2021 is the second year of the initiative, which was paused last year due to the pandemic. Rebels Give Back 100% challenges all departments within UNLV Athletics to serve the Southern Nevada community through volunteer work and other community partnership events.
On April 18, 2021, SAAS full-time staff members as well as graduate assistants took time out of their Sunday to meet at the intersection of Blue Diamond and Rainbow with the purpose of doing their part in helping to clean up roadside trash and debris. In total, the SAAS staff filled 20 trash bags in just one short morning.
Additionally, SAAS staff members partnered with the Elkhorn Jones Mental Care Facility and their Pen Pal program. SAAS sent handwritten letters to the Elkhorn Jones community through the U.S. Postal Service in hopes of reaching out and making a connection with a community member.
The Rebels Give Back 100% initiative has become an annual tradition for UNLV Athletics, and SAAS is proud to represent the ASC with its yearly participation.
|
|
The April 7th ceremony recognized ASC faculty, staff, and student awards as well as students who have received scholarships and placed on the Dean's Honors List.
|
|
|
Congratulations to our ASC Students! |
|
Altogether, an amazing 998 students were recognized!
|
|
Exploring & Major Pathways Students Making the Dean's Honors List
- 244 students in Spring 2020
- 253 students in Fall 2020
Exploring & Major Pathways Students Earning a Scholarship
- 243 students (Spring 2020 & Fall 2020 combined)
Student-Athletes Making the Dean's Honors List
- 194 student-athletes in Spring 2020
- 224 student-athletes in Fall 2020
|
|
|
Congratulations to our ASC Award Winners! |
|
-
Arianna Portillo, Outstanding Undergraduate Student Employee
-
Haylie Joseph, Outstanding Graduate Student Employee
-
Andrea Santillan, ASC Student Award
-
Keyana Wilfred, ASC Student Award
-
Dr. Kendall Hartley, ASC Faculty Award
-
Dr. Joe Ervin, ASC Service Award
-
Dr. Hanna Andrews, ASC Student-Centered Award
-
Dr. Emily Shreve, ASC Collaboration Award
-
Jacquee deJesus, ASC Collegiality Award
|
|
The Office of Student Conduct is a valuable Campus Community Partner to the ASC by collaborating on presentations, preparing online modules, and providing invaluable support. Phil Burns and your staff, thank you for being such great partners!
|
|
|
STUDENT & STAFF SPOTLIGHTS |
|
|
|
Theresa Hrubi Minden
UNLV Senior
Earth and Environmental Science Major
|
Describe your path to UNLV.
I'm a native of Las Vegas. My dad was in the military and he retired from Nellis Air Force Base so, it was just an automatic for me to end up here. I was a part-time student and I'm the first one in my family to go to college and to finish college. I worked full-time and was putting myself through school part-time in my early 20s. Then I got married and I started my family at age 30 and I sort of put everything on hold.
|
|
|
At that point, I was a hospitality student because that was what my occupation was, and it was logical. It wasn't exactly my passion. I stopped to raise my family and then in 2018, when my youngest daughter went off to college, I had made myself a promise that I was going to go back and finish and so here I am.
What is your major and year? What drew you to select this major?
I wanted to study something that I'm personally connected with, felt passionate about, and was very curious about, and that's what landed me where I am right now. I’m an Earth and Environmental Science student and I’m in my senior year. Since I've grown up here, the desert was my playground and every time I picked up a rock or looked at our mountains, I always wondered how did that get that way? Ever since I was a little girl, that was something that has always fascinated me - learning about our planet and the environment that we live in. This major is important to me because I've always been an environmentalist at heart and very curious about geology. It's just taking care of where we live and learning how to live in other places. It's important work and I wanted to study that and do whatever I can to further that, even in any small way.
You've mentioned that you are a non-traditional student. Can you describe what role that has played in your studies and classes?
Coming back to school at my age was pretty intimidating. The campus was different from the last time I had been on it. The library was an entirely different place. It was not only just getting back in the classroom, there’s also learning all new technologies. Being a mom at home, it wasn’t something I did every day. For younger people, it's just part of their lifestyle. So there was a learning curve on all of that technology. In one of my classes I ran into a woman named Bev Carter and we were looking at each other across the sea of young people, and she and I were not young people, and she approached me and asked me if I wanted to join the Alliance of Non-Traditional Students. Since then, I have found that it has become a lifeline. It's wonderful to know that there is such a huge contingent of students that are like me in ways, but also not like me. We all have so many different needs as adult learners and we all help one another solve problems and find solutions. It's just wonderful to know the diversity on our campus. It makes me so proud to go to UNLV knowing that we are just on our path. Kudos to all those people who bravely go back. I have students in my classes that are my youngest daughter’s age, who have respect for me as another student and I’ve made some really great friends, even though it was really hard and very, very intimidating at first.
Can you describe the role that your academic advisor(s) have played in your time at UNLV?
I was pretty lost going back and I met a woman named Elizabeth Johnson in the ASC. Do you know who was a lifeline for me? She was when I really, really needed it. She was knowledgeable, she was encouraging, she was professional, and she directed me every step of the way. She found ways for me and knew the system inside and out and got me on track really easily and helped solve my issues and ease my worried mind. I couldn't have done this without her. She's just one of the biggest blessings that I've encountered when I started - and she continues to be there.
In the College of Sciences Advising, there's a person named Huston Green. She’s been just streamlining things with the pandemic, since we’re not able to go in and plop down in front of her with an appointment. She helped me with some issues that I thought were going to be very difficult to get over. She was right there with me and very easily, just got me resources, sent me information and links. She got me over some things. I want to recognize her - she was terrific.
What has been the most challenging part about college and what have you done to overcome that challenge?
I was never the best math student in high school. Coming back to UNLV, I had to take a placement exam, which I failed miserably. I had to take a seven week course to get you ready to pass the math placement exam. It was accelerated and there were kids in that class that had just got out of high school. Even though the instructor was fantastic, I was a different animal and I said I need to take this math in a full semester so I can digest it and learn it and pass it. I was directed to the Math Learning Center. There was a man there named Dr. Bill Speer. He very calmly and in such a caring way, said “This is not a problem. We have this course in a different session.” It was taught by a woman who was not only a math major who failed her placement exam the first time, but was getting her Ph.D. in Learning Psychology. With that, the same course, taught differently by a different person, not that the first person was bad, but it got me on board, and I learned it, and it prepared me for the next math class. The Math Learning Center supported me and gave me resources every step to get on board with math. Now, math doesn't intimidate me anymore. It was always a thing that when I heard math, my whole body tensed up. So if it wasn't for Dr. Speer, the Math Learning Center, and the resources that are offered there to students, I couldn't have gotten through math.
What is one piece of advice you would give new non-traditional students at UNLV?
So many young people are really intimidated by speaking up for themselves and advocating for themselves. As an adult, that's not me. I looked all over websites and made so many phone calls asking about things. What's available for me? How can I get extra help? There are difficult courses and UNLV has so many resources for students, if you look for them and ask for them. Search out all the resources that are available at UNLV. There are many and you need to sometimes do a little bit of work to find them, but they are there and they're all set up to help students be successful.
What are your plans after graduating?
I'd like to maybe think about grad school. I really like learning. I love learning so much that I really think that I want to continue with grad school and hopefully be able to do some research, somehow, in something that's relevant to the things that I think are important, like helping our environment. Perhaps helping the things that are happening with the missions to get off our planet and the Mars missions and things. I don't know what I could possibly do, I want help any way I can.
Who is someone on your academic journey that you would like to thank? Why?
Dr. Speer is the guy that I want to thank. He very calmly, and with such a caring way, just calmed me right down. I was absolutely beside myself with frustration and thinking that I was never going to be able to do this. He just sort of verbally put his hand on my shoulder and said, “No worries” and described how there was a solution for this problem, this is what it is, we'll get you set up for it right away, and bam, I was in it and I was able to do it. Every time I had an issue I would call up and they would invite me to come into the office and get me set up and have a little session. Every time I had a question about a math course or a path to get there, they said you know what, we have a way for you to get through this. There were solutions for me and Dr. Speer was there for me in that way, letting me know what my options were.
What would you describe as your biggest achievement to date?
Just getting the grades that I'm getting. I've got a really good GPA. My grades are good and my kids are like, “Mom, you're a good student.” I just feel like I’m just meeting these personal challenges that I've set for myself. It makes me feel really good and gives me a great deal at the time when I'm an empty nester. I love learning and I love getting good grades. It is a big accomplishment, especially in these hard courses. It gives you confidence for sure and makes you feel good.
Now that the pandemic restrictions are easing, what is something that you have been looking forward to doing?
Traveling, traveling, and travel. We actually have a trip planned over Thanksgiving break to Petra in Jordan, Israel, and Egypt with some friends who are archeologists. It's kind of a learning, science, fun trip, historically. I’m really excited. We had the trip planned last April during the pandemic and had to cancel, so we're going to try it again. It makes you really appreciate being able to travel, having to be home for so long.
|
|
|
Graduate Assistant for Academic Transitions and Learning Support
Tell us about your educational journey so far (undergraduate school, major, etc.).
I went to UNLV for my undergrad and got my Bachelors in Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience and Marriage and Family Therapy, but now it's called Couples and Family Therapy. I applied for Grad School at UNLV in Couples and Family Therapy.
|
|
|
I got into Couples and Family Therapy out of a whim. I saw a class that looked like it would be fun and then I found out there's an actual career focus. I thought this could be my calling because I found it so interesting - I feel so connected to this career field.
What led you to attend school and work at UNLV?
In high school, I wasn't really sure what to do. I knew I wanted to go to a university, but where do you even go? Where do you even start? Was I even financially able to go to a university? All my friends went to UNLV, so I guess I'll go too. I wasn't really sure about what my next step should be, so that's what led me to go to UNLV. Plus the fact that the military gives 100% tuition waiver was another benefit. Financially, I won't have to worry about going to school because the military is going to be able to support me.
Describe your job duties as a Graduate Assistant at the ASC.
It kind of depends, week by week. I typically get different projects from my boss, Michael Hack, and work on them. Some projects are creating infographics to inform high school students about ways to be successful at school or important dates coming up in the academic year. I do presentations about the resources provided at ASC through virtual Zoom. Teachers will request us to come present and talk about the ASC and what it provides for the freshman students. At the moment, because of the pandemic, we can't physically go out to the schools. We do try to reach out to the high schools, let them know we're available, and here’s some information that could be really great for students.
What has been challenging with conducting outreach and presentations virtually, compared with in-person?
Well, it's been challenging just from the presenter perspective, having to do all this virtually.
I would say in person when I've done presentations for other events, more people tend to show up and they're more committed to being present for the presentation. When it comes to being virtual, a lot of people are less inclined to show up. It's also less personal because some people have their cameras off, so you can't really engage with them and see their faces. It’s talking to a blank screen. It’s fun to see people’s reactions, but if it's a blank screen, it's harder to know if you’re connecting with them.
You've mentioned in passing that you are also involved in the military. Can you describe your position there?
I’ve been in the Army National Guard for six years. In my company, I am a culinary specialist, so I cook for my company and other companies as well. Depending on the training dates, I'm the one in charge of the cook section within my company. I love the job. I like the people. I think the job is very fulfilling. I just really enjoy my part of being able to provide these meals to soldiers because sleep and food are some of the things that soldiers look forward to the most, so it's nice to be part of that.
Tell us how you balance your GA position, schoolwork, and military service.
Sometimes I feel like I have no balance and I think that one is going to suffer. For the most part, I'm very diligent about doing my work ahead of time. For schoolwork, I'll usually be three weeks ahead. That way, in case anything happens in a week, I’ll still be two weeks ahead. I always have a set time when I wake up and go do my work. I don't let anything else interfere during that time because I want to be able to complete my hours.
My military service is typically done once a weekend out of the month but because of my position, they request more time out of me. There's a lot that goes into making sure everything is prepared. The higher up you go in the field, the more is requested out of you. This year has been more hectic because they are requesting more days.
What are your plans after graduation?
I'm still not sure yet. I do plan to pursue a Ph.D. after I graduate, but I’m not sure if I want to take a year off. I was considering the field of human sexuality because I feel the subject is very taboo and if you have more knowledge about your body and the body of your partner or whoever you're with, it gives you a place to have a healthier relationship and communications with people. I want to learn more about how to translate it back to couples and family therapy.
If you could give your younger self some advice, what would that be?
I would say just to find a hobby, because going through the process of building your career, you get really focused on doing extracurricular activities, volunteer work, research, speaking about school, and working. You can get lost in the whole sense of trying to build your career that you don't really allow yourself to have a hobby. I think if I would have had a better, more concrete hobby, I would have been a little bit happier in the process of building my career.
What was your greatest day on campus? And your toughest?
My greatest day was when I graduated because the stress of waking up for class, the stress of having a homework assignment just kind of left my shoulders. I felt like I didn’t have to worry about those things anymore, so that was a really great feeling. It was great just to think that I did all this work and now I have a diploma to showcase it.
I guess the toughest day was when I was initially a biology student. I really loved and I really liked biology, but I didn't feel like it translated necessarily to the career path I wanted. So deciding to switch majors and deciding not to attend class anymore during that period because it was in the middle of the semester. So, just deciding to make that switch was a tough decision for me.
What is something you love to do in your free time?
I take walks once I'm done with the day. At night time, I’ll go for a two hour walk specifically because I'm indoors for school, I'm indoors for work -- everything is done at home. I just need to leave the house for a bit. So, in my free time, I like to just go outside and walk and see the city and just not think about anything related to school or work.
|
|
ASC Spring & Summer 2021 Services
The ASC building is open during the following hours of operation:
Monday - Friday
8 AM - 5 PM
Representatives are available to answer questions at
702-895-3177 during normal business hours.
COVID-19 Updates:
In response to Nevada and UNLV guidance regarding the COVID-19 pandemic,
the ASC is following all guidelines, including social distancing measures.
Masks are required.
|
|
One-on-one virtual appointments with an Academic Success Coach are still available this Spring.
|
|
Academic Success Coaching
New 2021 Summer Series
|
New Virtual Workshops Coming Soon!
|
|
|
Preparing for Finals...
You've made it! As our Academic Success Coaching Series this semester theme says, "You've arrived at your destination." All your classes are soon behind you and you are now facing final exams or papers. Here are a few tips to help you approach this final week of the semester.
|
|
-
Study Early & Often - Don't wait until the night before an exam or a paper is due to start preparing. A planned and measured approach to studying or writing, over time, will help prepare you more adequately for finals week than a cram session.
-
Join (or Form) a Study Group - It's not too late to join or create a study group. Talk to fellow students in your classes and see if they have a study group or if they are interested in studying together. Even though we are all mostly remote, you can still study as a group using Google Meet or Zoom. Several of the UNLV Libraries are also open during Study and Finals Weeks, but keep in mind you will still need to practice social distancing and wear masks (also, don't forget your RebelCard for entrance).
-
Study Your Notes & Quiz Yourself - Use the resources and information that has been given to you in class throughout the semester to prepare for finals. Even make it fun by creating flash cards or online quizzes. There's nothing better than taking a practice quiz to show what you know --- and what you still need to study!
-
Fun Tip: Chew Gum - Several research studies have been conducted that indicate there is some correlation between chewing gum and exam performance (Smith, 2009; Onyper, Carr, Farrar, & Floyd, 2011; Ginns, Kim, & Zervos, 2018). The timing of the gum chewing varies among the research, whether while studying, before the test, or during the test, but there seems to be some consensus that chewing gum may be a legitimate exam prep tip.
-
Intentional Self-Care - This tip may look familiar because it has been in several of our newsletters this semester, and that's because self-care is important. Eating healthy foods, exercising, and getting enough sleep cannot be discounted. Your body and mind will take care of what it needs most, so if it's not getting the right food or rest, it will likely make it difficult for you to study, focus, and retain the information you need for finals. Following a healthy plan for your mind and body through finals week (and beyond) will give you a jump start on your academics.
|
|
|
Be sure to follow the ASC on Social Media for additional tips! |
|
|
ASC Dean's Award Scholarship Now Open!
Submit applications by 6/4/2021.
The ASC provides the Dean's Award Scholarship for students in the Exploring major and Major Pathways program.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be a continuing UNLV student with less than 60 earned credits
-
Be declared in the Exploring major or Major Pathways program
- Have and maintain a cumulative UNLV GPA of 2.00 or higher each semester the scholarship is received
- Enroll in a minimum of 12 credits (full-time) for each semester the scholarship is received
- Complete an application and submit a 500-750 word essay in response to an essay prompt.
|
|
Check With Your Colleges for Scholarship Opportunities!
Spring is the time when many applications for college scholarships become available. Be sure to visit your College's website as well as the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships website for additional scholarship opportunities.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
