Thursday, May 16, 2013

TRIO’S Leadership Summit

SAVE THE DATE!  
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
 FREE FOOD

→→LEARN HOW TO GET A JOB
→→→FIND OUT HOW TO GET OUT OF DEBT  
→→→→DRESS 4 SUCCESS FASHION SHOW

 The TRIO Leadership Summit is an event specially geared towards unifying members of the TRIO Student Support Services community. Participants will get the opportunity to network and converse with TRIO students and staff, and other NEIU staff. The Leadership Summit will have a number of workshops and activities in which participants will develop skills to aid them not only in the academic world but the professional world as well.


Please RSVP to reserve your spot
Dress (Business Casual)
FREE! Lunch and parking included

Photo Staff Contest!


TRIO will be having a photo contest during the summer.  Send us a photo of yourself while you are on vacation, at an event or just hanging out with friends and family. The TRIO Staff have Flat Staff photos of themselves for you to take a photo with while you are enjoying your summer activities.  Once your picture has been submitted, we will contact you for disclaimer information.  The Flat Staff Photo’s will be available next week!
Instructions for Flat Staff Contest:
                                          
                           1)      Email your Advisor and request thier Flat-Staff Photo
                           2)     Take a Picture of yourself, with the Flat-Staff Photo
                           3)     Send the Photo back to us
                           4)     Fill out disclaimer information when you receive it!
                           5)     Be creative!
                           6)     Have Fun!

Math Summer Workshop


TRIO is currently planning on having a Summer Math workshop for those of you who may be struggling, or maybe you would just like to stay abreast over the summer.  The workshops will be specifically geared towards the developmental Math courses only, (Math 090, Math 091, Math 092).  If you think you would be interested in attending one of these workshops, please RSVP  ASAP!  There is a limited amount of space, only 10 persons for each course, so reserve your spot today! If you have any questions, please e-mail your advisor.

Therese Hlavin – T-Hlavin@neiu.edu
Amie S Jatta – A-Jatta@neiu.edu
Monica Teixeira - M-Teixeira@neiu.edu
Richie Heard - R-Heard@neiu.edu
Eddie S Pierce Jr - E-Pierce@neiu.edu
Marcial Garibay – M-Garibay@neiu.edu
Marianyelli Hanna – M-Hanna11@neiu.edu

Tutoring and Mentoring Services


TRIO tutoring and mentoring services have ended for the semester, but if you need tutoring, schedule an appointment with your advisor to do your Student Success Plan, (SSP).  Also if you are registered for summer classes, you must also schedule an appointment to do your SSP!

Have a Great Summer!!!!

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Ten Big Tips for Recent College Graduates

Graduating from college is a big adjustment for most students as s/he has to trade-in an insulated, academic, environment for the so-called “real world.”  The transition from student to working adult is critical, especially in regard to getting your personal finances off on the right foot.  The foundation a recent grad lays in the 2-3 years after graduation often predicts how s/he will lead the rest of their economic life. If the recent grad is interested in a flashy new car, eating out, and living in an expensive city, for example, then s/he often delays saving money, paying off student debt, finding the right career, and being financially independent overall.
Here are some practical steps the recent grad can take to ensure that their personal finance life gets off on the right track (after all, you don’t want to be worrying about credit card debt by the time you’re 25, right?):
1: Begin paying off your student debt as soon as possible. 
It’s tempting to pay the minimum amount each month (especially if you have a low rate), but debt (outside a home mortgage) is a bad thing, so focus first on paying off your student loans (do this at all costs, no one wants to be paying off student debt at the same time they see their first gray hair!).
2: Continue to live with your parents and do not get an apartment.  
If you’re lucky enough to have parents who do not force you out (just because you’re over 18) or charge you to live at home, then you’ve hit the lottery (just think: free food, heat, water, TV, Internet, etc.).  Your parents can actually be cool to hang out with (just make sure to have plenty of wine in the house)
3: Do not buy a new car.  
As I’ve said before, a new car is a colossal waste of money (whether you are 22 or 60) given that most new vehicles depreciate an average of 45 percent in the first three years!  Take the bus or mass transit or look for a bare bones used car that has basic safety feature like stability control, airbags, ABS, etc.
4: Pay for things in cash and if you don’t have cash then don’t buy it.  
This tip is really about controlling how you use your credit card.  It’s ok to have one and use it but be sure to pay off the full balance each month (this will actually help you build a good credit score so that when you go and buy a house you’ll get a better mortgage rate and don’t have to ask Aunt Peggy for the down payment).
5: Max out your 401K contribution immediately, especially if your company offers a match.  
There’s plenty of data that states that the sooner you start saving the faster your money will compound.  And remember that you’re saying no to free money if your employer offers a company match!
6: Create an emergency cash fund.  
I like to have 6 months of living expenses as an emergency fund; some folks say 3 months but having more money in the bank makes me feel all tingly and safe at night.
7: Take risks with your career / job.  
Now is the time to develop a business or work extra hard at work and demand more responsibility.  Just think there is really nothing at risk: most new grads do not have a family, mortgage, car payment, etc. so you can let your career or business idea is at the center of your universe.
8: Network.  
Keep in close contact with ex-student friends, professors, etc.  The ex-Prof you had beers with may help you land a job or know of alumni that can help.
9: Think like an entrepreneur and don’t settle.  
Your brain is actually sharper in your early twenties and things like critical thought, logic, and creativity will only worsen with age so think big and try to develop the next great consumer product, web site, information product, non-profit, etc. Oh, on the settling part, if you think you have a certain feeling that you would be good at something, but see a direct path to be a lawyer or teacher don’t settle for a teaching gig, for example, just because it’s safe.  Anything that’s worth something requires failure and not settling for mediocrity (nothing against lawyers and teachers!).
10: Delay getting married and starting a family.
This one may be subjective, but I don’t see any reason to rush into getting married and starting a family.   If you get married you’ll need your own place and kids are often a close second (and those little guys require $$$
Are there things I’ve missed or that I’ve gotten totally wrong?


http://www.scordo.com/2008/12/ten-tips-for-recent-college-gr.html

Friday, May 10, 2013

Let your Voice be Heard-Tell them TRIO Works!

 An article in the Inside Higher Education journal uses faulty research to say TRIO programs are failing to meet the outcomes of graduating students. Here is the link to the article. Please post your support in the comments section of TRIO programs across the US by sharing how TRIO is helping you.  Please Read article and comment.

Mark your calendars!


Northeastern's Undocumented Students Project is excited to announce the final two DACA Screening sessions that will be held on the main and El Centro campuses:
Tuesday, May 14, 2013, 12:30 - 3:00 pm, Main Campus, B 119
Thursday, June 13, 2013, 4:30 - 6:30 pm, El Centro Campus
As many of you are probably aware, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is an immigration application available to certain youth who arrived in the United States before their 16th birthday. Deferred Action is not an immigration status; it is a protection from deportation that allows the recipient to lawfully remain and work in the U.S. If you think you may be eligible for DACA, attend one of these screening sessions to obtain more information about:
Ø  Your eligibility and potential risks in applying
Ø  The application process
Ø  Which documents are required?
Ø  How to obtain your school records, medical records, court documents, arrest reports or other documentation that you may need to submit with your application
Ø  How to file your application pro se (or whether it is advisable for you to get representation)If advisable, referrals to agencies with attorneys on staff, or private attorneys for representation
Registration is required for these events. Register now--space is limited! To register, please contact: Guadalupe Garcia at g-garcia10@neiu.edu or ext 4600.
For questions please contact: Katherine A. Greenslade, (The Undocumented Students Project Coordinator), at k-greenslade@neiu.edu or ext. 4519.