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Elementary Education/Special Education Major
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Molly Pate
Homeland Security and Public Safety Major
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James Gibson
Homeland Security Major

Danielle was not able to send in a journal entry this week. So please check back next week.

 

Welcome back! As I’ve promised, I’ll be providing information about the college life to you. I came across some questions that I’ve been asked several times. Being a senior and having both lived and worked in the dorms on campus for a few years, I’ve been asked all sorts of things. I hope you find these helpful…

MY NUMBER ONE QUESTION OF ALL TIME:
Q: What is there to do in Vincennes for fun?
A: Despite what anyone may tell you, there’s a lot to do around here! Vincennes is constantly hosting events of various types (dances, free movie nights, plays, competitions, paintball tournaments, “field day” type activities, job fairs, etc.) The best thing about these activities is that they’re either free or super cheap and you usually come back with a bag full of goodies! We also have several intramural sports that you can get involved in for a small fee, if you like to play or just want to try it for once. If you live on campus (or even if you don’t), different dormitories and social groups frequently host different activities as well (cornhole and hillbilly golf tournaments, video game tournaments, cookie decorating, etc.). We also have a P.E. complex that you can check equipment out of to play a sport with friends, a recreation center to work out in, and a bowling alley complete with pool tables. There are also places around town that you can visit. Quabache trails (which is actually pronounced “Wabash”, even though you’ll seldom hear anyone say that), “Purple Head” bridge (a supposedly haunted one-lane railroad bridge that crosses the Wabash), and the Wabash River right behind campus are frequented by several students every year. Truth is, there’s PLENTY to do. It’s simply a matter of whether you’re willing to do it or not.

Q: Do college students take notes in class in notebooks or laptops?
A: While I suggest owning a laptop for other purposes if you can afford one, I don’t necessarily suggest it for class notes. Yes, they are handy, but some Professors don’t allow them in the classroom because they feel it is distracting for the student who may feel it’s more important to play around on the web rather then pay attention. Other Professors have modified rules for laptops (for example, my Homeland Security Professor allows laptops in the room, but you must sit in the front row. He constantly walks around and if you’re caught on the internet when you shouldn’t be, your privileges are taken away for good.) Notebooks are by far the preferred method of note-taking at V.U., but it all depends on your Professor.

 Q: Do college students get detention for not showing up to class?
A: NO! However, Vincennes DOES have an attendance policy which is followed by most Professors. Depending on how many times a week you have a class, you’re only allowed to miss so many days before you are sent a warning. If you continue to miss class (or continue failing a class), you can be dropped by that Professor and receive an “F”. Unless you have a legitimate reason to miss class and the evidence for that reason, I suggest sucking it up and going. Trust me, it’s not worth it to try and make up the missed work… if your Professor is even nice enough to let you attempt it.

Q: If I live on campus, can my boyfriend/girlfriend sleep over?
A: Yes and No. Vincennes has visitation policies in all of their dorms. You have to sign them in and out with you at the front desk of the dorm every time you enter or leave the building (for security purposes) and they can only visit between certain hours. (Monday through Thursday the hours are noon-midnight and the weekend hours are Friday at noon until Sunday at midnight.) The only exception to this is what is known as a 24 hour-wing. There are very few spots available in these wings because this is a privilege that you have to qualify for and it on a first come, first serve basis. Examples of qualifications: 2nd year student or over 21, must maintain a certain GPA and minimum number of credit hours, etc.) There is no visitation for anyone during midterm and finals week.

Well folks, that’s all I have for now! I’m sure I’ll come remember some other useful questions in the near future and I’ll be sure to keep you updated!!! Thanks for stopping by…

~Molly

 Hello there, My name is James Gibson.  I am a senior in the Homeland Security program here at VU.  I received my A.A.S. degree in Law Enforcement in spring of 2006.  

I came to V.U. in the fall of 2004 unsure about my life and unsure about what I wanted to do even though deep in the back of my mind I knew that I wanted to be a police officer.  After being here for a year the Homeland Security Program was announced.  I decided then that I would spend at least 4 years here to finish out that degree.  I had no clue what I was getting myself into at the time.  The Homeland Security program at V.U. is one of the hardest educational programs that I have ever participated in. It is also the most informative.  I plan to graduate in a few weeks, but until then, I plan to write about some of the hottest issues in Homeland Security, and within the program.

  Homeland Security, the people who are protecting you!

sibbitt 
Sergeant Craig Sibbitt
With a recent auto breakdown, I had the opportunity to speak with an officer who was a part of Indiana’s Interstate Criminal Enforcement patrol in Putnam County. I happened to be able to talk to Sergeant Craig Sibbitt. The main goal of the ICE program is to get criminals off the road and out of the county into a jail. This is a normal police department that goes above and beyond to protect its citizens. It includes 4 officers including a few K-9 units. Officer Sibbitt was most proud of his 1.2 million dollars of currency taken in last year in Putnam County. He was unsure on his price of drugs confiscated. He didn’t really have any war stories, but he did take pride in the busts that involved more than 500,000 dollars in confiscated items. The ICE program also has busted a few terrorists, and, as stated as before, try to get anyone off of the streets. This is just one of the few people who sacrifice to save so many.

 

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Kotter recertified as collegiate retailer

November 20, 2009


VINCENNES, IND. - Ronald L. Kotter, manager of Vincennes University’s Old Post Bookstore, recently completed the requirements to renew his Certified Collegiate Retailer (CCR) designation through the National Association of College Stores.  The CCR designation indicates skillful leadership, stewardship, and expertise in college store operations.

In addition to Kotter’s career experience in collegiate retailing, CCR designees must successfully complete a comprehensive examination that tests their fundamental knowledge of all areas of the collegiate retailing profession and their ability to apply that knowledge.  To successfully recertify for the designation, individuals complete a minimum of 60 hours of continuing education and professional development in the four years since initially earning the designation or from the date of the last renewal, as applicable.

More than 100 collegiate retailers have earned the CCR designation since its launch in fall 2004.

About NACS

Headquartered in Oberlin, Ohio, the National Association of College Stores is the professional trade association representing the $11 billion collegiate retailing industry.  NACS represents more than 3,100 collegiate retailers and approximately 1,100 associate members who supply books and other products to college stores.  NACS member stores daily serve America’s college students while supporting the academic missions of higher education institutions everywhere.  Additional information is available online at www.nacs.org.

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VU Christmas Gala Concert is Dec. 2

November 20, 2009

VINCENNES, IND. - The Vincennes University Music Department will present a Christmas Gala Concert on Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m. EST, in the Red Skelton Performing Arts Center Theatre.  The concert is free and the public is invited to attend.

The concert will showcase various Christmas songs in a variety of musical styles.  Featured groups include the VU Connection, Concert Band, Concert Choir, Brass Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, String Ensemble, Blues Ensemble, performances by VU faculty members, and more.

For more information, please contact Duane Chattin, Director of Public Information, at 812-888-4164 or dchattin@vinu.edu

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Lady Trailblazers 10th, Trailblazers 25th in NJCAA’s 1st hoops polls of season

November 18, 2009


COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The Vincennes Lady Trailblazers are No. 10 in the NJCAA's first Div. I Women's Basketball Poll of the season, which was released today.

The VU men were in a tie for 25th in the initial poll announced late Tuesday afternoon.

The 7-0 Lady Trailblazers had been ranked No. 13 in the pre-season poll. Gulf Coast - host of this weekend's Gulf Coast Classic in Panama City, Fla, in which the Lady Trailblazers will participate – tops the first regular-season poll. VU, after beating No. 14 Lincoln Trail 69-64 Tuesday, faces Gulf Coast Saturday, after taking on No. 22 Chipola on the tournament's first day.

Each of the event’s games will be carried live on the Gulf Coast Sports Network. The broadcasts can be heard by visiting the Gulf Coast Athletics Web site at www.gcathletics.com.

The Vincennes Trailblazers, 6-1 on the season, share the 25th slot in the rankings with the College of Southern Idaho. Central Florida Community College is the top-ranked team in the first poll. The Trailblazers defeated Lincoln Trail (ranked No. 23 in the first poll) 81-77 Tuesday night.

VU will host Southeastern Illinois at 7 p.m. Saturday at the P.E. Complex.

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Former VU Blazer Baseball Player Jason Clutter Making Way in Music


NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Jason Clutter's family moved from Elberfeld to Haubstadt when he was 10 and he discovered sports, especially baseball. He loved it so much that he worked hard enough to turn his God-given talent into a scholarship to pitch and play outfield at Vincennes University.

Clutter graduated in 2002 as one of the NJCAA's top closers and holding a degree in graphic design. He moved on to Oakland City and then spent part of summer 2003 in Italy playing baseball. Unfortunately, his shoulder gave out during his senior year with the Oaks and he would never play baseball again.

So Clutter looked to his other passion - country music, which until that time had been a way to pass time on baseball road trips. “I would sing on the bus on road trips during college and the team would join in," he said.

Music certainly became more than a hobby when Clutter started a local band and recorded seven original songs, two of which got fairly heavy play on Evansville market radio for almost two years. The band quickly grew from playing in front of about 20 people to crowds of about 200 per night.

Clutter has opened for 13 national acts and hopes to complete a new album for release in 2010.

**For more information, visit wwww.jasonclutter.com.

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WVUB radio receives state Community Involvement Award

November 19, 2009


VINCENNES, IND. - Vincennes University radio station Blazer 91.1 WVUB is the recipient of the “Community Involvement” award from the Indiana Broadcasters Association.  The award was presented Nov. 14 during the annual Spectrum Awards ceremonies in Indianapolis.

“I am very honored to have received this award for two reasons,” said Phillip Smith, general manager of WVUB.  “We were very happy to have been selected as Radio Station of the Year last year.  But this award has even more meaning.  This is recognition of service to our community.  Actually being concerned and involved in local events and activities is what broadcasting is all about, and being honored for that by your peers is the highest form of recognition.  Secondly, both VU and the VU Broadcasting Department were recognized and highlighted by broadcasters from throughout the state.”

According to the Indiana Broadcasters Association, the Spectrum Award recognizes broadcast excellence for outstanding achievement in broadcasting by radio and television stations throughout Indiana.  The competition was established to encourage the highest standards of reporting, community service, and production creativity.  It is the ultimate peer recognition for members of the broadcast industry in Indiana.

“When I travel throughout the state, I frequently encounter graduates of VU’s broadcasting program and they always speak highly of their preparation at VU.  Giving students the opportunity to be involved with award-winning stations such as WVUB is an important part of why our graduates achieve great success in this field.  I commend everyone associated with WVUB on receiving this honor,” said VU President Dick Helton.

WVUB Program Director Michael Woods said the award is a motivator for the station’s staff.  “The trophy shows the dedication of our staff and the acceptance of our listeners.  We promise not to let up, but to continue to deliver quality programming for the people of the Wabash valley.”

VU BROADCASTING

The VU Broadcasting Department prepares students for successful entry into radio, television, and allied career fields while earning a college degree. The program emphasizes hands-on, real-world experience for students, including many hours in VU broadcast studios and stations perfecting both on-air and behind-the-scenes technical skills.  VU’s public broadcast stations, WVUB and WVUT-TV, are the only ones in Indiana that are part of an academic broadcast program.

VINCENNES UNIVERSITY - Indiana’s First College

VU is state-supported with campuses in Vincennes and Jasper and additional sites such as the Indianapolis International Airport.  VU also offers instruction at military sites throughout the nation.

In addition to offering 200 associate degree and certificate programs, VU also offers bachelor’s degree programs in technology, homeland security, nursing, and secondary education programs in mathematics, science, and special education.

VU enrolls students from throughout Indiana, 26 other states, and 37 foreign countries.  Tuition and fees are the lowest among Indiana campuses with residence halls.  VU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Founded in 1801, VU is Indiana’s first college and is the only college in the nation founded by an individual who would later become President of the United States.  William Henry Harrison, the ninth U.S. President, founded VU while serving as governor of the Indiana Territory.  More information is available at www.vinu.edu.

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H1N1 vaccination clinic for VU students is Nov. 23

November 19, 2009


VINCENNES, IND. - An H1N1 vaccination clinic will be offered to Vincennes University students on Nov. 23 from 5:00-7:00 PM EST (or until all vaccine is given) in VU’s Beckes Student Union, Fort Sackville Room 1.

“We have a limited number of vaccinations and we must follow the priority guidelines set by the Center for Disease Control and the Indiana State Board of Health for administration of the vaccine.  We will be offering additional H1N1 vaccination clinics as soon as we receive additional doses from the County Board of Health,” said Peggy Milligan, coordinator of the VU Student Health Center.

Recommended initial priority groups include:  pregnant women, household/caregivers of babies under 6 months of age, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, persons aged 6 months to 24 years, persons aged 25-64 who have high-risk medical conditions.

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VU Health Watch Wednesday Continues

 VU Health Watch Wednesday began with two e-text messages that provided H1N1 wellness tips and reminded subscribers to visit the VU Health Office web page. 

Updates will be posted each Wednesday (or sooner if the situation warrants).  The webpage includes links to the Center for Disease Control flu pages, preventative tips, and campus information. 

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