Issue 20 | News & Views for Commuters and Non-Trads | March 2009
Student Spotlight: Virginia Sand
This month the commuter chronicle features a non-traditional student on a study abroad program in France. Virginia Sand, a 52-year-old French major with a minor in Native American studies, decided to do her semester abroad at the University of Angers in France. Virginia lived in Maine all her life. She associates herself with the Franco American and Native American heritage. Sand and her husband were brought up in the Franco American community in Waterville, Maine. She chose France for her study abroad program due to the French immersion.
“It is easier to learn another language when you live with it every day,” Virginia said, “It gives me the opportunity to perfect my French.”
Virginia said her French ancestors who came to Northeastern Canada to explore a "New World" were first welcomed by my Mi'kmaq tribal ancestors who have been living in Northeastern Canada and the United States for at least 12,000 years.
Besides classes, Virginia wants to explore the city of Angers. She plans to visit Paris and the surrounding castles and vineyards. She has been writing her experiences on her blog. She also continues to write for Le FORUM, a bi-monthly publication, at the Franco American Center at the University of Maine.
Due to a strike by the faculty and students, Virginia has not been able to attend classes for the last few weeks. “That is one thing that I miss about UMaine,” Virginia said, “There are no strikes at UMaine to keep students from attending classes.”
She hopes the strike will be over soon. “It's stressful for me in not knowing whether classes will continue or not from week to week,” Virginia said, “I still walk to campus every day hoping that classes will resume.”
Even though Virginia is having a great time in France she does miss home. She misses her four pet rabbits at her home in Bangor. She also misses the student services at University of Maine. “Here, everything is located off campus and students must search for connections by bus,” Virginia said, “At UMaine, everything is conveniently located on campus, including the recreation center and the Union.”
Annual UMaine Renters' Fair
Looking for off-campus housing? Need rental advice? Meet with local property owners and landlords to see what's available. Also, get information on your rights as a renter.
Plus, door prizes, including a North Country Whitewater Rafting Trip for 2
Look for tables on the 1st floor of Memorial Union on these days and times:
March 24 from 9AM-5PM
March 25 from 9AM-4PM
What's On Wednesday?
Join us in the Commuter Lounge every Wednesday at 2PM for free snacks and an informal chat with a campus resource.
Here's What's Coming Up:
Financial Aid, Safe Campus Project, Meet With OCB and Student Government Presidents, Public Safety, and Study Abroad
Become an M Project Guide!
CNTSP is looking for commuter or non-traditional students to volunteer to be peer mentors. As an M Project Guide, you wlecome and guide a first year student. Each M Project Guide is matched with a new student who has requested an M Project Guide for their first semester at UMaine. You will be expected to attend two short information sessions, check your FirstClass mail in August for your assignment, be in contact with and responsive to your assigned student and CNTSP, and attend a fall social. You must be a commuter or non-traditional student yourself. Please contact Barbara Smith or CNTSP for more information and an application.
Nominate a Non-Traditional Student
The Non-Traditional Student Achievement Award recognizes the unique perspective of non-traditional students and the alternate path they often take toward success in higher education. The recognized student is an undergraduate student who is 24 years or older, a parent, married, or a veteran who has provided a positive role model for managing the multiple life roles of a non-traditional student while pursuing his or her education. This student has shown a passion for learning, a commitment for his or her academic programs and has contributed significantly to the university campus community.
The deadline for submitting a nomination form is April 7, 2009. Nomination forms are available in the NonTraditional Student folder on FirstClass, in the Commuter Lounge, or via e-mail to Barbara Smith. Please contact Barbara Smith for more information.
Nominate a Faculty or Staff Member
This award recognizes a faculty or staff member who has been particularly supportive and helpful to non-traditional students. The recognized UMaine faculty or staff member will have shown sensitivity to the diverse learning styles and the multifaceted lives of non-traditional undergraduate students. Through their student interactions, teaching and program design, these faculty and staff recognize the rich contributions that non-traditional students make to the University of Maine. The nominated faculty or staff have provided support, assistance and or advocacy for the non-traditional students at the University of Maine.
The deadline for submitting a nomination form is April 1, 2009. Nomination forms are available in the NonTraditional Student folder on FirstClass, in the Commuter Lounge, or via e-mail to Barbara Smith. Please contact Barbara Smith for information.
Parking Ban Reminder
Remember that the winter parking ban remains in effect until May 1. Commuter, visitor, and faculty/staff lots are closed to parking from midnight until 6AM. Only the Bridge Tennis Court and College Ave South lots may be used for parking during these hours.
Chronicle
Looking for off-campus housing? Need rental advice? Meet with local property owners and landlords to see what's available. Also, get information on your rights as a renter.
CNTSP is looking for commuter or non-traditional students to volunteer to be peer mentors. As an M Project Guide, you wlecome and guide a first year student. Each M Project Guide is matched with a new student who has requested an M Project Guide for their first semester at UMaine. You will be expected to attend two short information sessions, check your FirstClass mail in August for your assignment, be in contact with and responsive to your assigned student and CNTSP, and attend a fall social. You must be a commuter or non-traditional student yourself. Please contact Barbara Smith or CNTSP for more information and an application.
Nontraditional Students Association
Off-Campus Board