It’s that time of year again. The weather is warming up and classes are winding down. Our natural instinct as humans may be to take it easy and enjoy ourselves as summer gets closer and closer, but it is essential for students to stay on tract. These last few weeks could be pivotal when it comes to a high grade (or one you’re not so proud of…).
Stay on Track
With such little time left in the semester, students often tend to not worry as much about their classes as they did at the beginning (myself included). Unfortunately, the final weeks also usually mean all your papers and projects and tests are coming, and if that’s the case, you can’t afford to slack off. Even if you are doing really well in a clas,s it would be foolish to let some last semester slacking cost you your shot at Dean’s List.
Registration
Registration is an animal of its own. The scurry for class openings and pre-requisites begin, and if you don’t give it your all you will fall behind and possible miss something you need. The first thing you need to do is make sure you meet with your advisor. I’m sure the upper classmen know this but for Freshmen it can be confusing. It’s not like registering for this spring’s classes, you are no longer guided through every step and are expected to do it on your own. You must meet with your advisor before you can register for classes. Registration begins April 17th so time is running out. Sit down, plan your schedule out along with a few back up plans and be prepared for the madness that is registration week.
Basically what I’m telling you guys is I know the weather is nice, and I know how it can be hard to stay focused with only a few weeks left. I am just as excited to start my break but focus on school for just a little longer and you shouldn’t run into any unnecessary problems. Focus on your schedule, get your papers done, study for finals and then ENJOY SUMMER!
I’m sure we have all had those days. The days where you sleep late, take a nap and sit around playing Xbox. Now don’t get me wrong- sometimes those days are completely necessary, and once and a while you should have one, but the trick is to not get caught up in a funk. You don’t want to be the student that wastes his or her days away lazily, so here are some quick tips to help you avoid that!
Gym-Bear
One of the great things BSU has to offer on campus is a nice modern gym with anything you could ask for in order to get your perfect workout done. No, it’s not free, but $100 will get you a year pass to use it whenever it’s open- even if the school isn’t (over the summer). $100 is not much to ask for considering the prices at gyms back home are at least $200 a year and they are not within walking distance like the Tinsley Center. It’s not often that a state-of-the-art facility like the one we have here is 4 minutes away from your room. Don’t let that opportunity go to waste.
A Walk to Remember
Some students may not know this but behind the Tinsley Center there is a bit of an outdoorsmen’s treasure. They are called the Great Hill Walking Trails and they are beautiful. Students can walk, run, jog or take their bikes to the trails and enjoy the environmental scenery in the spring when the leaves start to bloom, or in the summer when the trees are full and green. Six different loops (labeled A-F) stretching all the way from the beginning of Great Hill Dr. to the MBTA parking lot make up more than 3 miles of trails to enjoy.
So..
Just remember that while it is nice to have one of those lazy days now and again you shouldn’t get caught up in them. There are plenty of ways to be active and entertained on this campus, whether is be just going to the gym, playing a sport with friends, or getting close to nature with the walking trails, there is never a dull moment.
How do you feel about the Tinsley Center? Have you ever been to the Great Hill walking trails?
Tomorrow from 7 to 9pm in the Lower Foyer, Campus MovieFest (CMF) will be launching its 5th year at Bridgewater State University. CMF has grown to become a beloved BSU tradition and has resulted in success for several student filmmakers.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with Campus MovieFest, it allows students to work together in teams intensely for one week on a common goal: the creation of a five-minute film. The competition aspect coupled with previous regional and national success fosters an exciting week of filming and editing. The whole process culminates at the CMF Finale on Wednesday April 18th in the Grand Ballroom beginning at 6:30pm.
Like last year, the lucky winners from our finale will trek out to Hollywood for the 2012 International Grand Finale! BSU has had impressive showing at finale and regional competitions in the past; this is how BSU films won 2009 National Best Comedy,2010 Regional Best Drama, 2010 National Best Comedy, and the 2011 Golden Tripod Award for Best Cinematography. We’re so excited to see what’s in store for this year!
Here are some other things to consider if you are participating in CMF this year:
- While you and your team can walk up to register on the spot today, you should register your teams online before picking up your equipment.
- Please pick up your equipment (Macbook, HD video camera, etc.) from CMF staff today in the Campus Center Lower Foyer, beginning at noon. Get there as soon as possible!
- Filming and production will take place starting Tuesday, April 3 through Monday, April 9. All films and equipment must be turned in by 6pm on Monday, April 9.
- Anyone working on production of the film (directing/editing/camera work/sound/special effects) MUST BE from the BSU community (students, faculty, staff); actors can be brought in from outside of BSU; and copyrighted material may not be used without written permission.
- CMF Staff will be onsite this week and next week to give students training on the equipment and how to edit your film in case you need formal training
It’s still not to late to grab your friends and sign up today! Not sure what to film? Falling short on inspiration? Check out the past 4 years of films here!
Whether you create a film or not, you are invited to the Campus Center on Wednesday April 18 at 6:30pm to view the CMF Finale!! Hope to see you there!
