Life Support: Campus Resources

Bet you can’t guess what CAL stands for!

Courtesy of CAL

CAL Stands for The Center for the Advancement of Leadership, one of the most prestigious programs at this institution.

The mission of the CAL is to provide cutting-edge personal, interpersonal, organizational and civic/service leadership training and experiences for the benefit of students. They serve the region for profit and not-for-profit organizations in their quest to advance individual, team and organizational potential. This is done through “best in class” leadership training seminars, workshops and consulting services. The Center also works promote scholarly and applied research related to leadership, character and life-skills development.

The Center for the Advancement of Leadership’s goal is to be recognized as the leader in the training of leadership, life skills and character education for students of all ages. The CAL also aims to provide world-class educational experiences that will include a focus on the whole person, recognizing that successful leaders are developed from the inside out.

Through assessments, feedback, coaching, academic coursework, skill and competency development, leadership experiences and self-reflection, the CAL hopes to lead the way in offering a multi-dimensional approach for the development of leaders in both academic and professional arenas, setting a new standard of academic, professional and personal development.

To gain leadership experience, knowledge and skills that will be applicable in academic, professional and personal life, feel free to stop by the CAL office (WB 235) where a friendly face and more information can be found.

Student success

Courtesy of UV Mentors Lauren Wignall
I always say, “I wish I knew then what I know now.” So here’s to telling you what I wish I knew.

College is rough, how about making it easier by getting a head start?

The Student Success class will do just that for you. Did you know we have a whole team of faculty designed with you in mind? They want nothing more than students to succeed in college. The student Success class is for anyone and everyone, no prerequisites required!

Most people take it when they are a “newbie” to the school, because the class is designed to start your college career off in a successful direction. The class is all about just what the title states: student success. You will learn so many valuable skills such as  test taking, note taking, study skills, life skills, campus awareness, instructor involvement and simply how college really works.

You don’t want to pass up an opportunity that will help you in every single college class you take. It’s not like your regular Biology 1010 or Math 1050, because it’s fun, you meet new people, the curriculum is different and exciting and you have a student mentor who has taken the class before who is there to help you all along the way.

The best part of all is that if you master the Student Success class, you could become a student mentor and receive a scholarship. (Just try and tell me you don’t want free money.) You will also work closely with faculty and gain leadership skills. Aside from all the school jibber jabber, the mentor program is just plain fun and exciting.

All the mentors agree, both old and new, they wouldn’t want their college experience to be any other way! If mentoring isn’t for you, just taking the student success class will be beneficial to you no matter who you are or where you go in life. So sign up for a CLSS1000 course today and begin your journey to becoming a successful student!

Mediation

Courtesy of Ombudsman
The Ombudsman office is where students can go to get help resolving conflicts.

In this office, students can receive help with housing disputes; landlord disagreements; sexual harassment and discrimination cases; understanding campus policies; understanding the rights and responsibilities of a student; receive conflict coaching, mediation and conflict resolution services. All of these services are completely free for students.

Conflicts are inevitable, and they aren’t always easy to resolve. The Ombuds does not advocate for the student; rather, they will provide coaching to help resolve conflicts. Working with the Ombuds can be an enjoyable experience, one filled with gratification and a sense of self-accomplishment.

They will listen without judging, provide information and referrals, help develop options for resolving problems, offer a neutral perspective and prevent negative conflict through early intervention. Whether it’s a conflict with a teacher, student, landlord, roommate, significant other or anyone else, please take the time to use this valuable resource.

If a conflict situation arises and assistance in needed, contact the Ombuds in SC 107, across the hallway from Scoops, or by calling 801-863-7237.

Freshman reading program

Courtesy of Freshman Reading Program

The Freshman Reading program is an experience highly recommended for all first year students. Each year, a book is selected for all incoming freshmen to read prior to beginning their fall semester. The book becomes a basis for discussion during the academic year in a variety of settings inside and outside of the classroom.

Several events are held throughout the year related to the book, beginning with a discussion at President Holland’s home. The purpose of the program is to provide a common academic experience; introduce students to intellectual life at the university; create a greater sense of community among students, faculty and staff; emphasize the value of reading and establish the connection between reading and other cultural events on campus.

This year’s book selection is Outliners by Malcolm Gladwell. For those students who would like an additional challenge, they may also read Antigone by Sophocles. Both books are available in the UVU bookstore and other book retailers.

Students will have the opportunity to discuss their reading experience with President Holland. Each book discussion will take place at the Holland residence, 602 W. College Drive, across the street from the Computer Science building.

The first book discussion of Antigone will be held Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. The discussion of Antigone will be held Aug. 25 at 7 p.m.

Refreshments will be served and some backyard basketball may follow. To RSVP for these events, please call Kyle Reyes at 801-863-8271 or email [email protected].

Students who have read the book(s) will also have the opportunity to participate in an essay contest this fall and an artistic interpretation contest this spring. More details on these contest events will follow, so students should stay alert for notification of Freshman Reading Program events to come.

Get outside

Courtesy of Outdoor Adventure Center

The Outdoor Adventure Center actively engages the university community in experiential education by providing organized outdoor excursions, activities and exceptional equipment.

They believe “hands on” experience is one of the most powerful tools for education. Using the outdoors as a classroom is one of the program’s guiding principles. The OAC offers adventure education for both academic credit and non-credit. Excursions provide adventure, education, leadership and a social experience for participants.

Whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing, backpacking, snowboarding, snowshoeing, mountain biking and natural history are just some of the adventures provided. Visit their office in the Student Center, SC130h, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. through 5 p.m.
Check out the website at www.UVU.edu/OAC or become a fan on Facebook. Get involved and get outside!