Hello and HAPPY FRIDAY!!

Be sure to check out Flat Tuesday's weekly events for the spring semester. 

Start the New Year with a New Commute on Zimride!

With the new year upon us, now is a good time to post a new commute or update your existing commute on Zimride. UMBC’s private ride-sharing software provides employees an easy way to share rides. Carpooling saves money, decreases stress and helps reduce your carbon footprint. Zimride connects you with others headed the same way for enjoyable, sustainable travel.

In seconds you can set up a profile, search for open seats, post a commute of your own, and get to know more of the friendly faces around you.For more information go to zimride.com/umbc and help us build the Zimride community at UMBC.

For questions contact:

macen1@umbc.edu

• Plan and implement programs that address the needs of commuter students
• Represent OCSS by sitting at the front desk and answering student, staff and visitor questions
• Serve as a role model to UMBC students and develop a sense of community among commuter students.
• Assist with OCSS events as needed, including but not limited to, Welcome Week and Commuter Week

• CAs must attend training sessions prior to the start of the semester (January 25-27, 2016).
• CAs work an average of 10 hours per week, including attendance at weekly team meetings on Fridays at 12pm. 
• If you are unable to attend training or the weekly team meetings (Fridays at 12:00pm), you cannot serve as a Commuter Assistant.

Tell us a little about yourself…

Hey! My name is Dana Kobrin, I’m from Silver Spring, MD, and I’m a Psychology major and Sociology minor.  I am a Resident Assistant in Pataspco Hall, I’m a tutor (obviously haha), I’m the Treasurer of Psi Chi, the psychology honor society, check us on myUMBC!), and I’m a Research Assistant in the Cardiovascular Behavioral Medicine lab with Dr. Waldstein.

How long have you been a tutor? 

I became a tutor through the Psychology Peer Mentor program, so this is my 3^rd semester as an appointment tutor, and my 4^th in the Peer Mentor program.

 How and why did you get involved in being a tutor?

Honestly, my first semester here I was struggling academically. I didn’t have the best study habits from high school, and was so excited for college I lost track of the school side. One of my professors suggested tutoring to help academically and learn study tips, and I loved it. I learned how to study, and enjoyed studying in groups and teaching people, so after my freshman year I was asked to join the LRC and happily accepted.

What is your favorite thing about being a tutor?

When a student truly learns something from class material, or learns something about their study habits and themselves. I’ve tutored students for class they are only taking for graduation requirement, as well as students needing support in their major, and every time I see a smile or excitement about the material it reminds me why I tutor.

Why should students utilize the tutoring?

I was struggling academically for my first semester or two and really needed support academically, and to learn sometimes you just have to sit down, put music on, and just study. Tutoring not only helped my GPA and major choice, it also taught me how to get my work done, procrastinate less, and that I love teaching and helping other students.

What advice would you give students about how to prepare for a tutoring session?

1. If you cannot make your appointment, PLEASE give your tutor at least a day an advance, or in emergencies tell us ASAP. There are so many other students that could benefit from that time.

2. Don’t go into the tutoring appointment and expect me to do your homework for you or give you the answers, I’m not google. Tell your tutor what exactly you need help in, and in most cases the tutor can tailor to exactly what kind of support you need.

When and where can someone work with you through the Learning Resources Center?

I’m a social science and foreign language tutor, so I tutor Psyc 100, 200, 210, and 285, Socy 101, and Hebrew 101 and 102. If you are presently in any of these classes I still have slots open so apply through the ASC website and I’ll help you.