A Message from the RAC...

Hello South Hall!

Take a break from studying to celebrate diversity! The South Hall and Ivory RACs are teaming up to bring you International Night. A variety of food will be served in the South Hall community room from 7-8 pm on December 8th. Afterward, there will be a showing of "Shaolin Soccer," a movie about kung-fu masters who form a soccer team. The showing will start at 8:30 in Ivory's tv room and snacks will be provided.

If you already have dinner plans, join us the following afternoon at 3 pm in the community room to help finish up the work for Adopt A Family. This holiday program allows poor families to celebrate the holidays with gifts - a luxury that they could not afford on their own. Four of the six people we have adopted are age 7 or younger. What were your holidays like at that age? You've seen us collecting donations; come see what we've done with the money. Help us wrap the gifts and eat some cookies!

~the RAC

Good stuff...lots of good stuff.

Visit the Greek Embassy
NEW DATE!!!!
Monday, November 23rd @ 11:30am
The visit should last no more than one hour and will include a short presentation followed by a Q&A session. Please RSVP to: Marissab@gwmail.gwu.edu by November 19th at noon if you would like to attend.

Studying Abroad and Social Networks
When: November 18 at 7:30pm
Where: Ivory Tower Community Room
Attend a study abroad pre-departure orientation about the use of online social networks (Twitter, Facebook, etc.) while abroad and how they can help or hurt your experience when learning a language and immersing in a new culture. Pizza will be served!

Volunteer Opportunities!
Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week 2009!

Ongoing Nov 16-20
- Campus Wide Canned Food Drive
Donation bins will be located in Marvin Center, Residence Halls, Rice Hall, Academic Center, and the Office of Community Service

Monday, Nov 16
- "Slam Hunger" Open Mic Coffee House
sponsored by Alpha Phi Omega
Strong Hall Piano Lounge, 7:30 pm - 9 pm

- Community Service - DC Central Kitchen
Meet at OCS at 8 am, service will take place from 9 am - 12 pm
visit http://gwired.gwu.edu/ocs/VolunteerOpportunities/SSE/HHAW/ to register

Tuesday, Nov 17
- Community Service - Thrive DC
Meet at OCS at 7:15 am, service will take place from 8:15 am - 11:30 am
visit http://gwired.gwu.edu/ocs/VolunteerOpportunities/SSE/HHAW/ to register

Wednesday, Nov 18
- Hunger Banquet
Marvin Center Grand Ballroom, 6:30 pm - 8 pm
Registration begins at 6 pm

Wednesday, Nov 19
- Community Service - Thrive DC
Meet at OCS at 7:15 am, service will take place from 8:15 am - 11:30 am
visit http://gwired.gwu.edu/ocs/VolunteerOpportunities/SSE/HHAW/ to register

Friday, Nov 20
- Community Service - Capitol Area Food Bank
Meet at OCS at 12 pm, service will take place from 1 pm - 4 pm
visit http://gwired.gwu.edu/ocs/VolunteerOpportunities/SSE/HHAW/ to register

- Project PB&J
sponsored by Program Board
Columbian Square, 1 pm - 3 pm

Saturday, Nov 21
- 22nd Annual Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Walkathon
Pre Walk Breakfast and Rally
Kogan Plaza, 7 am

In celebration of International Education Week, the Career Center is featuring some exciting programs for the week:

(RSVP for all programs and events in the GWork Events Calendar at http://gwork.gwu.edu)

Security Clearances
Monday, November 16
5-6pm
Marvin Center 307
Learn about the federal security clearance process from the director of the Office of Personnel Security at the U. S. State Department’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security.

Foreign Service Officer Exam
Monday, November 16
6-7pm
Marvin Center 307
Information about the written and oral components of the Foreign Service Officer Test, suggested preparation techniques, resources, scoring method and more will be
discussed.

Working Abroad
Tuesday, November 17
5-6pm
Marvin Center 308
If you have considered working abroad but don’t know where to start, this is the workshop for you! The Career Center’s international work expert will take you through the basics of working abroad and present you with ideas for your next steps!

International Business Etiquette & Protocol
Tuesday, November 17
630-8pm
Marvin Center 308
Presented by a seasoned protocol expert, this 90-minute workshop will provide an overview of etiquette from a global perspective. Some of the topics covered include
greetings, body language, eye contact, business card exchange, and entertainment and dining.

International Affairs Expo for Undergraduates
Wednesday, November 18
4-6pm
City View Room, 1957 E St NW
Meet with representatives from various international affairs organizations to discuss your career plans, network and learn about internships and jobs. Additionally, GW alumni in this field will be circulating through the expo to connect with and help students navigate the expo. INFO & RSVP: gwired.gwu.edu/career/fairs. Cosponsored with the GW International Affairs Society

Secrets to a Career in Intelligence
Wednesday, November 18
6-730pm
Marvin Center 403
Learn from senior recruiting professionals at the country’s top intelligence agencies about occupational choices, the hiring process and upcoming entry-level career opportunities in the field. Identify student employment options via the Student Career Experience Program and Cooperative Education to advance your career in this specialized area of federal government service.

Ever Considered a Post-College International Program?
Thursday, November 19
615-730pm
Marvin Center 403
Participation in a work experience program after college to enhance skills and gain a different career perspective is increasing in popularity among graduates. This session will introduce some of the programs that are available, and former participants will share their first-hand knowledge and stories of their experiences.

Panelists:
Aaron Goldberg, MASA Israel Journey
Mollie Giller, SPHHS Graduate Student, MASA Israel Participant
Marc St. Hilare, GW Center for Undergraduate Fellowships & Research
Kevin Hostetler, Fellowship recipient for the German Parliament
Michael T. Jackson, Association for International Practical Training


Jop Opportunities!
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is looking for 40 full-time entry level hires. Applicants must be U.S. Citizens and be working towards a bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics or technology management. Email Maura - mclark28@gwmail.gwu.edu for additional details!

Around the world in DC...

Visit the Greek Embassy

There will be a trip to the Greek Embassy on Monday, November 9th at 11:30am. The visit should last no more than one hour and will include a short presentation followed by a Q&A session. Please RSVP to: Marissab@gwmail.gwu.edu by November 5th at noon if you would like to attend.


Attend a briefing at the World Bank!

On November 16th from 10-11:30am, attend a briefing and learn about development and what the World Bank does. It is an interactive session and career opportunities at the World Bank will also be discussed. RSVP with your first & last name to: Marissab@gwmail.gwu.edu by November 9th at noon.


And, don't forget....
WELLNESS WEEK!

Healthy Food Challenge

How healthy are you eating? Prepare to be challenged.

Monday, November 2 – Friday, November 6

Interested? Send an email to mentor@gwu.edu.

Healthy Iron Chef

Come to a healthy cooking class w/ a Lerner Nutritionist.

Tuesday, Nov 3, 7:30-8:30pm, South Hall Basement

Interested? Send an email to mentor@gwu.edu.

Meditation Night

Join us for a night of meditation & relaxation w/ UCC.

Wednesday, Nov 4, 7-8pm, South Hall Basement

Interested? Send an email to mentor@gwu.edu.

Nighttime Monument Run

Relieve some stress & stay in shape - safety in numbers!

Friday, Nov 6, 8-9pm, Meet in front of Ivory Tower

Interested? Send an email to mentor@gwu.edu.

Wellness Week

Be Safe! Stay Healthy! Check out the following events:

Trick or Treat w/ the RAC

See your RAC in action before going out this Thursday.

Thursday, October 29, 9-11pm, South Hall Lobby

Healthy Food Challenge

How healthy are you eating? Prepare to be challenged.

Monday, November 2 – Friday, November 6

Interested? Send an email to mentor@gwu.edu.

Healthy Iron Chef

Come to a healthy cooking class w/ a Lerner Nutritionist.

Tuesday, Nov 3, 7:30-8:30pm, South Hall Basement

Interested? Send an email to mentor@gwu.edu.

Meditation Night

Join us for a night of meditation & relaxation w/ UCC.

Wednesday, Nov 4, 7-8pm, South Hall Community Room

Interested? Send an email to mentor@gwu.edu.

Nighttime Monument Run

Relieve some stress & stay in shape - safety in numbers!

Friday, Nov 6, 8-9pm, Meet in front of Ivory Tower

Interested? Send an email to mentor@gwu.edu.

Also: Visit the Greek Embassy

There will be a trip to the Greek Embassy on Monday, November 9th at 11:30am. The visit should last no more than one hour and will include a short presentation followed by a Q&A session. Please RSVP to: Marissab@gwmail.gwu.edu by November 5th at noon if you would like to attend.

Wait, wait... Don't tell me...

First Lady Michelle Obama wants me to complete community service hours.

...Yeah, she does. BUT, she's not the only one. President Obama wants you to do it too. AND, it's not just a thing Democrats want you to do. For all of the Republicans, President George H.W. Bush wants you to do it too.

On Friday, October 16, Presidents Obama and Bush came together at the Points of Light Institute Presidential Forum at Texas A&M University to highlight the importance of community service. (Click here to view the speeches.)

So, what's your point?

The importance of community service goes beyond party lines and commencement speakers. Community service is important because it impacts lives.

You have the perfect opportunity to make an impact this weekend.

The RAC has organized a grocery delivery event with We Are Family this Saturday, October 24, from 10 am- 1 pm, and they need your help. The event will be focused on senior citizens in Columbia Heights. Please email Melissa or Maura if you are interested.

DON'T FORGET!

Gallery Night is tomorrow (Tuesday, October 20) at 8 pm in the Community Room. Stop by for hors d'oeuvres and to view DC photography, courtesy of your fellow students.

Your Life in Pictures

If you have any pictures of you and your roommates that you would like to share with the building, please submit to Melissa or Maura via email. Pictures will be displayed in a slideshow on the blog.

Have a great Monday!

~Melissa and Maura

Gallery Night! And other October happenings...

Gallery Night

Feel like you missed your chance to showcase your photography talent? Well, here's your lucky chance...

The DC Through a Different Lens photography competition has been opened up to any 3rd/4th year GW residents that are interested. Participants must send in 2 of their best photos that represent the spirit and culture of any DC neighborhood.

Submissions should emailed to Laurel Gwizdak <gwizdak@gwmail.gwu.edu> no later than Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009. Photos will be on display and voted on at the Gallery Night on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009 in the South Hall Community Room from 8p-10pm. The GRAND PRIZE WINNER will receive: a professionally matted and framed copy of his/her picture! A copy of the picture hung in his/her residence hall!


Don't forget:

State Department Information Session

Want to know how you can get PAID to work part-time at the State Department while still in school? Human Resource Specialists from the State Department as well as a retired Foreign Service Officer will be holding an info session to answer your questions!!

Wednesday, October 14th at 12:00pm in the Ivory Tower Community Room

The deadline for summer internship applications is November 2nd...so get your questions answered now!!

Email marissab@gwmail.gwu.edu with any questions.

Gradtoberfest
GRE Strategy Session with the Princeton Review
Find out about the types of questions you'll see on the GRE, meet an expert Princeton Review instructor who will walk you through some questions, and learn some of our proven strategies that you can use on test day.
If you want to attend one of these sessions, please send an email to dbh@gwu.edu.
Monday, October 12: 7-9pm, South Hall Study Lounge
--
Grad/Med/Law Applications Panel
Representatives and experts from the GW Medical School, Law School, and Higher Education Graduate School will be on hand in an informal setting to discuss your questions and ideas for post-grad applications. These professionals have lots of experience in the admissions process and can highlight what works and what doesn’t. Feel free to bring copies of application pieces for them to review!
Tuesday, October 13 6-8 PM, South Hall Study Lounge
--
Personal Statement Writing Session with the Writing Center
Did you know that your personal statement can make or break your graduate school application? Never fear, the Writing Center has come to the rescue to help you unlock the keys to writing your way into your dream school! Make sure to bring your personal statement draft to get one-on-one writing help.
Wednesday, October 14 7:30-9 PM, South Hall Study Lounge
--
Scholarship and Fellowship Workshop
The Office of Graduate Scholarships and Fellowships will be offering advice on obtaining funding for graduate school, whether at GW or elsewhere. Come learn about all of the opportunities that are available to those applying to grad school, med school, or law school!
Thursday October 15 5:30-7:30 PM, South Hall Study Lounge

Have a great week!

~Melissa and Maura

South Hall's UPD Adopt-An-Officers

South Hall is lucky enough to have two UPD Adopt-An-Officers. Their goal is to assist us with any safety concerns we have, and to act as our liaisons to UPD. In case you haven't met them yet...

Officer Omar Ibrahim (Floors 1-5)
Officer Ibrahim grew up in Alexandria, VA, and received his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from GW. He enjoys cars, motorcycles, making music, and eating.

Officer Noah Roberson (Floors 6-10)
Officer Roberson is originally from Maryland. His favorite sports teams are the Redskins and the Lakers. He loves pizza, cake, and ribs, and his favorite movies are the Lord of the Rings and Matrix trilogies. Officer Roberson is also a three-time ballroom dancing champion.

Make sure you say "Hi!" next time you run into them on-campus.

Important upcoming events:

Gradtoberfest is here!
A series of helpful and informative sessions have been put together by your House Mentor staff to make applying to Grad School much simpler. Events include:

• GRE Strategy Session with The Princeton Review- Monday, October 12, 7 pm, South Hall Study Lounge. If you'd like to attend, please send an email to dbh@gwu.edu.
• Grad/Med/Law Applications Panel- Tuesday, October 13, 6 pm, South Hall Study Lounge
• Personal Statement Writing with the Writing Center- Wednesday, October 14, 7:30 pm, South Hall Study Lounge
• Scholarship & Fellowship Workshop- Thursday, October 15, 5:30 pm, South Hall Study Lounge

Gallery Night
Mark your calendars for the third and fourth year residence hall Gallery Night on October 20th at 8 p.m in the South Hall Community Room. Enjoy an evening of photography, hors d'oeuvres, mocktails and good conversation with students and professionals from the university and DC art community. Gallery Night will feature photography from residents in the third and fourth year community and awards will be given to top photographers.

Department of State Internships
Do you want an internship with the U.S. Department of State? Confused about the application and security clearance processes? An HR Specialist from the State Department will be holding an info session on Wednesday, October 14th in the Ivory Tower Community Room! The deadline for summer internships is November 2nd...so now is the best time to get your questions answered! Come learn about internships, Stay-in-School, and Co-Op programs!


So, how do you think things are going in South Hall so far? Any questions, concerns, or thoughts?

~Melissa and Maura

And the winners are....

RAC elections were held on Wednesday, September 16th. Congratulations to the first South Hall RAC!

President: Elizabeth Wailes

VP: Liz Finnegan

Treasurer: Aditi Vira

Community Service Chair: Angelica Alston

Programming Chair: Bardeep (Suny) Sohi

Publicity Chair: Jessica Maloney

Rep at Large: Corbb O'Connor

Got any ideas for the new RAC? Leave a comment and let us know!


Here's what's going on around campus:

Graduate School Fair
The fall Washington, DC Idealist.org Graduate Degree Fair for the Public Good is generously hosted by the George Washington University Graduate School of Education and Human Development and locally supported by the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of DC
September 21, 2009, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
http://www.idealist.org/if/idealist/en/CareerFair/Viewer/default?career-fair-id=226
At the fair, you will have an opportunity to meet graduate admissions representatives from various programs to discuss professional development through graduate education. You will also have a chance to attend a free information session offering advice on graduate degree options, the application process, financial aid, and deciding when to attend graduate school after spending time in the working world.

Fall Career Fair
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
1-5pm
Marvin Center Continental & Grand Ballrooms
Meet with employers representing a variety of career fields recruiting foar full-time, part-time, co-op and internship positions. Attend the fair to look for job leads, gather information, and to develop a network of contacts. Even if you are not seeking a job right now, it's never too early to come see what a career fair feels like at GW, talk to interesting employers about positions that might be right for you in the future, and collect information for next semester or next year. Proper attire required; professional business attire requested.

The School Without Walls Volunteer Information Session
Come down to the Community Room (128) in South Hall on Tuesday September 29 at 7:00 p.m. Meet with a representative of GW's Office of Community Service to learn about tutoring at our neighboring DC Public School, The School Without Walls! Rise to Mrs. Obama's volunteer challenge and check out how to help your Foggy Bottom community. RSVP by sending an email to Maura or Melissa if you are planning on attending.

The Newseum
Five centuries of news history along with up-to-the-second innovation and excitement are just around the corner as you visit the Newseum. One of DC's most interactive experiences, The Newseum highlights milestones and leaders in news and journalism through 15 theaters and 14 galleries. See the largest display of sections of the Berlin Wall outside of Germany, Pulitzer Prize winning photographs, an exhibit honoring those lost on Sept. 11, 2001, and a gallery called "Today's Front Pages," which presents daily front pages from more than 80 international newspapers. It's an amazing experience!

The two trips are planned for Saturday, Oct. 3 and Sunday, Oct. 25. Both trips will leave the Foggy Bottom Metro stop at 11am. If you are committed to going, please email your house mentor with your name, building, room number, and which date you would like to go.

AIDS Walk 2009

What: Run or walk 5k and raise money to support the Whitman Walker Clinic in DC

When: October 3, 2009. GW meet up at Kogan Plaza--time is TBD. Walk speaker, stretching, quilt display, registration, etc starts at 8:30 in Freedom Plaza

Why: To donate to the Whitman Walker clinic in DC (wwc.org). 1/20 adults in DC is infected with HIV, and Whitman Walker Clinic provides primary medical care, dental care, and mental health care as well as HIV education, prevention and testing, among other services.

How: Go to www.aidswalkwashington.org, Register Here-->join a team-->Colonials fight AIDS and enter in your information. From there, you can invite your friends via email and ask for donations from family and friends

Cost: $15 for student registration

Questions?: email Elizabeth Orlan at eorlan@gwmail.gwu.edu

The Challenge to Serve

Hello South Hall!

I hope the first two weeks of classes have gone well.

On Friday, September 11, First Lady Michelle Obama issued a challenge to GW students: if we perform 100,000 hours of service this academic year, she will speak at our Commencement ceremony in May. As most of us living in this building represent GW's Class of 2010 (including Maura and I), this challenge is especially relevant to South Hall.

What better way to accept Mrs. Obama's challenge than to attend the White House Volunteer Informational Session this Monday evening (September 14) at 7 pm in South Hall's Community Room (Room 128)? The White House Office of Presidential Correspondence is looking for new volunteers to maintain a vital link between the President and the American people. The Office of Presidential Correspondence handles most of the public mail, faxes, phone calls, and online communication for the President, and is actively recruiting volunteers to help the President by reading mail, answering phones, addressing envelopes, and entering data. Email me if you plan on attending. (If you are unable to attend the session but are still interested in learning more, please email me as well.)

Maura and I are also working on setting up other opportunities for community service. Possibilities include partnerships with GW's Office of Community Service and our neighbors, the School Without Walls.

What do you think about the First Lady's challenge to GW? Do you have any ideas of other ways we can serve our community? Leave a comment and let us know!

Just a couple of additional updates:

• Facilities has been aware of the building-wide hot water issues. They completed repairs last week, and while they will continue maintenance, it seems as if the issue has been fixed. If you continue to have problems in your room, please put in a FixIt request.
• H2Opening- All of the Brita filtration systems have been distributed. If you have not yet received your Nalgene bottle, email Maura or myself and we'll set up a pick-up time.
  
• On Tuesday, September 15, from 7-9 pm, GW Housing Programs and ISO will be hosting a dessert reception in City Hall's Lobby Court for international and exchange students.
  
• In celebration of the return of NBC's "The Office" I will be hosting an Office Party in my room on Thursday, September 17 from 8:45-9:30 pm. I'll have cookies and hot chocolate, and maybe even some brownies....

~Melissa

Welcome to South Hall!

• Maura and Melissa's Munchkin Madness- On Monday (August 31) and Tuesday (September 1) at 9:15 am, Maura and I will be in the lobby giving out some delicious Dunkin Donuts Coffee and Munchkins to get you pumped and ready for the first couple of days of classes.
• 3rd/4th Year Welcome Celebration- On Monday (August 31) from 1-3 pm, join GW Housing Programs, your House Mentors and other 3rd/4th year students in South Hall's courtyard for free food, good music and excellent company.
• PostGrad- Maura and I will be taking ten students with us to see PostGrad on Tuesday evening (September 1). If you would like to join us, you must reserve your spot on the sign-in sheet on Maura's door.
• South Hall Opening Ceremony- On Thursday (September 3) from 9-10:30 am, President Knapp and other university officials will be holding an opening ceremony for South Hall in the courtyard. RSVP is required for attendance; food will be provided.
• H2OPENING- If you have not yet picked up your Nalgene bottle, please email Maura or myself to set up a time to do so. We will be delivering Brita filtration systems to each room in the coming weeks.