Monthly Archives: September 2020

Remote Learning Etiquette

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By: Ally Romanes

We’ve all learned a lot about remote learning the past few months which is great since many of us will continue with it this fall. Here are some great tips for proper online learning etiquette from a PUC student!

Look Presentable 

Even though you’re at home, you should still consider how you present yourself to your professors and classmates. If your video is on, run a brush through your hair, wear appropriate clothing, and pay attention. If you will just be using auido, it’s still a good idea to get ready and dressed every morning to help keep you in a routine.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings 

Make sure there is nothing behind you that will be distracting to others and yourself. This could be other people, pets, or things in your room like a pile of messy clothes. Find a quiet, well lit place that will keep you focused in class and far away from distractions. 

Mute Yourself!

Once you log in to the virtual classroom, make sure to mute yourself. Most of the professors ask students ahead of time to mute, but there will still be some people who forget and end up having noise in the background that disrupts the class. 

Don’t Interrupt 

If you have a question during a lecture, don’t talk over your professor. Either type it in the chatbox or wait until the professor is ready for questions. Some professors don’t mind students asking questions during the lecture, but it’s best if you wait until they are finished. 

Respond Back 

When your professors ask you to respond to questions, please do. Whether they want you to speak up, respond in the chatbox, or give a thumbs up/down, make sure you respond to them. 

Remember, taking online classes isn’t just a learning process for you, but also your professors. They are working hard to give you the best remote learning experience. If you have any questions, concerns, or difficulties with your classes, do not hesitate to email your professor. These are challenging times but we are all in this together. 

A Letter From PUC’s SA President

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Hello PUC,

Hi everyone! My name is Lewis Govea, this years’ PUC Student Association President. I am a senior music major looking to attend pharmacy school in the future. My PUC journey started fall of 2017 when I came to PUC as an aspiring biochemistry major. My efforts to power through my chosen major were thwarted by passion and the desire to be as well rounded as possible, so I switched my major to music with voice being my primary instrument.

My passion for music began very early. I have been in choirs and plays my entire academic life and have continued to grow as a musician. My musical experience ingrained within me the value of teamwork, so I continue to seek out groups that work together for a common goal. This desire, to be a part of something larger than myself, is what drew me to student government. I joined PUC’s Student Association fall of 2019 as the Social Vice President, where I took my skills as a team player and refined them into being the skills of a team leader. I found leadership to be one of my core characteristics. I planned fun events, like Bob Ross Paint Night and a concert where I invited The Voice alum Jej Vinson to sing. I felt like I was making an impact on campus, but I also felt limited to the social lives of PUC students rather than being someone who could affect actual changes to campus life and culture. This is what made me run for president.

School is starting and it might feel like there is no end in sight to this pandemic. I can already sense the walls of my bedroom pressing inwards, but I still don’t give up hope. Hope for better days and for when I can see the kind and loving faces of my friends again. If I begin to feel stagnate, I will push myself to fight for a cause. That cause will be to do everything in my power to make everyone connect to a community that loves them and will support them through these difficult times. This quarantine has been tough, and nobody expects you to just pick up where you left off. Heal. Rest. PUC SA is doing the work to make those dreams a reality. 

Until we meet again,

Lewis Govea

SA President

Tips For A Successful First Year

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Today is the first day of classes and if you’re a freshman, EVERYTHING is new. We hope you’re excited but in case things feel a little overwhelming, here are some simple tips to help make this year a successful one. 

Go To Class 

This isn’t high school, no one is going to make you attend your classes, and skipping your early morning lectures for some much-needed sleep might sound like a great idea but you know what? Go to your classes. You’re here for a reason, to learn! 

Meet Your Professors

Your professors want to get to know you so introduce yourself. You will make a good first impression and if you need help in the class, they’ll already know who you are. A great thing about PUC is most of your classes are small so you’ll have lots of opportunities to get to know your professors better. We know taking classes remotely can make this a bit difficult but definitley try anyway! Send emails or schedule some time to video chat. 

Don’t Use Your Phone During Class

It’s as simple as that. It’s a bad look if you’re on your phone while your professor is teaching. Even if your professor doesn’t have rules about phones being out, it’s still good not to be on it during class, EVEN if they can’t tell you’re using it! 

Take Notes 

It’s essential to take notes during class so you remember what you learned. Your professors will be throwing a lot of information at you, so keeping notes will help you stay on track and prepare for tests. Find some classmates to share notes and study with.

Use Google Drive 

Google Drive is a great way to keep your files backed up. From writing your notes and papers in Google Docs to doing group assignments, Google Drive will help keep all your files safe in one place. Plus, it’s free! 

Eat Well 

Eat well so you can feel well. College requires a lot of energy so make sure to add vegetables and fruits into your meals every day. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated and stray away from energy drinks. 

Have Good Communication With Your Roommate (if you’re on campus)

Whether your roommate is someone you already know or a match your dean made, you need to make sure you have good communication. Living with someone can be tricky so be sure you allow open communication so you can live peacefully. 

Network 

Try to get to know the people in your department, even the faculty. Not only will this make your years at PUC better, but it will also help when you need to find a job or internship. The more people you know, the bigger your network will be. 

Keep Your Social Media Clean

Speaking of networking, you should always think about keeping your social media clean. When you start applying for jobs, employers might examine your social media accounts to get a glimpse of who you are. From Facebook to Instagram, they will see what you post, share, and are tagged in. Make sure your platforms reflect the kind of person you want to be.

Check out our social media tips for more information. 

Take Care of Yourself 

It’s very important that you take care of yourself. Besides eating well, get enough sleep and exercise. To do your very best, you must take care of yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually. Remember, you’re not alone! If you’re struggling, reach out to your RA, a dean, a faculty, or some friends. 

Happy first day of classes! 

 

Get To Know Your Student Association

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Welcome to a new year at PUC! We are so excited to get to know each and every Pioneer! This year we have a great group of student leaders who have been working hard to make sure this is the best year yet. Let’s take a minute to meet them and when you see them around campus, don’t hesitate to say hello!

thumbnail_image001Lewis Govea – President 

“There is nothing I want more than to reunite with my PUC family, but I know everything is going to be different when all this is over. The incoming SA Team has the monumental task of rebuilding the PUC Family following this forced separation, but that’s exactly what we signed up for. This pandemic has strained our support systems and left us feeling alone, but I want everyone to know that SA will be waiting for you all with open arms and hearts full of love when we are back together again. We see our reunion as something to be excited for and we are ready to make PUC feel like home again. SA misses everyone and can’t wait to be back home on the hill. We love you all!”

thumbnail_Image-2Aileen Kurts – VP 

“I’m so excited to be a part of SA because I know the potential Student Senate has for making great changes at PUC. I’m ready to lead the Senate to make PUC feel like home for all students. I’m hoping to create a mentorship program at PUC so freshmen have some more guidance in what they’re doing and so they know people who have accomplished what they dream of. Senate is a powerful tool that I’m hoping every student learns about and utilizes so that their experience at PUC is the best they can have because PUC is not just a school but a place to create a family and call home.”

thumbnail_11B82805-844F-4B31-8C46-5B54A7F03BCDSebastian Anderson – PR/Marketing VP

“I’m thrilled to have another opportunity to be a leader and representative of the student body. I hope to use the PR & Marketing position to bring the whole campus closer together while helping campus culture and energy flourish. I want to do everything in my power to make sure everyone feels included, involved, and invited to everything the SA team puts together.”

thumbnail_ImageGrace Jong – Social VP 

“Hey, guys! I can’t wait for all the exciting new adventures that God has planned for PUC. This upcoming year, I have so many events planned in order to connect the students together. Stay tuned always remember to give love and give grace :)”

thumbnail_Image-1Keren Castro – Religious VP 

“I’m really excited to be part of SA and bringing new things to PUC. My biggest goal for next year is really to bring more opportunities for the students to seek a more personal and deeper relationship with God while creating a stronger community through it. This past year, I was on Noah’s RVP team and we brought together Afterglow and we’ve seen amazing outcomes from it. So now I only want to expand from that.”

thumbnail_IMG-20190831-WA0008Miriam YU – Financial VP 

“I’m excited to meet everyone, especially the new SA team, real soon and also to bond with the student body. As FVP I look forward to growing in this position and meeting all the accounting goals.”

thumbnail_ADC_0034Adam Adreveno – Video Producer 

“I look forward to making quality videos for everyone to engage with and enjoy!”

Things To Expect Your Freshman Year

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Starting college is a very exciting time though it can be nerve-wracking not knowing what to expect, especially during such unprecedented times. While everyone’s college experience will be different, we’re here with a few things you can almost certainly expect. 

You’ll Make Friends Quickly

Even shy people make friends in college, even remotely! From SA activities to your classes, it won’t be hard to meet new people and make friends. Don’t be afraid to talk to people, especially during orientation. Everyone is just as nervous as you are. 

You’ll Have Flexibility 

College gives you freedom. You get to choose your classes (to an extent), when to eat, when to nap, when to have fun, and so on. Having more freedom is great but be sure to use good judgment! 

You Will Get Lost (once you’re on campus)

It’s a big campus so getting a little turned around is completely expected. We’ve all been there! If you need help finding your way to class, just ask! If you happen to find yourself lost with no one around, pull up the campus map!

Classes Might Get Hard 

College isn’t easy and you’re definitely going to have some tough classes. But there’s no need to get discouraged! PUC offers tons of resources from study groups to private tutoring! 

You’ll Figure Things Out

You’re bound to have questions as you start this new journey. Maybe you don’t know what major to declare or you’re trying to decide when if you can handle a campus job. The great thing about PUC is, you have tons of people and resources to help you figure things out, so use them! Check-in with your friends, your RA, or your advisor for some great advice. 

Remote learning isn’t ideal for anyone. We would much rather have you all on campus, hanging out and having a blast but your safety is the most important thing. Remember, we’re all in this together. Your first year of college goes by really fast so take chances, try new things, and make as many memories as you can. Have fun and stay positive!

 

 

Note: Be sure you carefully read your communications from Student Life and regularly check the Fall Campus Plan webpage to stay up-to-date with the COVID-19 safety precautions PUC will be enforcing.