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Imagine backpacking through the lush
landscape of Costa Rica or taking wine
tasting classes in Italy all while earning
college credit. If this sounds great, look
no further than the University of Mem-
phis’ study abroad program.
Chrystal Goudsouzian, study abroad pro-
gram advisor, explains to learn more
about study abroad programs take a trip to
the office. “Usually coming in is the best
way to find out where students can go,
what their financial situation is, and what
the best fit is going to be for them,” she
said.
Goudsouzian then compiles a list of places
that would be a good fit and the student
applies. Some places listed are even popu-
lar for non-traditional students like France
and Costa Rica.
Cheryl West, a former non-traditional stu-
dent at U of M who received her masters
in French, explained why France was a
popular option for her.
“I chose a program in a remote [part of
France] and hardly anyone spoke English.
It was a chance for me to be totally im-
mersed in the culture.”
Students are not limited to the places they
can visit based on language aptitude, their
course of study, or the amount of time
they want to spend overseas. “If they have
kids or jobs, we can even do short term
trips,” Goudsouzian said. “You can go for
a semester. You can go for an entire year.”
The over 200 places one can visit may
sound exciting, but the thought of financ-
ing the trip can be nerve-racking. How-
ever, what may not be known is students
at the U of M have already started financ-
ing their study abroad program through
enrollment fees.
“All students pay into a scholarship fund.
It’s called the International Experience
Scholarship fund and everyone pays $10 a
semester,” said Goudsouzian. “Last year
we awarded, I want to say, roughly
$440,000 away in scholarships. And U of
M is one of the only schools with this
fund that uses it entirely for scholarships.”
The scholarship fund doesn’t provide full
financing for the trip, yet the reward
money gives students some assistance.
The amount one spends on a study abroad
program, however, is nothing compared to
the amount of opportunity gained.
“I was gone for 9 weeks so I was a little
bit apprehensive,” West said. “But having
the support of family and having my goal
was good. My goal was to be a high
school teacher and now I have a job at St.
Benedict High School teaching French.”
ISSUE 2 OCT 2010 VOLUME 8
REAL STUDENTS
TRAVELING ABROAD………..4
TIPS ABOUT STAYING SAFE
ON AND OFF CAMPUS………2
Adult & THE UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS
ADULT & COMMUTER STUDENT SERVICES
Commuter
Connection
GET INFORMED ABOUT
LOCAL ACTIVITIES………….6
The World at Your Door
Real Heroes Among Us The tragic events of September 11 launched a war on terrorism sending many
American men and women overseas to protect the U.S. Although still in the midst
of a war, the climate in America has evolved. Some troops have begun to return to
the states and pursue educational goals. A few of these American heroes have
even landed at the University of Memphis. Mary Jean Nelms, coordinator of vet-
eran affairs at U of M, said, “Our [veteran] student numbers can change a lot but
currently, looking at all the VA educational program chapters, we have three hun-
dred ninety-six veterans, not including dependents of veterans, enrolled this fall as
of September 7.”Veteran students get financial support for college courses- To learn more about the heroes among us continue to pg. 3
Want to hear more study abroad stories? Check out our Student Spotlight on pg. 4
<< Harry Niewald III, U.S. Navy (L) & Jonathan
Bratcher, U.S. Marine, at the mobile USO event on
the campus of University of Memphis
You’re walking alone down a
dimly lit street, arm full of
books, and out of nowhere
someone tries to attack you.
What do you do?
The Staying Safe On and Off
Campus seminar offered stu-
dents a chance to learn exactly
what to do.
Detective Marco Anderson with
the University of Memphis Po-
lice Department, gave students
key safety advice and pointed
out ways to avoid becoming a
target.“The main thing is to remember to walk in groups and
be sure to program the campus police number in your phone,”
Anderson said.
Anderson also emphasized other important tips like not leaving
purses and backpacks lying around and keeping cell phone
cords or GPS devices out of sight in your car.
Students attending the workshop believed the information was
helpful. One student was pleased to find out about the many
police stations located on campus.
Andrea Valentine, a freshman majoring in pre-physical ther-
apy, said, “I really liked that he pointed out the main places to
get help. Before, I only knew about the station on Patterson.”
The workshop also featured videos demonstrating self-defense
techniques.
Steven Messer, a freshman majoring in Spanish, said, “I liked
the videos. I got a view of what could happen if you got at-
tacked.”
Detective Anderson believes in protecting students and wants
you to know he is here for you. “We have about thirty-four
officers on this campus for your protection. We’ve been one of
the safest campuses in Tennessee and we want to help keep it
that way,” Anderson said.
Living
Statistics report adult learners are one of the fastest growing stu-
dent groups among US colleges. With the number of non-
traditional students enrolling in higher education increasing,
securing financial support for the distinct group may prove to
be more difficult. Following these few tips can help any student
stay ahead of the aid line and prepare to finance their education.
Apply for financial assistance early. The
sooner you apply, the sooner your applica-
tion gets reviewed. Knowing what kind of
aid is available to you allows time to pur-
sue other methods of funding your educa-
tion if necessary.
Look for scholarships geared towards
you. There are plenty of scholarships and
grants available, but they won’t always
find you, so be prepared to look. Whether
you are adult learner, veteran, a single
parent, or even left-handed citizen, check
into finding scholarships matching your
unique qualities.
Know the difference between the student loans.
Learning the difference between a subsidized and
unsubsidized federal loan can save you. Interest rates
and payment plans can vary greatly with the two loans. If you
decide to pursue a private educational loan make sure to do your
homework as well.
If you don’t need it, don’t borrow it. Who wants to be in debt
forever? Plan ahead. Assess what your school expenses are in
advance and only accept loans to cover the specified
amount.
Use your resources. Many companies provide tuition
assistance programs. If you are a part-time student, who
works as well, ask your supervisor about what tuition
benefits are available to you.
Continue to do your research. When it comes to financ-
ing your education, the more you know the better off you
are. Even if you have obtained money for your education,
keeping abreast of changes in financial aid and learning
about additional scholarships can be helpful. Grab a
few books geared toward acquiring higher education
funding and staying out of debt. A few great guides include
“501 Ways For Adult Students To Pay For College” by Gen and
Kelly Tanabe or “The Total Money Make-over” by David Ram-
sey.
Add the ACSS channel to your MyMemphis Portal and receive
cheap gas prices locations and updates. Go to MyMemphis Portal
and click on Content Layout > New Channel > News > Adult and Commuter Student Services Twitter
Staying Safe On and Off Campus
Picture from debtcconsoldiationuk.com
Cashing In: Investing in Your Education
A&C Connection - September 2010 - pg 2
<< A student watches as Detective
Anderson gives safety tips
To get more tips on staying safe, visit www.memphis.edu/acss and listen
to the staying safe on and off campus podcasts.
The University of Memphis offers
many opportunities for you to de-
fine yourself and grow into the
leader you wish to become.
I encourage you to “seize the day”
and take advantage of your resources inside and outside of
the classroom.
Our study abroad program allows students to enhance
leadership skills on a cultural and academic level. In our
Student Spotlight section, non-traditional students share
what wonderful experiences we can have when you take
advantage of an opportunity to study abroad.
We also chose to honor our veteran students in this
month’s newsletter. Veterans are more than just leaders,
but true heroes among us. Their stories reveal that you can
learn to lead in many different ways and we should cher-
ish our freedom and appreciate the chance to cultivate our
minds through higher education development.
I’m also excited about the wonderful events and immedi-
ate leadership possibilities you can have by simply getting
involved.
On October 6, stop by the Student Health Fair and pro-
mote healthy living along with your peers. Support the
Commuter Student Association or Adult Student Associa-
tion by attending one of their events. Then visit our web-
site (www.memphis.edu/acss) for information regarding
various campus activities.
In closing, I hope each of you have settled into your
classes and are starting to find your niche on campus. If
finding that niche has turned out to be a bit of a challenge,
do not hesitate to contact me. Your academic and social
advancement is important to me and the staff in Adult and
Commuter Student Services. Always remember we are
here for you.
Sincerely,
Joy Stout
A Moment with the Director
Making your mark through Leadership
Contact Information
Joy Rogers Stout
Director, Adult and Commuter
Student Services
The University of Memphis
243 University Center Voice: (901) 678-2644
E-mail: jstout@memphis.edu
Continued from page 1
A&C Connection - September 2010 - pg 3
Real Heroes Among Us
through various educational programs including the G.I. Bill
and the Reserve Educational Assistance program. One veteran
student found his way to the university through the U.S. Ma-
rine Corps.
“The program I am in is called the Marine Enlisted Commis-
sioning Educational Program,” Jonathan Bratcher, an enlisted
marine, said. “Instead of getting out of the military until your
contract is up and going to college on your own, you can
compete for a position in the program where you stay on ac-
tive duty and receive all paying benefits.”
Bratcher, a finance major, has been in the military for 5 years
and attended the University of Memphis for a year before
enlisting with the marines in 2005. He served in Afghanistan
and his college experience has taken on a new meaning.
“I’ve enjoyed being here and college is a lot different this
time around. I have a lot more discipline.”
Stephan Christiansen, who served as combat engineer in the
U.S. Army and spent four years in Iraq, also believes being in
a university environment is a different experience. “I just
have a different view about life than probably the average
student who is 30 or younger,” he said.
Both Bratcher’s and Christiansen’s perspective on being at
the University of Memphis resonates how grateful veterans
are to have the freedom to get an higher education. A freedom
they have fought for American students to have. The number
of veterans students at the U of M displays just how many, at
this university alone, have fought for that freedom. Take time
to honor a veteran for they are truly heroes among us.
Students and Faculty Shining Brightly THETHETHE SPOTLIGHTSPOTLIGHTSPOTLIGHT
A&C Connection - September 2010 - pg 4
LORRAINE MEINERS-LOVEL’S
VOYAGE to the CZECH REPUBLIC
Why did you choose to study in the Czech
Republic?
I went to Pilsen, Czech Republic to study
Teaching English as a Foreign Language
and obtain my TEFL teaching certificate.
What were some highlights of your trip?
Teaching ESL is a career change for me and
I had never been abroad before, so this was
a real adventure. Teaching English to my
Czech students was an amazing experience
and confirmed my thoughts, that this is what
I want to do in my next career phase.
The trip included an excursion in Pilsen and
around the rest of the Czech Republic. We
went to Prague, and took a weekend trip to
Moravia, which is Czech wine country. I
successfully completed the TEFL certificate
program, so I got my certificate at the end of
summer there.
What would you tell someone about the
benefits of studying abroad?
By all means, do it! I had a great time and
for me, it meant being able to concentrate on
myself and my studies without being dis-
tracted by my family and life in general. I
was able to take time and really think about
what I wanted from this next chapter of my
life and come back really refreshed and
motivated to finish my graduate studies.
Two adventurous non-traditional students, Regina Doherty
and Lorraine Meiners-Lovel, put aside their hectic schedules
and busy family lives to explore a foreign land. Here’s a
peak into their exciting study abroad trips.
REGINA DOHERTY’S COSTA RICAN GETAWAY
Why did you choose to study in Costa Rica?
The truth is, when I began school at the University of Mem-
phis I saw one of the advertisement posters in Dunn Hall. I
told God I wanted to do that someday. I lost my job and was
given an open window that would allow me to be away from
home for 35 days. I got a little nervous about it when I first
realized that I really may be going. I could not afford this at
all. Receiving the scholarship money was the only way I
could do this financially. I believe God made the way
because he wanted me to have this experience in my life.
What were some highlights of
your trip?
Tortuga Island was very nice. I got to ride the banana boat
and swim in the Pacific Ocean. Two things I can mark off on
my things to do list. The waterfalls and the volcanoes were
very beautiful. The humming birds, the butterflies, the flowers,
and the cathedrals were magnificent. It was very overwhelm-
ing!!! Costa Rica also has a very unique children’s museum.
What would you tell someone about the benefits of study-
ing abroad?
I am glad that I went. The experience of doing something so
out of the ordinary to this capacity gives me quite a sense of
accomplishment.
<< Above: Lorraine on a walk-
ing tour in Pilsen, Czech Re-
public.
<< Below: The Pilsen Puppet
Museum
<< The Astrological clock at
City Hall in Prague, Czech Re-
public.
<< Regina enjoying the Pacific
Ocean in Costa Rica.
<< Regina visiting the sites,
including Poas Volcano
National Park, in Costa Rica.
HOME
GAMES Go Tigers,
Go!
OCT 1 Women’s Volleyball vs. Marshall
7:00 PM - Fieldhouse
OCT 2
Football vs. Tulsa
6:00 PM - Memphis, TN
OCT 3 Women’s Soccer
vs. Southern Mississippi
1:00 PM - Mike Rose Com-
plex
OCT 15 Women’s Volleyball vs. Houston
7:00 PM - Fieldhouse
OCT 16
Football vs. Southern Mississippi
11:00 AM - Memphis, TN
OCT 22 Women’s Soccer
vs. Rice
7:00 PM - Mike Rose Com-
plex
OCT 23
Men’s Soccer vs. SMU 7:00PM - Mike Rose
Complex
OCT 30 Football vs. Houston (Homecoming)
6:00 PM - Memphis, TN
Around Campus: Friday Film Series Every Friday from 7:00p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the UC Theatre Tiger Blue Goes Green (Technologies Awareness Day) Oct 5 from 10:00a.m. to 3:00p.m. in the Student Plaza Service on Saturday Oct 9 from 8:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. in UC 304
Lunch and Learn Career Services Workshop Oct 13 and Oct 27 at 12:30p.m. in UC 304 SAC Homecoming Step Show Oct 28 at 6:00p.m. in the Rose Theatre Homecoming Parade Oct 29 at 5:30p.m. around campus
University of Memphis Choirs Choral Sampler Oct 5 from 7:30p.m. to 10:00p.m. in the Rose Theatre Love in Time of War stage production Oct 11-17 at 8:00p.m. in Theatre and Communications French Film Festival Oct 11-17 at 7:00p.m. to 10:00p.m. in the Rose Theatre The Art Museum at University of Memphis Visit Mon-Sat from 9:00a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to view various on-going collections and exhibits
Student Health Center Hours Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays: 8am - 6:00pm & Tuesdays from 9am - 6:00pm
Fine Arts Events:
Recreation Center Hours Monday– Thursday: 6:30am- 10:30pm
Friday 6:30am-9:30pm Saturday 9am-6pm and Sunday 1pm-6pm
The Memphis Tigers basketball teams are ready to show off their talent during Memphis
Madness at the FedEx Forum on Friday, October 15.
Memphis Madness will treat Tiger fans to introductions of the 2010-2011 men and women
basketball teams, an autograph session with the players, a women’s team practice, and a
scrimmage between the men’s team. There will even be a chance to witness a dunk contest
and a 3 pt shoot out. The doors of the event open up to the general public at 7pm. The ad-
mission is free. Tiger fans are encouraged to come early, for a big turnout is expected.
“Last year, we had to shut the doors. It was phenomenal,” Brandon Hays, Director of Mar-
keting and Promotions for U of M Athletics, said. “Season tickets for Tiger basketball can
sell out really fast, so this is a great opportunity for the public to see the Tigers for free.”
To keep the crowd entertained as they wait, there will be live music starting at 6:30pm.
Memphis Madness promises to be a “can’t miss” event for all. For more information about
Memphis Madness visit www.gotigersgo.com.
A&C Connection - September 2010 - pg 5
MEMPHIS MADNESS
MISSION
The mission of the Adult & Commuter Student Services
office is to provide a supportive environment for non-
traditional and commuter students that promotes intellec-
tual, social and academic growth and development through
services and programs that foster lifelong learning.
CONTACT AND GENERAL INFORMATION
The Adult and Commuter Student Services office is located on The University
of Memphis campus in the University Center, Room 243. Our regular hours are
8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30
p.m. Friday. If you need after hours help, please call us to make arrangements.
We welcome comments, questions, or suggestions. We can be reached by
phone at 901-678-2644 during our regular business hours or after hours leave
us a message on voice mail. You may also reach us through e-mail at
acss@memphis.edu.
Got Comments about the Adult & Commuter
Connection? E-mail us at:
acss@memphis.edu
CSA’s Upcoming Events
Oct.14– General Meeting 3pm UC River Room
A&C Connection - September 2010 - pg 6
Memphis is full of culture and festivities
during the fall season. Festivities range
from family fun carnivals to spookier
events perfect for those who love Hallow-
een. This October, grab a family member
or a friend and take advantage of the fun.
Zoo Boo
Location: The Memphis Zoo
Dates and Times: October and
23, 2010 -- 6:30-9:30 p.m. Oc-
tober 29, 30, and 31, 2010 --
5:30-9:30p.m.
Admission: $10 for members
and $12 for non-members in
advance, $12 for members and
$15 for non-members at the gate
Description: Features a not-so haunted
tour of Primate Canyon, a costume contest,
magic shows, Dracula's Disco, and the
Little Beauty Shop of Horrors.
www.memphiszoo.org
Source: http://memphis.about.com/od/halloween/
tpfallfestivals.htm
RiverArtsFest
Location: South Main Street
Dates and Times: October 23 and 24,2010,
Times TBA.
Admission: Free
Description: The RiverArtsFest is a fine arts
festival featuring art exhibitions, an art mar-
ket, live music, food, wine, and more.
www.riverartsfestmemphis.org
Hauntedweb of Horrors Haunted
House
Location: 700 North Germantown
Parkway
Dates and Times: October 8-9, 15-16,
20-23, and 27-31, 2010
Doors open from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on
weeknights and 7:30 p.m. to midnight on Fri-
day and Saturday
Admission: $10 per haunt or $18 for both
haunts
Description: The Hauntedweb of Horrors
serves up two separate haunts, all in one loca-
tion! www.hauntedweb.com
Be a part of the Commuter Students
Association (CSA)
Visit us at: memphis.edu/commuterstudents
Be a part of the Adult Students
Association (ASA)
Visit us at: memphis.edu/adultstudents
Connect: