Live, Work, Play and Learn Here!

One of our area communities has the motto –Live, Work and Play Here!!  At Iowa Lakes we can say “Live, Work, Play and Learn Here!!”  With all of this you will most likely find yourself pulled in many different directions while trying to balance the areas of your life. Too much studying may create stress while too much playing may also get in the way of goals.

The juggling act of your personal life (LIVE),   a job or family demands of keeping the household running (Work), a social life and entertainment (Play) and taking a class or classes (Learn Here).  With all this you will most likely find yourself pulled in different directions.  Too much studying may create stress, while too much play and fun will get in the way of your educational goals. The juggling of Live, Work, Play and Learn Here” is about making good decisions and focusing your energy in positive ways.  

Make sure you are aware of resources to assist you at Iowa Lakes Community College. The Student Services area encompasses a wide range of services including the Success Center, Educational Counseling, the Career Resource Center, Registrar’s Office, Library and Financial Aid.

http://www.iowalakes.edu/student_services/

Email Ettiquette

Email Etiquette..

All capital letters – I can hear you!!

Welcome to the world of digital communications, where what you write and intend to say can be worlds apart from what is read by the reader.  A friend likes to type in all capital letters, this is rude in email etiquette as it is though you are screaming at the reader – even if it is good news and you are excited.   “GUESS WHAT", "WHAT ARE YOU DOING TODAY?” can feel a lot more sharp and bristly than a calmer greeting, “What are you doing today after work? Let's go for supper”.

There are many articles and writing out there on email etiquette.

Common email etiquette hasn’t changed much, but people seem to forget that the email signature at the bottom of the page needs just as much attention as the rest of the message.  The content of your message should certainly be the focal point of your email, but the signature might be the last thing the readers sees and ultimately the one thing they remember about your email – or even you. Who is the message from??

A signature – what for you ask??

Are you emailing or texting a friend or coworker?  If not, then do not assume that the recipient will know exactly who you are, what class/course you are in or who you are. You may need to specifically identify yourself toward the beginning of the body of the email and/or include your name, the class you are in or what you are corresponding about. ”

Email and texting is so second nature to many students and workers that they forget the formalities of introduction that you don’t take for granted when meeting someone for the first time in person or on the telephone.

An email signature should have a few key elements:

• Full name
• Course/class name
• Section or time of day
• Telephone number
• Email address

Yes, the signature may actually be longer than the message but what information is pertinent to the receiver of your message if it is college or business related?

What does an email address say about you?A few signature items can make you seem unprofessional?  What does your email address say about you?

Some people even have fun with their signatures. The famous “Sent from my…” messages that are tacked on to many smart phone, ipads, blackberry's.

Do you have some email/texting pet peeves or etiquette to share? 

Add/Drop dates

 The first important reminder for fall semester is the Course Add/Drop Dates and Refund Policy listed below for the 2011 fall semester.  The deadlines for online courses are highlighted in yellow.  It is important you are aware of these dates if you plan to add or drop a course. 

 

http://www.iowalakes.edu/registrars_office/academic_calendar/index.cfm
Online courses started Monday, August 29^th.  It is very important you log in and begin working on your courses right away.  The last day you were able to add or drop a course online through the portal (WebAdvisor) was Monday, August 29^th.  After that date an add/drop form will need to be filled and turned in to the Records Office.  The Counselors would be happy to assist you with the process if needed.  If you plan to receive financial aid for your courses please keep in mind the Census date for fall is Friday, September 2.  Any registrations completed after this date will not be eligible for financial aid.

Less Stress

Stress is different things to different people.
Stress is very individualized; what stresses one person may not be a stressor to another person. 
Whether something becomes a stressor to you depends on a variety of variables in you and your life.

 

Your response to the stressor also depends on your physiological state. Every stress transaction we’re involved in is affected by our health, sleep, psychoactive substances, our food intake and our daily activity.

Yet at times we feel like we’re powerless to stressors. 

A Toolbox for Coping with Stress

1. Reorganize.

Take time to exercise or walk for 30 minutes each day, this is your basic defense against stress.”

2. Rethink.

What your mind tells you about a potential stressor will determine whether it becomes an actual stressor, always think of the positives.  Do not let the baggage drag you down; simply leave the baggage at the door.  Think positive - "No stinking thinking" as my friend Patti would say!  

Be aware of "that" baggage and how it impacts you and your life.

3. Reduce.

This is the balancing act- know how much you can do and if it is too much reduce something or somewhere.  This may mean dropping a course or saying "No" to a community commitment. 

4. Relax.

Try some deep breathing or muscle relaxation techniques -practice clinically proven relaxation techniques.  

5. Release.

Do something to reduce muscle tension - use a stress ball, vigorous walk, etc.

Ideas from  Stress Less, Live More: How Acceptance & Commitment Therapy Can Help You Live a Busy Yet Balanced Life by Richard Blonna, Ed.D, a nationally certified coach and counselor.

adapted from 5 Ways to Stress Less by Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S.  http://psychcentral.com/lib/2011/5-ways-to-stress-less/

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