March -April 2008 Announcements

Here are a few reminders for you ...

The University Bursar (Finance Director) will begin charging late fees from March 13. Please make sure your Spring 2008 accounts are up to date. Go to Bayley Hall to inquire.

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Attendance is important, and excessive absences will cause you to be dropped from the course and the program. One absence is not a problem, for an emergency; three or four absences will jeopardize your status.

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There is a party for international students on March 13, at 8:00 PM in the University Center Ballroom. Tickets are $5 at the ticket booth in the lobby. International dress is encouraged, or semi-formal attire.

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Vacation (Easter and Spring Break) begins next Thursday, March 20 -- no classes until Monday March 31.

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Summer Registration -- the schedules for summer sessions I and II are up on the web site. You may let me know if you're interested in studying in June or July. (Right now the May courses are not planned.)

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Free Conversation Groups!
We have around seven groups meeting throughout the week. Monday 1:30-3:30 (Melissa), Tuesday 1:30 - 3:30 (Lina), Wednesday 1:30 - 3:30 (Enrique), Thursday 10:00 - 11:30 (Melissa), and Friday 2:00 - 4:00 (Asia).

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Join the International Students Association!!!  on Fridays 2:00 in Jubilee 572
The Friday afternoon conversation sessions will also include meetings with students from the International Students' Association (ISA). Come and learn of some fun activities and upcoming events.

You are automatically a member! As a student at Seton Hall, you are eligible to take part in the ISA and enjoy the chance to meet with other students from around the world who are enrolled in degree programs at SHU.

Contact the ISA reps, or come and meet them on Friday:
Morella Mirabal: mirabamo@shu.edu 
Mitchell Drozario: drozarmi@shu.edu   

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Also, check the Calendar of Events on the University web site.

Go to www.shu.edu --> Click "current students" or here: http://www.shu.edu/current-students.cfm   

Also hit "News & Events" or here: http://www.shu.edu/news/index.cfm   

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To help others and practice your English, you can also participate in several volunteer projects on and off campus, such as these

American Cancer Society's "Relay for Life" http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RelayForLifeEasternDivision?team_id=193198&pg=team&fr_id=9576&et=LHN3SQkNbe-Kua4KRo7xQw..&s_tafId=127866   

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light the Night campaign -- http://www.lightthenight.org/site/c.itJZJ7MOIwE/b.730979/k.2067/Light_The_Night__Northern_New_Jersey_Chapter.htm

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Finally, let us know if you have any upcoming event you'd like to share.

Below are some items.  Please check the link "Orientation: Current Students" on the left for useful information on campus life, university procedures, and helpful hints.

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EDST & ESLP: See how the other half lives!

The Secondary Education students will begin the "international conversations" project with our ESL students again this semester. We're very fortunate to have their participation,.

We will encourage our fellow SHU students to join us in FREE CONVERSATION GROUPS after class as well.  Sign up on the sheet on Jubilee 571, see your instructor, or email Adrian at esl@shu.edu. If your goal is to become fluent, it's important to take some time to practice speaking and listening for a few extra hours a week. 

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THE WRITING CENTER and GRAMMAR CLINIC

In Room 209 of the Arts & Sciences Building you can get free help and tutoring for your writing and grammar skills.  Take advantage of the English Department's assistance to improve your expression. 

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TECHNOLOGY          

FREE TECHNOLOGY WORKSHOPS or ONE-ON-ONE HELP at the TLTC
Make an appointment for the Technology Learning and Teaching Center staff to help you be more computer literate. The TLTC in the lower floor of Walsh Library is a great service on campus and their training workshops are a great way to practice your English communication skills as well. Contact them to arrange a session: http://technology.shu.edu/tltc.

YOUR COMPUTER ACCOUNT and ACCESS
Have you used your user ID and password yet? You have access!  See the ESL Coordinator to get your access codes.  You can use the computer labs on campus, store data, and take as many workshops as you like. 

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        $$$ DID YOU PAY YOUR TUITION???

Your are expected to take care of your Bursar account within the first two weeks of the semester.  To make a payment, find out your balance, or get an account statement, go to Bayley Hall.  Have your student card ready with your student identification number (SID). 

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       ATTENDANCE                   

Please be aware of the ESLP attendance policy. Coming to class is very important!

"Students must attend classes and be on time. If they are absent for any reason for three (3) or more meetings during the course, they may be suspended from the course and program, and they may have to obtain permission from the ESL Coordinator or Director to be reinstated, in accordance with departmental policies."

We are asked to confirm F-1 students' good standing by DHS (Department of Homeland Security); EXCESSIVE ABSENCES MAY LEAD TO CANCELATION OF YOUR F-1 VISA. If you are on the J-1 visa, you may not receive credit for days you are absent.

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SECURITY

There have been incidents off campus in which students have been mugged or bothered, and cars have been stolen.  It's important that you walk together with others (especially at night) and stay in well-lit areas.  Better to be safe than sorry.  Watch for community announcements through your webmail account.

Adrian