Additionally, it is where class catalogs are listed which students use to register for courses. Financial Aid Self-Service and Program Evaluations are also where students have the ability to pay any outstanding balances regarding their tuition and seeing how far along they are in their degree program.

It is imperative that each student learns how KeanWISE works and how to access it properly. Though it can be overwhelming at first, the experience will become easier over time.

When students first go to KeanWISE, they will arrive at the main menu. In the top right corner there are five options.

Students are to click the second option where it says "Students."

Upon clicking the tab, a sign-in page will appear. Users will use their student ID and their assigned password as credentials to get in.

After signing into the system, the WebAdvisor Student's Menu will appear.

There is approximately ten sections and they are as follows:

• User Account: Users can find their ID, change their password and home address.
• Financial Information: The ability to view and pay a tuition bill, get a meal and a Flex/Cougar plan.
• Financial Aid: Access Self-Service and related grants.
• Communication: View essential documents.
• NJ Transit: For commuter students, attain a discount ticket for public transportation.
• Registration: Search, register and drop course sections.
• Academic Profile: Grades, transcripts, class schedule, restriction holds, academic early alerts and enrollment verification can be accessed.
• Instructor/Advisor Information: Office hours can be searched for instructors and advisors at the university.
• Residence Life: Housing applications for on-campus residences are accessible from this section.
• Other: Record releases, proof of insurance submission and missing student applications can be requested.

It does not take a lot of time to become acclimated to the system. These tips should assist students during the Spring 2021 semester and beyond.

Williams is a junior at Kean University studying theatre. Throughout his time on campus, Williams has been involved in the Kean Theatre Council, the Kean Gospel Choir, and Kean Residence Hall Council. He has also been a General Education Mentor, a Resident Assistant, and worked with New Student Orientation as an Orientation Leader. Williams credits his involvement as a game-changer that helped him break out of his comfort zone, allowing new opportunities to come along the way.

"My opportunities with Kean involvement have been amazing! It is a fact that I would not have taken any of the positions I have held had I not been willing to step out of my comfort zone," said Williams.

Williams is passionate about the arts and joined the Kean Theatre Council to help enhance his skills. He will be featured in the upcoming Cabaret, Cocoa, and Chill event, taking place on Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:00 p.m. The event will stream live on their Facebook page.

"I love to sing and I love to act, so, when I'm given the opportunity to showcase those two talents, I try to jump on the offer as soon as I am presented with it," said Williams.

Williams will also be featured in the Kean Theatre Conservatory's upcoming production of "...Gone," streaming on Zoom. The show is an original work created by the Kean Theatre Collective to discuss topics relevant today. Williams also has written a 10-minute play titled "Deadline," which will be streamed on Zoom globally on Dec. 17 through "Stream ON! Productions."

"'Deadline' is a comedy based on a group of friends that encounter difficulties concentrating as they attempt to complete a scriptwriting assignment that is due at midnight. I highly recommend checking it out for a good laugh," said Williams.

Williams has adapted to remote learning. Throughout this time, he has freely expressed his creative side by keeping himself more active in his classes as well as in his extra-curricular activities. Williams encourages his peers to get involved in activities or clubs that interest them, because they may never know what doors it will open for them once they put themselves out there.

"A student leader is someone who is willing to step outside of their comfort zone, shine a positive light, make connections, and mentor others. The Kean student leaders I have had the privilege of knowing have definitely helped me to emerge from [a] once very quiet and timid, undecided freshman to the self-confident and motivating junior I am now. Get involved in campus activities that interest you. Connections are a big factor in your future. The more people you meet, the better. So find something that interests you and get involved right away," said Williams.

Williams has many plans for his future and the Kean community is excited to see where he is going next in his career. Students like him are great examples of positive role models who want others to succeed.

What is the common cold?

The common cold is a viral infection of the nose and throat (upper respiratory tract). It's usually harmless, although it may not feel that way. Many types of viruses can cause the common cold.

How does one get sick with the common cold?

The cold virus enters the body through the mouth, eyes or nose. The virus can spread through droplets in the air when someone who is sick coughs, sneezes or talks. 

It is also spread with hand to hand contact with someone who is already infected or by sharing contaminated items such as utensils, towels, toys, or contact surfaces.

What factors increase chances of getting a cold?

• having a weakened immune system or chronic illness such as diabetes or hypertension

• time of year (fall/winter) can also factor in to ones susceptibility to colds, but colds can happen at any time

• smoking cigarettes,vaping products, marijuana, tobacco use which has found to weaken the immune system

• exposure to large crowds of people in areas such as schools, movie theaters or airplanes

What are things one should know about the common cold?

• healthy adults can expect to have at least two or three colds annually

• most people recover from a common cold in a week to 10 days

• symptoms might last longer in people who smoke

• discharge from the nose may become thicker and yellow or green colored as the cold runs its course

• discolored mucus is not an indicator of of bacterial infection

• there is no vaccine to protect against the common cold

• antibiotics will not help to recover from a cold caused by a respiratory virus

How to prevent getting sick and ways to protect others from getting sick?

• avoid close contact with others, such as hugging, kissing and shaking hands

• stay at home while sick

• move away from others when coughing or sneezing

• cough or sneeze into a tissue then throw it away immediately in the garbage or, cough and sneeze into the bend of the arm or upper shirt sleeve covering the nose and mouth completely

• wash hands with soap and water or use alcohol based hand sanitizer after coughing, sneezing or blowing one's nose

• disinfect with household cleaner frequently touched surfaces and objects, such as tablets, computer keyboards, phones and doorknobs.

• don't share makeup, drinking glasses, utensils, eat off the same plate, especially when sick

What are common cold symptoms?

• runny or stuffy nose

• sore throat

• cough

• nasal and or chest congestion

• slight body aches and or mild headache

• sneezing

• low grade fever

• generally feeling unwell

What are possible complications of the common cold?

• acute ear infections also known as otitis media

• triggering asthma attack

• sinus infection

• other secondary infections like  strep throat and pneumonia 

Note: These possible complications require immediate evaluation and treatment by a medical provider 

What is post nasal drip?

Post nasal drip occurs when excessive mucus  is produced by the mucous membrane lining within the sinus cavities and nasal passages. The excess mucus builds up in the throat or back of the nose causing a constant dripping of mucus down the back of the throat

What are common causes of post nasal drip?

• colds and flu

• sinusitis

• seasonal allergies

• changes in the weather with cold temperatures or really dry air

• deviated nasal septum

• exposure to certain chemicals such as perfume, cleaning products, smoke or other irritants

What are symptoms of post nasal drip?

• sore throat

• cough

• constant desire to clear throat

• difficulty swallowing 

• nasal congestion

• feeling of thick mucus in the back of the throat that is difficult to get out

What providers may recommend?

•  over the counter

• nasal saline drop or nasal irrigation (Netty pot or Neil med nasal rinse) to help relieve nasal congestion and to rinse irritants from sinuses

• nasal decongestant sprays (Flonase) or oral decongestant tablets (Medi phenyl)

• oral expectorants (Mucinex) a medication to thin mucus

• cough medicine (Robitussin), or antihistamines like (Claritin) for cough and nasal congestion

• humidification or steam inhalation (with warm showers)

• keep well hydrated to keep mucus thin and easy to bring up

Please Note that antibiotics are not usually helpful with treating viral post nasal drip, unless symptoms are related to a bacterial infection of the sinuses

Lifestyle modifications and home remedies

• drink plenty of fluids

• water, juice, clear both, or warm water with lemon

• avoid caffeine and alcohol which can be dehydrating

• eat chicken or vegetable soup

• soup and other warm fluids can be soothing and can loosen congestion

• make sure to get enough rest

• if possible stay home from school/work to give time to recover, and reduce the chances of infecting others

• adjust room temperature and humidity

• keep room warm, but not overheated

• if the air is dry consider using a cool mist humidifier or vaporizer to moisten the air

• make sure to keep the humidifier clean to prevent mold and bacterial growth

• sleep sitting up or with head elevated on 2 pillows to aid in making breathing easier and also to prevent mucus from collecting in the back of the throat

• sooth throat with warm water gargles

• consider adding a ¼ to ½  teaspoon of salt in 4-8 ounces of warm water for temporary sore or scratchy throat relief

What should one do if symptoms persist or worsen?

If symptoms persist or worsen please make an appointment to follow up with a private medical provider right away, or call Kean University Student Health Services (SHS) at (908) 737-4880 to be evaluated by one of our  qualified medical providers.  SHS is here to help in the pursuit of staying healthy during this cold and flu season.

References: 

https://www.cdc.gov/features/rhinoviruses/index.html

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12342-common-cold/management-and-treatment

https://www.webmd.com/allergies/postnasal-drip#1

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/treatments-for-post-nasal-drip

https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/community/for-patients/common-illnesses/colds.html

This article was written by Student Health Services.

Between the ongoing pandemic and finals on the horizon, the stressful times can have a significant impact on a student's physical, mental and social health.

Prior to the pandemic, 24% of students in the U.S. were stressed about their future, pertaining to their employment and financial stability.

45% stress levels among college students are considered higher than average. One in five college students have reported their mental health worsened as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fortunately, this painting session includes a discussion around ways to better cope with anxiety and depression, as attendees will have their minds refreshed with inclusive conversation and paintbrushes to boot.

Those who RVSP before Nov. 19 will receive painting supplies to accompany them for the event. The passcode for the event is "matter."

For more information about the upcoming event, Student Organization can be emailed at stuorg@kean.edu.

Among many reasons to be thankful and excited during the holidays is the ease with which today's technology can help keep people together. The pandemic has meant the popularizing of group video conferencing with programs like Zoom, Google Hangouts Meet and so on throughout 2020, and without a doubt, friends and family will use them to gather in celebration and reunion throughout the break. It's also easy to play interactive games together, even for those more casual gamers out there, like "Among Us" or Jackbox games, which require only a smart phone; or to simulate getting together for a movie with Netflix Party or Google Chrome's Teleparty extension, which connect viewers across streaming services.

Students can stay connected with friends with more tangible activities, too. File sharing programs and sites let users create collaborative art projects with groups, like photo albums, stories or videos. Music streaming services like Spotify allow users to share the playlists they create, or curate them with friends, so they can feel connected by what they're listening to throughout the day. Other sites let users recommend books, movies and music and exchange ideas about them. Or, if they're more old-school, friends can try starting book clubs or, perfect for the time of year, trading recipes.

Getting more creative, some students may enjoy using exercise tracking apps and devices to share goals with friends, keeping each other on track while staying connected. Others might use a slew of online resources to learn a new hobby or skill together, like programming, dancing or playing an instrument. Many during months of social distancing have used video calls to virtually "have dinner" or the like with far away friends.

Staying on top of current events and the community also involves what's happening around the university when students are away. Students can follow Kean on Instagram (@keanuniversity), Twitter (@KeanUniversity), Facebook and so on to see what's happening, upcoming events and get useful information about the break and the spring semester. Further, winter session classes will be ongoing and, although they will be held remotely, students and faculty will be active in the community digitally.

Kean makes every effort to actively bring students together. Students spent much of the fall semester attending all manners of events, most virtually but some in outdoor, socially distanced settings. The university's numerous student groups intend to keep the community active and involved as much as possible. Keep on the lookout for upcoming events, during and between the fall and spring semesters, on Cougar Link.

However students stay connected, they should make every effort to do so with their family, friends and the university while they're away. It's good to take a break, but there's too much to miss out on if they're not looking.

Lack of skin care can create vulnerability in the integrity of our skin, leading to dryness, flakiness, pain and itching. This especially rings true during the colder months, when exposure to extremely brutal temperatures, dry air from radiators and heating units in our homes, as well as certain lifestyle behaviors, can wreak havoc on our skin. In addition, factors such as poor hydration, lack of moisturizing, and taking extremely hot showers and baths also have the potential to cause "winter skin" damage.

Here are a few simple tips to help you keep loving that skin you're in: 

1. Use lukewarm water rather than hot water, which can wash away natural oils and dry out skin.

2. Limit yourself to one 5 to 10 minute bath or shower daily. If you bathe more than that, you may strip away much of the skin's oily layer and cause it to lose moisture, creating dryness.

3. Minimize your use of soaps. If necessary, choose a moisturizing preparation such as Dove, or consider soap-free cleansers like Cetaphil.  

4. Steer clear of deodorant soaps, perfumed soaps, and alcohol products, which can strip away natural oils.

5. Bath oils can be helpful to prevent dryness, but use them with caution. They can make the tub slippery, resulting in falls.

6. When using bath sponges, scrub brushes and washcloths, use a light touch to avoid trauma to the skin.  

7. When drying off the skin after bathing, pat or blot the surface dry. Avoid rubbing the skin when using a towel  to reduce the risk of trauma.

8. Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing, or after washing your hands. This helps plug the spaces between your skin cells and seal in moisture while your skin is still damp.

9. To reduce the greasy feel of petroleum jelly and thick creams, rub a small amount in the palm of your hands, and then rub it over the affected areas evenly until neither your hands nor the affected areas feel greasy.
10. Individuals that suffer with skin conditions such as eczema should use a thick emollient, such as Eucerin, Aquafor or CerVe. These creams should be applied immediately after bathing to prevent worsening dryness and skin irritation.
11. Try to avoid scratching itchy skin. Most of the time, applying a moisturizer can help to control the itch. Scratching dry skin can create damage to the outer layer of the skin leading to cuts and fissures. These open areas can lead to infections. You can also use a cold pack or compress to relieve itchy spots. 
12. If using a shaving cream or gel when shaving, leave it on your skin for several minutes before starting. This creates a thin layer of protection between the blade and the skin, ensuring less friction and minimizing the risk of redness, shaving rash, and irritation, leading to fewer nicks and cuts. 
13. Use fragrance-free laundry detergents and avoid fabric softeners. Detergents and fabric softeners that contain preservatives, dyes and other chemicals can cause irritation and rashes.
14. Avoid wearing wool and other fabrics that can cause itching and irritate the skin.
15. Use sunscreen even in the winter to prevent exposure to those harmful rays, which may lead to photoaging.

Those with concerns about having "winter skin" should seek care with a medical provider right away. Kean University Student Health Services is available to recommend a course of action and answer questions.

Resources: 

https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/what-to-do-about-dry-skin-in-winter

https://www.webmd.com/beauty/itching-from-dry-skin#1

This article was written by Student Health Services.

Viruses and bacteria that develop from tooth decay, cold, flu, scabies, ringworm, athlete's foot or chronic diarrhea often create an environment where infections and illness can weaken the immune system and make us sick.  Routine habits, such as keeping your scalp, hands and body clean, help to maintain health by decreasing exposure to viruses and bacteria which can lead to infections and illness.

Good personal hygiene can also help to improve your mood. Healthful hygiene practices can help boost confidence, self-esteem and socialization, generally making us feel good about ourselves. When we feel good, our body releases those "feel good" endorphins, which minimize discomfort and boost our immune system, which also may help protect us against disease and infection.

While taking online classes at home and socially distancing, it is important to establish and keep a daily routine. The goal with establishing a routine is to help foster the good habits we already have while eliminating the bad ones. This can also help with maintaining structure and a sense of control.

Here are some recommendations and reminders of why it is important to maintain mental and physical hygiene, especially during the pandemic: 

• Take a shower/bath: Washing with soap and tepid water helps to cleanse sweat and dead skin cells, which can create odor. Make sure to dry your skin thoroughly after bathing to prevent fungal growth and odors.

• Wash your hair: Wash and shampoo your hair at regular intervals that work for you based on your hair type/texture. Using shampoo and water is important to wash away the oils and sweat that can build up in the scalp and lead to dandruff, odor and fungal infections.

• Keep your fingernails and toenails clean and trimmed: Grooming your nails helps to prevent hangnails and infected nail beds. Clean and dry feet are important to prevent foot fungal infections and odor.

• Brush and floss your teeth: Brush twice daily and floss at least once a day. Brushing and flossing helps to minimize oral bacteria growth and tooth decay.

• Wear deodorant/antiperspirant: Deodorant/antiperspirant should be applied immediately to the under arms after showering/bathing. It blocks body odor caused by bacterial breakdown during perspiration.

• Wear clean underwear and clothes: Change your clothing and undergarments daily to prevent the buildup of sweat and body fluids that can cause bacterial growth that generates odor.

• Wash your hands/using alcohol-based sanitizer: Wash your hands for 20 seconds with warm water and soap routinely throughout the day before preparing and eating food as well as after using the bathroom. If access to soap and water is not available, alcohol based sanitizer should be used.

• Get a good night's sleep:  Sleeping for at least 7-8 hours a night is essential to maintaining good physical and mental health. Proper sleep aides in fighting off invaders, healing and general physical and emotional rejuvenation. Lack of sleep or poor sleep hygiene can leave one's immune system vulnerable to mood imbalances, illness and infection.

Make time to socialize with friends and family. Poor hygiene can create situations where individuals may want to withdraw from socializing with others.  Socialization, even via social media, is important in maintaining mental, emotional and physical health and stability. Maintaining healthy physical hygiene, even for a video call, can make feel more energetic and committed to the task(s) at hand. It can also create a sense of enthusiasm and a feeling of normalcy, even when just catching up with family and friends during a virtual hangout.

Designate some "me time." Carve out some personal time during a busy day. Taking some time for oneself is refreshing, boosts energy and creates clearer thoughts. It also facilitates self-care activities, such as daily grooming. Activities such as watching a favorite TV show, taking a walk, and listening to music are examples of socially distant "me time" activities.

Focus on positive thinking. Speaking positive daily affirmations helps to maintain physical and mental health overall. Positive thoughts help to reduce stress, eliminate depressive thoughts and overcome obstacles, thereby improving your energy.

• Positive affirmations to get started:

• There is no one better to be than myself

• I am enough

• I am an amazing person

• My challenges help me grow

• I am perfect just the way I am

The journey to health often takes a balance of the mind and body. There are services available to help students get there. To make an appointment, please call Kean University Health Services at (908)737-4880 and the Kean Counseling Center (908)737-4850. Students are encouraged to reach out, especially during this concerning time. 

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/hygiene/disease/index.html

https://www.everydayhealth.com/healthy-living/guide-to-good-hygiene.aspx

https://www.essentiallifeskills.net/positiveaffirmations.html

This article was written courtesy of Student Health Services.

The competition is funded by the Kean Office of the Provost and the Vice President of Academic Affairs, and the event would not be possible without them. The judges for this year's competition were Jeonghwan (Jerry) Choi, Jennifer Costa, Eric J. Cruz, Ryan Cruz,  Harry Menta and Raja Roy.

Students from Kean and participating universities, as well as some high school students, were encouraged to participate in the competition which consists of creating a unique business plan and presenting it to a panel of judges. The students were able to work in teams with a maximum of three members. 

Through this competition, students were able to develop many skills, such as working on a team, learning more about product development, understanding how to build a business plan, how to enhance their public speaking skills and more.

The event began with opening remarks from Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., President of Kean University, followed by Jin Wang, Ph.D., Dean of the Kean University College of Business and Public Management.

The business plan presentations followed, during which students showcased the business concepts they've worked on. The judges then deliberated, and there was also audience voting and trivia questions to keep the crowd engaged.

Following, the winners were awarded by Jeffrey Toney, Ph.D. For the high school students who applied through DECA, the finalists were as follows:

• First Place ($1,200): CampusConnect by Valeri Guevarra, Allison Lounsbury, Jennifer Mason

• Second Place ($400): PureBred Sneakers by Dylan Chung and Nathan Lee

For the category of college students, the winners awarded were as follows:

• First Place ($3,000): PlannEd-u by Jose Rodriguez, Mark Gaglioti and Daniel Ojeda

• Second Place ($1,500): BestBiddy by Peter Hannon, Eunbi Kim and Matthew Seesselberg

• Third Place ($1,000): DoorStep by Brendan Steckler and Christopher Jackson

• Fourth Place ($900): Absolute Sports by Brendan Brush and Brian Gural

• Fifth Place ($800): Green Sharing by Jiahui Cong, Zhengyu Feng and Haoxuan Li

The Finalist Prize of $300 each was presented to each of the following teams:

• Love Every Flaw by Tyshiana Johnson

• Pro Silver Care by Huiyan Mu, Zhengqing Yuan and Fangke Wan

• Vnect by Ao Jiang, Zijin Huang and Xingyu Chen

The Participation Prize of $100 each was also presented to the following teams:

• Aroma Universal by Victoria Vitale

• Mavis by Zixuan Sun, Jialing Xu and Xiayu Xu

• Suitcase Studios by Chris Zwatschka

The competition was a great event for students to collaborate towards while growing their skills for the business world.

The School of English Studies at Kean University offers both bachelors and master's degree programs for a variety of students looking to embark on a multitude of different career paths. English students at Kean have the ability to explore concentrations in literature, writing, or English in Global Settings. Each concentration allows students to develop advanced writing skills unique to their voice and gather in-depth knowledge of literature. 

The English minor is a great addition to any major as it is very universal and shows that a student is dedicated in advancing their skills in reading, writing and all around communication. The minor is an excellent addition to majors such as psychology, communication, theatre, business and nearly all other fields.

"Minoring in English on top of majoring in communication has been extremely beneficial in preparing me for the future. When I started my college education, I knew I wanted the skills to pursue a career in journalism, but I also wanted a comprehensive education in writing. Paired with my major, my English minor allowed me to become a great writer across the board rather than just a good journalistic writer," said graduating senior, Zoe Strozewski, who is completing her major in communication, journalism with a minor in English this semester.

This event will be an info session on the English minor. It is a great opportunity for students to learn about the program and the classes offered and how it can work for them. There will be chances to ask questions and see how it has helped other students who have added it to their programs.

This event will be hosted through Google Meet from 3:20 to 4:20 p.m. Students should RSVP by emailing english@kean.edu or using this link https://meet.google.com/ojn-bwjb-wbu.

The first platform, QLess, is a online queuing system that allows students to wait in what is called a "virtual line" as opposed to a regular, physical one when going for assistance at the center.

One Stop's virtual line will be open during service hours. The line can be joined through one of two ways by scanning the QR code or clicking this link on either a smartphone or computer.

After joining the line, students will be prompted to have a Call Back or Video Conference. Text alerts will be sent to students updating them on their position in line.

Once a student is at the front of the line, they will be contacted by a One Stop representative either by voice call or video chat, depending on the preference the student selected.

A step-by-step guide on how to navigate QLess can be found here.

The second platform, Roary, is Kean University's chatbot designed to assist students by answering any questions pertaining from financial aid to registration 24/7. Roary is accessible from the One Stop service page where it will pop up along the side.

Kean's One Stop Service Center is a hub of information and assistance for students looking for guidance in a multitude of areas in navigating Kean. There, the representatives can assist students with issues like: Forms and Policies, Academic Calendar, Enrollment Verificatio, Guidesheets and Four Year plan, Registration, Transcript Request and more.

For more information on how to navigate these new services, the Office of the Registrar can be reached via email at regme@kean.edu.

"Elf" is a holiday comedy about Buddy, a human raised at the North Pole who journeys to New York to find his real family when he discovers he's not really an elf. It's a spirited, charming adventure that's become a favorite to watch with friends and family of all ages, and it's being shown at the best time of year for it.

In order to assure safety and comfort to all guests, the university's COVID-19 related policies are in effect. In addition to an RSVP through Cougar Link, guests will be required to use the Campus Clear app in advance and show that they have done so when checking in. Campus Clear allows attendees to perform basic self-screening before arriving on campuses to ensure their own safety and that of others.

Further, there is a limit to four guests per vehicle for entry, and all must stay in their cars for the duration of the screening. At least one of these guests must be a Kean University student. The lot will limit attendance to a maximum of 37 vehicles to further ensure contactless social distancing. Guests must RSVP by Thursday, Dec. 3, at 4 p.m. in order to attend. Proper face coverings and social distancing are always a must.

Additionally, guests will be gifted snacks and refreshments (one package per car), and are welcome to bring their own. Other prizes will be given out, too.

During the fall, the university has hosted a series of outdoor, drive-in events to bring the community together safely as it continues to maintain a safe campus and culture amid the pandemic. The popularity of these events goes to show that, with the right precautions in place and a positive spirit for getting the community together, there is every reason to be optimistic about staying involved and connected going forward - and that message couldn't be more welcome near the end of a long semester and at the beginning of the holiday season.

The screening promises to be a night of excitement and escapism. Students should be sure to RSVP before space runs out. With questions or concerns, Student Organization can be reached by email at stuorg@kean.edu and by phone at 908-737-5190.

Daily programming is scheduled as followed:

Monday, Nov. 30

• Eating Well: The Basics - 12 to 1 p.m.
• Social Media Hour hosted by Gourmet Dining - 2 to 3 p.m.
• Yes to a Better You - 3 to 4 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 1

• Sexual Health - 12 to 1 p.m.
• LGBTQ+ Sex Education - 1 to 2 p.m.
• Health Week SHS on Instagram (Social Media Hour) - 2 to 3 p.m.
• Mind/Body Skills - 3 to 4 p.m.
• Healthy Sleep - 4 to 5 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 2

• Healthy Minds, Healthy Lives - 12 to 1 p.m.
• Guided Meditation - 1 to 2 p.m.
• Health Week SHS on Instagram (Social Media Hour) - 2 to 3 p.m.
• Self Compassion - 3 to 4 p.m.
• Active Minds - 4 to 5 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 3

• Live Your Best Life - 12 to 1 p.m.
• Health Insurance Navigators - 1 to 2 p.m.
• Health Week SHS on Instagram (Social Media Hour) - 2 to 3 p.m.
• PASU 3 to 4 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 4

• Yoga - 1 to 2 p.m.
• Health Week SHS on Instagram (Social Media Hour) - 2 to 3 p.m.
• Zumba - 3 to 4 p.m.
• The Perfect Fit(ness) - 4 to 5 p.m.

Student Health Services supports the wellness needs of the Kean community. A list of services they provide can be found here. For more information on Health Week, follow @keanwellness on Instagram.

1. Drive Through Light Shows

• PNC Bank Arts Center's Magic of Lights show
• Now until Jan. 2, 2021, the PNC Bank Arts Center, located in Holmdel, NJ, will be hosting their annual Magic of Lights drive-thru light show. Families can enjoy a fun light show from the safety of their car. Bring some snacks and hot cocoa for the ride.
• Tickets are available for purchase online at $25 for a standard vehicle or $30 at the gate. Hours are Sunday-Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m.

• Six Flags' Holiday in the Park Drive-Thru Experience
• This year, Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson Township, New Jersey will be unveiling their Holiday in the Park Drive-Thru Experience for the first time. Families can enjoy a multitude of unique Christmas light displays from now until Dec. 17.
• Tickets can be purchased online and are $14.99 per person within a vehicle.
• Drive through your local neighborhood
• Students and their families can also enjoy decorative light shows within their local communities.

2. Watch Parties

• Although friends may not be able to come together physically to watch a movie, friends can still enjoy a movie through the use of streaming services and a variety of screen sharing applications. This is a fun, safe way to get together and enjoy a holiday movie without leaving the comfort and safety of one's own home.

3. Arts and Crafts

• Friends and family can enjoy quality time together or virtually through video calls. Friends can add to this experience of togetherness by incorporating arts and crafts activities to their calls. There are a variety of easy, holiday-related craft activities friends and family can do.
• Some crafting ideas might include:
• No-sew blankets
• Christmas wreaths
• DIY ornaments
• Christmas Cards
• and more!

• Friends and family can also enjoy wrapping Christmas presents together as they catch up on a call.

4. Baking Parties

• Friends and family can join video calls and enjoy making Christmas cookies or gingerbread houses together. Many stores have a wide variety of gingerbread house making kits, using a variety of candies and cookie flavors. Students may even opt to purchase a variety of kits to make a gingerbread village.

5. Secret Santa

• Friends can still enjoy Secret Santa traditions through the beauty of online shopping and random name drawing websites.
• Simply find any website that allows you to randomly draw names. Drawnames.com is an example of this service. Drawnames.com allows participants to create a list, set up gift exchange details and create individual wish lists. The website seamlessly sends each participant a randomly chosen name through via email, so friends and family can skip right past needing to pick names out of a hat.

Although this year has changed a lot of things for everyone, it doesn't have to take away the fun of the holiday season. There are still a variety of ways to get "together" and celebrate the holidays to the fullest.

The pap smear is a test that screens a patient for cervical cancer. The leading cause and most important risk factor for cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted via contact from an infected person's skin to another person's body part, in this case, a cervix. If a person has HPV in their vaginal area for a long time, the chance of developing cervical cancer increases.

Patients are only screened for cervical cancer with a pap smear starting at the age of 21 years old. This has been the standard of practice for years. Even if the patient had vaginal sex long before 21 years old, we do not start doing pap smears until that person becomes 21. This is because large population studies of women in the U.S. and abroad has demonstrated that HPV can clear itself away naturally in many teenagers who maintain a healthy lifestyle and a robust immune system. If we did a pap smear on every 17-year-old, we might find a lot of HPV, but, ultimately, the infection might clear itself before the patient developed precancerous cervical changes.

A woman who has sex with other women (WSW) needs a pap smear as well. HPV transmits from intimate, person-to-person contact, which includes genitals, hands, and mouth. WSW need to be screened with a pap smear starting at 21 years old. 

Many patients worry that a pap smear exam is going to hurt or be uncomfortable. They should let their healthcare provider know that they are nervous, ask questions about the process and take some deep breaths. If getting a pelvic exam is a trigger for a traumatic experience, they should inform their provider beforehand.

There are ways to improve the chances of having a normal pap smear. First, getting the HPV vaccine is critical. Being vaccinated for HPV means receiving a series of injections to help build up immunity to fight the virus. It is available to women and men ages 9 to 45 years old, and covered by most insurances. It is extremely effective and safe. If unsure whether they had the vaccine as a child, one can check with their parents or pediatrician. Second, wearing condoms or use of dental dams during vaginal, anal, or oral sex reduces the chances of contracting HPV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

If pap smear results are abnormal, providers will have a discuss a plan of action. Most abnormal pap results in young adults need close follow-up with another pap smear. If there are advanced abnormalities, a colposcopy examination may be required.

With any questions or concerns, or to discuss your personal situation, the providers at Student Health Services are here to help. Call us at 908-737-4880 to schedule an appointment.

This article was written by Jackie Leung, MD from Student Health Services.

1. Begin Studying in Advance

No matter how one studies, a universally good plan is to start well in advance. Whether it requires memorizing dozens of dates and events, recalling complex formulas and applying them or collecting an array of research, a final can only be benefitted by the time spent familiarizing oneself with the details of their coursework and reconsidering their understanding to build confidence and clarity.

Studying with lots of time to spare also takes away the pressure of cramming, making it possible to use repetition to one's advantage and allowing a student to prioritize areas of study throughout the course. One can exchange emails with a professor to organize thoughts and express concerns. Becoming acquainted with the structure of an exam goes a long way to answering its questions comfortably and efficiently. Students can use all sorts of study tactics with more time - creating mnemonic devices, diagrams or flashcards, or separating sections of information into a series of study sessions to make each easier to recall, for instance.

2. Use Technology Wisely

These days, and particularly for the many students studying at home, it's both a blessing and a curse to have the variety of digital technology at our fingertips that we do. Textbook publishers may, for example, have online, supplemental materials for their printings; a quick browse can yield students all kinds of motivational images and videos, inspiring music to listen to as they study and an infinite array of other useful additives.

However, it's very easy for that access to create distraction, indiscipline and mental or emotional confusion. One can find themselves scouring the web for research only to come across too many compelling YouTube suggestions or ads for online shopping to stay focused on their work. Creating a truly isolated study space, silencing cell phones, closing online windows full of distracting material and reminding yourself to reach your goals throughout the process can make it so technology is more an ally than an enemy.

3. Prioritize Your Workload

Prioritizing, in particular, can mean two things: in each course, it's important to prioritize based on information that's more or less likely to appear on an exam. However, it also refers to the difficulty of each course. Depending on a student's own skill set, interests and academic area, different classes require more study time. Whichever form it takes, there's nothing wrong with giving yourself more time to catch up on areas of study you find more challenging.

4. Take Breaks as Needed

What sets apart studying during remote learning is the isolation. After months of lectures, projects and studying on one's own, it's easy to get mentally foggy, lose your focus or your confidence or to have trouble adapting to the rigors of every new course. Taking a deeper interest in mental and physical health can remedy this and encourage better results for studying all at once.

Study breaks, rewarding yourself with leisure time between sessions and practicing stress relieving methods (like meditation, yoga, breathing and stretching exercising or listening to music) can lighten the mental burden of a heavy study regiment and refresh the mind. It's equally important to keep the body in peak condition, which means focusing on good nutrition, getting regular exercise, getting regular and plentiful sleep and avoiding caffeine (despite the temptation to drink a lot of it). In the winter, getting sunlight and fresh air during cold and cloudy days can be difficult, but it provides even more clarity and comfort. Of course, the benefits to both mental and physical health improve one another, arming you to study efficiently and effectively.

Though Covid-19 have added new challenges to the 2020 semesters, with well-planned and disciplined study habits, everyone can finish strongly and be even prouder than ever of their success.

Residential Student Services says that they are, "committed to fostering a safe environment for our residents. We have made several adjustments to our residential community as we adapt to the effects of the pandemic."

To ensure the safety and security of the residential students, they have enforced protocol. For example, there will be single bedroom occupancy. This means that one resident will have their own bedroom and share the suite with one other student. 

This protocol has been put in place to ensure that students are not coming in contact with as many people. The important aspect for students to note is that residents will not be required to pay an additional fee for a single occupancy room, rather they will still be charged the lower rate of the double occupancy room. 

Another protocol that will be enforced is enhanced cleaning of residential areas. The facilities and maintenance staff are dedicated to cleaning the residential common areas several times a day. A deep cleaning will also transpire three times a week. This includes areas such as lounges, hallways, elevators, etc. being cleaned and sanitized thoroughly. Through these cleaning procedures, it shows that the safety of students and staff are a top priority.

Following, residential students and staff will be required to take a COVID test once a week. Free testing on campus will be provided on campus for these members of the Kean community to ensure that everyone is being treated accordingly. 

In the case that residential students or staff test positive for the virus, they can be assured that the university will provide ample and effective support, service and advisement. Through the help of Student Health Services, residents will be guided through this time. 

Residents will be offered a few quarantine and isolation options in this case, including being relocated to a designated on-campus quarantine assignment in which they would have meals delivered to them. Additionally, residents do not need to worry about their previous housing assignment as it will be cleaned and sanitized thoroughly and will be awaiting the student's return. 

Students planning to live on campus in Spring 2021 will have a variety of programming and extracurriculars to occupy their time and enhance their residential experience. For example, there are on-campus amenities that will be open such as the computer, Miron Student Center Game Room and the Fitness Center. There will also be socially-distanced events that will take place in person, as well as virtual events for students to partake in. 

Overall, Residential Student Service is dedicated to ensuring the safety of students in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic through this protocol. Students can expect a safe and comforting residential experience for the Spring 2021 semester. 

For those interested in living on campus next semester, be sure to complete the housing application in the housing portal. Students should log in using their KeanWise credentials, select 'Housing Applications and Requests,' and continue to fill out the application. 

Minors are completely optional at Kean, and the university offers a plethora of academic areas for students to choose from. Typically, a minor consists of a minimum of 15 semester hours, which could be in a single discipline or interdisciplinary.

Students majoring in a single academic discipline cannot minor in the same one. They have to choose a minor in a discipline different from their major in order to experience the range of study that's required.

Six semester hours must come from 3000-4000 level courses. Courses with a "C" or higher will be applied to the minor. Different minors may have additional grade or GPA requirements.

Students looking to be admitted for a minor program must use the Major/Minor Status Change Form, which can be found here.

The form must be signed by the coordinator responsible for the minor program and then submitted to the Office of the Registrar.

Upon filing for graduation, the academic department or college that offers the minor has to verify and sign off on all the requirements being met, with verification of its completion being filed within the Registrar's Office. The minor will be reflected on the student's transcript.

Below is a selection of minors currently offered by the university:

• Accounting
• Art History
• Biology
• Bioinformatics
• Communication
• Criminal Justice
• Dance
• Economics
• English
• Fine Arts
• French Studies
• Gerontology
• Health
• History
• Inclusive Health and Physical Activity
• Information Technology
• Jewish Studies & World Affairs
• Latin American Studies
• Management
• Music
• Philosophy & Religion
• Psychology
• Social Media
• Sociology
• Theatre
• Yoga Studies

For the full list of minors, Kean's undergraduate catalog can be found at this link.

Rosales is a biology health professions major and part of the class of 2024. In her first semester, she has gotten involved in the Leadership Institute, the Filipinos Uniting Nations at Kean club (F.U.N.K.), the American Medical Women's Association, the Freshman Research Initiative, became the Vice President of Cougar Hall's Hall Council and has been an active volunteer with Cougar Volunteers. She plans on getting involved with the Biology Club as well as the Physical Therapy club in the near future.

Rosales says that coming to college was a game-changer, since, before that, she had considered joining the airforce. All of that changed as soon as she visited one of Kean's open houses. She described the experience as very welcoming and the environment breathtaking, which helped her make the decision to attend.

"I didn't see myself going to college originally. I was ready to go and enlist with the airforce. So I filled out the paperwork and everything. When COVID hit, it caused me to rethink everything, and due to personal circumstances, I had to go with a backup plan. I did go to an open house at Kean and everyone was so welcoming. They made it really easy for me to make a decision, and once I found out one of my friends was going, that was my moment, right there, to come to Kean," said Rosales.

That one decision became a life-changing moment for Rosales. She became involved right away in an effort to make the best of her college experience, despite the limitations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. She has consistently volunteered at the emergency food distribution events on campus, the food assembly events, attended the coloring for a cause events, and the veterans letter-writing events virtually. Throughout her involvement in her organizations and community service, Rosales has reflected on what it means to be a student leader, as well as the impacts it has on others.

"I wasn't as involved in high school as I am now, and it surprises me because I never saw myself as a leader before. Coming into college, I came in with a new mindset, wanting to get involved right away. I wanted to take advantage of all the opportunities Kean has to offer. I was able to make new friends and meet some amazing people who have given me really great advice on how to adjust to college life," said Rosales. "Kean has been one of the best decisions of my life, and I do not regret any second of it."

Rosales has adapted to virtual learning but does not feel the same energy as an in-person experience delivers. She also said that time management has become essential to planning out the day and deadlines. Resources such as Cougar Link helped her to find all of the events Kean provides. Kean has provided a platform for her to develop leadership skills and boost her confidence levels because she's willing to make a difference for herself and the community.

"College is what you make of it. We have Cougar Link for a reason. Finding a good club that you are interested in could be the starting point of something even greater. I feel like getting involved in college is vital because you need connections for your future. People are not going to have a good time if they don't participate in all of these opportunities that are right in front of you. If you are hesitant about going to a club's meeting, just go for it. You never know who you are going to meet and how they may impact your life. You just gotta take risks and push yourself," said Rosales.

Rosales aims to get more involved for the rest of her college career, and plans on getting a master's degree as well as go to physical therapy school after she graduates. Rosales has already shown that she's a student leader, and Kean cannot wait to see what she does next.

In the lecture, Dr. Kaplan will discuss much of the contents of her book, "Hitler's Jewish Refugees: Hope and Anxiety in Portugal," which looks closely at the refugee experience, how people's lives were uplifted and how they had to leave behind who they were and try to find safety. It will dive into the stories of this group of people, who were trying to escape Europe for their own personal and religious liberation.

For access to this zoom lecture, participants must email coykends@kean.edu for the event link.

Every year, the Holocaust Resource Center presents the Murray Pantirer Scholars' Lecture Series. Past lectures have been given by known names in the field of Holocaust history, who have all given valuable insight to Kean students and community on the history, culture and experiences of the Jewish community.

This annual lecture series is named after the founder of the Holocaust Resource Center and Holocaust survivor, Murray Pantirer. Each year, distinguished speakers from a variety of fields, with histories in or around the Holocaust and the Jewish experience, come to Kean to deliver engaging and thought-provoking talks to the community. Guest speakers have included:

• Nobel Prize Laureate Elie Wiesel z"l
• Chief Rabbi of Israel Israel M. Lau
• Debòrah Dwork (Clark University)
• Sir Martin Gilbert z"l
• Christopher Browning (UNC - Chapel Hill)
• Gerda Weissman Klein

The Holocaust Resource Center is an organization that operates in conjunction with the Holocaust Resource Foundation and works closely with the Human Rights Institute. The Holocaust Resource Center was founded in 1982 by a group of Holocaust survivors who rebuilt their lives in Elizabeth, NJ. The resource center offers free graduate courses to teachers on learning how to teach the Holocaust and how to teach prejudice reduction. It has also launched an oral history program, delivering hours of first-person accounts from survivors. The resource center is dedicated to fostering and reinforcing awareness of the Holocaust among students, teachers and the rest of the community.

For more information on the Holocaust Resource Center and updates on future events, visit the center's website. 

Throughout the presentation, students were shown the steps of graduation readiness such as meeting with their advisers, applying for graduation and buying senior portraits or class rings.

Perhaps what was the most important were the two paths touched upon: graduate school and the workforce.

Amy Clark, Program Assistant of Graduate Admissions gave students information about the school's graduate program such as the programs that are offered along with the requirements for applying.

There are many benefits for a student who applies to graduate school such as earning specific certifications, meeting the educational requirements for post-baccalaureate fields and growing their professional network along with expanding their knowledge and skills.

"Increasing a professional network is something that most people do not think about," said Clark. "Students will be shocked by who they meet since they are in such a diverse group of professors and students that could increase their network."

Shortly after, Laureen Delance of Career Services came with information about the purpose it serves which provides opportunities for internships, career exploration and job readiness to Kean students.

The importance of having a LinkedIn profile and a concise work resume were expanded upon greatly throughout this half of the presentation.

"My specific role is working on developing internships for students," said Delance. "Some of the other areas that I provide support in Career Services is to make sure students have the right tools, skills and resources to go out and navigate the workforce."

Concluding the event, a giveaway was held at the end where two students were selected to win a prize.

Career Services at Kean University is an office that works to connect and prepare students for the real world. With an appointment, students can sit down with a representative from Career Services and go over their resumes. They will help to expand and highlight key attributes and accomplishments catered to the intended position. They will also explain which things need to be removed. To make an appointment, contact Career Services located in the Center for Academic Success (CAS), Room 201 by phone at (908) 737-4626 or by emailing career@kean.edu.  

The Student Class of 2021 represents all full-time fourth year students at the university. Student Organization's mission is to encourage students to voice their feelings and support students on their journeys to empowerment. More information about the organization can be found on Cougar Link.

Several representatives from RSS facilitated the info session as they provided interested students an overview of the position, as well as explaining the requirements of fulfilling it.

The presentation started off with an ice breaker, during which three volunteers shared their special talents.

Afterward, the session commenced by reviewing the roles of a residential assistant and being part of a team.

Being a residential assistant means taking on the following responsibilities:

• serving as a role model to other students
• providing resources and connections to offices and departments on campus
• building a sense of community on their designated floor inside their respective hall
• collaborating with other RAs and department-wide teams
• providing support for departmental and campus-wide events

There are many benefits to being a residential assistant. Residential assistants receive a scholarship that covers the costs of their room and board, with their own single room that is not part of a suite.

Residential assistants are equipped with the knowledge and experience to handle high-stakes situations, such as building evacuations, mediating conflicts and making compromises. They also learn to work better in teams, proper time management strategies, grow their emotional intelligence and facilitate programming.

General qualifications for the position are:

• 2.75 cumulative GPA or higher
• Applicants must be either a sophomore, junior or senior
• Full-time matriculated students at the university
• Good conduct standing with the university
• Must attend at least one informational session

All candidates must complete an online application that includes a resume and two professional references. Candidates who move past the application screening will be invited to the group process and individual interviews.

Two more informational sessions will be held, the first on Dec. 3 at 8 p.m. and the second on Dec. 10 at 3:30 p.m. Applications for the position will go live during the spring semester.

For any questions, comments and concerns about the position, Residential Student Services are reachable via email at reslife@kean.edu.

To be eligible, a student applicant must meet the following criteria:

• be a full-time, matriculating student in good standing and with no history of any student conduct violations
• 18 years of age or older
• a US citizen
• undergraduate applicants must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75
• undergraduate applicants must have completed at least 30 degree credits, with at least 15 of those credits having been completed at Kean University
• graduate applicants must be full time students, have a cumulative GPA of average of 3.0 and have completed at least 12 credits at Kean University

Non-voting student representatives act as liaisons between the Wenzhou-University Board of Directors and the Kean University USA student body. The student representative will be a participant of regular meetings and student affairs committee meetings of the board. The student representative may also attend meetings for Student Organization, the Graduate and Part-Time Student Council and the Student Leadership Council to keep up to date on the needs of the student body. Additionally, student representatives periodically meet with the Vice President for Student Affairs to discuss any issues or concerns that may arise. More information about this opportunity can be found here.

The prestigious position is a wonderful chance for students looking to be thoroughly involved in a variety of aspects of Kean University life. This is a unique opportunity to network across the world and work with individuals with many backgrounds and interests.

Students who accept this challenge will be sure to gain many important experiences and considerably develop their skillset.

Interested students can complete the application form titled, "Application for Non-Voting Student Representative to the Wnzhou-Kean University Board of Directors," found under "Forms" on Cougar Link.

Any questions about this position can be directed to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs at studentaffairs@kean.edu.

Throughout the month, any officer that donates a minimum of $25 to the KUPD No-Shave November Fundraiser would be exempt from the KUPD shaving policy for the rest of the month. This year, there are 19 KUPD members that are participating in the fundraiser. KUPD hopes to raise $1,000 from the fundraiser and to date have raised $930, or 93 percent of their goal. The raised funds will be donated to three organizations: the Prevent Cancer Foundation, Fight Colorectal Cancer, and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

The Prevent Cancer Foundation is the only U.S.-based nonprofit organization solely dedicated to cancer prevention and early-detection. The mission of the Prevent Cancer Foundation is "saving lives across all populations through cancer prevention and early detection." To accomplish this mission, The Prevent Cancer Foundation focuses on research, education, outreach and advocacy.

Fight Colorectal Cancer is a patient-empowerment and advocacy organization based in the U.S. Fight Colorectal Cancer focuses on providing thorough information on colon and rectal cancers, advocating for colorectal cancer patients and their families and funding colorectal cancer research.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital's mission is "to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment."

All three nonprofits are reliant on generous donations from individual contributions.

Thus, anyone who would like to support the fight against cancer and simultaneously support KUPD's fun fundraiser is encouraged to do so by donating to the KUPD No-Shave November team page.

The groups who are currently conducting elections for 2021 must-have them completed by Monday, Nov. 30. Organizations that fail to fill the roles of the preceding officers (such as a President) and record keepers (such as a Secretary or Vice President) will not be eligible for recognition until these positions are filled. If any organization anticipates challenges filling executive board roles, please contact the Involvement Center as soon as possible for guidance and assistance.

The Student Group Recognition form is available via Cougar Link. Spring 2021 executive board members may access it by going to the organization's tab by clicking the "register an organization button" on the left side of the page under the filter box. That link will take users to a page where they can see a list of organizations that are eligible for registration. The executive members are responsible for selecting their organization and clicking the "Re-Register" button.

In order to best prepare for the Spring 2021 Student Group Recognition process, please make sure to collect the following from each executive board member for the Spring 2021 semester:

• Full name

• Position

• Kean University Student ID number

• Contact phone number 

• Kean email address

If an executive board will not change for the upcoming year (ex. an organization has an April to May election), then the group does not need to make any changes. If any member of an executive board is changing for the Spring 2021 semester, then their information will need to be updated. Please make sure the information is accurate and updated in a timely manner. Also, make sure the organization's roster is updated.

For a student wanting to serve in an executive board or leadership role, within any recognized student group, they must meet a minimum established criteria in accordance with the Kean University Student Leadership Criteria. Depending on the organization, some may require higher standards within their constitution. Students seeking to hold a leadership position must follow these guidelines:

• Have completed a minimum of 12 credits at Kean University and be fully matriculated (excludes freshman class officers, freshman council representatives, part-time students, and graduate students);
• Have a minimum of a 2.50 cumulative grade point average;
• Be free of probation with restrictions in residence, University-wide disciplinary probation, or higher-level disciplinary sanctions (University-wide probation with restrictions, suspension, or dismissal).

All executive board members must also complete a Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) form. The FEPRA form has been updated for Fall 2020 and will be available when the student group recognition process opens. Any questions regarding the Student Leadership Criteria should be directed to Scott Snowden, Director of the Center for Leadership and Service at snowdens@kean.edu.

All student group executive board members must complete an annual training program known as the Student Group Leadership Conference. It is organized and designed to fulfill this training requirement. Additional information regarding the conference will be communicated to the new Spring 2021 members who have not yet completed their training.

Another piece of important information: Organizations that fail to have their entire executive board complete the annual training requirement by Tuesday, January 19, 2021, will not be permitted to participate in the Spring Involvement Fair and the organization's reservations and programs will be deleted until the organization is fully compliant.

For more information about the Cougar Link Student Group Recognition Process, please visit https://www.kean.edu/offices/center-leadership-and-service-2. 

Any questions or concerns? Please email the Involvement Center at groups@kean.edu for assistance.

The Netflix-produced series features appearances and commentary on the voting history and process in the U.S. from many of the biggest names in politics and entertainment, including narrators Leonardo DiCaprio, Selena Gomez, and John Legend. The series installments are subtitled,  "The Right to Vote," "Can You Buy an Election?" and "Whose Vote Counts," each examining elements of the electoral process in depth through explanations by experts and analyses of election data.

Too often in the U.S. today, voters are dissuaded from taking part in the voting process because of the process itself: whether they live in a state where they feel the results are pre-determined regardless of their participation; or their district or state makes the procedures complicated or inconvenient; or they're unable to take the time amid a busy schedule. These episodes refer to contentious political issues today, including voter suppression and other representation disenfranchisement, the electoral college and gerrymandering and the effects of money in government and politics, respectively.

Students who attend can expect to learn about the importance of making their voices heard in every election, why the system works the way it does and how to be involved in a positive way for their local and national communities - even and especially when it feels like voting doesn't matter. The process will only continue to exclude millions of American voices if those who can neglect to stand up for their own.

The events will be held through Google Hangouts Meet using a Netflix Party web address given to guests once they've registered.

The series of events began on Nov. 13 and Nov. 16, and will continue during the following:

• Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 3:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, Nov. 24 at 4:30 p.m.
• Monday, Nov. 30, at 3 p.m.
• Thursday, Dec. 3 at 4 p.m.
• Monday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 12 at 8 p.m.
• Tuesday, Dec. 15 at 3 p.m.
• Friday, Dec. 18 at 3 p.m

Additionally, students that attend the entire series will be given credit for a GE-approved T2K service event.

Guests can RSVP to the events via Cougar Link. Students who have not yet registered to vote can do so through TurboVote, a Kean partner in get-out-the-vote efforts.

With any other questions or concerns, students can reach out to the Center for Leadership and Service via email at serve@kean.edu or by phone at 908-737-5170.

Students were given a presentation on the basics of remote networking, during which they learned the importance of networking, setting up a LinkedIn profile and marketing themselves on social media.

"Everyone wants to go to a different field in the future. They have different goals, interests and hobbies they do on campus. They have to play onto their strengths," said Delia Latini, a leadership specialist for the institute. "We're taking networking from a different approach into one that is more modern."

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever for peers and coworkers to remain connected with each other.

Networking is important because it helps students improve their skill sets, keep up with the world's trends, meet mentors and obtain resources that will help them in their careers.

Throughout the remainder of the event, students were briefed on ways to improve their presence both online and in person, such as becoming involved with student organizations, being open to unfamiliar opportunities, taking initiative and maintaining their connections.

"When students first get to college, their first thing is to make friends. It is hard to make them in this climate, but they have the upper hand since they are virtual," said Amir Gallashaw, a leadership specialist and peer mentor. "It's a matter of finding people and connecting with them."

The Leadership Institute also had a special guest join the presentation, Beyanka Wheatley.

Wheatley is a Kean alum with a masters in communication, who is also a communications specialist and content creator. She joined the conversation to share her experiences in taking the first steps with her networking.

"I wasn't the most outspoken person, but I always attended events outside of my leadership meetings, which really put a spotlight on me for others to see that I took every opportunity I could to participate and give back," said Wheatley.

Wheatley went more into detail about how digital networking helped her in both her professional and personal life. "When it comes to online, I didn't realize joining random Facebook groups with people who had common interests was networking," she continued. "Back in 2016, I shaved off all my hair and I started a natural hair journey. After joining many groups, it gave me the confidence I needed to begin creating my own content."

These are lessons every student can learn from. Throughout college, and even more as they join the workforce, learning from your own experiences and connecting with people who share your interests and goals are among the most important parts of growing a career.

The next opportunity will begin at 7:30 a.m. on Nov. 21 and conclude by 1 p.m. Distribution will be held in the Vaughn-Eames Parking Lot, by the North Avenue Academic Building. To volunteer, students must pre-register.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided for the volunteers. The food donations are given out on a first come, first served basis with no required registration for Union County residents seeking to pick up goods.

This particular food drive takes place during Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week, which is from Nov. 15 to 22. The week was conceived to bring awareness to poverty and support those suffering from food insecurities.

Since this event will be held in person, it is required for volunteers to wear a face covering over both the face and mouth, with their #CampusClear app ready. Attendance will be tracked via the Cougar Link Event Pass.

Pre-registration for this event is required as spots are limited. Students that are interested can register to volunteer on Cougar Link. More information about the event will be sent out to volunteers closer to its date.

Students who are interested in volunteering for a food distrbution box assembly event but cannot attend the Nov. 21 date can volunteer on the following future dates:

• Wednesday, Dec. 9*
• 8 to 10:30 a.m.
• 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• 12 to 2:30 p.m.
• 2 to 4:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Dec. 10*
• 8 to 10:30 a.m.
• 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• 12 to 2:30 p.m.
• 2 to 4:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 12
• Saturday, Dec. 19

*There are multiple shifts for the Wednesday, Dec. 9 and Thursday, Dec. 10 dates so be sure to register for the specific shift you want through Cougar Link.

Information for all these dates and shifts can be found on their respective Cougar Link pages. Pre-registration is required for all volunteer opportunities.

Any questions, comments or concerns can be directed to the Center for Leadership and Service can be emailed at serve@kean.edu.

The Bauer Boucher Kean Student/Alumni Playwrighting Awards was named after longtime Premiere Stages supporters W. John Bauer and Nancy Boucher. The award program was created to encourage Kean student and alumni playwrights to showcase their work.

One current Kean student will be selected to receive a $1000 award. One alumnus will be selected to receive a $2000 award. In addition to these, both winners will receive a one-day developmental reading of their plays with professional casts and directors. Additional playwrights may also be selected as finalists and awarded $100.

Submissions will be judged by a panel of art professionals who evaluate the work and provide recommendations to the Producing Artistic Director and artistic staff.

Submissions must include:

• Brief synopsis of the play that is no more than half a page
• character breakdown
• Script or as much of it as is already written along with scene breakdown of full play
• The playwright's bio or resume

Submissions must be formatted as a PDF via email to pfsubmit@kean.edu.

Submissions will be accepted from Nov. 13, 2020 through 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 14, 2020.

Eligibility Criteria

• Playwrights must be current students in good academic standing or graduates of Kean University
• Previous winning plays and finalist plays are ineligible
• Plays must be unpublished
• Plays must have never received a professional production
• Scripts must be one-acts, full-length or solo shows.
• Incomplete scripts must contain at least 25 pages and a detailed scene breakdown for the full play
• Playwrights must be available for the development of their script as noted in the 2021 schedule
• 2021 Schedule
• Nov. 13, 2020 - Submissions open
• Dec. 14, 2020 - Submissions close at 11:59 p.m.
• Early January 2021- Finalist interviews
• Mid January 2021- Winners and finalists selected
• Late January 2021 - Winners receive professional readings (date and locations to be announced)

All interested students and Kean alumni are encouraged to apply regardless of background, age or level of experience.

For more information, click here. For any questions, contact pfsubmit@kean.edu.

The registration period opens as follows:

• Monday, Nov. 2 - Priority registration, for scholars (students with a 3.85 cumulative GPA), athletes, students with a disability (filed with the Office of Disability Services) and veterans
• Tuesday, Nov. 3 - Students with 100 or more credits, and returning freshmen from A-L
• Wednesday, Nov. 4 - Students with 90 or more credits, and returning freshmen from M-Z
• Thursday, Nov. 5 - Students with 79 or more credits
• Friday, Nov. 6 - Students with 69 or more credits
• Monday, Nov. 9 - Students with 56 or more credits
• Tuesday, Nov. 10 - Students with 51 or more credits, incoming freshmen and transfer students and readmitted students
• Wednesday, Nov. 11 - Students with 44 or more credits
• Thursday, Nov. 12 - Students with 35 or more credits
• Friday, Nov. 13 - Students with 29 or more credits
• Monday, Nov. 16 - Students with as few as 0 credits
• Friday, Nov. 20 - Non-matriculated students

The following undergraduate courses are available for the Winter session:

• In English
• World Literature (ENG*2403*WB01) and Young Adult Literature (ENG*3255*WBI01)
• For transfer students who have yet to complete the mandatory, 1-credit Transfer Transitions course:
• GE*3000*WBON1
• In health education:
• Nutrition (HED*3600*WBON1)
• Principles of Management (MGS*2030*WBON1)
• Principles of Marketing (MKT*2500*WBON1)
• In nursing:
• NURS*3000*WBON1
• In psychology:
• Professional Psychology: Principles (PSY*2000*WBON1)
• Life-Span Developmental Psychology (PSY*3110*WBON1)
• Abnormal Psychology (PSY*3540*WBON1)
• Understanding Self and Others (PSY*3650*WBON1)

The graduate course Augmentative/Alternative Communication (CDD*5264*WBI01) is also available remotely.

Many of these courses are required by academic interest. For students in need of them, some of these courses are able to be used as upper-level free electives. Consult your advisor and your Program Evaluation to be sure which are applicable for your needs.

Students can visit Keanwise to search and register for all available courses.

Scheduling and availability changes or the addition of more courses are always possible, so students should check Keanwise regularly as they plan their courses for the Winter session and beyond.

More details about registration for the Winter session and Spring 2021 semester can be found through the Office of the Registrar. Students can also contact the One Stop Service Center by phone at 908-73-REGME with more questions and concerns.

These exams mix questions of all sorts, from open-ended to multiple-choice, in a comprehensive survey of students' readiness for the challenges ahead - both in terms of their knowledge and their work ethic. Many of these exams are held predominantly from Nov. to Feb. in particular, in anticipation of students' admittance to post-graduate programs for the following fall.

The GRE is a series of comprehensive exams designed to test graduate program candidates in a variety of academic areas to ensure they're prepared for the rigors of the next level of education. Provided by ETS, the GRE General Test and more refined Subject Tests can be scheduled first come, first served, and can be taken, with at least 21 days separating attempts, up to five times per year. To accommodate the challenges of COVID-19, the exams can also be taken remotely, if a student so chooses. The ETS website makes registering for the GRE, taking practice courses and exams easy. A range of other preparation courses and study plans are widely available as well.

The Praxis Tests challenge the knowledge of students planning to join the teaching workforce. Also catered by ETS, the Praxis is a required component of teaching certification by many states in the U.S., challenging prospective teachers' general studies and their knowledge of their teaching focus in particular. Test-takers choose a date for testing for their field and the level of students they intend to teach, and, like the GRE, taking the Praxis remotely has also become possible due to COVID-19 restrictions. The Praxis site features every detail for registration, a variety of study prep, tests and other resources, as well as performance assessments.

The Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), which determines prospective law students' preparedness for law schools throughout the country, has also made it possible to take the exam remotely. The schedule of LSAT testing years runs from June 1 to May 31. The exam is provided by the Law School Admission Council, which also provides prep books and other information. Though some law schools may accept alternative testing, the LSAT is uniquely accepted by all schools accredited by the American Bar Association, making it irreplaceable for law school-bound students.

The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) offers a similar challenge for students moving forward in a variety of business fields, featuring a combination of written and verbal assessments that show prospective MBA candidates are amply prepared for the challenges of earning the degree. MBA.com, which curates the exam, also provides practice tests, a starter kit and a slew of other resources to prepare. Further, registering for the best location and time to take the exam is easy and detailed throughout the site.

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), designed and managed by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), is the standard and universal exam for students who aim to continue their study and join the practice of medicine. It is expectedly scrupulous, and signals to medical school programs the readiness of the test taker. The AAMC website takes students through the process of registering and preparing, and outlines the detailed calendar of testing dates, scoring dates and other deadlines.

Each exam features a series of fees and associated registration details unique to each student's experience. Graduating seniors and others preparing for the GREs, Praxis Tests, LSAT, MCAT or GMAT should visit the above sites and any others for practice tests and strategies, as well as seeking out the advice of mentors and peers in their fields.

Best of luck to all as they endeavor to take the next big step in their careers.

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this organization remains committed to its mission of enhancing the personal and social growth of everyone that it serves.

Their first event, Shameless, will be held virtually on Nov. 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. Shameless centers around body positivity and adopting healthy eating habits. Students who attend and remain present for the event will be entered in a raffle for a chance to win a $100 Hello Fresh gift card. Further details about the event will be announced. Students can RSVP and find further information on Cougar Link.

Goodbye College, Hello Life is the next event, taking place on Nov. 18 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. via Zoom. The senior class of 2021 will be having a virtual presentation describing the final steps of completing senior year, and preparing students to enter the workforce or apply for graduate school.

Important senior year dates, test prep tips, grad school applications and services offered via Career Services will be discussed in the virtual events. Students will also be entered into a raffle for wonderful giveaways. More information on Goodbye College, Hello Life can be found on Cougar Link.

Student Organization is dedicated to maintaining an environment where the freedom of expression can reverberate through scholarly opinion, debate and education through its programming and services. For questions, comments and concerns, Student Org can be emailed at stuorg@kean.edu.

But now everything is different. The COVID-19 pandemic is in full swing. You are sitting in your pajamas at home staring at a screen. You can hear your parents in the next room and it seems like they might be arguing...again! Money is a big problem for everyone since your father got laid off. As far as your school work, you have no idea how you are doing. The discussion boards are so confusing and the professors keep assigning homework after homework. And on top of it all your boyfriend's mother just tested positive for COVID! You begin to notice that your heart is racing. You are breathing more heavily and your hands are sweaty. Your mind is focused on thoughts of failure and you can't focus! Just as your professor finally logs on, you log off and climb under your bed covers, sobbing.

How the world has changed. With the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, many people have found that they have less and less control over their lives. Life seems more unpredictable and unstable and feelings of worry, nervousness, and doubt have become all too common. Mental health providers are in full agreement that all these factors have contributed to increased reports of anxiety in the population. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older, or 18.1% of the population every year. In a recent study conducted by the Centers for Disease control, the prevalence of symptoms of anxiety disorder reported by a sample of individuals in June 2020 (25.5%) was approximately three times those reported in the second quarter of 2019 (8.1%). The impact of anxiety is even felt on our campus where anxiety is the number one most common presenting problem for students who come to the Counseling Center.

Anxiety is an emotion that is experienced, on one end, as a common response to uncertainty and doubt, and on the other, as an all-consuming mental health condition, with many other manifestations in-between. With such a broad spectrum of potential experiences that we can have with this emotion, how do we know when we are having a "normal" occurrence or experiencing a "mental disorder"? This is an important question because it will determine if we hang tight until the feeling subsides or take the important step of seeking out counseling and other effective support services.

Below are some simple questions that you can ask yourself to determine if you are experiencing everyday anxiety or potentially an anxiety disorder:

Does my anxiety match the situation or problem? Everyday anxiety is usually connected to perceived or real uncertainty in our environment. When we are having a normal response, we can usually identify what is causing the feeling or what it is related to. For example, you may experience anxiety before a test or before you talk to someone you are attracted to. An anxiety disorder, on the other hand, is usually experienced as an unspecific, sustained, and overwhelming sense of emotional or physical danger or dread. It can seem to be connected to "everything" and "nothing" all at the same time and is often out of proportion to a given situation.  Even in those cases when it is specific to a situation or person, it may not decrease when the threat goes away, lasting for days and weeks. A good example is a continuous, distressing sense that you will contract COVID-19 even when you are at home by yourself. 

Is my anxiety affecting my ability to function? Normal anxiety tends to last only as long as the threat situation. After things settle down, we are usually able to return to other aspects of our lives without much disturbance. A memory of the prior threat may cause us some discomfort but it does not last very long. When we have an anxiety disorder, our daily functioning can be significantly altered. We may find ourselves avoiding situations that trigger us or we may experience troubling bodily symptoms such as stomach upset, racing thoughts, increased heart rate, and sweating. We may also have frequent thoughts of "doom and gloom." These symptoms can be crippling and may make it difficult for us to go on with our regular activities. 

Am I able to calm down or manage my anxiety? By the time most of us reach adulthood, we will have experienced enough situations that cause everyday anxiety to develop a reasonable stockpile of tricks and strategies to deal with the emotion. This may include leaving a triggering situation, engaging in a distracting activity, taking a deep breath, or just "pushing through it". When you have an anxiety disorder, these techniques may not work so well. In fact, in some cases, they may cause the symptoms to increase. For example, if I have a "phobia" or anxiety about driving, avoiding doing so can actually make my experience of anxiety worse. In some cases of serious anxiety symptoms, in order to find some respite, a person may turn to more unhealthy coping methods such as substance abuse, social isolation, or verbal or physical aggression.

We are currently living in very distressing times when triggers for anxiety seem to be all around us. In order to be healthy, it is important that we have a good sense of our own emotions and how they affect our lives. By keying in on the impact that anxiety is having on us, we are in a better position to seek help when necessary. For more information, visit the Counseling Center website at https://www.kean.edu/offices/office-counseling-disability-alcohol-and-other-drug-services/counseling-center or call us at (908) 316-8217 to ask questions or make an appointment.

This article was written by Vidal Annan, Jr., PhD., director of the Office of Counseling, Disability, Alcohol, and Other Drug Services.

Many senior citizens have been isolated due to the COVID-19 pandemic for the past few months. The prom event will give them a great opportunity to socialize with each other, as well as with the students of SOTA. Attendees will be able to have a night full of fun and get to know each other.

The Virtual Older Adult Prom will be held on Friday, Nov. 20 from 4 to 6 p.m. To ensure everyone's safety, it will take place over video-chat via Zoom. Nonetheless, it will still be a very enjoyable event for all that attend.

There are several activities planned for the evening, including dance routines, educational resources and many fun games. The members of SOTA will be there facilitating and interacting during the planned activities.

SOTA was established at Kean University to help the personal and professional development of students studying occupational therapy. They also aim to emphasize the importance of community service as well as academic excellence. SOTA has built a community for students studying occupational therapy to help each other grow and advance in their personal and professional endeavors, which is done through mentoring, networking and more.

To learn more about the Virtual Older Adult Prom 2020 or SOTA as a whole, be sure to check out their Cougar Link page or reach out to them via email at sota@kean.edu.

Through this role, Walsh will oversee programming and accessibility of resources for the freshmen at Kean, leading first-year students to a successful introductory year at Kean.

Walsh is a biology major with a goal to one day work in the medical field as a pediatric cardiologist. He chose to study at Kean due to its location, campus and resources for students. He also appreciated the opportunities provided by Kean to help students excel throughout their collegiate career.

Walsh said, "My time here at Kean will help me drastically for my future because they not only offer great education, but they offer many opportunities that can help you get involved in and outside of campus and build your resume."

As Walsh is new on campus, he is currently only involved in Student Government, however, he recognizes the importance of becoming even more involved. He also values building his leadership skills, which he aims to do through his role as freshman class president.

Walsh's main goal during his term as the class of 2024 president is to ensure that the freshmen at Kean are able to receive an amazing college experience, despite the challenges in the world around us. He aims to do this through educational and entertaining programs for students to partake in. Walsh also wants to ensure that students are aware of services that can aid them from their remote educations and while they are on campus.

He said, "My plans with this role are to make sure that my time in this position does not go to waste, and I can tend to all problems and concerns of the freshman class and get them resolved to the best of my ability."

Being freshman class president entails many responsibilities on top of Walsh's academic work. Time management is an important skill to have with this role, which comes naturally to Walsh. He has become well versed in prioritizing and managing his obligations through his scheduling abilities, which he will put to use during his term.

Walsh ran for this position because he wanted to become involved on campus, and hopes to use the role to encourage other students to do the same. He hopes to make connections with his peers and become more comfortable on campus.

Throughout his term and his time at Kean, Walsh hopes to be a role model to students and show how being involved and dedicated to his academics can lead him on the path to success.

Walsh said, "The top advice I would give [students] is to go for it! College is filled with things we want for our future and things we want for ourselves, but many people might get discouraged because they feel like they can't do it or they don't fit the criteria."

He continued, "You should just go for it and always think for the better."

Guerrero is a senior majoring in English and has been apart of Jumpstart for four years. Jumpstart is a national early childhood education organization that recruits and trains college students to assist with pre-schools in low-income neighborhoods. Guerrero joined Jumpstart to be able to give back to the communities who do not have enough resources for education. She has been able to balance three jobs as well as two internships all while doing her duties for Jumpstart in her four years of being part of the program.

"Growing up, I didn't really have the right tools or mentors to support me. That is the main reason I joined Jumpstart. Growing up now and being able to support my community is really amazing," said Guerrero. "I want to empower kids to become future leaders of their own going against stereotypes of not being able to make it in life."

Guerrero says joining Jumpstart has been an amazing experience because she is able to grow her professional network as well as gain experience working with kids to help fuel her passion for writing children's books as part of her goals after college. She switched her major a few times to find out she loved working with children but wanted to do more instead of sitting in a classroom all day. Guerrero noticed there was a lack of representation in children's books and wanted to be a part of a new generation for change in the evolving culture.

"I ended up making my minor my major after switching from being an early childhood education major. I want to be an author and write my own children's books. I feel like there is not enough representation especially with Latinas and I want to be a part of the change so kids can have a role model they can look up to," said Guerrero. "I also want to be a part of campaigns to assist with health and other important issues in the community and if I write and pour out what I think and what I see, then people will be able to gravitate toward that to grow from what was to the future."

Even though the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many services around the world, that has not stopped Guerrero from making an impact while doing Jumpstart. She explained that even though Jumpstart has been operating remotely, she misses the in-person interaction with her students because it is not the same as talking through a computer screen.

"We are restricted to just sending videos of us either reading a chapter of a book or a lesson plan to submit to the schools. It is not the same interaction as before. This year I am the volunteer coordinator for Jumpstart so I have been scheduling virtual events for students to get on a virtual call so we can do little activities with them just for social interaction. Overall, virtual anything is not that appealing. People do not have the same energy as they would have in person," said Guerrero. "In Jumpstart, we need to be on the right level with each other because not everybody is comfortable with being on-camera just talking or recording themselves which may add an extra layer of self-consciousness."

Even though things have not been the way they were supposed to be this year, Guerrero says we must all come together to get through this one day at a time so by the time the pandemic ends, we will be an even more, evolved society for the better. Guerrero's advice for Kean students who wish to get more involved is to use their resources such as Cougar Link and their networking skills in order to realize their true passions as well as find new motivations that push them to be better versions of themselves.

"Always use resources such as Cougar Link and make friends in classes you go to," said Guerrero, "It may be hard at first but it is always important to make those network connections because you may never know how helpful it will be for your college career and beyond. I get mass emails all the time about events to go to so there is always something to do. You have to push yourself out of your comfort zone and it will help you push through most of life's struggles and you will have a more positive outlook."

Guerrero strives to build a lifelong legacy to inspire others and encourages other students to do the same with finding their passions.

The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk is the culminating event of Breast Cancer Awareness Month at Kean. It is a time when the community gathers to walk and show their support and sense of community in standing up for this cause. This year, the breast cancer awareness walk was able to be held virtually.

With 82 participants, the Center for Leadership and Services (CLS) was able to gather people in the Kean community who were willing to continue to show their activism and volunteerism despite the prohibitive circumstances brought on by the global pandemic. Participants joined a Zoom call and walked in their own neighborhoods for as long as they wanted, in honor of those who struggle with and have lost their lives to breast cancer.

"The walk this year looked different than previous years because of COVID-19. Although the walk happened virtually through Zoom, the energy was so positive and exciting, it felt like we were in person walking! It was amazing to see how many Kean students, along with friends and family, came out to raise awareness for breast cancer. We are so thankful for our volunteers who came out Sunday morning to walk with us, and we are also so impressed by the beautifully decorated cars that volunteers sent to us," said Mckenzie Alter, service specialist with the Center for Leadership and Service.

Alter continued, "Not only did we have a walk, but we also had a virtual car parade in which volunteers decorated their car and drove around their local towns to raise awareness for breast cancer. The effort that all students put into Sunday's breast cancer events was humbling and inspiring. I want to shout out the amazing community service staff that helped to make this all possible."

Collectively, CLS and everyone who attended the virtual walk traveled a total of 4,162 minutes of walking, which equates to 69 hours or 2.89 days. They were also able to collect over $500 in donations, to be donated to the American Cancer Society to help fund and raise awareness for breast cancer and cancer research, an astounding accomplishment for this one-of-a-kind event. For anyone still looking to make contributions to breast cancer research and awareness, donations can be made directly to the American Cancer Society.

Why is it important to understand financial literacy? So students can understand the value of a dollar to save up for a new car or potentially buy a house. Without financial literacy, it can get really easy to get into trouble with not paying bills or other essential needs. This type of education is crucial to help people save money to avoid high levels of debt which may result in bankruptcies, defaults, and foreclosures.

This is where having a good credit score comes into place. Having a good credit score will help banks and other lenders determine risk management with lending money and qualify for low interest rates making them a desirable consumer. Employers may also request to see a candidate's credit score to see if they are a low-risk for their company when hiring new people. However, having a bad credit score may impact people in the future if they decide to take out a loan for school or want to buy a fancy car making them a high risk of not paying back their money.

Haithem El Gobji, a guest speaker at the workshop talked about how a credit score is basically a report card of how somebody is doing with their finances.

"It's not about how much money you owe. It's a report card. A credit report is more of a report card of how you are doing and how you are using your financial access to money. Whether its a credit card, loans, or a bill that needs to be paid off, its a report card since you started credit and it never stops," said El Gobji.

The seminar also talked about the use of credit cards and how they can build up a credit score if done right. Banks give credit cards to people who filled out an application for them and are qualified after providing a proof of income. Every month, the bank issued with the credit card sends out a statement saying the transactions that have taken place in the last month as well as how much money is owed after using the card. Paying it off on time allows the user's credit score to go up but putting it off for too long may cause it to go down.

All of this sounds like a great idea to pay off a tv or buy a new computer in installments instead of all at once. Credit cards are basically money a bank is loaning to the user. It is up to the user to make sure it gets paid back on time otherwise, they may face the consequences. If a balance is not paid off right away, the bank has the right to add on interest charges making those purchases cost even more than before at the end of each billing cycle. That interest charge is based on a credit card's interest rate as well as the total balance on the card that is owed. Both of these rates can fluctuate so it is important to check them regularly.

One may get caught up with the freedom of having a credit card so it is important to make the best investments instead of buying things that my not be as needed. Having a "good" credit score will help people in the long run compared to not paying bills and having a "bad" credit score. If not abused, credit cards do have plenty of financial benefits but they are not a substitute for cash. Having more credit is not always a good thing so it is important to build up funds that do not have to rely on credit.

"It's not about just paying everything with cash having no debts and thinking you are ok. Credit is a good thing and it is how you use credit that people look at. If you have no credit that you are using or not using, how can a bank or anybody looking to lend you money judge you?" said El Gobji. "There needs to be a credit history built and it always important to start small like having only at least one credit card while in college is recommended."

The workshop hopefully made students realize how to better understand the financial system and the importance of financial literacy as well as the use of a credit card. When applying for a credit card and finally receiving it, students are reminded that the longer it takes to pay the money back to the bank, the more it will cost in the long run.

For more events hosted by the Leadership Institute, please make sure to check out their page on Cougar Link or email them at leadershipinstitute@kean.edu for information.

Over the first half of November, CLS teams up with the Community Food Bank of New Jersey to provide for the food insecure with work on the ground - purchasing and distributing food to those in need - and with strategy - encouraging others to contribute, and helping fill out applications for food stamps. The Community Food Bank projects have limited space for volunteers, so those interested should pre-register as soon as possible. Volunteers will meet on-site in Hillside, NJ, on Friday, Nov. 6, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Then again on Friday, Nov. 13 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Face coverings are required.

Any volunteers who have not participated in a Community Food Bank trip must attend the Community Food Bank Information Meetup, via Zoom, on Thursday, Nov. 5 at 2 p.m. in order to get up to speed.

Letter Writing to Veterans also continues throughout November. Volunteers will gather remotely to write letters to Veterans, an offer of comfort to those who have bravely served during a time when the pandemic has made socializing so difficult, and left many people isolated. Volunteers are required to RSVP to these events with at least 24 hours' notice. These remote meetings will take place on:

• Friday, Nov. 6 at 4 p.m.
• Monday, Nov. 9 at 4 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 12 at 2 p.m.
• Monday, Nov. 16 at 4 p.m.
• Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 2 p.m.
• Friday, Nov. 20 at 2 p.m.
• Monday, Nov. 23 at 4 p.m.
• Tuesday, Nov. 24 at 2 p.m.
• Monday, Nov. 30 at 4 p.m.

Coloring for a Cause, which has continued through much of the fall, brings volunteers together to draw and color artwork as gifts to residents at Atria Senior Living, both as a means of brightening someone's day and combating the isolation of remote living that so many have felt recently. These service opportunities are held online, and volunteers can use templates to upload their designs or do their drawing online. Volunteers must RSVP 24 hours in advance, and they will be held on the following Thursdays at 4 p.m.:

• Nov. 5
• Nov. 12
• Nov. 19
• Dec. 3
• Dec. 10
• Dec. 17
• as well as on Saturday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m.

Service volunteers are also sought for Food Distribution Events to be held during the fall for members of the Union County community facing hardships because of the pandemic. Volunteers will meet in the Vaughn-Eames Parking Lot, near the North Avenue Academic Building, to help distribute packaged food. Pre-registration is required for volunteers. They will meet on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

They will continue on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Plainfield;
Then on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kean;
Then on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Plainfield;
And then on Saturday, Dec. 19, from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kean.

All of these service opportunities make it easy for Kean students to reach out and make a difference while gaining invaluable experience in the community.

For more information about these events and the Center for Leadership and Service, visit the Miron Student Center, Room 219, or reach out via phone at 908-737-5170 or by email at cls@kean.edu.

The first session, "Introduction to Poetry," takes place on Nov. 6 from 5 to 6 p.m. Attendees will learn how to comprehend poetry, along with the various modes of interpretation. Users can register for this session here.

The second session, "Poetry Structure & Writing Workshop," will be held on Nov. 13 from 5 to 6 p.m. This time, attendees will work alongside writing coaches to develop their own poetry. Users can register for this session here.

The final session, "Poetry Open Mic Night," will follow on Nov. 20, from 5 to 6 p.m. Participants will have the opportunity to share their poetry with the community. Users can register for this session here.

Kean's Writing Center offers tutoring for students that require assistance in both academic and professional writing, such as resumes, cover letters, papers, admission essays or any other related projects.

For more information about the poetry workshop series, the Writing Center can be emailed at writingcenter@kean.edu.

The purpose of the discussion was to analyze and compare the science of healthy and unhealthy relationships. Domestic violence is a serious issue in society, prevalent among all ages, genders, orientations and religions.

"If there is anything anyone can get from this presentation, it is more tools to identify unhealthy behaviors," said Goodlof, Esq. "Generally, all relationships have hard times but domestic violence is a step above that."

Later in the presentation, resources for domestic violence were shared. Fuller, Esq. went into depth about the Sexual Assault Survivor Protection Act.

"When this act came out, it was geared towards college students and provides for a temporary protective order for victims of sexual assault," said Fuller.

Domestic violence is defined as willful abusive behavior that is part of a systematic pattern of control and power, perpetrated by one individual over another in an intimate relationship.

Domestic violence is a complex issue, as many factors play into the manifestation of it.

Per data from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by their partner in the United States, which equates to ten million women and men over the course of a year.

In New Jersey, 26.2% of women and 29.3% of men experience intimate partner physical violence, rape or stalking throughout their lifetime.

Typically, over 20,000 phone calls are placed to domestic violence hotlines daily across the country. Intimate partner violence accounts for 15% of the country's crime.

Domestic violence is known to take severe physical, mental and sexual tolls on victims. It has also been linked to unintended pregnancies, miscarriages and stillbirths, nutritional deficiency, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Victims of domestic violence are more than likely to develop addictions to drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Thankfully, there are resources for domestic violence victims.

The New Jersey Domestic Violence Hotline provides access to domestic violence information and services and runs 24 hours a day, and seven days a week. They can be called at 1-800-572-7233.

The New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault also provides support for domestic violence victims by connecting them to professionals specializing in supporting victims. They can be called at 1-800-601-7200. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is nationwide and can be called 1-800-799-7233.

The discussion is in honor of Kristallnacht, or the Night of Broken Glass, a pogrom that was carried out against Jews in Nazi Germany in 1938.

Michaelis was involved in the white power movement during his adolescence and later became the founding member of the largest racist skinhead organization in the world.

Arno grew up in an abusive household, which largely contributed to his actions later on in life. He had struggles with alcoholism. He was also the lead singer of Centurion, a hate-metal band which sold over 20,000 CDs.

After having a daughter at the age of 24, Arno wanted to turn his life around. He quit drinking in 2004 and began writing a memoir reflecting on his life in 2007. The biography was published in 2010, and became a bestseller.

Michaelis is now a public speaker, author and activist who uses his story to spread kindness and atone for his past. He also has a nonprofit organization called Life After Hate, which he co-founded with several others in 2011.

The organization's mission is to provide support and assistance for people who desire to leave far-right extremist groups and to rekindle their humanity.

More information about the event can be found on Cougar Link. For the Zoom link, attendees can email coykends@kean.edu.

Tito, Reid, Patel, Padilla, and Ostrander were selected for their respective mentorships through One Club for Creativity's The One Club Mentor & Creative program. This program lasts six weeks and connects the students to One Club corporate professionals. To earn their respective mentorships, the students had to submit a portfolio of their work to be considered against other national and international submissions.

Ostrander, a senior majoring in graphic design, will be working with FCB Toronto.

Ostrander will be working with other university students on a brief provided by FCB Toronto. As a team, they will be addressing the issue of helping small businesses impacted by COVID-19 prepare to re-open.

"I'm most excited about the opportunity to collaborate with students from other schools. I'm also excited about the opportunity to receive professional portfolio reviews," said Ostrander. "I've learned to embrace any opportunity to have professionals rip my work apart, it's the only way to grow and learn."

Post-graduation, Ostrander's main priority is to get a job. Ostrander is interested in different disciplines of design, specifically branding, editorial and UI/UX Design. Ostrander plans to dive right into the industry to continue to develop her expertise and hone in her career's focus.

Ostrander encourages students to "Apply to everything and don't be afraid of rejection, you never know what opportunity you might stumble upon."

Notably, Ostrander also won the esteemed Society of Publication Design's first prize, the Mitch Shostak Award over the summer.

Tito, a senior majoring in graphic design with a specialization in interactive advertising, will be working with Goodby Silverstein & Partners for her mentorship.

"I will be working closely with my team, made up of inspiring Latinx Designers and Copywriters, to solve a brief about safe in-store shopping during the pandemic. We will be led by my very comedic and witty Mentors from Goodby," said Tito. "I'm looking forward to bouncing off each other's ideas, as well as gaining advice and insight. This is also a great opportunity to see how an ad agency creatively operates."

Tito aspires to work in New York City one day, as an art director. Her life motto, "Don't let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game," keeps her pushing forward to fulfill her dreams.

Reid, a senior majoring in graphic design with a specialization in interactive advertising, received two mentorships, and will be working with both Wieden + Kennedy and Dentsu McGarry Bowen.

"I am truly excited about my mentorships, it is an opportunity that I am grateful to have," said Reid. "I am ready to gain all the knowledge I can through these opportunities and create work that I can add to my portfolio. The greatest part of it all is being able to be a part of the mentorship experience and having that under my belt before I end my senior year."

Reid will be working on a brief within a team to produce a creative solution for a particular problem.

"[I'm] looking forward to the opportunity of gaining experience before leaving college. I also want to learn more about the way creatives work together in a professional sense, what creative process is at the core of a successful design solution, to gain further knowledge about the field from my mentors, and, in the process, create a strong network," said Reid.

Understanding the values of networking, education and hard work in attaining future goals, Reid encourages other students to take advantage of the resources, opportunities and information that Kean University offers.

"Talk to your professors, ask questions and don't take these tools shared with you for granted. If you value the knowledge that your professors share with you, you should apply that knowledge, use those tools and be confident that they will help you on your journey to a successful future," said Reid.

Reid aspires to merge her passion for music and design as an art director in the advertising world in the future.

Patel, a senior majoring in graphic design with a specialization in interactive advertising, will be working with Wunderman Thompson.

During his mentorship, Patel will be working in a team on a plant-based brand, Plantable.

"I am truly grateful for this opportunity because it'll definitely give me a better insight on the industry and it'll give me a chance to learn," said Patel. "I'm really looking forward to learning from my mentors and my team as well as the creative process."

Patel hopes to travel and explore new territories, geographically, professionally, and personally. He is looking to work for either an advertising agency or an in-house design team, while also pursuing his own passion projects on the side.

Padilla, a senior majoring in graphic design with a specialization in interactive advertising, will be working with Garrand Moehlenkamp.

Padilla will be working in a team with other mentees to work on a creative brief provided by Garrand Moehlenkamp.

"I'm looking forward to getting to meet new people, there's copywriters and art directors on our team," said Padilla. "Getting to work in a group and getting a taste of how the advertising environment is will be fun and exciting. I have already met with my group three times, and they seem like amazing people; it will be a good program!"

Post-grad, Padilla will continue to involve herself in more programs and opportunities to continue to grow and develop her skills and connections within the advertising industry.

"If opportunities arise where you are able to learn something and meet new people, definitely put yourself out there and do it! You never know the experience that will come out of it," said Padilla.

By their own virtue, each student made spectacular accomplishments and is a testament to the impressive character of the Kean community at large.

In past years, several Robert Busch School of Design students have also won gold for their portfolios in One Club's highly acclaimed Young Ones competition. In 2019, Kean University ranked #3 worldwide as a result of Class of 2019 alumnus Liam Elias' impactful portfolio submission. In 2020, Kean Unviersity ranked #4 worldwide following the submission of an outstanding portfolio by Class of 2020 alumna Jacqueline O'Connor.

Students from the Robert Busch School of Design and Michael Graves College at Kean University continue to impress and astound the art world as each student brings a fresh perspective to the future of design.

On Sunday, Nov. 1, RSS will host Justice (Just - Us), a discussion about the importance of joining together to fight for social justice. The event will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. through Zoom.

This will be followed on Monday, Nov. 2 by Let's Relieve some stress the Fun Way, from 8 to 9 p.m., also online. The discussion will focus on methods of self-care and anxiety relief, and feature trivia and suggestions for stress-relieving resources.

Show your Roots, a forum for sharing cultural foods and specialty dishes from the diverse Kean community, will meet on Wednesday, Nov. 4 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Information for joining the Zoom meeting is available on Cougar Link.

A conversation detailing the opportunities Kean offers for studying abroad will meet from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5. Interested students can RSVP for the Study Abroad: Information Session on Cougar Link, and will be sent a link or QR code to join the Zoom meeting. I'm Going to See the World, another study abroad discussion forum, will take place through Zoom on Friday, Nov. 6, from 7 to 8 p.m.

Rainbow Table Talk, an opportunity to learn more about and discuss the LGBTQ+ community, will take place through Google Meets on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 5 to 6 p.m.

Also on Nov. 7, from 6 to 7 p.m., No Stress Equals Success will offer advice for stress management and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to reach academic and professional goals. The event will also practice some stress relief with a JackBox game. It will take place via Google Meets.

On Monday, Nov. 9, a unique event called Cultural Taboo will meet to exchange ideas and experiences about social taboos. It will be held online from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Immigration Nation, a discussion based on the compelling new Netflix documentary of the same title, is planned for Thursday, Nov. 12 from 6 to 7 p.m. on Zoom. It will provide a safe space for students to offer opinions and share experiences related to the documentary, immigration and the justice system.

Leaders for Diversity will be hosted on Friday, Nov. 13 from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m., a conversation about the importance of making a positive impact in the campus and larger communities through social justice, also on Zoom.

On Sunday, Nov. 15, from 6 to 7 p.m., Color Me Happy will offer students a portal to minimize their stress and get creative with drawing through Google Meet.

For students who may feel too restricted to be active, both because of the colder weather and the pandemic, Fall Warm-Up will offer workout routines that can be done right in their rooms. Meeting from 7 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 20, the event can be joined by link or QR code from its Cougar Link page.

In the cold of mid-Dec. students can take a break from studying for final exams with a pair of relaxing, timely events:

On Friday, Dec. 11, students can attend the Winter Festival! from 7 to 8 p.m on Google Meet. The festival will celebrate and educate about the winter's many holidays.

Parfait Parfun, a conversation about living a healthy lifestyle and making good decisions, followed by a parfait-making activity, will be held on Google Meet from 7 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12.

Throughout the fall, RSS is making learning and socializing easier no matter where students are. To RSVP and learn more about these and other events, visit the Office of Residential Student Services Cougar Link page.

On Wednesday, Oct. 28, Student Organization will host a Halloween edition of Paint and Sip, which invites students to join their peers and an instructor in enjoying beverages and company while they paint their own pieces with a Halloween focus. For painters of any experience and skill level, it's a great event to counter stress by stimulating creativity and socializing. Attendance is limited, so guests are asked to RSVP via Cougar Link as soon as possible. Supplies including a canvas will be sent to those who save their spots. The event will take place on Zoom from 5 to 7 p.m.

From 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29, Beta Beta Beta National Biological Honor Society (TriBeta) will present Virtual Escape the Room! Like its in-person counterpart, the remote escape room experience challenging puzzles and questions through videos and Google Sheets - fittingly, with both scary and biological and medical themes. The event will be held through Google Meet. The first competitor to escape the virtual room will win a TriBeta shirt. Entry to the escape room is $2, which guests can pay through Venmo @tribeta-kean.

The Criminal Justice Club will host a Halloween Netflix Party on Friday, Oct. 30 from 8 to 10:30 p.m. The virtual movie night will use the Netflix Party extension to screen a film through Netflix simultaneously for guests, so a Netflix subscription is necessary. To RSVP for the event and for more on installing the Netflix Party extension, visit Cougar Link. A link to join the party will be provided via the Criminal Justice Club's Instagram page on the day of the event, @criminaljusticekean.

On Halloween, Saturday, Oct. 31, the Liberty Hall Museum will celebrate with its annual Pumpkin Patch Day, starting at 10 a.m. Pumpkin picking and carving, arts and crafts, hayrides and more can be enjoyed all day with friends and family. Admission is $8 for adults, $12 for children and free for children under 3. Reservations are required for safety at this year's event; they can be made at the Liberty Hall Museum website. Those wishing to go pumpkin picking for the event must reserve the number of pumpkins they'd like alongside their admission. Volunteers are also sought for the event, and students interested in the opportunity for service hours in a fun, outdoor atmosphere are encouraged to visit Cougar Link for more information.

Halloween is a holiday for stepping outside of oneself and into a costume and a character - and this year, it doubles as a chance to step outside of the stresses and monotony of remote learning to relax, be entertained and help others to do the same.

The Chapter After Series was created to help current and graduating Kean students learn practical information and skills that will be helpful after graduation. Some themes in the past have included organizational culture, interviewing skills, resume writing, taxes, internships, money management and more.

On Thursday, Oct. 22, the Leadership Institute hosted Chapter After Series: From Hobbies to Hustle, which discussed the ways one can earn money while enjoying their hobbies.

This week on Wednesday, Oct. 28, the Leadership Institute will be hosting the Chapter After Series: Understanding Credit & Financials at 7 p.m. via Zoom.

The event will feature discussion about money management skills. Attendees can learn all about student loans and credit cards, and ask any questions they may have about finances.

Following this event, the Leadership Institute will host Chapter After Series: Remote Networking on Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. via Zoom.

This event will discuss a critical component in finding a job: networking. Networking is extremely helpful in learning about new opportunities and getting connected to the correct people to forward one's career. Leadership specialists will discuss ways to do this remotely, as present circumstances limit face-to-face networking.

To gain access to these events, students must first RSVP via Cougar Link.

The Leadership Institute is a four-year certification program that offers five different leadership programs through the Center for Leadership and Service. These programs include the T2K Bronze Leadership Program, Silver Leadership Program, Gold Leadership Program and Platinum Leadership Program. Additionally, the Leadership Institute offers a seven-week leadership certification program called L.E.A.D. In addition to their programs, the Leadership Institute periodically offers events open to the Kean community, such as their Chapter After Series.

For more information about these events and all Leadership Institute programs, please contact leadershipinstitute@kean.edu.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated at Kean University will be hosting Silence Speaks All: Stop Domestic Violence during this month to educate and raise awareness in the Kean community. 

This event will transpire on Wednesday, Oct. 28 from 8 to 9 p.m. This is a virtual event and will occur on Zoom. For those interested attending, be sure to RSVP to the domestic violence coordinator email which is zetakeanuniversitydvcoord@gmail.com and they will be sure to send you the information for the event. 

The purpose of this event is to create an interactive and open space to discuss domestic violence overall. They will touch on topics such as the signs and symptoms of domestic violence so that students can become educated on what to look out for. Also, they will discuss healthy relationships and how one can assure that their relationships are healthy. Additionally, students will learn how they or someone they know can get help in case they are faced with domestic violence.

This event is in collaboration with Northeast New Jersey Legal Services, which is a non-profit public interest law firm. They have a specialized program for domestic violence, specifically for survivors, which will be presented at the event as they also guide the discussion with the attendees. 

Northeast New Jersey Legal Services provides legal education to the community in an effort to inform people on their rights and civic responsibilities. They even help low-income and underserved citizens through free gala help in regards to civil non-criminal matters. They pride themselves on helping and educating communities, which they also aim to do through this event. 

To learn more information about Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., or this event, be sure to check out their Cougar Link page.

The event was interactive and those who attended were welcome to ask questions, answer polls and share their experiences with learning to be firm with others.

Chi Upsilon Sigma facilitated this student-led discussion on what it means to say no, why it's difficult and the effects of saying it.

There are numerous reasons saying no is difficult, such as wanting approval from others, fearing the loss of a friendship or relationship and cultural and societal pressures and influences.

In today's world, it is imperative to know when too much is being given.

"Saying no isn't taking away from the hard work you've done. It is just setting up those boundaries to what you aren't going to do or what you will," said Shanel King, a sophomore majoring in biology and vice president of Chi Upsilon Sigma.

During the panel, all the sisters of Chi Upsilon Sigma were straightforward with their experiences in how they learned to say no, while also discussing the pushback that came with it.

"It is very important for people to know how to speak to you and how they cannot speak to you," said Shanel. "Respect is earned and not given."

As the open discussion progressed, more participants shared personal stories of how they are learning to set boundaries and what can be gained from saying no.

"I try to be a good person and help everyone," said Briangie Marte, a senior majoring in biology with a minor in Jewish studies, and secretary of Chi Upsilon Sigma. "But if I start to notice that I am being used, then it's not a good space for me and I won't continue to stay there."

Saying no is known to boost self-esteem and increase self-control, as well as helping to know why and when to set the proper boundaries with others in various situations.

"I started knowing my worth," said Jesmiry Martinez, a senior majoring in criminal justice and president of Chi Upsilon Sigma. "I am always willing to help, but if no one is understanding of me, then I am not going to be understanding of them."

Chi Upsilon Sigma was founded on April 29, 1980 at Rutgers-New Brunswick by seven Latinx women. The sorority empowers women of all backgrounds by fostering leadership in the community and celebrating the differences of others. More information about the sorority can be found on Cougar Link.

Kean Theatre Council is the direct connection with the arts between the students and faculty of the university. Their mission is to foster interests in the performing arts at Kean and beyond, sharing skills that will expand a student's passion for theatre.

The Growing Stage: The Children's Theatre of New Jersey has a 39-year history of supporting children's arts education.

As per the children's theatre website, the mission statement of The Growing Stage is "To nurture the development of the performing arts through education - and to create, produce, and perform works that engage the entire family."

The Growing Stage was founded by executive director Stephen L. Fredericks in 1982.

"Just as we celebrate the generation who first built our theatre and the history that impacted their effort to accomplish it, we strive to serve the generation before us with an enriching and creative experience that encourages their effort to accomplish their own dreams," said Fredricks, as per The Growing Stage's website. The Growing Stage embraces diversity and pledges to mentor young people.

The event is being directed by Kean Theatre Council Vice President and senior Leanne Marie Laurino, with music directed by her brother and fellow senior, Joseph Laurino, Jr. This will be Leanne Laurino's directorial debut. She looks forward to getting singers, musicians and artists into the holiday spirit.

Leanne Laurino is pursuing a bachelor of arts in theatre, a teaching certification and a voice minor. Joseph Laurino, Jr. is working towards a bachelor of arts in music education.

"We are raising money to benefit the Growing Stage: The Children's Theatre of New Jersey that has been hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. They have wonderful staff and many Kean students and alumni (including myself) have had the opportunity to do theatre there," said Leanne Laurino.

To audition for the charity cabaret, students should email ktc@kean.edu to receive an audition form. Once the form is completed, interested candidates should include a one-minute video submission of themselves singing a holiday pop song of their choice.

Laurino added, "I am also interested in seeing some instrumental work, spoken word poetry, or anything that fits into the Cabaret, Cocoa, and Chill vibe."

All videos and completed forms should be submitted no later than Thursday, Nov. 5 at 11:59 p.m. If students have any questions or concerns, they are encouraged to email either the Kean Theatre Council at ktc@kean.edu or Leanne Laurino at laurinol@kean.edu.

Students can visit The Growing Stage: The Children's Theatre of New Jersey website for more information on how to volunteer or to learn about their programs and upcoming events. Students are also welcome to donate to their cause by visiting their official donating page online.

For more information about Kean Theatre Council and their upcoming events, visit their page on Cougar Link for more information.

The workshop started with a brief introduction of exactly how to turn an extracurricular activity into a job on the side. This can mean anything: sewing, photography, podcasting, filming, blogging, vlogging, writing or starting a small business. As long as a person has the right tools to market themselves to potential clients, then word can spread around about their passion and clients or audiences will recommend their work to others.

Some tools discussed during the workshop include business accounts on social media (i.e. Instagram, Facebook) and websites, to provide hubs for all things related to that side hustle, as well as track analytics. Some may want to showcase their photography skills with pictures of their clients or sell products from a small crafting business to get their merchandise out to the public. It is also important to network with fellow influencers to help promote the business, have specials on certain products or host a giveaway to increase engagement with customers.

Yohanny Capellan, a senior at Kean studying graphic design, talked about her skin-care business, Silken, which she started during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her business is dedicated to providing a natural body moisturizer that is healthy and not toxic to the skin.

"For a lo ng time, I have always had people ask me what I was passionate about. It took me to reflect back on some experiences I had that impacted me personally, which created a passion within me," said Capellan. "If you are in a place where you're figuring out who you are, or if you know you want to be your own boss, just think about what really motivates you to have a passion for something you are dedicated to...I recommend that people have something that will make them stand out from others to market those skills."

Mary Lanae Linen, a Kean University alum who graduated in May 2020, talked about her clothing business, Cut 'N Curated. This is a clothing store that makes thrifted clothing seem new by redesigning it, to conserve resources and protect the planet. Linen also described how important it is to know the target audience for a specific brand, whether it be for clothing or any other area. It helps create engagement as well as exposure.

Linen is also a photographer and a filmmaker. She described how she made herself an active social media influencer to promote other brands on platforms such as Instagram.

"You literally can make a business out of anything and everything. If you love to do it, you can do it," said Linen. "When something is important to you, it shows through your work. It is very important to have pride in what you put out, so if you want to have these side hustles and businesses, you need to think about if you would buy your own product the way it is. Everybody loves a story they can relate to. Your 'why' is going to keep you going."

Building a side hustle or a small business is time consuming and it takes plenty of dedication. However, if students are interested in building a broader, new life for themselves, or just want to make some extra money on the side, they can put themselves out there and start right away. Something small could become very successful in the future, opening up doors to other opportunities. All it takes is a single step.

For more information about the Leadership Institute and their upcoming events for the rest of the semester, check out their page on Cougar Link for details.

Freshman Class President:

• Jazaan Walsh - 67 votes, 27.8%
  
• Luckerlme Milien - 59 votes, 24.48%
  
• Siya Arora - 51 votes, 21.16%
  
• Tayahra Griffin - 36 votes, 14.93%
  
• Martiah Fenelon - 21 votes, 8.71%
  
• Abstain - 7 votes, 2.9%

Freshman Class Vice President:

• Syedah Younis - 124 votes, 51.45%
  
• David Graham - 70 votes, 29.04%
  
• Lesley Avila - 45 votes, 18.67%
  
• Abstain - 2 votes, 0.82%

Freshman Class Treasurer:

• Devone Johnson - 228 votes, 94.6%
  
• Abstain - 13 votes, 5.39%

Freshman Class Secretary:

• Ganesh Ramcharran - 107 votes, 44.39%
  
• Amber Afzal - 81 votes, 33.6%
  
• Benita Julian Robert Raj - 39 votes, 16.18%
  
• Abstain - 14 votes, 5.8%

Freshman Class Senators: Up to Nine:

• Trinity Thompson - 181 votes, 16.54%
  
• Erika Calle - 165 votes, 15.08%
  
• Jeremiah Monteiro - 164 votes, 14.99%
  
• Matthew Acosta - 151 votes, 13.8%
  
• Glynnis Tan - 147 votes, 13.43%
  
• Uyiosa Igori - 139 votes, 12.7%
  
• Subha Nanduri - 118 votes, 10.78%
  
• Abstain - 29 votes, 2.65%