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OAAA E-Weekly October 24, 2023
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Fall 2023 Academic Calendar
Friday, November 3 – Sunday, November 5
Family Weekend (Go to Family Weekend)
Tuesday, November 7
Election Day - No Classes
Wednesday, November 22 - Sunday, November 26
Thanksgiving recess
Schedule a Meeting with a Dean
In addition to the cultural programs we host, each Dean is available to meet with students to provide one-on-one support (i.e., academic, social, and emotional) to all our students.
Student of the Week: Kayla Fletcher
Kayla Fletcher is a Fourth-Year double majoring in Sociology and WGS with a concentration in Gender Studies from the southside of Chicago. Kayla is fully engaged in the Charlottesville and University Community. She is a work-study worker with the Office of African-American Affairs (OAAA), Director of Communications and Staff Writer for the Virginia Black Review, a member of the Political Action Committee for the Black Student Alliance (BSA) and National Association for Advancement of Colored People ( NAACP), and a member of the Undergraduate Black Law Student Association (UBLSA). She also works for the YMCA after-school programs and volunteers for the Starhill Pathway tutoring and mentorship program for the UVA Council. After graduating, Kayla plans to attend Law School and become a civil rights attorney to advocate for social justice and racial inequality.
Name: Zari Taylor
Hometown: New York, New York
Year of Graduation: 2018
Major: Double Major in English & African American Studies
Current Occupation: Ph.D. Candidate in Communication at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Wisdom: College is a special time in your life that goes by really fast, so take the time to make the best memories, enjoy your friendships, and discover who you are. Grades are important, but you’re going to change your mind about what your career will be so many times. There’s still time to figure it all out!
Favorite Memory: I loved working at OAAA and being able to see my friends who came to study every day.
Quote of the Week
“Your service is leaning into your truth, your queerness, your authenticity. Yeah, that thing you been told needed to be fixed. Yeah, the thing everyone told you would be your lifelong liability. You are enough, just as you are.” ― Billy Porter, Unprotected: A Memoir
Studying 101: Study Smarter Not Harder Vol. 14 10.24.23
I have been trying to study but it’s just not working!”
“Every time I get ready to start something I get distracted!”
“I don’t have time to study, I have so much to do!”
Do any of these statements sound familiar to you? Maybe you are having these same thoughts on how you have been feeling as you struggle to achieve focus in your study sessions. However, you are not alone. The common experience we all have is that when you sit down to focus on studying for your classes, the last thing that actually occurs is focus. Instead, the mind is constantly bombarded with numerous distractions. By contrast, only a minority of successful students are able to achieve focus (Phillips, 2015). So how do you separate yourself from the majority?
Let’s explore how to remain focused when studying for success. Remember maintaining your BLACK EXECELLENCE is a constant process.
Your progress is our success.”
Dean Kelly Smith
FIVE ways to go from an average student to a SUCCESSFUL student
1. Offload on paper: the working memory only holds 5-7 things at one time. If you have a million thoughts buzzing through your head, your ability to retain the information or what you are learning is impaired. Successful students protect their executive memory by offloading important thoughts onto paper, this frees your executive memory to focus entirely on your studying efforts.
These are 5 things to consider as you elevate your black excellence from an average student to a successful student. I hope these tips are helpful as you work through the ladder half of the semester. Your commitment to your success begins with you and we are happy to support you along the way!
Have a blessed and productive week!
Dear OAAA Family & Friends,
I would like to give a special shoutout to NAACP & NPHC for hosting and last week’s Black Friday. Even with a little rain, we still have a great time! This semester has been moving quickly and I can’t believe we only have few more Black Friday events left in the semester so please make sure to come out!
Jeffery C. Smith, II
Assistant Dean
Hello all! This is Ms. Carter with the affirmation of the week:
“I prioritize my peace. My greatest luxuries are stillness, peace, and simplicity.”
Expanding one's vocabulary and learning new words can bring numerous benefits. Here is one key advantage:
Improved Problem-Solving: When someone expands their vocabulary, it can enhance their problem-solving skills. A diverse vocabulary helps approach problems from different angles, think creatively, and finding innovative solutions.
Word of the Week:
abscond
verb [ab·scond]
- to depart secretly and hide oneself
Remember, expanding one's vocabulary is a lifelong journey that brings numerous practical and intellectual benefits. It enriches communication, enhances understanding of the world, and fosters personal growth.
Upcoming UVA Events, Learning & Services
Night Owl Yoga
Mondays-Thursdays – 8:00 pm-9:00 pm – Aquatic Fitness Center (AFC) MP4
Drop into Night Owl Yoga! Classes are free for students and are open to everyone with a UVA Recreation gym membership including all UVA students, faculty, staff, and community members. For More Information Contact Name: Mai Hukuoka
Ashtanga Yoga: Mysore-Style Sessions
Mondays-Fridays – 6:30 am-8:30 am – North Grounds Recreation Center (NGRC), MP3
Join CSC's Mysore-style Ashtanga Yoga classes and cultivate a meditative practice focused on your breath. One-on-one guidance and instruction is provided as needed. Come and go as you please during the classes offered. For More Information Contact Name: Mai Hukuoka
Maxine Platzer Women’s Center Body Positive Host: Treat Yourself
Wednesday, October 25 – 11:00 am-1:00 pm – South Lawn
It’s time to FALL in love with yourself! Stop by to pick up treats, self-love affirmations, and a chance to win a “spooky basket” stuffed with all the cozy fall necessities. Join us to celebrate the beauty of the changing leaves and within you. For more information
36th Annual Virginia Film Festival
Wednesday, October 25 – Sunday, October 29
Major in Data Science Fall Info Sessions
Thursday, November 2 – 3:00 – Newcomb Hall; Datapalooza – Friday, November 10 – All Day – Newcomb Hall
The B.S. in Data Science is now available to first-year students! Connect with us to learn more about the major.
Women in Medicine & Science: A Panel Discussion
Wednesday, November 8 – 6:30 pm-7:30 pm – Pinn Hall 1005
Join us for an engaging conversation with medical and doctoral students in the UVA School of Medicine. Learn about the panelists’ -- Josephine Arewa, Medical Student; Omina Nazarzoda, PhD Student Neuroscience Graduate Program; Lilly DeCostanza, PhD Student Biomedical Engineering; and Blair Towers, MSTP Student -- journeys navigating their respective paths to UVA SOM and what it takes to persist.
2023 UVA Graduate and Postdoctoral Fall Festival
Thursday, November 16 – 12:00 pm-2:00 pm – Ern Commons
The Fall Festival is catered to all Graduate and Postdoctoral students in celebration of different cultures and customs through food, activities, and music! Come join us for a dynamic event, where you can build a network, join a community, and have great food. The UVA Fall Festival celebrates the traditions, customs, and cultures within our UVA graduate students and postdoctoral scholar communities as we commemorate the fall season through music, food, and fellowship. For More Information Contact Name: Drew Washington
Did you know? Jennifer McClellan sworn in as first Black congresswoman to represent Virginia on March 7, 2023. McClellan, an American politician, and attorney who has served as the U.S. representative for Virginia's 4th congressional district since 2023. McClellan was the Democratic nominee in the 2023 special election for Virginia's 4th congressional district; the seat became vacant when incumbent Donald McEachin died from colorectal cancer in 2022. She defeated Leon Benjamin in the general election
Opportunities with Deadlines.
Spring 2024 Cohort of Bridge to Batten
Application Deadline: Friday, October 27
Batten has now opened applications for the spring 2024 cohort of Bridge to Batten, which is a program that helps economically underrepresented First Year students explore Batten and public policy, towards the eventual goal of joining our undergraduate major or Accelerated Master of Public Policy. It provides access to a Spring 2024 1-credit, CR/NC seminar (12:30-1:45 on Fridays), advising and support from Batten faculty and staff, and peer mentorship. Students will know the next steps by November 1, in advance of spring course enrollment.
Interested in Joining OSAC?
Outreach Student Admission Committee (OSAC) volunteers play a vital role in the way we engage and connect with prospective students. Events take place in both virtual and in-person formats. It is very important that the UVA's Office of Undergraduate Admission continues to reach out and connect with prospective students as they decide where they would like to go to college. We couldn't do it without your help! Do not hesitate to reach out to the Outreach team Alex Cook. We look forward to being in touch with each of you soon. For More Information.
Office of Undergraduate Admission - Outreach Team
Are you passionate about diversity and the student experience at UVA? Fill out this interest form to get involved with the HOOS Diverse Blog! Email Taína Santana at [email protected] with any questions! For More Information
