Surviving at Old Dominion University: Freshmen Tour

As a freshman at college, it was hard getting lost and frustrated on a large campus. One can get directions but a personal map of the important places would be much more efficient. Therefore, I created a map for important places on the campus of Old Dominion University. This map begins by taking the freshmen to the University bookstore to get materials for class. A supplemental place for more resources is the library, therefore that will be the next stop. Then I would direct the freshmen to the Webb Center where I will show the Student health services. This is needed for survival and a lot of freshmen do not realize that they are paying for this service in their tuition, so they do not have to pay a co -pay. After Student Health Services I will direct them to the place where they can get a prescription filled without having to travel ten minutes to Walgreens. Gray’s Pharmacy is very vital to the students at ODU and they provide great business and are aware of the needs of students. Across from Gray’s Pharmacy sits the Student Financial Aid office. This is the central location of all student finances including, awards and information, loans, and financial aid. Last stop will be the new ODU Recreation Center. The recreation center is a place where students can continue physical fitness, be social, and participate in activities with other students. This is also a free service so freshmen will know that they do not have to go buy a gym membership because they can be fit by working out on-campus.

My blog this semester explored the community, communication, and the life of college students. This map will be an extension of how survive on the campus of Old Dominion University by using a form of digital and on-line communication.

Surviving at Old Dominion University: Recreation Center

ODU Recreation Center is a gym where students can exercise and try to maintain physical fitness. College is a place for students to enhance the mind; however, physical fitness it just as important. Health and fitness is the key to longevity and serves as a stress relief.
Here is some Information From The ODU website to further assist:
http://www.odu.edu/ao/news/index.php?todo=details&id=14737

The Recreation Center is officially open.

Located in the heart of campus next to the new residence quad, the state-of-the-art Recreation Center is the hub of all sport, wellness and fitness activities at Old Dominion. The facility features:

15,000-square-foot workout space
indoor running track
2-story climbing wall
4 fitness studios
3 racquetball courts
hardwood gym
multipurpose courts
indoor swimming pool
locker rooms.
Additionally, the building offers WiFi access and an Einstein's Bagels will open this fall

Surviving at Old Dominion University: Student Financial Aid Office

Student Financial Aid Office is extremely important to freshmen. Once entering college, all notices and financial reports will be addressed to the student. It can be a bit overwhelming to handle financial needs at a young age, and in a new environment. There are counselors and others in this location that can explain and help freshmen with their financial aid and awards.

Surviving at Old Dominion University: Gray's Pharmacy

Gray’s pharmacy is located on the opposite side of Hampton Boulevard and is in walking distance. Some freshmen are new to the area and do not have transportation. Gray’s pharmacy is convenient and close . They also provide great service with affordable prices for prescriptions. This will ensure safety and fast recovery.

Surviving at Old Dominion University: Student Health Services

Old Dominion University Student Health Services is located in the webb center. As a freshmen, away from home, parents will not be able to physically care for you. In college one is exposed to many different people, foods, and a new atmosphere could lead to illness. The student health center is an on-call service that caters toward the students needs. They also conduct tests, give flu and shots needed for entry into college.

Surviving at Old Dominion University: Library

Library this is important for the student to be aware of the resources and materials in addition to the ones purchased at the bookstore. It includes a full computer lab, four floors of books, microfilm, journals, magazines and more. Students can take advantage of the great help form the library help desk because they are skilled in helping students with the materials they need for research and information.

Surviving at Old Dominion University: University Village Bookstore

The University Village Bookstore provides and sells electronic material, books, clothes, apparel, and other course materials. This location has two floors filled with supplies college students will appreciate. University Village Bookstore is where most freshmen and parents visit to get the student started at college with the correct materials. This was an important place to show freshmen because the bookstore is no longer located on the educational side of campus but it is now on the business side, across Hampton blvd. It can be easily missed because it sits behind the Ted Constant Convocation Center. However, the map will now help freshmen and parents to locate it.

Be Mindful of What You Communicate to Others Through Social Networking Sites

A Norfolk animal control officer, Andrea Cain is under investigation because of a photo on her MySpace page. The photograph shows the animal control officer in a room, in uniform holding a deer that is killed and bloody. Citizens are very protective of the wild and believe that animals should not be treated in that manner. MySpace is a way to communicate with friends and family and it is personal; however, photos can lead to trouble if one is not careful. Andrea Cain was turned in to the Ethic treatment of animals by a citizen who was browsing her page and decided they were offended and hurt by her photo.



This is very serious to organizations like PETA whos office in located here in Norfolk, Virginia. "A spokesperson for PETA says police have promised a complete investigation and that a police lieutenant said the photo is "certainly not the image that we wish convey." www.peta.org




Many college students and students at Old Dominion University have MySpace pages where they post private and public photographs. The students need to be careful and more mindful of what they are placing online and who is being added as their friend. College students are becomming more aware of myspace "When I post pictures to myspace, I keep in mind that a first impression is a lating one for those people who may view my page and have never known me, and to make sure I am portraying a positive image of myself" Chanel Grant, Old Dominion student. Things that may not be appropriate like underage drinking, sexualized photographs, and other photos that may not be the best image for a college student to convey to the many viewers.

http://www.wvec.com/news/norfolk/stories/wvec_local_032609_peta_animal_control_norf_.7328afd7.html

Lambda Eta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Spring 2009 Probate "Owt 2 Get '3M"

The Lambda Eta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated inducted 23 new women of distinction on April 18, 2009. History was made at 5: 13 p.m. when the largest line of Old Dominion University performed their probate show at Kaufman Mall. The women started the show masked with hoodies, showing their greek letters, but keeping their identity a secret. Spectators including freinds, family, and many students, filled the area with balloons, and gifts for the new members. It was a largley anticipated even because the Lambda Eta Chapter had not inducted any new members since Spring 2007 when the line included 21 awsome individuals who now had the opportunity to bring in the neos.


Once the event was complete the 23 women were welcomed and embraced by Delta Sigma Theta and other greeks of the NPHC, Old Dominion University. The new members have started leadership roles on campus in the NPHC and their respective chapter. Congratulation Spring 2009 new Lambda Eta members: Owt 2 Get '3M(ship name).


-Number 5 Shaena Mosby (me) The ConDUCKtor

Ted Constant Convocation Center

Theodore F. Constant, is the man, Ted Constant Convocation Center is named from. The Ted Constant Convocation Center is a main venue of may forms of communication for Old Dominion University and the community at large. This venue hosts concerts, job fairs, basketball games, classes, graduations, and other celebrations. It was easy to find this location for my scavenger hunt because it is a profound building that is very important to the students and the University.

Old Dominion Static Image

Teletechnet Building

On the ODU campus stands a building where most students participate in class although they have never physically been there or even seen the buliding. This is possible because of classes via the internet and satellite. These are called distance learning courses which are located in the Gornto Teletechnet Center. They allow students from all over the United States to participate in class through the internet stream or sattelite. Old Dominion University serves 4,000 students at 50 sites in Virginia, Arizona, Washington and Georgia, as well as Internet students and videostreamers from a variety of locations, and Navy personnel taking classes while deployed around the world (http://dl.odu.edu/locations/index.shtml).





ODU students who sign up for the course are in a room with numerous televisions surrounding them, available for all other students to see and the professor teaches in the same mannor. The innovative portion of the class is when students from all over the United States can actively participate and communicate with those in class by verbally voicing their comments and concerns through a microhone that sends the comments to the classroom. I have taken a great communications class called Persuasion with Dr. Joy Francis in the teletchnet building. I was very uneasy and the experience was weird at first, but later I began to realize how privileged and awsome the experience was. Communication and technologies are everchanging and ODU uses its knowledge and resources to stay in the forefront of the technological movement, and Gornto Teletechnet Building is an example of that. ODU is applauded for their dedication and motivation to stay moving forward with technology.

(Picture cited and taken from Google Images)

Woman's History Month Events; Old Dominion University and the ywca of South Hampton Roads

Women's History Month!!!!For Women's History Month the Women's Center at Old Dominion University has a lot of event that are open for students to attend.

March: Women's History Month
March: Monday through Friday - 8:00AM-5:00PM: The Glamour of Going green Clothing Drive
03.06.09 - 1:00PM - 5:00PM: Healthy Relationship Seminar - River Room, Webb Center
03.17.09 - 12:30-1:30pm: Green Walk for Women - Campus Information Desk, Webb Center.
03.17.09 - 7:30pm: Ain't I a woman! - Chandler Recital Hall, Diehn Fine & performing Arts Building.
03.19.09 - 12:30-1:30pm: Women's History Month Poetry - Isle of Wight Room, Webb Center.
03.25.09 - 12:00-1:00pm: Green Alternatives for Women - Cape Charles Room, Webb Center.
03.26.09 - 11:00-2:00pm: Feminist Activist Fair - North Mall, Webb Center.
03.26.09 - 6:00pm: The Glamour of Going Green Fashion Show - North Cafeteria, Webb Center.
03.30.09 - 7:00pm: LUNAFEST – Mills Godwin Building, Room 102
04.16.09 - 7:00PM: Breaking out of the Man Box - North Cafeteria, Webb Center.
04.09: Sexual Assault Awarness Week - Check back soon for event details.








The women's center has also partnered up with one of the local non-profit organizations the ywca of South Hampton Roads. This non-profit organization that works to eliminate domestic violence. The ywca has five core programs that include, women in crisis, women in recovery, women in transition, sexual assault support system, and child care center. Together the ywca and ODU Women's Center are asking students to donate their old unused cellular phones to a cause that will help those in bad situations who need a cellular phone in the case of an emergency.









To contact the ywca call (757)625-4248 or ywca of South Hampton Roads.

"Im looking for an OBAMA" T.R.U.S.T. and the me of 3D

The conversational siminar was powerful bringing members of T.R.U.S.T and the men of 3D together to discuss relationships just in time for Valentines Day!

"Im Looking for an OBAMA"

What do you get when T.R.U.S.T. partners up with the men of 3D? Just in time for Valentines Day the Old Dominion University campus organization T.R.U.S.T and the 3D members discuss relationships and dating. What are you looking for? College students face many different tasks and decisions every day. Relationships, friendships, and bonds are created aside from school work and many times there is no one to define how to manage all of these tasks. In relationships there are issues of physical, mental, and emotional abuse and it is very prominent among college students. Being away from home gives a new found "freedom" that can be used to grow; however, without family and loved ones around it can be difficult to shield students from bad decisions.

According to www.itsabuse.com 32%of college students have reported abuse by a former partner and 21% reported dating violence by a current partner. That is only the students who actually stand up and report the abuse, there are many students who are afraid to report abuse in relationships; therefore, a great number of students may not be counted for.


T.R.U.S.T. and the men of 3D are determined to bring issues of abuse and difficult relationships to the forefront and also give students tools to what a "healthy relationship" entails. Using President Obama and First lady Michelle Obama's public marriage, they posed several questions to the audience and probed for answers on thoughts and experiences! It was a POWERFUL discussion that led to many observations and action to eliminate uncertainties in bad relationships. These organizations are providing outlets by increasing awareness of relationship abuse and reaching out to make the campus better.

Most colleges have centers and organizations that help students with abusive relationships. If there is no where on campus to report the abuse or receive counseling there are numerous community organizations and non profits who are experts on the subject. Old Dominion University's Student Affairs Office of Counseling Services offer free help and counseling to those ODU students dealing with difficult relationships . Community organizations like ywca of South Hampton Roads has several avenues of contact beginning with the website, and 24/7 Domestic Violence Helpline (757)625-5570.

The T.R.U.S.T organization and the men of 3D are essential to Old Dominion University campus by providing programs like "Im looking for an OBAMA" to help students discuss and evaluate issues and life experiences of college students. The event was extremely beneficial and successful. Campus organizations are doing a great job working together with the community to eradicate issues like relationship violence. Remember.....NO ONE DESERVES TO BE A VICTIM OF RELATIONSHIP VIOLENCE!

Campus Activites "Hear it from them"

I think that college has had a big influence on me in reference to my growth as a person. There are many students who come to college in search of finding a career and in turn, not only choose a career but also find themselves. College students can do a lot to learn more about themselves like, meet new people, being self sufficient and even joining an organization. On-campus activities and organizations can say a lot about a person's interest. I believe it can almost help a person define who they are. To get more opinions on this topic I interviewed three different people: Chanel- a senior with a job and focused on her career path to become a physical therapist, Kristen-a junior destined to be an actress and a Iota Sweetheart, and Shauna- a communications major, senior, and dedicated to on-campus activities.

When all three were asked what they felt about a college student blogging about how being active in college can broaden horizons, they felt it was a n enlightening topic that would be interesting to potential college students. All students are in some type of on-campus activities so they could relate and speak about the benefits. Chanel is on a softball team at ODU and she mentioned that she enjoys meeting new people and she has learned how to make a team function better with communication and cooperation. Kristen focused on the personal benefits of learning to be helpful and learning a lot about how strong she is. Kristen believes campus activities has taught her dedication. Shauna benefits from it because she has learned and important lesson of time management, which is also personally beneficial to her in the future.

When the three interviewees were asked if they have had any bad experiences with on-campus organizations they all answered yes. There was not much detail; however, they all mentioned that it mostly occurs when one is learning how to deal with others (members, admins, etc.) in or affiliated with the organization. Chanel did mention that if the difficult times are constant and out weight the good times then it may cause and organization to weaken and not fulfill its full potential.

There will have to be much more research done on this topic and I believe that the head of student activities can help give more information on the types of activities and their functions. All in all, there are still more things to learn once arriving at college and organizations are great networking, social builders, and fun.

Old Dominion University Football

It seems Old Dominion University is becoming more an more prepared for the arrival of the football team. The transition had a few kinks with housing, parking, and classes because the decision to expand the campus allowed room for more admission of potential players. In the beginning of the process the campus became crowded with an overwhelming number of new students, constructions, and parking difficulties; however, college students and alumni are excited about the sport.

Season ticket dates have been moved forward to be more time conscious. According to The Virginia Pilot, "ODU football Season tickets deadline to be moved to May 1" the change was made to make sure enough time was left fro the seating process, the printing of the tickets, and the parking passes(http://hamptonroads.com/2009/01/odu-football-season-tickets-deadline-be-moved-may-1). May 1, 2009 may be a few months away but the players are already hitting the weight rooms and preparing for their season. Old Dominion University supports their campus community and sports and I predict the same will follow for the football team. Go Big BLUE!

Response to Surviving College Life

Like most students you probably find yourself the least productive at the moment you need to be the most productive. For example, I noticed that whenever I should be studying for finals I suddenly felt the need to clean my room (though I didn’t do that the rest of the quarter)/play Text Twist/do something extremely time consuming like try to make a stop motion film.
http://www.survivingcollegelife.com/

This blog had five good tips to surviving college life which included
1. Schedule Email Time.
2. Keep Important Docs Online.
3. Turn Off Distractions.
4. Make Lists.
5. Just Do It.

I think this is good for college students because once one is away on their own it can be difficult to be productive and stay focused. In college their are parties, hang outs, and many activities on campus that may be a distraction from work and studies. These tips are very beneficial to a college student who may need more advice. This blog is giving tips from from teaching the students how to manage time, on to giving advice to not procrastinating. I personally enjoy number three because it is vital to study time. There are so many technologies today like the computer, i pod, cellular phone etc. that could pose as a distraction from getting work done, not to mention friends, or noisy roommates. Overall this is extremely good information for a student looking to thrive in college.

Response to "Facebook marks Tow's passing

Facebook marks Yow's passing - Jan 26, 2009 11:51:02
posted by: Marta Lawrence
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Just hours after North Carolina State Coach Kay Yow succumbed to breast cancer, North Carolina Holly Springs High School senior Meaghan Lorraine Whitlock created the In Memory of Kay Yow group on Facebook.

I enjoyed reading this article. I believe this is a creative way to get college students involved because many college students use facebook and are interested in issues like cancer. This blog is interesting to me because it is using a different form of technology to send a messge for support and awareness, and that is my goal and focus in this class for the semester. My topics are community and college awareness; therefore, I am realizing that it does not heave to be conducted by an on-campus organization, it can simply be from one person with vision or idea to do something good. I am new to blogging, so this was a very intersting blog and it opened my eyes to the possibilites of blogging.

My Introduction

I am a 22 year old senior at Old Dominion University but that is not how I define myself. I was born and raised in Virginia. I am the third child of four. I have one brother and two sisters. Family and loved ones are a huge part of my life and in shaping who I have become. Growing up in an little city with one high school definitly was comfortable and now that I have decided to move away and to attend college in Norfolk, VA, it had been difficult but rewarding. .


I enjoy being social, reading, active, and I define myself through my past experiences, growth, and passion instilled inside. My passion for life and learning has been the foundation on which I credit my inquiring mind. I would love to travel and meet new people. I am outgoing and I love to learn about new cultures and ways of life. I pride myself on being very open-minded.

I am a unique person and confident that although you may meet someone who favors me, you will never meet anyone exactly like me. My name is Shaena Mosby and I let my surrounding bring about inspiration!