You’re a college student so it’s a given that you live on a budget. And even if you’ve got some cash to spare, who doesn’t like free stuff? Here are some tips on how to use some of FAU’s free services that you probably didn’t even know about.
Student Government
SG gives free scantrons (blue and green) and blue books to students. Although you might only spend five bucks on scantrons during your stay at FAU, save the cash and buy yourself a beer. While you’re there, pick up a free pen, pencil or sometimes an FAU cup.
Most importantly, you paid for all of this stuff. The money to purchase these items comes from A&S (Activity and Service) Fees that you pay as part of you tuition. There’s an SG office on every campus - check the SG web site to find one near you.
Bank Atlantic
Get a free gift for opening an account with Bank Atlantic. Your Owl card works as an ATM card with Bank Atlantic anyway, so open a checking account and get a free gift. From luggage to watches, they have something for everyone. I got a nifty shower radio when I opened an account. And the best part, you can open an account with just a penny.
Breezeway (On the Boca campus)
Always check the Breezeway and the Free Speech Lawn (in front of the SO building) before you buy lunch. There are always random tables out there giving away anything from a slice of pizza and a Krispy Kreme doughnut to a fuzzy FAU foam hand. If you can’t get a free lunch, you can usually pick up some cool FAU memorabilia.
Student Health Services
The Wellness Center offers free condoms and band-aids. And if you’re worried about asking for them, there’s a huge bowl of condoms just sitting out. You can grab a couple and walk out – no questions asked. And girls, the band-aids also work great when you get a blister from your shoes.
Free Services
The Multicultural Affairs office offers free year-round tutoring for just about every subject from German to statistics. As long as you are enrolled in the class, you can sign up or walk in for an hour-long tutoring session. For a list of services click here.
If you need help with your essays, the University Center for Excellence in Writing (UCEW) offers free help with writing papers. The center provides a range of support to help you in the writing process. To make an appointment, click here.
Having some trouble getting your grades up or fighting with your boyfriend? The Counseling Center provides individual and group counseling to all FAU students and faculty. The center offers a variety of counseling services and all sessions are confidential. For more information or to make an appointment, visit the Counseling Center’s web site, click here.
Know a place to get free stuff or have a question of your own? Ask the UP! I will be accepting questions here as comments or you can e-mail them to me directly at mboyet@gmail.com. I want to hear from you, so please send me your questions.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Monday, May 21, 2007
Get the lowdown on your professor
While discussing the classes I plan to take next semester with a group of friends last weekend, I realized that who’s teaching a class is just as important as deciding which class to take. Funny thing is, we all came up with different methods on how to pick the right professor. So I figured I’d pass along their ideas to you.
1) Rate My Professor
One of my best friends will not sign up for a class without first checking a professor’s rating on RateMyProfessor.com. As a communication major in my third year, I don’t often get the chance to rate my professor because there’s only one class offered with one professor. But before I ran head-on into the classes in my major, RateMyProfessor.com was my favorite site. In fact, I used the site before signing up for all of my general education classes. As a freshman, almost all of your classes are taught by at least five different professors. This gives you the opportunity to not only pick your class, but also the professor you want to take it with.
RateMyProfessor.com is really user-friendly and actually fun to use. Students rate professors on easiness, helpfulness and clarity while adding comments about textbook use and attendance. There’s a box for comments and professors and students can even post photos. But my favorite part is being able rate whether the professor is “hot” or “not.”
You can search for a professor’s rating by his or her name, department or even FAU campus. To check out the site and ratings for FAU, click here
2) FAU SPOT Analysis Forms
Another great way to find out what other students think of your soon-to-be professor is to check out FAU SPOT forms. SPOT (Student Perception of Teaching) surveys are given to students at the end of each term to rate their professor’s effectiveness. This form also goes more in depth about the professor’s ability to teach and the content covered. There are more areas for students to rate the professor using the SPOT forms. Although you can’t find out if the professor is hot, SPOT forms are turned in by just about every FAU student. So, there are a lot more evaluations to look at for each professor, opposed to RateMyProfessor.com which may have 5 to 10 ratings per teacher.
Check the SPOT forms here. The surveys are divided by campus, college and department.
3) Word of Mouth
Of course the best way to find out about a professor is to talk to someone who took his or her class. The best advice I can give you is to ask everyone about the professor you are considering before signing up for his or her class. Ask your friends, have them ask their friends and ask random people in your classes. But most importantly, ask more than one person and when they give you their recommendation, be sure to ask why.
Whatever method you use, be sure to always check up on a professor before signing up for a class. In a worst case scenario, if you end up with a horrible professor, drop the class during drop and add week and find something better.
If you’ve had an interesting experience with a teacher and want to share, please leave your comments below. Or, if you know another way to check on a professor before singing up for his or her class, please let us know.
Have a question of your own? Ask the UP! I will be accepting questions here as comments or you can e-mail them to me directly at mboyet@gmail.com. I want to hear from you, so please send me your questions.
1) Rate My Professor
One of my best friends will not sign up for a class without first checking a professor’s rating on RateMyProfessor.com. As a communication major in my third year, I don’t often get the chance to rate my professor because there’s only one class offered with one professor. But before I ran head-on into the classes in my major, RateMyProfessor.com was my favorite site. In fact, I used the site before signing up for all of my general education classes. As a freshman, almost all of your classes are taught by at least five different professors. This gives you the opportunity to not only pick your class, but also the professor you want to take it with.
RateMyProfessor.com is really user-friendly and actually fun to use. Students rate professors on easiness, helpfulness and clarity while adding comments about textbook use and attendance. There’s a box for comments and professors and students can even post photos. But my favorite part is being able rate whether the professor is “hot” or “not.”
You can search for a professor’s rating by his or her name, department or even FAU campus. To check out the site and ratings for FAU, click here
2) FAU SPOT Analysis Forms
Another great way to find out what other students think of your soon-to-be professor is to check out FAU SPOT forms. SPOT (Student Perception of Teaching) surveys are given to students at the end of each term to rate their professor’s effectiveness. This form also goes more in depth about the professor’s ability to teach and the content covered. There are more areas for students to rate the professor using the SPOT forms. Although you can’t find out if the professor is hot, SPOT forms are turned in by just about every FAU student. So, there are a lot more evaluations to look at for each professor, opposed to RateMyProfessor.com which may have 5 to 10 ratings per teacher.
Check the SPOT forms here. The surveys are divided by campus, college and department.
3) Word of Mouth
Of course the best way to find out about a professor is to talk to someone who took his or her class. The best advice I can give you is to ask everyone about the professor you are considering before signing up for his or her class. Ask your friends, have them ask their friends and ask random people in your classes. But most importantly, ask more than one person and when they give you their recommendation, be sure to ask why.
Whatever method you use, be sure to always check up on a professor before signing up for a class. In a worst case scenario, if you end up with a horrible professor, drop the class during drop and add week and find something better.
If you’ve had an interesting experience with a teacher and want to share, please leave your comments below. Or, if you know another way to check on a professor before singing up for his or her class, please let us know.
Have a question of your own? Ask the UP! I will be accepting questions here as comments or you can e-mail them to me directly at mboyet@gmail.com. I want to hear from you, so please send me your questions.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
America hasn’t seen a real boycott since the Boston Tea Party
Today’s question, “Will the May 15 gas boycott accomplish anything?” – is an issue I actually forgot about until Tuesday morning. Since this blog is posted Wednesday, I’m not here to remind you about the “gas out” – just enlighten you about how it won’t do a damn thing to lower gas prices.
I was leaving my house yesterday morning on my way to the gym when I looked down at my gas gauge and noticed the little arrow was almost on E. As I was considering which gas station I could get the best deal from, the DJ on the radio mentioned the "gas out" and I realized this was the day I was supposed to boycott gas.
Looking again at the gauge, I decided I had enough gas to go to the gym and home before the arrow would officially hit the E. So I decided to abide by the “gas out” rules and just get gas tomorrow. Yeah, that’s serious boycotting right there.
This made me think – do people believe that boycotting gas for one day will actually make a difference?
I called my best friend and proclaimed my distaste for the way MySpace users started a hopeless boycott. He laughed and told me he had just filled up his car at BP where at least seven other dejected bodies also pumped gasoline into their hungry cars. He told me he rarely checks MySpace and word of mouth about the "gas out" had not yet reached him. I guess it didn't reach the other seven people either or maybe they just don't care.
Yet, even if the news about plans to boycott gas had reached more people, not getting gas for a day doesn't even qualify as a "boycott." By definition, a boycott includes doing without something in order to prove a point. The boycotted product is used as tangible proof to those who supply it that consumers are prepared to do without it unless changes are made. This “gas out” isn’t asking consumers to swear off using or buying gasoline, even for a short time, it just simply asks us to shift the purchase date by a couple days. Since consumers are not even attempting to make a sacrifice by actually giving up something, the threat it poses to price-happy oil suppliers is nonexistent. The sales missed from a one-day consumer boycott wouldn’t hurt the oil companies one bit.
So while the May 15 gas boycott may have done some good by calling attention to a problem, the message it sends out is that as consumers we need gas and can try to do without it for a day. Sadly, one day really won’t affect anything. If you want to take a stand and send a real message, let’s boycott gas for a week – who’s in?
Have a question of your own? Ask the UP! I will be accepting questions here as comments or you can e-mail them to me directly at mboyet@gmail.com. I want to hear from you, so please send me your questions.
I was leaving my house yesterday morning on my way to the gym when I looked down at my gas gauge and noticed the little arrow was almost on E. As I was considering which gas station I could get the best deal from, the DJ on the radio mentioned the "gas out" and I realized this was the day I was supposed to boycott gas.
Looking again at the gauge, I decided I had enough gas to go to the gym and home before the arrow would officially hit the E. So I decided to abide by the “gas out” rules and just get gas tomorrow. Yeah, that’s serious boycotting right there.
This made me think – do people believe that boycotting gas for one day will actually make a difference?
I called my best friend and proclaimed my distaste for the way MySpace users started a hopeless boycott. He laughed and told me he had just filled up his car at BP where at least seven other dejected bodies also pumped gasoline into their hungry cars. He told me he rarely checks MySpace and word of mouth about the "gas out" had not yet reached him. I guess it didn't reach the other seven people either or maybe they just don't care.
Yet, even if the news about plans to boycott gas had reached more people, not getting gas for a day doesn't even qualify as a "boycott." By definition, a boycott includes doing without something in order to prove a point. The boycotted product is used as tangible proof to those who supply it that consumers are prepared to do without it unless changes are made. This “gas out” isn’t asking consumers to swear off using or buying gasoline, even for a short time, it just simply asks us to shift the purchase date by a couple days. Since consumers are not even attempting to make a sacrifice by actually giving up something, the threat it poses to price-happy oil suppliers is nonexistent. The sales missed from a one-day consumer boycott wouldn’t hurt the oil companies one bit.
So while the May 15 gas boycott may have done some good by calling attention to a problem, the message it sends out is that as consumers we need gas and can try to do without it for a day. Sadly, one day really won’t affect anything. If you want to take a stand and send a real message, let’s boycott gas for a week – who’s in?
Have a question of your own? Ask the UP! I will be accepting questions here as comments or you can e-mail them to me directly at mboyet@gmail.com. I want to hear from you, so please send me your questions.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Where to find cheap books
Today’s question “What are the options for getting cheap books in Boca?” comes from a broke young FAU student who needs some guidance.
I did some research and here are tips for where to get cheap books in Boca. I’m going into my third year at FAU so I threw in my own personal experiences as well.
1) FAU Campus Bookstores
All FAU campus bookstores are operated by Barnes & Noble. While the selling prices are more towards the high side for purchasing books, you can make some fast cash if you sell them back. Just be sure to sell to your books back quickly – as time passes the amount of money they pay will decrease depending on stock.
To make your life easier, you can also order and reserve books online at http://fau.bncollege.com.
2) Multicultural Affairs Book Loan Program
The Multicultural Affairs office sponsors a book loan program for students who are “financially unable to purchase books.” The books offered are mostly general education books and are issued on a first come basis and dependent upon availability.
There are special dates before each term when the book loan program is available. These dates will be posted on the MA office door as soon as they are decided. Currently the dates have no yet been posted. If you’re interested, continue to check the MA web site and call the office for updates. And if you plan to go the day the books are available, make sure you go at 5 a.m. or you will miss out. Trust me, by 8:30 a.m. there’s nothing left.
For more information, visit the Multicultural Affairs web site at http://www.fau.edu/ma/services.htm or call (561) 297-3959. /services.htm
3) Beat the Bookstore
Beat the Bookstore’s motto, “we buy for more and sell for less” is actually true. At Beat the Bookstore you can sell your books and work up credit towards the purchase of new books. Although the owners will write you a check if you can’t find anything new to buy, they urge you to leave the money in your account as credit for “next time.” So, if you want to just sell your books back for fast cash, this is not the place to go.
While the store has a great selection of general education books, since this location is fairly new and they rely strongly on students selling books back, they might not have everything you need. But owners say to be patient because the selection will grow with time.
Beat the Bookstore is located at 1501 NW Boca Raton Blvd. For more information, call (561) 392-9495.
4) BOOKSMART
At BOOKSMART you can buy and sell your books back separately. You can sell your books back at one side and buy more on the other, no strings attached. This store has a great selection and offers everything the FAU bookstore does, plus more office supplies. The Boca location also has a great selection of medial textbooks.
Personally, I think BOOKSMART has the best prices for buying books. You save about $2 to $5 on every book compared to the FAU bookstore prices. Yet, I think FAU gives you more cash back when selling.
BOOKSMART is located at 670 Glades Rd. For more information, call (561) 394-6085.
5) Start a Book Exchange Program
If all else fails, start up a book exchange program on your own. A friend of mine is looking into starting up a book-donating exchange program for the education department where you donate a book and take another one home. Apparently education books don’t come cheap. Then again, do any textbooks?
Contact Education Advisor at Joe Waters at (561) 297-3570 if you’re interested in getting involved. In fact, if you’re interested in starting a book exchange program within your college, he urges you to go talk to an advisor.
I will be accepting questions here as comments or you can e-mail them to me directly at mboyet@gmail.com. I want to hear from you, so please send me your questions.
I did some research and here are tips for where to get cheap books in Boca. I’m going into my third year at FAU so I threw in my own personal experiences as well.
1) FAU Campus Bookstores
All FAU campus bookstores are operated by Barnes & Noble. While the selling prices are more towards the high side for purchasing books, you can make some fast cash if you sell them back. Just be sure to sell to your books back quickly – as time passes the amount of money they pay will decrease depending on stock.
To make your life easier, you can also order and reserve books online at http://fau.bncollege.com.
2) Multicultural Affairs Book Loan Program
The Multicultural Affairs office sponsors a book loan program for students who are “financially unable to purchase books.” The books offered are mostly general education books and are issued on a first come basis and dependent upon availability.
There are special dates before each term when the book loan program is available. These dates will be posted on the MA office door as soon as they are decided. Currently the dates have no yet been posted. If you’re interested, continue to check the MA web site and call the office for updates. And if you plan to go the day the books are available, make sure you go at 5 a.m. or you will miss out. Trust me, by 8:30 a.m. there’s nothing left.
For more information, visit the Multicultural Affairs web site at http://www.fau.edu/ma/services.htm or call (561) 297-3959. /services.htm
3) Beat the Bookstore
Beat the Bookstore’s motto, “we buy for more and sell for less” is actually true. At Beat the Bookstore you can sell your books and work up credit towards the purchase of new books. Although the owners will write you a check if you can’t find anything new to buy, they urge you to leave the money in your account as credit for “next time.” So, if you want to just sell your books back for fast cash, this is not the place to go.
While the store has a great selection of general education books, since this location is fairly new and they rely strongly on students selling books back, they might not have everything you need. But owners say to be patient because the selection will grow with time.
Beat the Bookstore is located at 1501 NW Boca Raton Blvd. For more information, call (561) 392-9495.
4) BOOKSMART
At BOOKSMART you can buy and sell your books back separately. You can sell your books back at one side and buy more on the other, no strings attached. This store has a great selection and offers everything the FAU bookstore does, plus more office supplies. The Boca location also has a great selection of medial textbooks.
Personally, I think BOOKSMART has the best prices for buying books. You save about $2 to $5 on every book compared to the FAU bookstore prices. Yet, I think FAU gives you more cash back when selling.
BOOKSMART is located at 670 Glades Rd. For more information, call (561) 394-6085.
5) Start a Book Exchange Program
If all else fails, start up a book exchange program on your own. A friend of mine is looking into starting up a book-donating exchange program for the education department where you donate a book and take another one home. Apparently education books don’t come cheap. Then again, do any textbooks?
Contact Education Advisor at Joe Waters at (561) 297-3570 if you’re interested in getting involved. In fact, if you’re interested in starting a book exchange program within your college, he urges you to go talk to an advisor.
I will be accepting questions here as comments or you can e-mail them to me directly at mboyet@gmail.com. I want to hear from you, so please send me your questions.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Go ahead, ask me anything.
As students we often spend a lot of time just “going through the motions” of everyday life. When you’re working two jobs and doing your homework for four classes all while attempting to maintain a social life, it’s hard to stay in the loop about what’s going on around campus. And if you don’t know what’s going on at FAU, or you are confused by something you've heard, you probably will not be taking the time to research it on your own. So, that’s where I come in. You’ve got questions and I have answers. And if I don’t know either, I’m going to do the reporting for you.
If someone told you to boycott the vending machines and you had no idea what they were talking about… Ask the UP. (Read the UP’s current issue for more info).
Wondering why the cafeteria on the Boca campus is shut down all summer? Ask the UP.
Heard about the 76-year-old woman graduating with honors on Friday and want to know her story? Ask the UP.
From weird policies at FAU, to interesting things going on and just about anything you have a question about Ask the UP and I'll do whatever it takes to find you an answer.
I will be accepting questions here as comments or you can e-mail them to me directly at mboyet@gmail.com. I want to hear from you, so please send me your questions.
If someone told you to boycott the vending machines and you had no idea what they were talking about… Ask the UP. (Read the UP’s current issue for more info).
Wondering why the cafeteria on the Boca campus is shut down all summer? Ask the UP.
Heard about the 76-year-old woman graduating with honors on Friday and want to know her story? Ask the UP.
From weird policies at FAU, to interesting things going on and just about anything you have a question about Ask the UP and I'll do whatever it takes to find you an answer.
I will be accepting questions here as comments or you can e-mail them to me directly at mboyet@gmail.com. I want to hear from you, so please send me your questions.
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