“Rock Your Finals” is back!

A little over a year ago, UMatter launched the first finals postcards so students could write words of encouragement to their peers to help ease their distress during finals week.

This semester, students can come to our tables all around campus from December 1st through the 4th to pick-up and write postcards.

The postcards are completely free to all students.

 

UMatter representatives will be in Blackhawk Commons from 5 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. on December 1st and 4th. Representatives will also be present in Polk Library from 4:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. on December 2nd and 3rd.

Students can also listen and link up with each other with our “Listen Up!” pledges and business cards to keep their spirits high during this stressful time.

Individuals living in the residence halls will receive their postcards during finals week.

 

FAQs and Tips About The Rock Your Finals Postcards

We have received several questions over the past two semesters regarding the Rock Your Finals postcards that we want you to know and remember. Please take some time to read this blog post before sending out your postcard. Thanks again for your participation!

1. Are these postcards free?

The postcards that are provided at our listening matters tables at the “Student Leadership and Involvement Center” (SLIC) are free of charge to all UW Oshkosh students. The only charge is sending them off of campus.

2. Can we send these off-campus?

Just make sure you get a stamp and envelope from Titan Central so they can send it via campus mail. However, there is a small fee to do this. If you don’t want to buy a stamp, you can just give the postcard by hand!

3. Do I need to know the person’s room number and address prior to sending a postcard?

If you’re sending a postcard, research or ask about your friend’s room number or address, prior to sending the postcard. You can still take a postcard if you don’t know this information. Just make sure to know it before sending it.

4. Can campus mail and the residence halls send these postcards for me?

Campus mail and the residence halls will take care of sending these postcards. There is no charge in the residence halls. That’s because campus mail and residence mail are different. Residence halls’ inter-campus mail can be found at the front desk of each hall.

 

 

Helpful tips:

1. Language matters: do not write negative, derogatory, or hurtful messages on your “Rock Your Finals” postcards and Listening Matters pledges

The goal of these postcards and pledges are to encourage people to do well on their finals week. We will NOT send out postcards that contain any inappropriate language directed towards others.  Please be respectful since these are sent to those that want your support and kind words.

2. Do not appropriate or vandalize these postcards

Defacing the Listening Matters postcards will not be tolerated. All of these tips and information are designed to help you send your postcards more successfully.

We hope by bringing to light these concerns, we will encourage future participation, discourage negative behavior while making this postcard campaign more inclusive.

How to Rock Those Finals This Semester

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xfst6p8gOQU We are pleased to announce the return of last semester’s successful “Rock Your Finals” postcard campaign for the Spring. If this is the first time hearing about this campaign, here is more information about it. The “Rock Your Finals” campaign is part of the Listening Matters message about recognizing emotional distress such as depression, anxiety and stress and how to address it through our slogan be REALL.  When we say be REALL, we’re talking about Reaching out, Expressing concern, Asking questions, Listening and Linking to helpful resources such as the Counseling Center which is FREE and confidential. We’re committed to improving the well-being of students and minimizing distress. To get more students active with this message, we came up with the idea to write postcards with positive messages to each other that will be sent and received during finals week. We know finals week is a stressful time and hope this helps decrease the stress. Our goal is for students to build a support system where they feel more connected to campus and to each other. All of this is taking place, starting Monday, May 5th through Friday, May 9th.  The postcard campaign event is located in the residence halls (check the halls for time), Reeve (Tuesday, May 6th from 11:30 am- 1:00 pm only) and Polk library (Monday, May 5th through Thursday, May 8th from 6 pm-7 pm).   For those in the residence halls, postcards will be delivered during finals week starting Monday, May 12th.  We  hope to see you at our tables! For more information on Listening Matters, visit the UMatter website and like us on Facebook. For more information about the Counseling Center, go to the Counseling Center page. What are some other ways that you can Rock Those Finals this semester? Here are 5 simple solutions. There’s more, but here’s what you can do to start. 1. Exercise regularly Research shows that just 15 minutes of exercise can improve memory and cognitive function. So, drop those books, and lift those weights! You may think you don’t have time to because all of those exams, papers, and projects, but your brain will thank you later! The Student Recreation and Wellness Center is open until midnight. You have plenty of time to fit in that workout. 2. Get adequate sleep When it comes to finals week, you may think it’s a good time to pull an all-nighter for that exam. However, adequate sleep is crucial for brain function, good judgment, reaction, and of course, consistent grammar.  It’s likely you will be confused, draw blanks, and feel too much like a zombie the day of the exam if you procrastinate until the night before the exam. So, study a little bit each day and take breaks, or even a nap! 3.  Drink lots of water Your brain can process so much better when you adequately hydrate. So grab that BPA-free UMatter water bottle and start chugging! 4. Set an agenda Set a realistic study schedule. Also keep in mind, your body needs to recover after bouts of intense work. You need to set aside for your brain to relax. This is what we can “the spacing effect.” So, in between sets of studying at Polk Library during finals week, come by our tables and chat with us as a break. 5. Compress information into acronyms We have the be REALL acronym  for a reason. It’s easy to remember. Using mnemonic devices, acronyms, or rhymes helps you remember information that much quickly. Converting that knowledge into graphical or visual form is a way that can help you as well. Lastly, make sure you stay confident. We hope that by these postcards you will be more confident to take your exams with the knowledge that there’s a strong support system cheering you on. So Rock Those Finals!

Safety Matters: What I Wish I Knew Freshman Year As A CSO

Nicholas Fleischhacker

As a Freshman, I would have never known about the security stations or bringing your ID if I wasn’t a CSO.  I’m hardly ever out past security station set up.

Austin Riska

I believe most freshman think safewalks would be awkward and uncomfortable, but since becoming a CSO I realized how cool the program is and know that you are just walking with other students.

Kyle Beck

As a CSO, I’ve learned how the check in process at the dorms work.  I’m a junior now, and as a commuter my first two years I did not have a lot of knowledge about that. I’ve learned how this process makes our campus much safer.

Randi Murray

As a CSO, I’ve come to know campus so much more, and being a freshman this has really helped!  I’ve come to know many of the RHDs and ARHDs on campus.  Being a part of the CSO family that helps keep everyone safe is the greatest college experience I could ask for.

Nakeeta Giebel

Being a CSO, transfer student, and commuter, I have noticed that there is a lot of behind the scenes effort put in to safety and security on campus.  As a freshman, I think it would be nice to know that there is always someone keeping you safe.  Security stations provide a nice buffer for the students to know who is allowed inside their building.

Lauren Bucheger

I feel like a lot of people think security stations are a waste of time and a hassle.  They should know that we have these for safety that restricted people are not let into the dorms, and so that everyone who goes in after 9pm is safe.  Security stations are not there to bust people for underage drinking.  As CSOs, we know that we keep restricted people out of the building and have prevented sexual assaults from happening.

Elizabeth Owen

As a freshman, I wish I would have known about safewalks and that they go from lot 39.  It was a long, lonely walk in the winter.

Whitney Hoffman

I think the biggest thing I have learned is that as a student, you do not need to fear campus police or the CSOs.  I think more students should be exposed to us and that our goal is to keep them safe.

Deidre Hardy

Though this may not be too much of a safety related topic, many Freshmen do not know that they can park free on campus during the weekends.

Jeb Newton

I have been learning many things by being a CSO, and I still learn something new every shift I work.  I learned more about security stations and what purpose they serve.  Also, I learned how to sound professional.  I think that people are under the impression that CSOs are out to bust people, but that is not the case.  I wish people could understand more that we are here to help them.

Meet the UMatter Team

Safety Matters Student Coordinator

My name is Josh Gullickson, a current Junior here at UWO.  I currently hold the position of Safety Matters Student Coordinator as part of the core UMatter team.  My responsibilities in this position involve coordinating Safety Matters programs, attending weekly UMatter meetings, and spreading knowledge through student and staff involvement regarding safety information here on campus and in the surrounding community.  I work closely with the University Police department to keep our community safe and up to date on all safety related information.

Learn more about me by going to http://www.about.me/josh_gullickson

Publicity Manager and Videographer

My name is Kyle Halter. I am a senior here at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. I’m currently majoring in Radio-TV-Film, Interactive Web Management, Journalism with an emphasis in public relations, and minoring in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing. As the Publicity Manger,  I attend events on campus that are hosted/sponsored by UMatter and encourage people to participate and get involved with UMatter’s messaging. I also manage UMatter’s social media strategy and blog. As the videographer for UMatter, I develop videos to promote UMatter’s six facets that are distributed on social media, campus emails, and campus vision. I also take photography at events. I hope to one day work in corporate communications and become a writer and producer for film and TV.

Learn more about me by going to http://www.about.me/kylehalter

 Action Matters Student Coordinator

My name is James Hooper. I am a junior here at UWO, going for a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Psychology. On campus, I am an active member with Sigma Pi Fraternity, U Matter and intramural sports. I am also a big sports fan specifically the Green Bay Packers and Chelsea soccer team. I like to spend time getting outdoors, and love to go camping, fishing, hiking, and hunting when I can. My goal when I graduate is to be able to go and travel around the world before I start my career. One of my favorite quotes is by William Faulkner “Always dream and shoot higher than you know you can do. Don’t bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself.”

Health Advocate Student Coordinator

Hi, my name is Janelle Lang-Piette. I am currently a Health Advocate in Horizon and am serving as a health advocate representative for the Umatter committee. This means that I get to connect these two groups on campus in a more productive way than we have been able to in the past years by giving both groups information relating to each other, therefore improving their coherence and representation on campus. I am currently a senior here at UWO studying Biology in hopes to become a doctor one day.

Listening Matters Student Coordinator

My name is Cassandra Limberg and people call me Cassie for short. I am a sophomore nursing student at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. I chose nursing as my major because due to past family related health issues I have seen the impact that a positive and relentless caregiver can have on a patient. I want to a supporter in others’ lives who need it the most, and I plan on doing that with my nursing degree!  My ultimate goal is to partner with Doctors without Borders and work around the world.  Outside of my academics I love lifting weights, running, and just about any outdoor activity.

Listening Matters Student Coordinator

My name is Marissa Lueck. I’m a senior with a major in psychology and a minor in social justice. I am one of the coordinators for Listening Matters. Being a Listening Matters coordinator means encouraging students to listen to those who are feeling down and need someone to talk to. In an uncertain or more serious situation, Listening Matters provides further information for resources such as the campus Counseling Center.  It is important that we raise awareness to improve students well being through feeling connected and decreasing isolation in ways that are supportive, compassionate and successful in making a difference.

BAC Matters Student Coordinator

My name is Fay Osman. I am a senior majoring in Biology with a healthcare emphasis. I am the BAC Matters coordinator within the UMatter team. I especially love the Mocktails we offer to students. Mocktails are an alternative way to have a fun event without alcohol. I enjoy the other UMatter facets as well because they put on great events that are beneficial to all students and everyone can have fun while being safe.

Graphic Designer

Hi guys! My name is Claudia Rivera; I’m a fourth year here at UWO and will be graduating at the end of May with a Communication Studies major. I’m the Graphic Designer for Umatter which is part of the core team in Umatter, along with Kyle Halter who is the Videographer and the Publicity Manager. As the graphic designer for Umatter, I’m in charge of creating the visual part of the other team member’s ideas which can be making posters, campus visions slides and creating new pamphlets that the organization needs around us. I’m eager to learn more about Umatter and get the campus to start talking more about Umatter! See you around!

MEC Student Coordinator

My name is Nora Robles. I am an energetic and cheerful bilingual teacher seeking certification in the beautiful state of Wisconsin. I enjoy listening to music of all genres and also have a high appreciation for Art. I am passionate about education, learning and teaching. I dislike inequality just for being a different race or color and would jump into any cause for social justice especially if it involves children. I am currently part of Umatter as the Multicultural Education Coalition representative in UW Oshkosh. I love diversity and all of its cultural components “Viva la raza.” I enjoy seeing how multifaceted and cultural rich the North East of Wisconsin has become, something that I felt; it would not happened anytime soon.

Learn more about me by going to http://www.about.me/roblen11

Tunnel of Oppression 2013 Information

I hope your semester is going well! I wanted to send out an email to inform you that the annual Tunnel of Oppression program is just around the corner. Here is some general information regarding the program.

 

When and Where?

Monday, November 18th . . . 3:00-5:00 p.m. & 6:00-8:00pm

Tuesday, November 19th . . . 3:00-5:00 p.m. & 6:00-8:00pm

 

The program begins at the check-in table located in the Reeve Concourse (near the Corner Convenience Store). A tour (12 persons or less) begins approximately every 15 minutes and lasts for 1 full hour.

 

What is Tunnel of Oppression?

Tunnel of Oppression is a 60 minute diversity experience; a guided tour designed to raise awareness of local and global oppressive actions and conditions. Participants will explore topics such as queerphobia, street harassment, sex trafficking, child labor, genocide, hunger and homelessness, and global sanitation.

 

Why encourage residents to come?

Tunnel of Oppression is . . .

– A UW Oshkosh student initiative

– A co-curricular experience designed to educate and inform

– A setting for meaningful dialogue

– (For some) An opportunity to complete diversity hours or extra credit

 

Three easy ways to reserve space:

1) Sign up for a tour at housing.uwosh.edu/tunnel-signup

2) Make arrangements over email with myself (Aimee Pitney) at pitnea17@uwosh.edu

3) Visit the check-in table during program hours (see above)

 

Learning about Listening Matters

Have you noticed a change in a friend’s behavior lately and not sure how to address it?

Listening Matters wants you to be REALL about these worries.  When we say be REALL, we’re talking about reaching out, expressing concern, asking questions, listening and linking to helpful resources such as the Counseling Center which is FREE and confidential. We’re committed to improving the well being of students and minimizing distress.

One of our goals is to help students feel more connected with others on campus. With finals week soon approaching, we understand that students are under a lot of stress, and thought of the idea to have them write and send positive messages on postcards to each other. In doing this, we hope students realize they are not alone and that we are helping them build a support system. On the week of Nov. 18-22, Listening Matters will have tables set up in the residence halls and in Reeve for those who are interested. Students can also sign a pledge. This pledge is a promise for the individual to show their support if they know or suspect someone who may be feeling down. For those in the residence halls the postcards will be delivered during finals week starting December 9th. We  hope to see you at our tables.

For more information visit the U Matter link on the UW Oshkosh website and like us on Facebook!

For more information about the Counseling Center, check out the UW Oshkosh website!

Suicide Awareness Walk!

This Saturday, April 27, Oshkosh’s 3rd Annual Chester Marcol 5K Walk for Suicide Awareness will take place at the Oshkosh North HS gym. Registration begins at 7:30 am and the walk will begin at 9:00 am. Students can register for just $10, and the proceeds benefit the Community for Hope of Greater Oshkosh.

Two years ago I attended the very first Walk for Suicide. It was a great experience, and I was amazed to discover how many peoples’ lives are affected by suicide. Even with the growing knowledge and availability of mental health services in our community, far too many youth and adults suffer in silence.

To be brief, I have compiled a list of my top 10 reasons to attend the walk this Saturday:

10. It will be way more fun than anything else going on at 9 am on Saturday.

9.  You’ll get some fresh air and exercise.

8.  Lots of free stuff!

7.  Lots of valuable information—also given out for free!

6.  I’ll be there giving windmill high fives to everyone who wants one (trust me, you want one).

5.  You can meet Packer Hall of Fame kicker Chester Marcol. He gives high fives too.

4.  There will be raffles for some amazing prizes, including CUSA tickets and merchandise autographed by Donald Driver and Clay Matthews!

3.  You can show your support to those affected by suicide in our community.

2.  You can receive support if your life has been affected by suicide.

1.  You’ll be supporting a very good cause.

Check out the website for more details on this awesome event:

http://oshkoshsuicideawareness.com/

 

What did you say?

That’s so… unnecessary

By: Nat Unger, U Matter Social Media/PR Intern

How many times have you walked around campus and heard someone say “Gay” in a way that is disrespectful and does not encompass what the words really mean?

“That’s so gay.”

Let’s spend some time interpreting what this phrase could mean.  First, for some definitions of the word gay.  Google brought back:

Adjective-(of a person, esp. a man) Homosexual.

Noun-A homosexual, esp. a man.

Synonyms-merry – cheerful – jolly – joyful – blithe – mirthful

So when someone says, “That’s so gay,” it could mean, “That’s so homosexual” or “That’s so jolly!”  But for some reason, these are not necessarily what people are trying to say when they say that phrase.  Besides, a cruddy homework assignment probably isn’t jolly, and it probably doesn’t identify as a male who is attracted to males.

When people say, “That’s so gay,” they are saying that something is stupid.  In this way, the phrase tears apart someone’s identity because suddenly gay becomes a synonym for stupid.  That’s not fair to someone who is gay, now is it?

Unless you’re using gay as a term for someone’s identity, or perhaps saying that something is cheerful or joyful, you probably shouldn’t be saying that something is gay.  So instead of throwing around someone’s identity, it would be better if you use words that actually fit the situation.

Make a Difference: Language Matters!

Welcome to Language Matters, the facet of UMatter that strives to end the use of language that is prejudice, incensitive or both! This could include the use of words in everyday situations that pertain to someone’s sexual orientation, race or  past experiences just to name a few.

There are many ways to eliminate this type language not only at UWO but on other campuses as well. In spreading this message, we hope to shed some light on the impact of the words people choose. Here are just a few steps that you can take to become an advocate for this cause:

Don’t ignore it. If you hear someone say something off-color that could be offensive, call them out in a respectful manner and explain to them the impact of their words.

Be prepared for possible tension or conflict. This is a sensitive topic that many people may not be aware of. Be aware that the situation could get uncomfortable but stand your ground!

Be non-judgmental, but know the bottom line. There are a lot of good people who say things without thinking about them first. Don’t hold it against them, just know when to step in and explain to them why they should not have said what they said!

Be aware of your own hesitancy to intervene. We have all done this, choosing not to intervene in certain situations. Don’t beat yourself up about it. Just use it as a learning experience for the next time you could make a difference.

Be a role model. Take charge and live the message. When people see others stand up against hurtful language, they will be more inclined to do so also. Be the leader!

These are all great ways to begin making yourself and others aware of the hurtful things that are said every single day! Every time you approach someone about this issue you can make a difference for victims of such words.