Fall Break and Perspective

For most people, Fall Break can't come fast enough…that's how I always felt when I was an undergrad at Scranton.  Don't get me wrong; it's a wonderful and exciting community to be a part of but mid semester tends to be a little overwhelming.  After long nights or early mornings spent in exam preparation, some students can head home feeling a little overwrought.  I hope you all enjoy a break full of family, friends, relaxation and maybe a little catch up time but that you also take advantage of the next couple of days to regain you perspective and to remember that despite all the stress involved in obtaining your education, it truly is an enormous blessing that few get to claim.

Malala Yousafzai

It is important to remember that while studying may feel burdensome at times, throughout the world, people are willing to risk everything for a chance to receive an education.   Malala Yousafzai, sixteen-year-old Nobel Prize nominee and advocate for education rights for women and girls, has demonstrated this reality through her fearless action an eloquent speech, openly opposing the Taliban when they came to her home in the Swat Valley of Pakistan and eventually forbade girls there to attend school.  On October 9, 2012, she was shot in an attempt to silence her defiance but she miraculously survived and continues her campaign.  Despite the terror she has faced, she remains dauntless and speaks of justice and peace rather than hatred and retribution.  

She reminds us that education is about so much more than obtaining a degree or entry into a lucrative career.  It’s about freedom, dignity, the expansion of understanding and purpose and a means to gaining power over one’s circumstances.  As a means of shaking off ignorance and challenging oppression it can bring light to the dark places of the world.  She explains in this video, “Education is a power for women and that is why the terrorists are afraid of education.”

You can watch her powerful interview with Jon Stewart here. 

College life can difficult but it is also tremendously rewarding.  If you feel overwhelmed, come to see an advisor.  We can help ensure you are making the most of your educational opportunities and can help you find ways to navigate the challenges you may be experiencing!

Have a wonderful, happy and safe break and take time to ask yourself, what is the purpose of my education?  Why am at Scranton?

Katherine Robinson
CAS Academic Advisor
Katherine.robinson@scranton.edu

Fall Into the Advising Center for Registration!

You may feel like you've really just started your first semester but it's already time to start planning for the spring!  Picking your classes for the first time can be a stressful and overwhelming but the CAS Advising Center Staff is here to help demystify the process for you!

Follow these steps and you will be prepared for your appointment!

 

Pick Up Your Advising Materials!

If you haven't done so already, stop by the Advising Center in STT 209 to pick up your advising materials.  You will get your Appointment Letter which will tell you when you are scheduled to come in to meet with an advisor to get your schedule approved.  You will also receive your personal CAPP sheet and a registration form.

We're waiting for you!!

Attend a Registration Information Session

Each academic department will be hosting its own information session to help you prepare for your advising meeting.  These sessions will provide you with information specific to your major.

 If you are undecided, the CAS Advising Center is offering the following sessions to help you prepare:

September 30, 2013
12-12:50—LSC 333

2-2:50—BRN 102

4:30-5:20—HYL 102

5:30-6:20—HYL 102

October 1, 2013

9-9:50—LSC 333

2:30-3:20—MGH 110

3:30-4:20—MGH 110

October 2, 2013

9-9:50—HYL 102

12-12:50—LSC 333

2-2:50—BRN 102

October 3, 2013

 9-9:50—LSC 333

2:30-3:20—MGH 110

October 4, 2013

9-9:50—LSC 333

12-12:50—LSC 333

 

Before your appointment—Completely fill out your course Registration form. To do this you will:

• Fill out the Semester Questionnaire in your appointment letter envelope.
• Review the online catalog (www.scranton.edu/catalog) to determine what major and cognate courses are required for your major for the spring semester.
• Review your CAPP to determine your progress in completing required general education courses. Decide which ones you would like to complete in the fall.
• Use the purple sheet to guide you in accessing the online course search. Look up the courses you plan to take. Choose the specific sections for which you intend to register.
• Put all course information on the Course Registration Form. Don’t forget to record all the CRNs and days and times for each course. (see example)

On the day of your appointment—arrive on time for your appointment.

Bring your completed Semester Planning Guide and your completed Course Registration Form. At this appointment, you will discuss your intended schedule with an academic adviser. Once your adviser approves your schedule, he or she will give you a registration term PIN.

On Registration Day

Friday, November 22—use your PIN to go online and register for your courses for the spring 2014 semester. Your PIN will become active between 3 and 4:15pm. Once it becomes active, you can go online to register for the classes your adviser approved. Your PIN stays active until the end of the first week of class in the Spring 2014 Semester. If you experience difficulty in registering, call the CAS Academic Advising Center (570-941-6323).  Details of this will follow in future blog posts.