connections project 06

Amazing Photo Race Revisited

Look for the display of each Connections Project Class Photo Race results in the hallway in Brennan this week. But here's a teaser....

posted by connections project 06 @ 9:38 PM 0 comments

Noontime Discussions Start this Week

This week's reading in Blues City is about the California Indians so we are excited that the first in the noontime discussion series - hosted by the peer mentors in the leadership class - will feature representatives from the California Indians Legal Services. They should have a lot to share with us about the status of this group in California today and their work as advocates for the rights of Indians througout the state.

Noontime discussions take place from 12:20-1:20 in the Bay Vista Room. Stay tuned for information on the rest of the discussions scheduled througout the semester.

posted by connections project 06 @ 8:45 PM 0 comments

Blues City Author speaking at Convocation....

You've been reading Blues City: A Walk in Oakland in your First Year Experience courses, now come hear Ishmael Reed in person. We are so excited that he will be the Convocation speaker this year, its a great opportunity for you to hear about his experiences first hand.

Convocation is a wonderful event, the official ceremony marking the start of the academic year. Come and join the faculty, alumni and your fellow students at this exciting celebration of HNU!

See you in the VCPA at 3:00 on Friday, September 15.

posted by connections project 06 @ 5:57 PM 0 comments

Topic of the Week: Effective Reading Strategies

This week in your FYE classes you will be talking about strategies for getting the most out of your readings, in and out of class. Different methods work for different people - the most important thing is finding something that helps you absorb and retain the information so that you are better prepared for class discussion, and have a deeper understanding of class materials. The following is one method (sometimes referred to as SQR3) that has been around for a long time and works for many students. Give it a try with this week's chapter in Blues City...

Survey: Before beginning reading look through the whole chapter. See what the headings are, check for introductory and summary paragraphs, references, etc. See if you can identify 3 to 6 major ideas in the chapter.

Question: Ask yourself what this chapter is about: What is the question that this chapter is trying to answer? Or, what question do I have that this chapter might help answer? Repeat this process with each subsection of the chapter, turning each heading into a question.

Read: Read one section at a time looking for the answer to the question proposed by the heading. This is active reading and requires concentration so find yourself a place and time where you can concentrate.

Recite/write/recall: Say to yourself out loud, or write down, a key phrase that sums up the major point of the section and answers the question. Use your own words; don’t just copy a phrase from the book. Sometimes we remember our own connections much better than ones that are given to us.

Review: If you have completed steps 2-4 for each section you will have a list of key phrases and ideas that provide a sort of outline for the chapter. Review these notes right after you complete the reading and test yourself on key concepts. If you can't recall one of your major points, that's a section you should think about re-reading.

Do you have any tips to share about what works for you?

posted by connections project 06 @ 11:45 PM 0 comments

WOW!

The Week of Welcome ended with a bang at the baseball game on Friday night. Over 140 HNU fans attended the tailgate party, watched the A's claim victory over Baltimore, and enjoyed a great fireworks show!

Thanks to all who came out to support the Oakland A's and HNU.

posted by connections project 06 @ 11:39 PM 0 comments

Week of Welcome Events

Faculty/Student Carnival Mixer - Friday, September 1 from 12-2 in the Cafeteria/Sky Room. Come and meet and mingle! Commuters eat for free....

Oakland A's - come out and root for your new home team! Friday evening, buses leave campus at 6:00pm. Tickets are free so bring a friend. Sign up in Student Affairs (end of the hall in Brennan).

Also this weekend, check out the Oakland Art and Soul Festival. Great music, great food, a great chance to see the spirit of the city of Oakland. Easiliy accessible by BART - so round up a group of friends and head over there Saturday, Sunday or Monday.

Amazing Photo Race gallery coming soon!

posted by connections project 06 @ 7:21 AM 0 comments

Welcome to the HNU Connections Project!

Fall of 2006 is off to a great start with Orientation and the Amazing Photo Race! We'll be posting pictures here and around campus and soon you will know the complete results of the race - Ethnic Studies came in first, but do they have the best shots? Check back here to find out and to see our gallery of photos from your first few days at HNU.

Got Pucon?? Remember to always check Blackboard and your Pucon webmail for the latest information about your classes, dates and deadlines, and upcoming events around the university.

posted by connections project 06 @ 7:13 AM 0 comments