| In This Week's E-Newsletter . . .
Peer Advisor Weekly Words of Wisdom
Julie Rolfes
Resource of the Week
The Power of Purpose...
Internship Opportunities
Civic Leadership Coordinator
Events
Civic Engagement Week, Presenting Your Work: Artist Workshop
Graduate School
GRE, MCAT and LSAT workshops, practice tests ...
Contests
2008 Silicon Valley Boomer Business Plan Competition
Job Humor
Lazy Cat
Peer Advisor Weekly Words of Wisdom

"Going to graduate school is a big decision, and the application process can be onerous. Ideally, this next step in your educational path is one that you are furiously excited about, and you are able to start the process with enough time to make your application undeniably outstanding. Realistically, it is a scary step in which you make your future vulnerable to an admissions committee, and you may be tempted to procrastinate. Wherever you are in the process, stop into the CEL or attend a workshop to learn how you can maximize this chance to showcase your undergraduate career."
—Julie Rolfes '08, Peer Advisor
Resource of the Week

The Power of Purpose: Creating Meaning in Your Life and Work, by Richard J. Leider
It's Civic Engagement Week here at St. Olaf, a time to ponder how we can live lives of worth and service, both in and out of the workplace. Check out Richard Leider's book "The Power of Purpose" if you're interested in exploring the ways that civic engagement can lead to a fuller, more purposeful life. Fostering a deep sense of purpose then leads to "living life from the inside out" Leider says. Check it out in the CEL today!
Internship Opportunities
The Leaders for Social Change: Summer Internship Program
The Leaders for Social Change program is an opportunity to put your ideals into action and to develop leadership skills necessary to understand the complexities of social problems, formulate solutions and mobilize others for social change.
Application Due: March 3, 2008
Information Sessions:
Monday, February 18, 6:30pm-7:30pm, BC 143
Wednesday, February 20, 3:00pm-4:00pm, BC 144
Civic Leadership Coordinator
League of Women Voters of Northfield
February 25- May 16, 2008
The League of Women Voters (LWV), a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Internship Opportunity (part-time, on-campus, $300 stipend).
Application Procedure: Interested students may submit a letter outlining their leadership and political engagement interests and/or experiences and their ideas for completing the tasks itemized above. Letters may be emailed to Nate Jacobi with a cc: to LWV member Kathy Cooper, by 8:00am on Monday, February 18th. Brief on-campus interviews will occur during the week of February 18th, with selection of the campus Liaison by February 25th, 2008.
For more information, email Nate Jacobi or go to http://lwvnorthfieldmn.org/.
Events

Presenting Your Work: A Workshop for Artists
The workshop, presented by Springboard for the Arts, will focus on promotional materials: your business card, artist statement, artistic resume, and your portfolio! You'll learn about targeting your resume, choosing a work sample (slides, CD, DVD, etc), and composing the catalog page that accompanies it. Documentation techniques and effective uses of promotional materials will be discussed. If you have any promotional materials (current resumes, portfolios etc.), you are encouraged to bring them along for review/evaluation. Register by emailing Pat Smith, indicating your majors and your class year.
Saturday, February 23, 10:00am-12:00pm, Dittmann 305
Civic Engagement Week (February 16-23)
“The American Labor Movement: Dingbats, Dinosaurs, or Dynamic Duo”
Bob Muehlencamp (Social Justice Activist and Trade Union Organizer)
Tuesday, February 19, 7:00-8:30pm (PAC Dinner in Valhalla at 5:30pm)
Viking Theater
Activism for Social Change
This is an opportunity to connect with student leaders involved with social activism to learn about important social issues and advocate for policies that will create a more just and humane world.
Thursday, February 21, 3:00-5:00pm, Crossroads
Worldwide Service Fair
Come and meet
representatives from over 20 organizations with community service, internship and post-graduate opportunities (both domestic and international). Organizations represented will include: Peace Corps, Lutheran Volunteer Corps, World Teach, Global Volunteers, HECUA, The Fund for Public Interest Research, Church World Service, Minnesota ACORN and many more!
Friday, February 22, 10:00am- 2:00pm, Crossroads
Peace Corps Info Session and Slide Show
St. Olaf alumnus Craig Johnston (past swimming instructor at St. Olaf, current science teacher at Northfield High School) will speak about his experience serving with his wife in Kenya in a science teaching program. This event follows the Worldwide Service Fair.
Friday, February 22, 3:00pm, Buntrock Commons, Room 144
Graduate School
Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs
Graduate Program Information Sessions
Wednesday, February 20, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30pm, BC 143
The director of Admissions, Julie Harrold, will provide information about the Institute's Master of Public Policy (MPP); Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP); and Master of Science, in Science, Technology and Environmental Policy (MS-STEP). Pizza and beverages will be provided.
For more information:
http://www.hhh.umn.edu/academics/index.html
The Institute is also proud to announce a new dual degree, the Master of Business Administration (MBA/MPP) option offered in conjunction with the Carlson School of Management: http://www.hhh.umn.edu/academics/gradprograms/dualdegree/index.html#mba
Representatives of Princeton Review will be on campus for three separate workshops to help you prepare for your exams. See below for descriptions of the GRE, MCAT and LSAT workshops. Mark your calendar and then RSVP for the event(s).
GRE Strategy Session
If you want more information about the graduate school admissions process, and a more detailed look at what to expect on the GRE test, join us! A Princeton Review instructor will give you all the information you need about the current test, and discuss the possible changes taking place. We’ll also take you through some sample problems to show you how our test-taking strategies work. Bring your questions, and we’ll bring the answers!
Thursday, February 21, 7:00-8:30pm, Buntrock 142
MCAT Strategy Session
So the MCAT is computer-based. No worries! Join us at this free strategy session to experience the most comprehensive MCAT prep course there is. An instructor will teach effective testing strategies, answer questions, and lead you through MCAT sample problems. We’ll share useful information about the test, and clue you in to some important factors to consider when determining when to take your exam.
Wednesday, March 12, 7:00 – 8:30pm, Buntrock 144
LSAT Practice Test and Strategy Session
Want to know how you’d score on the LSAT? Join us to take a free full-length practice test! This is the best first step to determining your preparation strategy. We’ll give you a detailed score report reviewing your strengths and weaknesses, at the follow-up strategy session. You'll experience the most thorough, demanding LSAT prep course around. An instructor will teach effective testing strategies, and lead you through LSAT sample problems. Tip the scales in your favor by coming to Buntrock Commons to learn about the LSAT test, law school admissions, and valuable test-taking tips from the experts at The Princeton Review.
Free Practice Test
Saturday, March 8th
9:00am-1:00pm
Buntrock 144
Strategy Session
Tuesday, March 11th
6:30pm – 8:00pm
Buntrock 143
Contests
2008 Silicon Valley Boomer Business Plan Competition
This exciting, fifth annual competition - located in the heart of Silicon Valley - is available to students and entrepreneurs who have a business plan or startup venture that shows significant business potential for the burgeoning 45+/boomer market. The competition provides contestants with a golden opportunity to meet top tier Silicon Valley investors and potential partners, secure resources, and get media exposure to help turn dreams into reality. For complete details on the competition, important dates, rules, and how to enter, visit the website.
Job Humor

"I should've gone to the MN Job and Internship Fair...."
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Spotlight on
the CEL Summer Internship Program:

Program Advisors Kris Estenson and Nate Jacobi
What is this new program all about?
The program is an opportunity for students to intern with a Northfield-area nonprofit organization, to explore social issues and social change strategies through weekly civic engagement seminars and to live in community with other peers. In short, it is an opportunity for students to gain a deeper understanding of the social issues affecting our Northfield community and to further develop skills for social change leadership.
What do you hope for students to gain from this experience?
I hope that the participants will develop a stronger commitment to working for social justice and a deeper understanding of themselves as citizens and leaders.
How many positions are available and who should apply?
Five to eight positions are available. This program is for students who want to be challenged and who aspire to leadership.
Do you have any advice for the students interested in the program?
Attend an informational session, get an early start on your application, utilize the CEL and meet with Nate Jacobi or Kris Estenson if you have any questions.
Oles, if you're interested in this new summer program, look for more information in the Internships section of this week's E-Newsletter!
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