As this week comes to an end and we have a short near-nothing of a week ahead of us (Thanksgiving Break starts next Wednesday), it might be a good time to take a step back and collect yourself.  In just a few weeks this semester will be over.  That means that in just a few weeks all of your papers, projects, assignments, and finals will be done.  Over.  Finished.

Are you ready for that?

Take out all of your syllabi (plural, like cacti!) and figure out what you need to do, how it needs to be done, and when you’re going to do it.  As much as Thanksgiving can serve as a much needed break from school, you might want to consider accomplishing something academically-oriented while you’re out of class.  Perhaps your goal should be one big project.

It’s easy to get caught in the whirlwind forces of the semester homestretch–twisted and turned and frazzled–and this is the time when it starts to happen.  If a you let a blink linger too long on your eyelids you might find yourself opening your eyes to a finals week disaster.  It happens that fast.

Are you ready for that?

What, you haven’t heard? You should probably stop by and see what it’s all about.

Thursday, Nov. 19

Olscamp Hall, Room 101

10 am – 2:30 pm

Come early for free stuff!

Your next chance to support Falcon Hockey and the BGSU Ice Arena comes November 13-14, when the team returns home to host Alaska for two games. BGSU recently kicked off a fundraising campaign for its hockey and ice arena facilities and we need your Falcon pride to help drive it forward!

BGSU has one NCAA Championship in its Athletics program, brought home by the 1984 hockey team—and the Ice Arena itself has played a pivotal role in the careers of skating stars like Olympic gold medalist Scott Hamilton and 2009 U.S. National Champion Alissa Czisny. Student spirit and support will help bring even more success back to campus where it belongs.

Join us at the Ice Arena November 13-14 to help Bring Back the Glory for BGSU!

After talking with a table-full of commuter students in the off-campus lounge this afternoon, I began reflecting on the importance of “owning your space.”

This is much more than just paying rent or marking your territory by plopping your bags on a chair – “owning your space” goes beyond even physical space.

Your space in “time”, your time at BGSU, your time with family or friends, and your “space” as a BGSU student all are important aspects of “space” to own.

If you truly “own your space” you’ll have no excuse for not getting your work done.  If you truly own your space, you’ll be better able to persevere through challenge, and you should have a sense of pride in your decisions.

Owning your space might take some effort to re-prioritize, too.  Evaluate everything around you and determine the space that needs “owned” today, tomorrow, next week.

Thanks Amanda, for reminding me and pointing this out – even if you didnt intend to do so!

10. Play!

Reconnect with the child in you. This may be number 10, but it is seriously important: play or else!

9. Eat your fruits, veggies, and grains.

A well-balanced diet will give you more energy and keep away those unwanted pounds.

8. Get some sleep.

Too much or too little sleep can hamper your immune system. Believe it or not, you will do better on that test if you get some sleep and don’t pull an all-nighter.

7. Belly Laughs.

Belly laughs are needed each day. Laughter is a form of internal jogging. Watch your favorite sitcom, check your e-mail jokes, or laugh with your friends.  Or, just watch this youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtX8nswnUKU&feature=PlayList&p=42ED4E0B77F995C4&index=2

6. Feel your soul.

Reconnect with your spiritual side. Take time for meditation or a walk in the park.

5. Watch your alcohol intake.

Not all students drink heavily. In fact, 98.7% of BGSU students do not use alcohol daily according to a 2004 survey (I’d be willing to bet things haven’t changed much since then).

4. Smokers beware of frostbite.

Standing outside in the winter to smoke could cause frostbite!

3. Get some sunshine!

Sunshine in moderation (remember to use sunblock year round) can stimulate certain brain cells, which will help reduce depression.

2. Spend time with friends!

It’s important to have a support system. You will make many new memories with your friends that will last a lifetime!

1. Get moving!

Exercise is the key to boosting your spirit and reducing your stress level. Go to the Student Recreation Center, hit the climbing wall, or join an intramural team.

If you need more tips or are interested in finding out more about student wellness, check out the student wellness network at http://www.bgsu.edu/studentlife/organizations/swnet/

Don’t worry, you’ll have another opportunity in the spring semester to meet with your very own Student Legal Services attorney, Student Money Management Services staff, and Office of the Dean of Students.

In the meantime, plan to attend the Housing Fair on November 19th in Olscamp Hall.

We have another Commuter Connection in the works, and I was hoping I could get some feedback from you.  Two things:

When should it happen?

What do you want?

Email your responses to Sam (killers@bgsu.edu) or comment below!

Hey Commuters!

We are interviewing up to 10 commuters to be in a video that will give new commuter students a glimpse of what to expect at BGSU!  We will ask you a few simple questions about your experience as a commuter student and what you have learned along the way which has allowed you to be successful.

If you’re interested in helping out, we’d love to have you!  Email Stacey Rose (slrose@bgsu.edu) ASAP!

As everyone knows by the number and quantity of articles, commercials, and yard-signs, “voting” season is upon us.  Most specifically and close to home are the issues on the local ballot.  As an off-campus student, you have a voice and an opportunity to vote in the coming election (assuming you’ve registered) and be informed on the issues and candidates.

The BGNews editorial staff published a short article in the Oct. 27 edition of the paper that generates good questions and considerations for voters – particularly student voters.

Even if you don’t live in Bowling Green or Wood County, being up to date with this community’s ballot issues is still important.  Take some time to brush-up on what’s happening in Bowling Green.

Remember that full slate of “gen ed” classes you needed to complete before moving on to courses specific to your major area of study?  These pre-requisite classes are designed to provide you with necessary background knowledge to prepare you for more advanced and challenging classes.

Living off-campus should be no different.  ”Off-Campus 101″ is a “nuts and bolts” introduction to what it means to your personal, academic, and financial life off-campus in Bowling Green.

The difference between “OC-101″ and other gen eds is that this “101″ course only takes an hour or so of your time! And you won’t be quizzed or have to pass with any particular grade.  Your “test” will come after you’ve moved off-campus and experience the effects (positive and negative) of your decision.

Whether you’re planning to move off-campus next year or not until 2011, do yourself a favor and plan to attend one of our workshops this month.