I gave my first tour today!

I will update once I finish my first tour!

Update:

So I officially completed my first tour! You might be thinking that if I am a staff member, why am I giving tours? Don’t students usually give the tours? Well, to answer that, yes, I am a staff member, and yes, we do have students that usually give tours. I was a stand-in this morning (amazing what working at the school you got your degree from does, huh?) because none of the ambassadors could make it in. This is a very rare occurrence, but that just attests how great on campus jobs are! If a student has a test or homework to do, they can talk to their boss, and they’ll work something out. On campus jobs are great because the employers know what the student is going through and understand that school always comes before work. That’s my little tip to all of you looking for jobs while in college…find something on-campus! It may not pay as well, but the benefits are worth a lot more than money.

So back to how my tour went…I hear most Ambassadors give tours in the range of 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. Although UIS is not a huge campus, there is a lot of information to cover. Did you know that UIS not only has a stairway to nowhere, but also Bobby McFerrin, the guy who sang “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” was a student here in 1976-77 and performed here in 1990. One of our admissions counselors will ask a question about a famous singer/songwriter who attended SSU/UIS, so if you read my blog, you now know!

Back on topic –> My tour lasted 54 minutes, and I was able to cover all the important buildings (UHB, PAC, HSB, TRAC, etc.), and housing (Townhouses and LRH), minus some of the east side of our campus like the Student Life office and the Student Center. I think I did pretty well in comparison.

Overall, I enjoyed it. I had a good group of students who will be transferring to UIS next fall (2008), and we had good conversations. I encourage you to talk with your Student Ambassador on the tour; it makes it much more enjoyable for both yourself, but also your guide. Just because they are working doesn’t mean they are any different than you. Ask them questions, probe them for information, get what you can from them while you visit the campus. Choosing a college is a very important decision, so making sure you pick the right one is crucial to your success both during and after college.

Check the Admissions Preview Day Website for dates of Preview Days or to get information about setting up a campus tour!

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UIS Campus Map

Due to the limits of my blogger.com template, it is much easier to view this interactive map in google maps. If you click on the “View Larger Map” link just below the map on the left, it will open it in a new window so you can see better. Hope you enjoy!

View Larger Map

Remembrance of 9/11

It was exactly six years ago today that the World Trade Centers in New York came rumbling down after hijacked planes crashed into them. To date, 2,974 victims lives have been claimed by the attacks. The number keeps going up every year because of the people affected by the plumes of smoke inhaled. It is important to remember to pray for those lost and those families dealing with the loss of their loved ones.

UIS will be holding a Candlelight Vigil sponsored by the Townhouse Resident Assistants tonight on the UIS Quad (if it is raining, it will be under the Brookens overhang) from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Stop by after class, light a candle, and give remembrance to those brave souls who gave their lives that fateful day.

It is interesting to note that this is the first time that Sept. 11th has fallen on a Tuesday, the same day of the week the attacks occurred in 2001.

Here are some photos from last year’s vigil marking the fifth anniversary:

American Flag styled bags were placed around the fountain with candles in them.

Students lit candles and prayed for those who lost their lives.

Some people brought roses and placed them with their candles.

Three students light a couple of candles for those who could not attend.

A student and a young girl contemplate the events of that day.