Prairie Hall Newsletter

This Week in Prairie Hall

Zumba!
University Housing Announcements
NRHH Glow Volleyball Tournament is April 5th!
Goose Safety!
Important Housing Information
Campus Happenings
Safe Zone
Trans*cending Pink and Blue
Career Development Center
Student Success
Volleyball League Starts March 26th!
Health and Safety Tips

Zumba!

University Housing Announcements

Join us for Study Tables and Win and Amazon Gift Card!

You asked.  We answered!  Based on your feedback, we are providing study tables.  RAs will staff a quiet place for you to focus on your homework and reading assignments.  Log your attendance each time to earn drawing entries for Amazon gift cards!

Study Tables will be held in the Prairie Classroom every Sunday from 7:00-9:00pm and every Wednesday from 6:00-8:00pm

NRHH Glow Volleyball Tournament is April 5th!

Goose Safety!

It’s Canadian Geese Nesting Season!

Some things to know about the Canada Goose…

 

  • Resident Canada geese are well-adapted to human dominated landscapes
  • They nest in a variety of locales – some in very close proximity to people
  • Goose nests occur near:
    • Sidewalks
    • Entryways of homes and buildings
    • Adjacent to paths and roadways
    • Balconies, porches and rooftops
    • Nesting season occurs as early as late February through mid-may
    • Both birds of the pair attend to the nest
      • A single goose that appears to be “patrolling” an area may indicate that a nest is in the vicinity

The behavior of nesting geese to humans varies tremendously.  Some nesting geese readily flee when approached by humans whereas other geese will stand their ground to defend the nest.  Some geese will actually attack approaching humans by running or flying at them.

Goose behavior during nest defense consists of geese standing erect and/or spreading their wings to make themselves appear larger while loudly hissing.  The defense behavior can be daunting.  Attacking geese will often try to strike their perceived nest predator with their wings and/or will bite.

Here are some helpful tips regarding geese:

  • DO NOT FEED THEM
  • DO NOT THROW ITEMS AT THEM – they my see this as a threat and attack
  • Do not be afraid of them
  • Continue to face them
  • Never turn your back on them or run away from them

What to do if you come across aggressive geese:

  • Call UHFM (University Housing Facilities Management) Office at 618-650-2070 to report it
  • Be specific with date/time/location of incident
  • If an issue appears to be an emergency and/or someone is injured, call 911 or contact the SIUE Police non-emergency number 618-650-3324

University Housing will work closely with Facilities Management regarding aggressive geese around housing facilities.

If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact University Housing Facilities Management at 618-650-2070.

Important Housing Information

Policies – YOU NEED TO KNOW!

As a resident of Prairie Hall, you are responsible for knowing the information, policies, procedures, and deadlines that are contained in the University Housing Living Guide.  To access the living guide, go to:  http://www.siue.edu/housing/movein/living-guide.shtml

Facilities Issue?  Put in a workorder!

University Housing Facilities Management (UHFM) is the unit assigned to the development and maintenance of University Housing facilities and grounds. UHFM is responsible for repairing housing units, care of the grounds surrounding housing facilities, performs snow removal, maintains the cleanliness of common areas and offices in University Housing buildings, oversees pest control and much more.

In the event of any building or grounds related issues, Students need to initiate the repair by submitting a Maintenance Request to University Housing Facilities Management (UHFM). UHFM responds to student initiated repair requests as a first priority.  To complete a work order, click HERE!!!

Get protected!  Insure yourself and your belongings!

University Housing does not insure the personal property of residents. Residents are strongly encouraged to insure their personal belongings while living in University Housing. Students can look into renter’s insurance or their parent/guardian homeowners’ policy for potential coverage options.

SIUE is Smoke Free, Tobacco Free, Nicotine Free

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has implemented the Illinois law that prohibits smoking and all tobacco related products into its policies and procedures.

“The Smoke Free Campus Act means that there can be no smoking or tobacco products of any kind on any State-owned University property,” said Vice Chancellor for Administration Kenneth Neher.

To view SIUE’s Smoke Free Campus Policy, click here.

Visit these sites for more information, Smoking Cessation ProgramAmerican Cancer Society and Centers for Disease Control. The Illinois Department of Central Management (CMS) may also offer smoking cessation reimbursement for those that complete an eligible program. Contact CMS at (800) 442-1300 for more details.

Campus Happenings

Register Now for Summer Session!

Registration opens March 26 for summer classes. Take advantage of nearly 1,000 summer courses, including more online classes than ever before. Study on campus, or take an online course while working at home.

Summer session is a great way to complete an extra course—saving money by staying on track to graduate. Many summer classes meet for five weeks or less. Benefit from small class sizes, and lighten your fall class load.

If you choose to study on campus, SIUE provides discounted housing rates. Choose from comfortable apartment-style options for the entire summer semester, a five-week session, or May term. 

Register Now!

siue.edu/summer

(618) 650-2080

summersession@siue.edu

Service Center on the first floor of Rendleman Hall 

Join the Club Football Team!

All interested players who are a registered SIUE student in 6 credit hours or more and in good academic standing (2.0+ GPA). The club plays teams from all over. Teams from Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan, and more. The team will compete in the NCFA. By being in the NFCA we have the opportunity to compete for a Conference Championship, 1st and 2nd round of playoffs, as well as the NCFA National Championship. Awards are offered through the team as well as the league and all games are filmed as well as stats are tracked and available for all players. Any and all interested players can contact the team at siuefootballclub@gmail.com for more information or questions.

SIUE Counseling Services

Spring Semester

Mindfulness & Meditation Series

Time:  12:00 - 12:50 p.m.

Where:  International Room (2nd Floor - MUC)

Dates:  Thursdays 3/29, 4/12, 4/26

Students, faculty, and staff are welcome to attend one or several sessions.  No RSVP is necessary.  For additional information contact Lisa Thompson-Gibson at 280-2842 or lithomp@siue.edu


Enterprise Car Share coming to SIUE!

No Car, No Problem!  Enterprise Car Share gives you 24-7 access to vehicles parked directly on campus.  Rates include fuel and physical damage/liability protection.  You must be 18 or older to rent.  For more information or to sign up, go to www.enterprisecarshare.com/siue

Safe Zone

Safe Zone Logo

Spring 2018 Safe Zone Ally Training Session

Safe Zone will be offering Ally Training for students on Friday, April 13th from 1:00-3:00 PM in the Woodland Hall Multi-Function Room. The goal of training is to provide attendees skills and understanding for supporting the LGBTQIA community.  You must pre-register to attend this training.  Space is limited, so sign up now! 

Students register at: Spring 2018 Student Safe Zone Training  

Rainbow Graduation Celebration

Wednesday, April 25, 2018, 4:00PM, Location; TBD

St. Louis PrideFest 2018 - Friday, June 23rd and Saturday, June 24th

Safe Zone will once again have a booth and march in the parade. More information, including volunteer opportunities, will be shared later this semester!

If you have any questions please contact Dr. Shelley Price-Williams at shewill@siue.edu.

Trans*cending Pink and Blue

Career Development Center

Career Development Center

Please stop by and check out the Career Development Center located in the basement of the Student Success Center, room 0281.  We can help you with your resume, cover letters, job search, LinkedIn accounts, graduate school personal statements/application, mock interviews, and much more.

Upcoming Spring 2018 Events:

Mock Interview Prep Workshop**

April 4th

3:00 - 4:00 pm
Career Development Center

Mock Interview Day**

April 10th

9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Career Development Center

**Please call to register for these events!
SIUE Career Development Center
Phone: 618-650-3708
Email: careerdevelopment@siue.edu
www.siue.edu/careerdevelopmentcenter

Student Success

Volleyball League Starts March 26th!

Health and Safety Tips

Suicide Prevention

"Suicide" is classified as the act of taking one's own life. "Suicidal behavior" is any action that could cause a person to die, while "parasuicidal behavior" is self-harm that does not result in death.

Prevalence

  • Suicide is a leading cause of death worldwide
  • Approximately, 1 million people die each year from suicide
  • Each year, over 185,000 people are impacted by the suicide of some they care about

Warning Signs

  • Talking about killing or harming oneself
    • "I wish I had never been born."
    • "Nobody would care if I died; I would be better off dead."
    • "If I ever see you again..."
  • Talking or writing a lot about death and dying
    • Poems/photos/narratives about self-mutilation or suicide on social media or in a private diary
    • Writing suicide letters
  • Seeking out lethal means
    • Immediate access to guns, medication, knives, or other weapons could be used in suicide attempts
  • Hopelessness
    • **Strong predictor of suicide
    • Belief that things will never get better or change
    • "I have nothing to look forward to..."
    • "I will never feel better..."
  • Saying goodbye
    • Unusual or unexpected visits or phone calls to family and friends
    • Saying goodbye to people as if you will never see them again
    • Making out a will and/or giving away prized possessions
  • Withdrawing from others
    • Increased social isolation
    • Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, shame, and self-hatred--like a burden to others
  • Self-destructive behavior
    • Increased alcohol or drug use, reckless driving, unprotected sex
    • Self-mutilation--cutting, burning, hitting, punching oneself
  • Sudden sense of calm and peace
    • Typically mistaken for a positive outcome
    • Person may have made decision to commit suicide

What can I do to help a loved one who is contemplating suicide?

Prevention Tip #1: Speak Up

The best way to find out if someone is suicidal is to ASK.

Giving the individual who may be suicidal the opportunity to express his/her feelings can:

  • Provide relief from loneliness
  • Give the idea that someone cases
  • AND may prevent a suicide attempt

What do I ask?

  • "I have been concerned about you lately..."
  • "Recently, I have noticed some differences in you and wondered how you are doing..."
  • "I just wanted to briefly check in with you because you haven't seemed like yourself lately. Is there something going on that you would like to talk to me about?"

If he/she is contemplating suicide,

  • "When did you begin feeling this way?"
  • "Did something happen that made you feel this way?"
  • "How can I best support you right now/"
  • "Have you thought about seeking help?"
  • "You are not alone in this. I am here for you."
  • "I may not understand how you feel, but I care about you and want to help you."

What Not To Do

  • Argue with someone who is contemplating suicide
    • "You have so much to live for. Stop it."
  • Act shocked, lecture on the value of life, OR tell the person your view on suicide
  • Promise confidentiality
  • Give advice
  • Blame yourself

Prevention Tip #2: Respond Quickly

Evaluate the immediate danger of suicide

Those at highest risk of suicide:

  • Have a specific suicide PLAN
  • Have the MEANS of carrying out the plan
  • Have a TIME FRAME of committing suicide
  • Have an INTENTION of following through with the plan

What do I ask?

  • "Do you have a plan to harm yourself?"
  • "Do you have what you need to carry about your plan?" (e.g. rope, gun, medication, etc.)
  • "Do you have an idea of when you are planning to carry about your plan?"
  • "Do you intend to die?"

**NEVER LEAVE THE PERSON ALONE

Prevention Tip #3: Offer Help

The best way to help is to offer an empathic, listening ear.

  • Help he/she seek professional care
    • Crisis hotlines
    • Locate a treatment facility
    • Identify a psychologist/psychiatrist
  • Follow-up Treatment
    • Medication
    • Therapy
  • Be Proactive
    • Don't wait for the person to call you or return your calls
    • Invite the person out
    • Offer assistance with household chores, taking care of the children or pets, etc.
  • Encourage positive lifestyle changes
    • Exercise
    • Balanced eating and sleeping patterns
    • Relaxation
  • Make a safety plan
    • Identify triggers (e.g. death, divorce, alcohol, stress, etc.)
    • Keep contact numbers in a secure place (e.g. therapist, 911, friend)
    • Remove potential lethal means (e.g. guns, medication, rope)
  • Provide continued support
    • Periodically check in with the individual

Resources

In crisis situations, please refer to our Emergency information.

SIUE Police Department

Emergencies- 911

Non-Emergencies- 618-650-3324

http://www.siue.edu/police/

Suicide Hotline

1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Graduate Student Help Line

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Understanding & Helping A Suicidal Person

Teen Suicide

National Council for Suicide Prevention

The Jed Foundation

Suicide Prevention in College

Need help at the touch of a button? 

Download SIUE Safe, the free Rave Guardian personal safety app that allows you to notify guardians you select if you need assistance.  Guardians can include University Police, your parents or your friends.  For more information, call 618-650-3324

or to download the app, visit raveguardian.com

The SIUE Police Department

(618) 650-3324 (non-emergencies)