Volume 6 | Issue 2| April 2017
Hixson-Lied Success Scholars Newsletter
Please enjoy our newsletter containing featured articles written by the scholars with information on student organizations, career services, library features and tips for Spring Break.
RSO Spotlight: ECEC
By Vivian Sam, Hixson-Lied Success Scholar

         The Ecology, Conservation, and Evolution Club at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, otherwise known as ECEC, is a new student-led organization. ECEC was established in the Spring of 2016 with several goals in mind. It aims to conserve the environment through community service events and also educate its members on matters pertaining to ecology, evolution, the environment, and ways in which to promote sustainable lifestyles. Alexandra Zmuda, president and co-founder of ECEC, spoke enthusiastically about the club. “Our main goal is to partake in events pertaining to conservation, to volunteer in biological research, and to learn about ecology as a field of science,” Zmuda described.
        From picking up broken sleds in the Spring Mountains, exploring Red Rock Canyon, or canoeing down the Colorado River, ECEC keeps its activities diverse and fun. They strive to give members the opportunity to learn about the outdoors and enjoy it, in hopes that it will create a sense of stewardship for the environment. Members are also offered volunteer opportunities in gaining research and fieldwork experience. 

       When asked about a favorite event, Zmuda replied, “the hiking trips that we do as a club. I love seeing new faces that want to join and being able to connect with people with similar interests, people who have a passion for nature and biology as a subject.”                                                                                 As an active member, I have been able to attend many activities held by ECEC. My favorite was a two-day canoe trip that allowed a dozen members to canoe from the Hoover Dam down to Willow Beach in Arizona. Along the way were various hot springs and trails to bathe in and hike. We were able to learn more about an area that could be considered “right in our own backyard.” If it had not been for ECEC, I would have not known about the canoeing trail, Black Canyon.                                                           To get involved in the Ecology, Conservation, and Evolution Club, subscribe to e-mails or follow ECEC on Facebook @ECECatUNLV.  Zmuda reminds students who want to help in environmental conservation in their own time to “remember the simple things. Throw out your waste in the trash and make sure to avoid damaging or attempting to change nature.” This can be as simple as recycling, consuming less one-use items, or staying on the designated trail during a hike. 
Career Services at UNLV
By Sarah Mirjavadi, Hixson-Lied Success Scholar
 
       With summer around the corner, now is a good time to consider jobs and internship opportunities to help you grow professionally, especially if they pertain to a career of interest! The Career Services at UNLV is one of the many resources offered to students that can help you explore and also prepare you for career development. Some of the many services they provide include:
  • Career Counseling
  • Mock Interviews
  • Job and Internship Fairs
  • Resume and Cover letter reviews
  • Grad school preparations
  • A Career Resource Center
  • Hire a Rebel Career link
Their mission:

      “At Career Services, we strive to educate and equip UNLV students and alumni with the knowledge and tools to successfully navigate the increasingly global and dynamic workforce. We also work to create beneficial community partnerships to connect UNLV students and alumni with their respective industry.”

        One of the resources listed that can really help with the process of exploring is the Hire a Rebel Center. This online platform provides tons of information pertaining to careers, jobs, and internships. 
        There is an Explore Career tab that allows you to search careers and see a brief description, the career’s projected growth, skills that are required, and more.                             On the site, there is also a career finder option that gives you a set of short questions for you to answer and then generates a list of potential careers based off of your response. Current job and internship postings are available to look through.  If you need assistance in how to prepare and search, you can click on career advice, which has information on resumes, interviews, job markets, salaries, and job search strategies.                                                               In order to have access to Hire a Rebel Career link, you must email Career Services at careerservices@unlv.edu  with  a picture of your rebel ID so they can activate your account. I highly recommend giving it a try!
         Keep in mind that many careers may require or recommend a certain amount of work experience and the amount of hours can vary depending on the field. The best time to look into career development and exploration is during freshman and sophomore year so that by junior year you can have an idea of what you want to do; however, it is never too late and anytime is a good time to explore your options!
Spring Break Tips
By Ines Rojas, Hixson-Lied Success Scholar

        As students at UNLV, you may already know that Spring Break this year will be from April 10th to April 15th. Students are excited and have already started planning. However, are students’ plans productive? Whether your plans include taking a vacation or staying on campus, here are some helpful tips to stay productive over Spring Break.  

Tip #1 Volunteer

        Having some extra time during the school year can be a great way to serve in the community. Take time to volunteer at a local homeless shelter, nursing home, animal shelter, or doing community service and networking in your area of interest. This is also a great time to start building up your resume, especially for those thinking of graduate school. Here is a helpful link that contains a breakdown of the Best Committee Service Opportunities, according to Yelp, that are located in Las Vegas.                                                                                     Additionally, alternative Break Trips are offered through UNLV. This Spring Break features service trips to cities such as San Francisco, CA, San Diego, CA, and Kanab, UT. If you are not able to make an alternative break trip this year, feel free to email the Service Programs Coordinator Stine Odegard, at stine.odegard@unlv.edu, for any information regarding the summer trip opportunity to Carson-Tahoe, NV this May to learn about Native American history & culture. 

Tip #2 Apply for Scholarships

        Spring Break is a great time for students to find and apply for scholarship and research opportunities. There are websites available that have great features that let you apply for multiple scholarships at once. Here are some of those websites that help students apply and track scholarships.
Tip #3 Get Ahead: Graduate Sooner

        You can take this time to look at some of the UNLV Summer courses offered to help you graduate early. Find out more information by calling the information desk or visit UNLV’s website at Summer Term 2017 to check out important dates on enrollment. 

Tip #4 Update Your Resume

        You can update your resume over Spring Break. Since students are so busy during the school year, we sometimes forget to update our resumes with all the new things we have done this year. Updating resumes can really come in handy when applying for new jobs, scholarships, short internships, and research opportunities. It is an ideal task to do over the break. 

Tip #5 Planning Your Schedule

        Organizing your planner with important test and quiz dates for the rest of the semester or summer is another useful way to spend your break. Scheduling doctor’s appointments, necessary advising meetings, and planning trips during the break can be helpful. This can help you get organized and prepared for the summer. The best part is that some calendars are free of charge, such as those available through Google and Yahoo.

Tip #6 Evaluating Finances

        Evaluating finances can really be an eye opener and help students create a budget for the next school year. Free software is available online and free templates are available through Microsoft Office Excel.

Tip #7 Build Healthy Habits

         Since you will be having a lot more time on your hands during the break, it is an ideal time to start building good habits. Healthy habits include exercising, limiting TV and internet time, getting up early, learning a new language, learning how to play an instrument, catching up on reading, and other ways to practice self care.

         However you choose to spend it, we hope you all have a safe and enjoyable Spring Break! 
Police Services
By Joshua DeLeon, Hixson-Lied Success Scholar

          You’ve probably seen a police officer roaming around campus whether they’re standing at a post, on a bike, or even talking to a few students. But, have you ever wondered what the Police Services on campus actually do and what kind of impact they have made on our lives? I interviewed Hobreigh Fischer, the Public Information Officer and Manager for the office of the Chief. He gave great tips on how to be more active in understanding how to be safe, the role we play by actively being involved in our own safety, and the overall impact the Police Services department has had on students. 
         The UNLV Police Services mission statement states “the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Department of Police Services is dedicated to providing excellence in protection and service to the university community. As law enforcement officers, we shall continuously endeavor to ensure a safe and secure environment conducive to a positive social and educational process.” Even though this statement shows that the UNLV police services are actively dedicated to providing us students with considerable protection and safety, sitting down and talking with Officer Fischer opens up a new perspective on how we as students should be proactive in our own safety. I asked Officer Fischer how students could get more involved in their own safety. He made it an important point to note that students should get to know their police department. This doesn’t just mean knowing where the police department is located but figure out your favorite officer and get to know them. Introduce yourself and let them know you are curious and how you should get involved in your own safety.
         The most important thing about getting to know your police department is to build a relationship so that when an emergency or situation arises, you are comfortable with calling the police department. Students also need to be comfortable with their police department in order to discuss their problems or concerns. Furthermore, with the growing age of technology, Fischer also suggests that it’s not only about getting to know your police department personally but also through online mediums such as Facebook and Twitter.       
          In order to get students more involved, UNLV Police Services has utilized social media platforms. According to Officer Fischer, they are currently in the process of a mobile safety app specifically for the UNLV campus. Be on the lookout for this app because it will definitely impact the way we handle our personal safety.   
         Lastly, he expressed the necessity of students to be able to educate themselves. There are a lot of ways to educate ourselves through the classes provided by the police services, police services events, group presentations, or even by visiting the police services website in order to see the vast amounts of crime prevention tips accessible to all students.   
         Additionally, there are many different programs that are planned for students in the upcoming months. Some of them include but are not limited to the rebel round table meet and greet and the UNLV police laptop and property registration event. Please visit the Police Services Events website for more information.  It’s very important for us as students to be very aware of the opportunities provided by UNLV, especially the police services. These are not just limited to events but also to resources available to us as students such as the Jeanne Clery Annual Security report provided by the Jeanne Clery Act.
         The Jeanne Clery Annual Security Report, which can be accessed through the police services website, is a crime report document that includes crime statistics, information on crime prevention, and crime reporting procedures. Students are able to either download it online from the website or pick it up directly from the Police Services department. Another document that exists for students to utilize is a daily crime log that lists every single police report that occurred that day and is held for 6 months. So, if you are curious about what happened during the day or you want some information that could be significant to your personal safety, these two documents are free for utilization. This is important because understanding what’s going on in our university can possibly impact someone’s life, whether it’s your own or someone else’s.         
        Overall, the Police Services in UNLV is an amazing department that’s sole purpose is to keep students safe. Even though we may not physically see how they are impacting our community sometimes, that doesn’t mean they go unnoticed. Officer Fischer is proud and honored to say that the Police Services makes a significant impact in student’s lives. There is not a year that goes by, according to Officer Fischer, that someone from their department isn’t awarded a Life Saving Award. This isn’t to seem boastful or for the accolades, it’s to show that these men and women of the Police Services are making a lasting difference in their community. When someone is considering suicide, the police services can help. When there is crime on campus, they are there to investigate. They play a significant role not only in the university, but in the community as well. 
          Remember, safety on campus is a big deal. Learning about different ways to keep yourself protected and out of harm’s way is the only way to stay safe. Even though you may not think that it could happen to you, there is always a chance for a situation to happen that puts your personal safety in danger. One lasting advice Officer Fischer has to all students of UNLV is to “be aware.” Not just of the services on campus, but of your life, especially your environment and surroundings. “If you’re not paying attention, you’ve already lost half the battle.” – Hobreigh Fischer.
Lied Library Features
By Carly Kidwell, Hixson-Lied Success Scholar

         Lied Library at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas serves as the center of
campus for many students, faculty, and even guests of UNLV. Dedicated in 2001, the  Lied Library features five floors of resources, technology, literature, and history for  students and guests alike to enjoy. Whether a student is writing their dissertation,  working on a short film, or just looking to hang out with their peers, the Lied Library will  have just what they need. The library staff prides themselves in offering books and much more to their visitors.
         Upon entry to the Lied Library, one will experience a student’s wonderland. With  302,000 square feet of area and over 28 miles of shelving, there are plenty of places to get  lost. Spread among the five floors, there are over 600 desktop computers, most house  on the first and seconds floors. On the first floor, one will find the Book n’ Bean coffee  shop for snacks and coffee, a circulation desk where computers, calculators, and even
anatomical models can be rented, a media lab where specialized software can be used, and finally the Lied Automated Storage and Retrieval Unit (LASR). The LASR unit can hold 1.2 million documents, which can be retrieved by a robotic arm.
        This amazing machinery is a resource that only very few other universities currently enjoy. Many students are also unaware of all of the things that the Lied Library allows students to rent. Who knew you could rent a GoPro camera for 7 days from the first floor circulation desk? To learn more about library rentals and what is available please visit the Technology Lending Page .
        The second floor of the library, my personal favorite, houses a ton of computers, a group study area where you can meet and study with large groups of friends, the Tutoring Center provided by Hixson-Lied’s very own Academic Success Center, the Graduate Commons for graduate students to study and work, and finally, a new leisure area. The second floor leisure reading area is a new addition to the Lied Library unveiled in the Spring of 2017, featuring a range of novels and rent-able DVDs for students to enjoy. The leisure reading area features a “PressReader” where students can download and enjoy thousands of digital newspapers and magazines onto their own personal devices. To learn more visit the library’s PressReader for Digital Access page.  Another second floor resource mentioned above is Tutoring, provided by the Academic Success Center. Tutoring is offered Monday through Friday and on Sunday. For more details on hours and subject availability, please visit Facebook.com/UNLVtutoring or the ASC Tutoring Website .  

        The third floor features quiet study areas for those who need a quiet space to study or read and Special Collections. The Special Collections department collects and preserves historic and unique materials from southern Nevada. Throughout the library, specifically on the first and third floor of the library, there are interesting and unique items displayed for students and visitors to see. Lastly, the fourth and fifth floors of the library also have study areas and miles of shelving to hold books. The Lied Library also has subject librarians for all major areas to help with any subject related questions you may have on books or
research.
         When one is not studying or reading in the library, they can participate in specia events or classes being held. Coming up on April 17th, there is an open lab “write-in” fo students in English 102 and 114, where students can work on their end of the semester papers with library and writing center staff on-site to help. To help prevent students from  experiencing theft of property on campus, the UNLV police will be holding a property and laptop registration event in the Lied Library lobby from April 26th-May 2nd. Students ca register their laptops and property, such as bikes to help reduce the likelihood of getting those items stolen while on campus.          There is also a must see exhibit on the first floor, “Writers imagine Las Vegas: Our city in fiction”, showcasing works drawn from the  library’s Special Collections that shows a glimpse of what life is like in Las Vegas. This exhibit will be on display until June of 2017 and is available during normal operating hours (Monday- Thursday 7:30am-12am Friday 7:30am-7pm Saturday 9am-6pm Sunday 11am-12am).
         For many students of UNLV, the Lied Library serves as a comfortable space to
complete whatever it is that they may need to be successful, from participating in tutoring  to receiving help from their subject librarian. As a student of UNLV myself, I have spent  countless hours in the Lied Library and commend the effort of library staff to provid  students with an environment conducive to success in their time at UNLV. As many  students of UNLV are commuters, it goes without saying that the Lied Library serves as home away from home for many students of UNLV. The UNLV community is lucky to  have this center of resources and history right at our fingertips.
Healthy Sleep Patterns
By Danika Manguiat, Hixson-Lied Success Scholar
 
        Like so many other people, you probably spent a majority of your time as a child taking naps and resting. However, now that you’re older and in college, you are probably realizing how difficult it is to even get the proper amount of rest. Let’s face it, between classes, jobs, and extracurricular activities, many students put sleep on the backburner. Sleep, however, is crucial. It may be difficult, but because sleep is so important, there are various strategies students use in order to properly get rest.                                                                Sleeping is a critical part of our day; it is during this time that our body takes the opportunity to recharge. The National Institutes of Health reports that individuals should be getting at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night. A 2011 study by psychologist Jennifer Peszka found that college freshman who stayed up late averaged a 2.84 GPA. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, sleep helps a person learn things easier. A lack of a good night’s rest puts you at an increased risk of things like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes later in life. By getting a proper night’s rest, one will have an easier time internalizing information needed to do well in classes. Sleep deficient individuals are more prone to having trouble making decisions, problem solving, controlling their emotions, and coping with sudden changes. Sleep promotes healthy growth and your immune system relies on sleep in order to stay healthy. So if you find that you’re prone to getting sick, you might want to reevaluate your sleep schedule. While it may not seem like it, sleep plays a huge role in our lives!          
        While you should always make sure to get the proper amount of rest, getting too much sleep can be just as harmful. If you sleep for nine or more hours, you are at risk for medical issues. According to WebMD, people who regularly oversleep are susceptible to headaches and back pain. Although sleeping positions could also play a role in these ailments, getting too much sleep can be a factor as well. If you regularly oversleep, you are also at an increased risk of depression, heart disease, and diabetes later in life. While it is dangerous to oversleep, some individuals do not have the choice. People who suffer from things like hypersomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, and depression have also been reported regularly getting too much sleep. If you feel you suffer from a medical disorder or feel as if you get too much sleep, you may consider seeing a doctor for assistance.
       Since sleep is so important, some of you are probably shaking your heads. Between everything you have to juggle, how can you even think about getting seven, let alone eight, hours of sleep each night? It might seem impossible, but it’s not. After talking to certain students, they provided useful advice on the subject. The first thing you should do is develop a regular sleeping schedule (yes, no more naps!). If you’re consistently sleeping and waking at different times each day, it may be difficult to fall asleep each night. By developing a proper schedule, it may be easier to go to bed and wake up each day at consistent times. Be sure to accommodate for the time you spend sleeping. Create a written schedule on what times you should handle your assignments. Stick to this schedule! Don’t procrastinate or leave your assignments for last minute. Even though it might be tempting, avoid falling for the trap. A good night’s rest can go a long way. If you find yourself having difficulties falling asleep at night, consider finding ways to make your bed more comfortable. 
        Additionally, avoid things like caffeine (yes, that means no more late-night coffee!) and bright lights. Thirty minutes before going to bed, try to avoid using your phone and other technology; the light they emit can keep you awake. If anything, you can also make yourself a tasty cup of chamomile, lavender, or peppermint tea to help you sleep. These are just a few strategies you can use.  As college students, sleep can drastically affect how well we do in our classes. The next time you are having a difficult time getting a proper night’s rest, consider some of these strategies to help you get that much deserved rest.
Meet our Donors
Ms. Christina M. Hixson
Ms. Christina M. Hixson graduated from high school in Clarinda, Iowa and moved to Omaha, Nebraska to attend business school. She later went to work for Mr. Ernst F. Lied , a car dealership owner in Omaha and in 1960 she joined Mr. Lied in Las Vegas, Nevada as his assistant. After Mr. Lied’s death in 1980, Ms. Hixson became the sole trustee of the Lied Foundation Trust and turned the Lied Foundation Trust into one of the largest  foundations in the state of Nevada at that time. Ms. Hixson has a special understanding of young people who, like her, came from a challenging family background and are willing to work hard.  
Mr. Ernst F. Lied
Mr. Ernst F. Lied was born in Columbus, Ohio and attended the University of Kansas for two years, where he played on the golf team. He ultimately graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1927. Mr. Lied became a Buick dealer in Omaha, Nebraska and later his dealership was ranked third in the country for the number of cars sold. Mr. Lied established his charitable foundation in 1972, and upon his death in 1980 at age 74 nearly his entire estate funded the Lied Foundation Trust. Lied Foundation Trust has enhanced the capabilities of many schools and enriched the quality of many lives!
  *All photos used are original, can be found on unlv.edu, UNLV social media or have references indicated  
UNLV | Academic Success Center | (702) 895-3177| asc@unlv.edu| www.unlv.edu/asc