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OAAA E-Weekly October 9, 2023
Student Spotlight: Tichara Robertson
Tichara Robertson is a fourth-year student in the College of Arts and Sciences from Alexandria, Virginia. At UVA, she is a double major in African-American/African Studies and the interdisciplinary Political and Social Thought program. She has spent much of her time working to improve the student experience, which has led her to become the Student Council President. In this role, she serves and advocates for the 25,000 undergraduate and graduate students here at UVA. She is also the Operations Intern at the LGBTQ Center and just last year co-founded the Black Queer Club of which she now serves as the President. In her time at UVA, she was also involved in the Minority Rights Coalition and served as an OAAA Peer Advisor. Outside of academics, she enjoys hanging out with her close friends at Newcomb Hall and binge-watching TV shows. She hopes to continue her studies in African American Studies and Political Theory through pursuing a PhD and hopefully becoming a professor!
Quote of the Week
“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots.” – Marcus Garvey
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.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Fall 2023 Academic Calendar
Tuesday, October 17
Last Day to Withdraw from a Course (Use SIS)
Friday, November 3 – Sunday, November 5
Family Weekend (Go to Family Weekend)
Tuesday, November 7
Election Day - No Classes
OAAA Alumni Engagement
Name: Dasmen Richards
Hometown: Fayetteville, GA
Year of Graduation: 2018
Major: Foreign Affairs & African & African-American Studies
Current Occupation: Graduate Student (Research Assistant)
My advice being five years out of undergrad, I have had a decent amount of time to reflect on some things. Specifically, thinking about courses, use your network(s) to figure out what classes to take and most importantly, who to take them with. For example, I know some people may be taking lecture hall courses where more than one professor is teaching it, knowing who to take it with definitely matters! Some professors are way more approachable than others, which I realized was very important for me in order to succeed in the course (i.e., office hours). That leads me to my next point, take advantage of office hours! Office hours are crucial in fostering a deeper relationship with your professor when you are enrolled in those larger courses. I wish I did that more my first and second year, and that probably could have helped when I was struggling in courses and trying to transition from high school to college.
My favorite memory of OAAA was Black Fridays!
Dear OAAA Family & Friends,
I would like to give a special shoutout to McIntire School of Commerce & BCSN for hosting and co-sponsoring last week’s Black Friday. I look forward to seeing you this Friday!
Jeffery C. Smith, II,
Assistant Dean
Studying 101: Study Smarter Not Harder Vol. 14 10.9.23
Fall break has come and gone and we hope you had time to enjoy….or not?!?! Now you are working towards maintaining your momentum to continue working effectively, using your time wisely and making smart decisions as you plan this second half of the fall semester. Many of you are complaining of tiredness and that is normal as you try to cram in all your activities socially and academically. Sleep is your friend, but when you are lacking sleep and need to study there are options!!!!
Let’s explore how to study when you are tired because you’re going to do it!!!!
Remember maintaining your BLACK EXECELLENCE is a constant process.
Your progress is our success”
Dean Kelly Smith
7 Ways to Study when you’re tired!!!
Bonus Tip
Watch something that scares you
Now this is not for everyone, but watching something scary, spooky and haunting may keep you from nodding off (it is Halloween season). This one-off study session is important even though you’re feeling tired, so you can pull off an all-nighter if you see fit, although highly not recommended.
I hope these tips are helpful as the season is changing and it is getting dark sooner. Get in tune with your body and adjust your study according to your needs. Your future is brighter when you study smarter and not harder.
Have a blessed and productive week
Expanding one's vocabulary and learning new words can bring numerous benefits. Here is one key advantage:
Expanded Career Opportunities: Many professions highly value a strong vocabulary. It can open doors to various career paths, such as writing, journalism, public speaking, marketing, and more. Employers often value individuals who can communicate effectively and articulate their ideas clearly.
Word of the Week:
esperance
noun [es·per·ance]
- the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best
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.
Hello all! This is Ms. Carter with the affirmation of the week:
“I will take steps to get stronger and healthier every day.”
Taking time for self-care is essential. Always listen to your body. If you feel run down, you may need a nap. Take one! If you feel stressed over school, add 30-minute breaks into your schedule to go get food (when was the last time you ate?), call your Mom or Dad, sibling(s), or a close friend to check-in and hear a familiar voice, or just take the time to catch up on your favorite show or social media outlet. If you feel overwhelmed, check in with your therapist/counselor, or with a Dean at OAAA. We are here for whatever you need.
Upcoming UVA Events, Learning & Services
2023 Majors Fair
Tuesday, October 10 – 1:00 pm-4:00 pm – Newcomb Ballroom
Stop by the Majors Fair to explore your options and get your questions answered! More than 50 majors and programs will be there! See the website for a list of departments attending.
Public Service Week: University-wide Event Series
Wednesday, October 11 – Wednesday, October 18
Public Service Week is a time to highlight the contributions of UVA students, staff, and faculty to public service, outreach, community-engaged teaching, public impact research, and the pursuit of careers in public service, all at the heart of the University’s “great and good” mission. Public service takes many forms across the university. If you or your group engage in public service and want to host an event to share and celebrate your progress, invite new participants, spark discussions, or support day-of-service work, please be in touch! Funding is available for student-led events. Fill out an Event Submission Form or contact the Office for Academic Outreach for more information on how to get involved. Contact Name: Ellen Blackmon
Active Attacker Prevention, Response, and Notification Training
Tuesday, October 17 – 12:00 pm-1:00 pm – Newcomb Hall South Meeting Room
This training is free and open to all students, employees, faculty, and staff of the Academic and UVA Health Divisions. Since 2020, the Department of Safety & Security has conducted multiple Active Attacker Prevention, Response, and Notification trainings for over a thousand University community members. Incidents involving active attackers at universities and medical centers are infrequent but do occur and the impact on the individuals and communities affected cannot be overstated. In the wake of November 13th, the Department of Safety & Security continues its commitment to educate the UVA community about public safety. In this 60-minute training, the Department of Safety & Security will discuss what the University Threat Assessment Team, Office of Emergency Management, and Police Department do to prevent and if needed respond to and notify the UVA community of an active attacker event. Participants will learn about emergency notifications, how to report concerning behavior, and easy-to-remember options for people who are faced with a violent situation. For more information, contact Dr. Rachel Slotter (Academic Division Office of Emergency Management). Please register for the training here.
“Finding Mental Health Care Providers in the Community”
Tuesday, October 17 – 3:30 pm - Student Health and Wellness Building Multipurpose Room 100A
Join the Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) Care Managers for a presentation. If you are a student seeking therapy or psychiatry in the community (in Charlottesville or anywhere in the U.S.), this workshop is for you! We’ll discuss insurance benefits and help students learn how to identify and connect with a provider who’s right for them. Free cookies and swag giveaways! Please email [email protected] with any questions. Student Health and Wellness Building (550 Brandon Ave) in Multipurpose Room 100A (first floor, directly to the right of the main front entrance.) Visitor parking is available!
Opportunities with Deadlines
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.
Did you know? Richard Claxton "Dick" Gregory ran for president in the 1968 United States presidential election as a write-in candidate of the Freedom and Peace Party, which had broken off from the Peace and Freedom Party. He garnered 47,097 votes. Gregory (October 12, 1932 – August 19, 2017) was an American comedian, actor, writer, activist and social critic. He became popular among the African-American communities in the southern United States with his "no-holds-barred" sets, poking fun at the bigotry and racism in the United States. In 1961 he became a staple in the comedy clubs, appeared on television, and released comedy record albums. Gregory was at the forefront of political activism in the 1960s, when he protested the Vietnam War and racial injustice. He was arrested multiple times and went on many hunger strikes. He later became a speaker and author, primarily promoting spirituality. Gregory died of heart failure, aged 84, at a Washington, D.C., hospital in August 2017. He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. Gregory is number 82 on Comedy Central's list of the 100 Greatest Stand-ups of all time and has his own star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame.
