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Show 3 5, 2006 l&equBireinneinrits to RHacetalbiBity' All incoming freshmen have to take a class under the Learning Communities section either their fall or spring semesters. According to Gordon, there are about ten different options under this category, but the specific classes are still in the works. If the incoming freshmen dont sign up (for a class under the Learning Communities section) their fall semester, well automatically hold a spot open in their schedule to fulfill that LE requirement their spring semester. They dont have the option to hold it off. They must get it done their freshman year, Gordon explains. Transfer Reduce stress when big projects are due by relaxing and not leaving things to the last minute. students, on the other hand, are not required to do a Simple Tips For Handling the Pressure (mmrmmp- - mimm After countless hours of sitting at a computer, I began with caffeine and junk food. My eyes had glossed over from the glare of the screen, I had a Red Vine dangling from the corner of my mouth and my foot tapped rapidly from caffeine jitters. I didnt know what time it was, or even what day for that matter. It was thesis time. Psychology major Chris Brinkerhoff was putting the finishing touches on his final project when I saw him in the library. Unlike English majors such as myself, psychology majors work on their projects for two semesters, so it wasnt surprising that Brinkerhoff was relieved to finally have the project completed. My life is complete, said Brinkerhoff, leaning back in his chair with his arms outself-medicati- ng stretched. Like Brinkerhoff, I am glad the hard part is over. With the rough draft of my thesis barely complete, I am hardly an expert on the topic, but I have a few words of advice for next years seniors who plan on writing a thesis. 1. Think about it ahead of time. For me, the hardest part of writing a thesis is deciding on a topic, but luckily, I had some help. When I registered for the thesis class last semester, I met with English Professor Susan Gunter, and she immediately put my fears and anxiety to ease. She asked me about which literature I was interested in writing about, then let me look at past students theses to get some ideas. 2. Dont wait until the last minute. As a seasoned . procrastinator, I knew that this was one project that I couldn't write the night before it was due. Taking notes on my reading and making an outline really helped organize my thoughts and encourage me to start writing. 3. Find a way to relax. If writing a lengthy paper causes panic attacks, do Get something to a massage, take a nap or de-stres- go for a s. run. Brinkerhoff survived his demanding project by taking some fun classes: pottery and yoga. Centered City Yoga offers a class that focuses solely on breathing, and your first class there is free. 4. Ask for help if you need it. Your faculty advisor or the professor grading your thesis will lend a helping hand; you just have to ask for it. It is what they are . there for! 5. Save, save save!! Chris Wharton found this out the hard way; when he forgot to save his paper while working on it, he lost half of it. Remember to push CtrlS at least every half hour to avoid a tragic loss of your best work. Learning Community class. Besides new categories and the grouping of classes, everything else is pretty much the same, Gordon said. For example, the English 110 course will be much the same class as it has been in the past, except that it will be a bit more research-baseThis slight change will allow freshmen to become more familiar with the librarys research systems d. and databases earlier in their academic careers. Westminsters main goal is to consolidate closely-relate- d topics into one class, rather than make each small subject its own individual category. For example, there will be no more computer literacy test for students to take on their own. Instead, it will be replaced by Information Literacy and be a part of the English 110 requirment, Gordon said. Westminster is very excited about these changes. While its going to be an advising nightmare that requires a lot of exceptions and hand-fixindegree audits, in the end, it will be well worth the time, Gordon said. Gordon explains that although making such changes may seem intimidating at first, for most people, its just a matter of sitting down and making the proper changes. Overall, I think the students will be very pleased with the changes, Gordon said. If you are interested and want more details about the new LE requirements or new majors and minors offered at Westminster, visit the Start Center to set up a meeting with either Gordon or another advisor. g |