Here are some tips on ways to help connect your student with employment and internship opportunities:

The value of networking in PERSON:  With so much time spent texting, blogging, and Facebooking, students frequently may not understand that having a busy world in social media is not the same as a career network.  It is essential that students learned to build relationships based on face to face contact.  As a parent, you can help them understand that real connections need to happen in person.  They can use their home communities, professional organizations, or local chambers of commerce to network with potential employees who might be looking for a summer employee or a college student intern.

Who do YOU know?  Spend a few minutes and write down all the people you know that might be helpful to your student’s networking possibilities.  Consider family, friends, work, church, and your local civic community.  Sometimes you discover that you know more people than you realize.  These leads might be helpful for networking and internship connections.  Besides, it is easier for your son or daughter to start their outreach with supportive connections rather than total strangers.  So, look through those Outlook contacts or YOUR Facebook connections.

Professional Networking Sites.  We all know that college students understand how to connect with friends and strangers through social media.  If they have the ability to master that, they can move to the next level.  Sites like LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com) allow students to use social media as a recruitment tool for employment, internships, and possible post-college jobs.  There are also sites like Branch Out (www.branchout.com) and Career Amp (www.thejobpyramid.com) to expand their networking capabilities.

Your Student’s Secret Weapon.  It’s easy for college students to feel a little “outgunned” as they seek summer employment and internships.  After all, in a rough economy, they may be competing with people who are older, have more work experience, and have college degrees.  What does a lowly college student have that can compete with that?  One great and powerful thing:  freedom.  Freedom to move, freedom to work for very little, freedom from encumbering obligations.  When you have a car payment, a spouse, kids, and a mortgage you can’t just drop everything and take an entry-level position halfway around the world.  When you’re 19, that’s exactly what you can do and that’s exactly what you need to be ready to do.  It’s the secret weapon of college students:  freedom to move toward opportunity.

The first was Career Athletes Power 301.  Because of the large number of student-athletes, this program showed the participants how to utilize their power as athletes in the career-seeking process.  The Career Athletes representatives spoke with over 200 student athletes about personal career development, preparation, networking skills, and summer jobs and internships.

The second event was a Resume Workshop conducted by Autumn Worten, Southwestern College graduate and current Executive Recruiter at Switchgear Search and Recruiting.  Over the lunch hour, Worten gave students the inside scoop on how to secure post-graduation jobs. Students learned how to tailor their resumes and how to take advantage of LinkedIn as a networking tool. 

The last event was an Etiquette Dinner & Alumni Panel held at the Winfield Country Club.  The students learned how to conduct themselves at a meal with a potential employee.  Ronnie Jenkins, major gifts officer at Southwestern, guided students through proper etiquette and how to avoid social faux pas.  Students also heard from a stellar panel of SC graduates who shared encouragement and tips on how to approach the current job market and be successful after graduation. 

Misty Teague – Senior, business management major. Misty is doing her internship with INTRUST bank as a personal banker. She is working 30 to 35 hours a week helping customers with trust, estate, and business LLC accounts. The most interesting aspect of her internship is coordinating investment referrals with the Wealth Management Officer.

Anastasia Prokopis – Senior, business marketing major. As a marketing /sales intern Anastasia works for Servocity.com, a company that provides products to the robot industry. She works 12 hours a week managing new and existing customer profiles and customer communications and she takes part in competitive pricing meetings that include her supervisor as well as the founder of the business.

Annjelina Robinson – Senior, accounting major. Annjelina is doing her internship with an agri-business, Valley COOP Inc., in the accounts payable/receivable department. The position is responsible for keeping records of all financial transactions as well as all cash deposits and cash balances.

Not all internship involve business, of course.  Last summer students had internships at the University of California-Riverside, the Girl Scouts Council in Wichita, the Oxford Mississippi Shakespeare Theatre Festival, the Oklahoma City Aquarium, and Das Studio in Nashville, Tenn.

WHO CAN HELP?

Your student can get started on career planning and internship seeking by contacting:

His or her academic advisor or the division chair of the division in which he or she is majoring. The divisions are Natural Sciences, Nursing, Teacher Education, Social Sciences, Performing Arts, and Communication, Computer Science and Digital Arts.

Dan Falk, dean of students

James McEwen, internship coordinator in the Division of Business

As a professional actor, I am constantly going to audition after audition in hopes of having a performance job for the next couple of months and I have already found myself in one! But with summer approaching, I will have the availability of auditions that represent involvement with several shows over the course of an entire summer repertory season. During these auditions, my interactions with actors and the creative environment make me fully aware of the effects of my education and the mark of SC in my life.

On a technical level, my time at SC provided me with a tremendous number of experiences on- and off-stage that have proved invaluable in my professional life. The availability of so many ways to connect with SC Theatre and its inner workings trained me to be a valuable part of any production team and helped me to hone my skills as a performer.

There’s more to being a professional actor than the list of accomplishments on your resume or portfolio however, and I see the mark of SC in yet another aspect of my life. No matter your talent as an actor or your inherent theatrical skills, a life as a professional performer is so much less attainable without a base of people to support you, love you, and help you to grow. I am not a performer today because I am ‘just that talented’ or because of anything I did alone. I am a professional performer today because of the unfailing support of my friends and family and the indescribable investment of time, energy, and dedication I experienced from my SC family. I developed a greater understanding of what it means to love and support others through the actions of the SC community and its investment in me.

So, this summer, though I will likely be continuing to audition to be a part of a summer theatre program, no matter what I am doing, I know that Southwestern’s impact on my life will be present. Whether I am using the skills SC gave me on stage or using them to inform my relationships with my friends and coworkers, I know I will see SC’s mark on my life.

"Southwestern College trained me for the opportunities here, gave me invaluable on-stage and backstage experience, surrounded me with unfailing support often even greater than I had for myself, connected me with an incredible network (one you would never expect from a small school in Kansas!), and shaped my spiritual perspectives and how I relate to others."

When they are home for the holidays make sure to celebrate their successes with academics, promising relationships, evolving theories of life, or co-curricular achievement.  It is so vital to encourage their growth, maturity, and leadership. 

Be aware, too, that your child may be struggling with various parts of this college life.  Take note of changes in personality or behavior.  Has he or she lost or gained weight?  Does he or she appear unfocused or not achieving up to their normal standards?  Do you know something is different, but not sure what?   

This newsletter contains some helpful tips on how to talk with your student about his or her experience at the college.  In addition, there are two personal reflections from parents on their students’ experience at Southwestern.

CONVERSATION OVER THE HOLIDAYS 

You might hear the following words from your new freshman, your mid pointer and even your graduating savvy senior.   We have provided some suggestions and things to keep in mind.

I think I made the wrong choice, because ...

YOUR REPLY:  Well, maybe we should talk about this. 

REMEMBER: Challenges come in all shapes and sizes.  Academic courses, majors, intended careers, roommates, and relationships are things your student is constantly evaluating.  If the issue is academically related, make sure your student is speaking to his or her professor and academic advisor.  Tutoring help is available at the Student Success Center.  The Career Planning program can help your son or daughter get a plan for life after Southwestern that may help life at Southwestern more valuable.  If the issue concerns roommates, adjustment to college life, a relationship, etc., the Student Life staff can help.  The campus is filled with people eager to help.  

I need a fresh start at another school ...

YOUR REPLY:  Transferring may not be the answer.  And dropping out of college probably isn’t the answer.  It’s likely that some of the things that aren't quite right are going to be packed up and taken with your child to your next school or brought back home.

REMEMBER:  Don’t assume the answer is for your student to just to drop out of school and come home.  Young people in their late teens and early 20s face real difficulties.  Overcoming them is essential to their development and their self-confidence.  If they are having trouble, ask how you can help.  Do they need coping tips, an action plan, an intervention, or someone to just listen?

My coach/activity director doesn't value my potential and the contribution I could make...

YOUR REPLY:  Have you talked with your coach or the faculty member who leads your activity?  Often, communication will clear the air.  Your student may also need to be patient, work harder, and wait for his or her break.  There are many talented students at the college.  It takes extra effort to stand out.

REMEMBER:  Don’t take control.  Allow your student to navigate his or her way through the issue.  Be supportive, but allow your child to explore options and find the right solution. 

It costs too much.

YOUR REPLY:   Students are very aware of the financial burdens their parents are shouldering to make college possible.  If students are borrowing money to go to college, they know the burden of repaying their debt is real.  Usually, when a student says “it costs too much,” what they are really saying is “to me, it’s not worth it."  Ask your student what things are making Southwestern “not worth it” and talk about what changes would improve things. 

REMEMBER:   If the issue is truly financial, encourage your student to speak with someone in the financial aid office about their situation.  If they feel uncomfortable doing that, they can also share their concerns with their resident advisor, hall director, coach, activity director, or a member of the Student Life staff.    

It's too hard.

YOUR REPLY:  I know it seems that way, but you need to get used to it.  Here’s the truth:  Life gets harder and more complicated from now on.  Think of SC as a place where you can gradually build some muscle and grow confidence in your work ethic, study habits, social skills, and knowledge.  Out in the job market, employers are interested in people that work hard and persevere in difficult situations. 

REMEMBER:   If there are signals of concern, don’t panic, and don’t overdo it providing help.   As your student deals with personal or academic difficulties, he or she will develop strong skills for dealing with the challenges in life.  The goal is to develop college graduates who are independent and strong leaders as adults. 

I hope this holiday season is a joyous and restful.    I know you will be excited to see your student, make sure to love them and give them plenty of TLC to face the rest of the semester AND finals.

Blessings.  Dawn Pleas-Bailey

Hi – We are Randy and Rachel Collett.  Our daughter Maggie is a junior this year at Southwestern.  Maggie picked Southwestern because she was attracted to its small, personal size in a small town.  She felt comfortable there and we felt comfortable sending her there.

When she arrived home for Christmas break her freshman year, she wasn’t so sure of her decision.  Everyone else had a “niche” and she hadn’t found hers yet.  But we have always told our children that once you make a decision, you follow through on it.  So we insisted that she stay until the end of the year.  We encouraged her to give it a chance.  We felt in our hearts that this was the place for Maggie and it was worth the sacrifices we would make to send her there.

Maggie has since joined the Leadership team where she takes an active role in their activities both on campus and in the community.  She has also become an orientation leader for Builder Camp at the beginning of each school year.  She feels this is her way to help other incoming freshman see the beauty of a small school such as Southwestern.

She doesn’t want anyone to feel like they don’t have a friend on campus.  Maggie is a student ambassador who gives campus tours to visitors and she works several jobs on campus in the campus life office and the public relations office.  She has now found her “niche” and is happy with her decision. 

What we notice when we visit Maggie on campus is that she seems to know everyone there! Lots of people (both students and faculty) smile and say hello wherever you go.  It is that small, family-type atmosphere that we love about Southwestern.

It may take your student more than a semester to become comfortable with the decision to attend Southwestern.  The answer is not to switch schools - that only means starting the whole process over again.  So encourage them to find a “niche” on campus and hopefully they will see the beauty of Southwestern like Maggie did!

---Randy and Rachel Collett, parents of Maggie Collett

When our son called us to say he had been offered a partial football scholarship, we were happy for him. When he told us it was at Southwestern College, our first reaction was "Where?"

Of course we were skeptical of Paul's choice of colleges. He'd already been accepted to a well-known state school, where we hoped he could continue to play football as a walk-on. Since Paul was a well-rounded student in high school, our other concern was that he could continue to pursue his academic goals while playing football.

After a year and a half, it appears that our fears were unfounded. At Southwestern, Paul has flourished! He is excelling on the field and in the classroom, and has expanded his field of interests. He continues to play cello as he did in high school, while participating in STUFU and the Nine Lives improv troupe.

Despite his accomplishments, Paul was a student still in search of a purpose. SC has given him avenues and communities that have directed him to make the choice to major in Leadership in Ministry. This is extremely pleasing to us (yet not surprising, since we knew he was a born leader).

Thinking back, I believe Paul made the right choice. Had he enrolled at his first choice, he would have been another number in the classroom, a bench-warmer on the football team, and perhaps still in search of direction. Southwestern has given him all these things and more.

With the rising costs of college these days, it has become more critical for parents to make a good choice for their sons and daughters. You want your child to be challenged intellectually while being offered as many options as possible. Who knew that a small college in Kansas could be the best choice? We hope more people find out!

--Sounjalynne and Victor Mata, parents of Paul Mata

The September 17 Newsweek cover asked the question, “Is College a Lousy Investment?”  You might have read other articles, watched television programs, or spoken with people who are questioning the value of a college education.  In addition, you as parents are concerned about tuition costs, financial aid and the value of the education.  You shared those sentiments in an online survey last year.

The college would like to set the record straight and provide you helpful information as you think about tuition costs, college debt and long term benefit of higher education.  We provide these pieces to affirmation of what we have already shared with you and to respond to the myths and misconceptions.

1. THE NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE:  The Council of Independent College (CIC) has produced a comprehensive fact sheet and press release regarding student debt. CIC is a national organization that represents private colleges like Southwestern College across the country.  The following link breaks down the question and provides help answers regarding the affordability and benefits of a college degree.
   
   http://www.cic.edu/Pages/default.aspx
    
2. THE SOUTHWESTERN PERSPECTIVE: President Dick Merriman wrote an excellent companion piece that provides “straight talk” specifically about the college.  In his analysis, he helps explain why Southwestern is a both worthy and excellent investment in your student’s future.  He splits the article into a short version which highlights the major points. He also provides a longer explanation which breakdowns the concept and provides comparison data.
   
   Letter to Parents 2012 (PDF)

The college is excited about a new commitment we’re making  this year.  Prep 499 is designed for all students, and helps give them direction and assistance as they prepare for life after college.  Not a traditional semester class, this is individualized experience and is designed to give students one-on-one time with their faculty advisor.

PREP 499 begins with your freshman student, who participates in a seminar throughout the year. Taught by a variety of faculty and staff members, this seminar class starts the “life search” process off on the right foot.  Advisors continue to meet with your student throughout their college years as they look into internships, develop resumes, and discuss a life plan. Finally, seniors take dedicated time to focus seeking a job or pursuing graduate school. PREP 499 helps them prepare for the job market, discuss their career plans, consider ways to gain skills and experience, prepare a résumé and cover letter, or ponder the essential components in an interview.

The ultimate purpose of PREP 499 is to prepare students for a successful career after graduation.  As part of this effort, the college provides mock interviews, résumé workshops, and job fairs.  I will keep you posted on upcoming “Backpack to Briefcase” events.

It is not just a football or soccer game at Southwestern!  It is the parade with floats and bands down Main Street.  It’s an opportunity to come together and celebrate the people and tradition while create the wonderful Builder community.  It’s the Saturday tailgate in Stewart Field House.  It’s enjoying the wonderful theatre productions.  It’s a chance to hear the A Cappella Choir at the Sunday worship service at Grace United Methodist.

 
As we do every year, we’d like to extend an invitation for you to join us at SC Homecoming this weekend, Oct. 11-13.   Although Family Weekend was created especially for parents, we would love for you to join us for Homecoming (or any time throughout the year).  Please feel free to bring siblings, grandparents, guardians, extended family and friends to this fun-filled weekend. To check out the schedule, please visit the Homecoming weekend website for a list of activities.

• View Homecoming Schedule of Events

OK…..I admit that the athletic football competition against worthy foe, Friends University, will be a huge part of the excitement!  

I was with my mom when I visited Southwestern for the first time, in the spring of 2002.  As we were walking around on our campus tour I told her, “I have to come to school here.”  It did not take me long to fall in love with everything that is SC: the Jinx, the Mound, and even the 77 steps!  Little did I know how the next four years would transform my life.  I graduated from SC in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music. 

As a freshman, I did not realize how much I could grow in academia, in leadership and in life, but Southwestern did.  In the classroom, my professors inspired me to gain a deeper understanding of course content.  Outside of the classroom, as an orientation leader, resident Aassistant, and through a work-study position in Student Life I learned about becoming a leader, acknowledging my strengths and weaknesses.  As a leader, the Student Life staff dared me: to be great, to take risks and to trust my instincts.  As a person, I developed lifelong friendships with my peers.  Not only was my time spent earning an education, I became a well-rounded individual through the opportunities SC provided for me.

My parents have been there for me every step of the way.  Being three hours away from home never stopped them from coming to a concert or just visiting for the weekend.  So many times I needed someone to listen to me and my parents were always there.  Along with my parents the faculty and staff at SC were there for me, and took great care of me.  My parents and the Southwestern community challenged me to be the best I could be and encouraged me to reach my goals. 

Ever since I started my journey in Winfield, my parents, the staff and faculty at SC have continued to support me to in all I do.  After graduation, I went to graduate school at Oklahoma State University and earned a master’s in music performance and pedagogy.  In 2008, I returned to Southwestern to work in the music department and the office of Campus Life.  For the next three years, I was thrilled to be working with the exceptional students at SC and honored to be working for my alma mater.  I left SC again in 2011, to pursue a second master’s degree in arts administration at Boston University.  I currently have two internships in development at two arts organizations in Boston, while taking classes and living in the hustle and bustle of a large city. 

Being at Southwestern changed my life in more ways than one and prepared me for what was to come after graduation.  I was not aware of how Southwestern impacted my life, until I left the “college on the hill.”  Reflecting on the time I spent in Winfield reminds me of the community that is still supporting me, half way across the country.  We are Builders, we are family.  SC is raising and empowering its students to become extraordinary leaders, and changing their lives in the process. 

Between unpacking their bags, reuniting with old friends and greeting new ones, and preparing for class, students have a tendency to forget about their personal health and wellness.  The college wants to partner with you to insure that your student has thought through how they will respond in the case of an illness. Here are some simple but critical things to consider

Communicate at the first signs of an illness

Many students will call home and let you know they don’t feel well.   Others will communicate with the campus community.  Often the Residence Life and Student Life staff are the first line of contact.  Frequently, student athletes will share their concerns with their coaches or athletic trainers.  And a few will tell a friend or member of the college. No matter who the person  they share their concerns with is, that person needs to help them come up with a plan of action.  The Residence life, Student Life, coaches, and athletic training staff are excellent resources to help Moundbuilders think through how to feel better and direct them to the best resources.    The worst thing a student can do is communicate with no one.

Determine who can best treat the illness

Because of the complexity of insurance, students need to work with their parents on how to handle an illness.  If they have any questions, Residence Life, Student Life, coaches or athletic training staff can also be a resource for advice.

In the past, Southwestern provided part-time nursing services over the lunch hours.  The college has discontinued these services, but will work with students on health care options in the community.

Because of this change, we are asking parents to make sure students have THOUGHT about who they would see.  Below is a list of potential providers in the area.  The student will need to contact these providers directly for appointments.  Please understand this list is provided for information purposes only.  You or your student will need to contact the provider directly to determine if they are seeing patients.

Medical History, Insurance Card, and Immunization Records

It is imperative that students carry their insurance card and understand their own medical history.  They will need to be to contact their insurance company for a list of covered providers in the Winfield area.    They may also be asked for a copy of their immunization records and photo identification.

What If…

If your student needs assistance with determining the best course of action, please have them contact the Student Life Office at 620-229-6391.  If they need immediate attention, the hospital and health departments are only a few minutes away.  
 
Cowley County Health Department
320 E. 9th Suite B
Winfield, KS
620-221-1430

William Newton Hospital
1305 East 5th Avenue
Winfield
(620) 221-290

Winfield Area Health Providers

Winfield Medical Arts
3625 Quail Ridge Road
Winfield
(620) 221-6100

Westside Clinic
221 West 8th Avenue
Winfield, KS
(620) 221-3350

American Family Practice
1230 E. 6th  Suite 2B
Winfield, KS 67156

Health Professionals Winfield
1230 E 6th Ave # 1B
Winfield, KS
(620) 221-4000

Sunflower OB-Gyn
1230 E 6th Ave Suite 2D
Winfield, KS
(620) 222-6250

Cowley County Mental Health
22214 D St,
Winfield, KS 
(620) 221-9664

Family Care Center
1305 East 19th Avenue
Winfield, KS
(620) 221-9500

Grene Vision Group
117 E 9th Ave.
Winfield, KS
(620) 221-0740

Hillside Medical Group
1700 East 9th Avenue
Winfield
(620) 221-0110
 
Brooks Chiropractic Center
1404 Main St,
Winfield, KS 
(620) 221-3630

Renshaw Chiropractic
222 East 9th
Winfield, KS
620- 221-2000

Wilson Chiropractic
805 Main Street
Winfield, KS
620-221-4449

Winfield Chiropractic
1913 East 19th Street
Winfield,  KS
620-221-1990

• VIEW THE FAMILY WEEKEND SCHEDULE

Family Weekend is the perfect chance for parents, siblings, grandparents, and friends of Southwestern students to experience what it means to be a Builder.   The whole families are invited to spend a fun weekend with your daughter or son and learn why they love SC. Whether new freshmen or graduating seniors, we’ll have opportunities for you to reconnect with your student and find out what has been happening in their lives. 

We have a variety of exciting activities planned: See their residence hall room, visit classrooms, meet professors and key staff people, and walk around the beautiful campus.   Paint a pumpkin, buy merchandise in the Moundbuilder Market or get your face painted at the football tailgate party.   Attend soccer or the football games, eat lunch in the dining hall, or enjoy the wonder of Winfield.

When you arrive on campus, stop by the Welcome Center on College Street to register at the hospitality table.  Pick up a schedule of events, campus maps, information on area restaurants and things to do, and coupons to local businesses.

September is the perfect time to visit the campus and connect with your student.   Explore all that Family Weekend has to offer.  This is your opportunity to be part of the amazing Builder family. We look forward to seeing you for Family Weekend!

For more information contact Lai-L Clemons at 620-229-6168 or e-mail lai-l.clemons@sckans.edu.