroad can not only be a great learning experience, but it can also be a great addition to your resume. At SSS

we highly recommend for you to consider taking advantage of the opportunities available to you through the FIU

Office of Study Abroad.

Don’t just take our word for it. See what your fellow SSS students who have studied abroad have to say below. You

can read about their experiences in more detail by visiting SSS online (to see how to log on visit pg. 7.)

Stephanie David at Rome, Italy

“Studying abroad is a must; I would recommend every student to

apply to a program. It is not impossible; it all comes down to how

bad you want it.

After choosing a program, the next step is to research possible

study abroad scholarships. There are many scholarships out there;

most of them require at least two essays. It is very important that

you start early so that you will have enough time to have a tutor

check it with you so that you can make the proper corrections. I

highly recommend that you apply for the FIU Office of Study

Abroad Scholarship, the Benjamin A. Gilman International

Scholarship, and the Global Scholars Scholarship.” ~Stephanie David

(Italy)

“One tip I would give to anyone planning to study abroad is to go with an open mind. Regarding the

preparation for departure, never leave things for the last minute. I was having trouble getting a visa to study abroad

and my visa came 2 days before I was schedule to leave the U.S. Naturally this caused a lot of worrying and unwanted

stress. Do not wait until the last minute to apply for a visa. Also, stay on top of things. Visit the study abroad office;

make sure all the courses you take abroad are approved by your department first, before you even plan to study

abroad. It makes no sense taking course abroad when it does not count towards your major. A lot of my peers fell

into the trap of not having their courses approved and now their graduation date is postponed.” ~Christe McDavid

P A G E 3 V O L U M E I I , I S S U E I

“As a future educator, I see this experience being very useful in the future. It is one thing to read about Brunelleschi’s

dome. It is another thing to feel the burn of each of the 463 steps as I climbed to the top and see Florence in its

splendor. I will use this experience in my classroom to incorporate more hands on activities in the classroom. I will

make sure to take the students to the playground when I teach them about the sun and the water cycle so that they

can see and feel the lesson to have a better understanding.” ~Stephanie David (Italy)

“This experience makes me more marketable when applying for jobs. I definitely think my time in England will help me

in the future. I have established an international network for applying for jobs. My lecturer offered to help me to do a

proposal for an international student bursary if I want to return to England to do a Ph.D. There were a lot of jobs

available in London for people who hold degrees in my department. When I graduate, I am thinking of returning to

England to work. Also, especially in my field of Hospitality and Tourism, a lot of jobs want to see that you can handle a

diverse clientele. Having a study abroad experience on my resume shows that I can not only handle a diverse clientele

but I was able to live among them.” ~Christe McDavid (Scarborough, England)

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

Read their full testimonials about their experiences abroad on SSS online (to see how to

log on visit pg. 7.)

Attend a Study Abroad Workshop put on by SSS students

Thursday, October 11th at 4:30PM in GC 216

Friday, October 12th at 11:00AM in WUC 255

Scarborough, England

P A G E 4

F A L L 2 0 1 2 N E W S L E T T E R

SSS Welcome Back & Updates (webinar): A fall update on SSS including an overview of the new services and programs that will be available.

MPAS/SSS Open House: Visit the SSS and MPAS offices to catch up with the staff, see other students, and learn about our new programs and services. Free food and snacks will be provided.

STARS - Strengths Workshop: Learn about the Strengths Philosophy developed by Dr. Donald O. Clifton and how you can use your strengths to help you succeed.

VEO: Cashing Out: Do you want to have more money in your pocket or at your disposal? This is going to be a presentation and discussion about how to realistically manage your money and create a life habit for wealth.

Election/Voting Workshop: Are you registered to vote in this year’s election? Come to this workshop to learn all about it and get ready to vote.

Library Research Workshop: This workshop will teach you the ins and outs of doing research in the library including many new resources and time saving tips.

Progress Report News (webinar): Learn about the SSS Progress Report: how it works, why we use it, and how it can help you get a higher grade in your class.

Budgeting & Credit Cards (webinar): Learn how to establish your financial goals, create spending schedules, and find ways to use your plans to increase your savings. We will also teach you how to shop for a good credit card and avoid their pitfalls.

VEO: Who’s got your vote: Do you know enough about the presidential candidates? Before casting your vote come and get some information, get educated before casting your vote.

Internships 101: Learn about the different types of internships and top reasons to intern, strategies in researching, applying and preparing for internships.

STARS: Financial Aid Workshop: Financial Aid Representatives will guide you through the FAFSA and Financial Aid process, including various topics such as grants, loans, and work-study.

How to create and deliver an effective PowerPoint Presentation: Learn the tips and tricks for creating effective PowerPoint presentations that will grasp your audience’s attention as well as how to best prepare yourself for speaking to the audience.

Where Your Stuff Comes From: Are we globally connected through the stuff we buy and own? Where does your watch, shoes, clothes, cologne/perfume, etc... come from?

Writing Professional Correspondence: Want to learn how to write professional letters (emails included)? Come to this

workshop which will provide you with tips and guidelines for a variety of professional correspondence from basic letters to

specific topics including job interest or queries, thank you, acknowledgements, and more.

Campus 911: Join us for an overview of the essential resources and services that are available to you on campus.

Time Management (webinar): Explore ways to beat procrastination and strengthen your time management skills so that you are at your best.

Major Showcase – Business: The College of Business will be providing SSS students with information on requirements for their majors, how the major programs works, and a glimpse at career and graduate school possibilities.

BSU: Odyssey Orientation: All students who self- identify themselves as African American are invited to a meet and greet social. This event is an opportunity for them to meet and learn more about all of the student organizations under Black

P A G E 5 V O L U M E I I , I S S U E I

To access the SSS Calendar with the days and times of all workshops and events, log

into SSS Online. Be sure to check in regularly during the semester to view the

Calendar of Events to see if any new events were added! Go to page 7 to learn how.

Remember to RSVP!

Choose your workshops for the semester by the end of the second week of classes. Choose early to

avoid the stress of cramming in your three required workshops towards the end of the semester. You

will receive the link to RSVP via email on Monday, August 20th.

REQUIREMENTS– Attend 3 workshops or events per semester as part of your commitment to SSS

For more information call the SSS office.

Student Union Council as well as be introduced to the Black faculty and staff and members of the Black Alumni Association

Study Skills & Learning Styles (webinar): Explore the different learning styles and figure out what style fits you best. Various tips and techniques will be provided based on your style to help you succeed in your studies.

Major Showcase – Hospitality: The Chaplin School of Hospitality will be providing SSS students with information on requirements for the major, how the major program works, and gives you a glimpse of career and graduate school possibilities.

Study Abroad: SSS students, who recently completed study abroad, will be presenting a workshop for you on their experiences. They will cover information such as the benefits and challenges of study abroad, how to find scholarships to fund it, and more.

How to Choose a Major: Are you undecided in choosing a major? Come to this workshop and learn the importance of choosing a major, exploring different career options, and taking advantage of all your resources.

Interviewing Skills: Understand the goals and importance of an interview. Learn effective tools in preparation for the interview process, the appropriate communication skills, behavior, and dress code for an interview, as well as what to do after an interview.

How to Prepare for a Career Fair: Learn the importance of attending a career fair. Identify communication strategies for use before, during and after the career fair. Learn how to successfully network with employers and stand out positively from the crowd.

To Go or Not to Go: Deciding on Graduate School and Programs: Are you contemplating going to graduate school? Do you know that you want to, but are unsure as to which programs to apply for? Join us for this workshop which will help you gather necessary information for your decision.

Grad School Symposium: Thinking about applying to grad school? The Graduate School Symposium is an excellent opportunity to learn about the ins and outs of grad school, the application process, and various programs offered at FIU. Professors, Advisors, and Graduate School Representatives will be available to answer your questions.

How to Finance Graduate School: Are you considering applying to graduate school but are unsure how to fund it? Come to this workshop to learn about the opportunities and possibilities that exist.

McNair Information Session: The Ronald E. McNair Program works with student pursuing degrees in the sciences, technology, engineering, mathematics, and psychology fields to prepare them for graduate school. It provides services including mentoring, seminars, research opportunities, summer internships, preparation for graduate exams such as the GRE, and much more!

Preparing for & Applying to Graduate School: The Graduate School will be presenting information to you about the application process and what you need to do to get accepted into graduate school.

P A G E 6

F A L L 2 0 1 2 N E W S L E T T E R

This past May, I experienced a life-changing opportunity when I was chosen as one of

the 2012 Lagrant Foundation Scholars. The Lagrant Foundation (TLF) is a scholarship

program awarding students majoring in marketing and communications. Those chosen

are rewarded with a scholarship ($5000 for undergrad, $10000 grad), attend an

insightful career development workshop, hear speeches from inspiring speakers in the

field, network with multiple industry professionals, and receive extended professional

guidance from TLF! For any students studying these fields, I urge you to apply for next

year (the application deadline is February 28, 2013)!

Attending the Recognition Reception and Awards Program held in Washington D.C.

was amazing experience, and I left with many lasting connections! It was a pleasure

meeting other students that share my aspirations, to excel in the marketing and communications field. There was a two day

itinerary. The first day, TLF Scholars were treated to a welcome dinner with Pam Edstrom, co-founder of Waggener and Edstrom,

acting as the keynote speaker. She gave an inspiring speech, and it was an honor being in the presence of such a successful woman

in the public relations field. What stuck to me was her advice to "never let your fears get in your way.” The next day was the

career development workshop held at APCO Worldwide. In the closing of the workshop, APCO founder and CEO, Margery

Kraus, shared a few words that made a huge impact. She is such an astonishing role model to women in the field; she was able to

start what is now one of the top communications firms worldwide, while at the same time being a young mother. Her captivating

story truly emphasized that mastering a balance between your personal and professional life is the key to success.

Since, being awarded the scholarship I started a paid internship with Inoar Professional, an international Brazilian hair care company.

I was someone who never dreamed of such an amazing opportunity, so I encourage everyone eligible to apply! Just go to http://

www.lagrantfoundation.org.

Before submitting your application, I would strongly encourage students to have their essays overlooked by another peer or

advisor; sometimes another pair of eyes catches something we may have missed. Good luck to future applicants!

I came across the flyer for the NY State Writer’s Institute during the March of

the spring term. I later received an email saying one of my creative writing

instructors had recommended me for the scholarship that the program offers.

The only exception after being recommended would be sending in five pieces

of poetry that they used to judge my eligibility. I was motivated. I thought it is

an honor to be recognized and I might as well make myself proud. I edited five

pieces with the help of my instructor, Jan Becker, a graduate student and a

passionate teacher. Later, I learned that I was accepted with a scholarship to

cover half of the tuition.

The air in Saratoga Springs, NY is very clear and sometimes at night, a little

chilly. If you drive out, you see mountains in the distance. They can be both

magnificent and frightening if it is raining at night with lightning. There are also

bats that up north and campus was right near the woods. The program accepts

students of poetry, nonfiction, and fiction. It is separated into two different sessions, so halfway there, people left and new ones

came. I worked with Campbell McGrath, Rosanna Warren and Peg Boyers. Each had a different approach to poetry but it doesn’t

overwhelm you. You look at everything through each lens. They also had different readings every night. I got to see (to name a

few) Mark Strand, Joyce Carol Oates, Jamaica Kincaid, Henri Cole, and Louise Gluck read their works. Afterwards, my new friends

and I would buy their books and have them sign it. We went out sometimes, driving very late at night through Albany because the

program kept us busy throughout the day. I’m thankful I met some wonderful writers and friends. I’ve been home for three weeks

now and I still think of it every day. I’ve been thinking of poetry more, and now I have a very large pile of books by my bed.

Luckily, they don’t weigh carry-ons.

Over the summer many SSS students had new and exciting experiences. Here is a glimpse

of some of the accomplishments of two of your fellow students. Join us in congratulating

them!

Prepare for Your Future!

P A G E 7 V O L U M E I I , I S S U E I

Don’t miss these great opportunities brought to you by Career Services this fall!

Many of our workshops were selected to help you prepare for these events (see them on pages 4-5).

Visit SSS Online (a Moodle site). Your resource for the latest and up-to-date news on SSS and other FIU resources.

How do you log in?

1. Go to https://ecampus.fiu.edu/

2. Log in using your FIU username and password

3. Click on “Non-Academic Courses” under My Courses

4. Click on “Multicultural Programs & Services”

5. Click on “SSS Online”

Any questions, comments, or feedback? Email Ms. Lertora at mlertora@fiu.edu

The SSS tutors are back in the office starting Monday, August 27th! So book your appointments early, because they

could fill up. The schedule for both the MMC and the BBC is available on SSS Online.

Want to work with one of the tutors at the BBC, but your taking classes at the MMC? Now you can come to the MMC

Office and connect via our conference software with the tutor at the BBC office or vice versa. Come check it out!

Also, if you have a computer with internet access and a webcam, you can meet with the tutors remotely. Simply call the

office or email us to schedule an online appointment.

September 20, 2012 11:00AM—3:00PM

Graham Center Ballrooms

If you have any questions about registering to attend the

Internship Fair, please feel free to contact Career Services

at any of their three locations or visit http://career.fiu.edu/

Internship_Fair.php.

September 27, 2012 3:00PM—7:00PM

U.S. Century Bank Arena

Career Fair is one of the biggest career-related events in the region. On the Modesto A. Maidique Campus alone, we regularly introduce over 80 employers to nearly 1,500 of

our students and alumni.

October 10, 2012 11:00AM—3:00PM

Wolfe University Center Ballrooms

For more information on either of the two Career Fairs please visit: http://career.fiu.edu/career_fairs.php. Be sure to have your resume ready, dress for success, and practice for

your possible interview!

The first time you attend a career fair should not be your senior year. Attend them before to get experience so you

can be at your best when you attend before graduation!

October 22, 2012 11:00AM—3:00PM

Graham Center Ballrooms

Each fall semester the Career Services Office hosts

recruiters from various graduate schools who want to

present their degree programs to our students. For more

information and a full list of schools, visit http://

career.fiu.edu/grad_fair.php.

MMC Office

Graham Center 265

Phone: 305.348.6424/ 305.348.0228

Fax: 305.348.1911

Monday-Wednesday from 8:00AM—6:30PM

Thursdays from 8:00AM—6:00PM

Fridays from 8:00AM—5:00PM

Dr. Jeannette Cruz

(cruzj@fiu.edu) or 305.348.0228

BBC Office

Wolfe University Center 253

Phone: 305.919.5817/ 305.919.5306

Fax: 305.919.4258

Monday through Friday from 8:00AM—5:00PM

Ms. Moira Lertora

(mlertora@fiu.edu) or 305.919.5306

Find more online at: http://mpas.fiu.edu/support.html

Like FIU Student Support Services Program

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/FIU-Student-Support-Services-Program/209501312453666

Follow us: FIUSSSP

http://twitter.com/#!/FIUSSSP

Classes Begin—Monday, August 20th Add/Drop—Monday, August 27th Payment Due—Tuesday, August 28th UNIVERSITY CLOSED—LABOR DAY—Monday, September 3rd Cancellation of Enrollment for Unpaid Tuition & Fee Balances—Tuesday, September 4th Last day to drop a course with a DR grade—Monday, October 29th Spring Semester Registration by Appointment—November 5th—November 18th UNIVERSITY CLOSED—VETERANS DAY—Monday, November 12th UNIVERSITY CLOSED—THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY—Thursday &Friday, November 22nd & 23rd Final week of the semester—December 3rd—December 8th

ARE YOU PREPARED? Schedule an appointment with your SSSP Advisor Schedule tutoring appointments Read the Fall Newsletter for important updates Choose the events and workshops you plan on attending and register for them online Create your own time management weekly schedule

Participation Requirements

Meet once a month with either Dr. Cruz (MMC) or Ms. Lertora (BBC).

Attend at least three events in the SSSP Calendar of Events each semester