Friday, February 26, 2021

You Can’t College Without Connections

 Why are connections so important?

  • Connections allow students to build community, especially in a virtual environment, which is essential to your success at UNCC. Building connections can offer something as simple as a workout partner, a familiar face to join an organization with, or someone who you can lean on for help when you need it. Everyone knows the famous quote, “it’s not what you know, but who you know” but I would suggest challenging that. In college, it’s not about who you know, but who knows you. Building substantial connections with classmates can open up opportunities for leadership activities, LinkedIn references, and even career opportunities!

What are the common methods of connection?

  • College offers many unique opportunities to connect with classmates. When we’re operating in a face-to-face environment, never hesitate to introduce yourself in the classroom, on the basketball court, and even in cafĂ©. The fact is, when we first arrive to college, everyone is looking for more ways to connect and meet new people. Many students simply fail to take that first step and introduce themselves but if we look at some of the best connections that we’ve made so far, they were once a stranger who we had to connect and communicate with. Your next lifelong connection could be an introduction away!
How can I connect with classmates on GroupMe?
  • GroupMe is another wonderful tool that is extremely popular on college campuses. This messaging platform allows students to create community with one another through creating group chats with people in the same classes, organizations, or group projects that you are in. This app is a perfect way for students to share resources, explain information, receive extra studying help, and enjoy lighthearted moments that happen in classes. While this tool is an important and vital resource for student communication, it is important to always follow UNC Charlotte’s code of Academic Integrity and Student Conduct when using this app. Usually, students will create GroupMe chats and invite students to join them. If no one has sent you an invite, take the initiative to form a group chat with your classmates. Once in the group, simply introduce yourself with your name, major, and classifications and take note of those students with commonalities. 
How can I connect with classmates in organizations?
  • Student organizations are another perfect way for students to connect and create community here at UNCC. Not only do organizations personally connect you with people who share your common interests, but they also give you the opportunity to indulge in the same activities on campus. This is a perfect way to connect. Depending on the organization, this is a great resource to meet other professional in your field of major and build a Network of people who can help you navigate through your college career more effectively. To connect, I would start with an introduction of yourself and a brief description of your career goals if it is a professional organization. Many people love to talk about their personal aspirations, so this is a perfect way to understand what classmates are truly passionate about.
How do I connect with classmates on Canvas?
  • Lastly, People on Canvas is another great way to connect with your classmates. On Canvas, you are able to message not only your professor, but also your classmates to create a GroupMe chat or make a study group. This is a great tool to use before classes begin but is also useful in mid-semester situations where any questions or concerns may arise. To connect on Canvas, go to your class homepage and select the People tool. There you can message students and your message will appear in their Canvas notifications.

How to form study groups?

  • Study groups are extremely important to students, especially for those who may struggle in more difficult courses. Having a strong and knowledgeable connection of classmates to study with can be extremely important in your ability to succeed in certain courses.
How to establish study groups in a virtual environment?
  • After we’ve done our best to build community and join or create any class specific GroupMe chats, the next step is to start a study group. This process is as simple as asking one question: “Is anyone available to study for this…” Students who are able and interested in studying will create a schedule that best works with yours. What most students realize is that studying with fellow students who may have picked up on a certain phrase that the professor said or took the best notes is usually the best way to succeed in certain courses because all information is covered.
How many people should be in a study group?
  • This question specifically relates to how comfortable with group work versus distractions that you are as a student. As a rule of thumb, the suggested number of students is 4 or 5 but study groups have been as large as needed. The suggested number works perfectly because it has a wealth of knowledge but is not big enough that distractions overwhelm the studying process.
How do you set ground rules for study groups?
  • This is a question that comes up very often. When forming study groups, what you will expect and accept from people who join your group can be stated very clearly before entering. A discussion of these rules should be discussed in the agenda before the studying process begins. For students who cannot comply, as a host, you have the right to remove them from a GroupMe chat or Zoom meeting. Never hesitate to be direct with exactly what you expect from each student and when rules are made, ensure that both you and each member abides by those rules.




Highlighting Competencies Through the Lense of a Peer Guide: Self Awareness & Intercultural Awareness

 


Here at the Niblock Student Center, we have 10 competencies that each student should be able to display during their academic and professional career. Today, I will be highlighting two of the competencies in particular: Self Awareness and Intercultural Awareness. 


Self Awareness and Intercultural Awareness are imperative skills when it comes to self discovery and factors that have the potential of affecting people in the workplace. Once you have mastered self awareness and the ability to articulate your personal and professional goals, this goes hand in hand with intercultural awareness. The knowledge of international markets and cultural diversity is critical when collaborating in teams and having an understanding of a variety of markets. 


To become more aware of these competencies, try taking the Clifton Strengths and a Pathway U assessment. You can also consider pursuing coursework in a language such as French, Spanish or German or take a few international electives in order to understand other cultures!


Events with Bank of America- Campus Careers Series

 The following content was shared with us by Bank of America for all interested students:




Campus Careers Series: Charting Your Course 


At Bank of America, we’ll match your drive and ambition to where you can make a real impact. Our Campus Careers Series: Charting Your Course will offer freshman and sophomore students the opportunity to get a headstart on internship recruitment through interactive virtual sessions hosted by professionals in various roles across our global platform. 


Participating students may also enter to win entry to a closed-list networking session with professionals. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today! 


Tuesday, March 2nd 

5:00 – 5:45 PM ET 

Consumer, Small Business & Digital Banking 

Thursday, March 4th 

5:00 – 5:45 PM ET 

Global Markets 

Tuesday, March 9th 

5:00 – 5:45 PM ET 

Wealth Management 

Thursday, March 11th 

5:00 – 5:45 PM ET 

Technology & Operations 

Tuesday, March 16th 

5:00 – 5:45 PM ET 

Corporate Functions: Audit, Finance, Risk and More

 





 Bank of America and its affiliates consider for employment and hire qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, protected veteran or disability status or any factor prohibited by law, and as such affirms in policy and practice to support and promote the concept of equal employment opportunity and affirmative action, in accordance with all applicable federal, state, provincial and municipal laws. © 2021 Bank of America Corporation. 



Join Gamma Iota Sigma for a Business Etiquette Seminar

Here is a great opportunity to get involved with a student organization here in the Belk College of Business! Click the image below for the Zoom link on Wednesday, March 3 at 5pm if you are able!



Friday, February 19, 2021

Alert, Alert! What to do if I have an Early Alert.

By Taylor Cox, Belk College Peer Advisor

You just received an Early Alert notification…now what?

What is an Early Alert?
An early alert notification is not an “I’m going to fail this class” notification. This is just a way to check in with students, professors, and academic coaches to understand where a student is in a class and provide resources if needed. This is a tool to get students back on track and stay on track to finish the class with high marks.

What does an Early Alert Look Like?
An Early Alert comes in the form of an email to a student’s account from connect. Here, you will find information including:
  • Course name in which you received the alert
  • Number of class absences
  • Current recorded grade
  • Comments
  • Professor who gave the alert
You are also able to see an Early Alert on your connect under the “Reports” tab. Three types of alerts can be issued: Poor Performance, Missing Assignments, or Missing Class.

What are the next steps I should take?

The whole team in the Niblock Student Center is here to help you navigate through your Early Alerts and get you back on track to success in all of your classes. The first step is to schedule an appointment with a Belk College of Business Peer Advisor through connect. We are here to help connect you to different resources across campus no matter what situation you are in. Belk College of Business Peer Advisors can also give a first-hand perspective on being a student and navigating through situations in your college experience.

Next, email the professor or set up a time to go into office hours. Professors are here to help you succeed and cannot do so unless they are aware of the problem and the support you may need as a student. If you need help reaching out to a professor for the first time, or want more tips, check out the blog on How to Talk to Professors.


What specific questions should you ask your professor related to this Early Alert?
If you are unsure why this Early Alert was received, start by asking the professor for clarity and double-check their records with your own to ensure all information is correct and up to date. Next, I would ask to set up a one-on-one appointment or meet during office hours to go over any work that may have been a lower grade or missed. This will help you understand the expectations and concepts going forward into the course. Some questions I would recommend asking your professor include:
  • Which items should I concentrate on more for your exams – the notes/textbook or both? What are the best ways to prepare for your exams moving forward?
  • I have looked at the assignment (or class notes) and circled some areas where I am still confused. Can we go over this together?
  • Could you give me an example of a common test question? Are there practice test questions in the textbook?
  • Would you mind looking over my paper and recommend changes that you feel I can make to improve this work?
My biggest piece of advice when talking to professors is to BE PROACTIVE. Get to know your professor early on, try to get advice for the next assignment well before its due date, and have a conversation with your professor outside of class even to just thank them for their hard work moving the classes online/in-person. Communication is key to keeping your professors up to date on absences, missing assignments, or any other situations that may present themselves in class. Professors want to work with you, they just need to know the situation to do exactly that.

I missed a lot of classes and have now received an Early Alert.
If you have missed a lot of your classes due to certain circumstances, reach out to your professor and notify them of your situation. You can also go through the SASS (Student Assistance and Support Services) to verify absences and receive support for your situation.

I still feel really behind in my class, is there anywhere I can go to get extra help?
Yes! UNC Charlotte offers some great options to see tutors with any questions on your classes and providing support to learn the material in a new way. The UCAE (University Center for Academic Excellence) offers both tutoring resources and workshops to develop your studying skills. You can drop in for quick questions about classes, or visit their appointment queue to receive one-on-one or group tutoring.

The Math Learning Center is also available to students who may be struggling with college algebra, calculus, statistics, or any other math classes. This is another great place to go to get your questions answered. Check out their website to find out more information.

The Writing Resource Center is a great place to go for any help with papers of any kind. They will help students with any stage of the writing process both academically and personally/professionally. For more information, visit their website.


This has been a challenging school year for every student and we are proud of the progress you have made so far. If you need help getting back on track with any classes, feel free to schedule an appointment with a Belk College of Business Peer Advisor through connect and we are happy to help connect you to professors, tutoring opportunities, and any other resources across campus!



How to Talk to...Professors! Tips & Tricks from a Fellow Student

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    So, how do you talk to a Professor? Today, we are going to hit on three key items when communicating with your Professor:

  1. Why is it important to talk to your Professor?
  2. How do you write an e-mail to a Professor?
  3. Why are office hours important?

    I will add in my own personal tips and tricks as you read.

    1. Why is it important to talk to your Professor?

    Well, there are many reasons. It is important to talk to your Professor to answer problems that come up in class, and you can use their professional network to help your career grow. Talking to your Professor is necessary since there will be many problems that will come up in class. Whether it is grading issues or technology problems, reaching out to talk about school issues does not have to be scary. Tip #1: With a formal and friendly tone, most Professors are easy to work with. Professors understand that part of their role as a faculty member is to teach, so most will welcome your communication with an open mind.

    Professors also offer opportunities. Professors know their industry, and in doing so they have built a powerful network with industry leaders. For example, some Professors meet with recruiters to point out exemplary students the company should consider for internships/jobs. Professors also hire former students as Teaching Assistants, and they also write letters of recommendation for graduate school applications. Tip #2: Professors will do these things for students that they know on a friendly and personal level, so get to know them as people!

    2. How do you write an e-mail to a Professor?

    So, you want to reach out to your Professor, but you do not see them in person because class is online. Email is your best friend when you cannot talk over Zoom or in-person. Tip #3: When emailing a Professor always use your UNCC email account to send the email, do not use email for serious issues. Let’s break down the email into the most important aspects: who, subject line, content, email signature, and when to send.

    Who: Always use the Professor’s UNCC email address. Email addresses can be found in their syllabus or a quick google can help. Googling keywords similar to “Professor [first name] [last name] UNCC” will usually bring up their bio on a UNCC website and their email address.

    Subject Line: Always include your first name, last name, class, and 2-3 words summarizing your email. For example, this is how I would write an email to my UCOL 3410 Professor if I am having trouble uploading an assignment to Canvas: “Arjun Nag - UCOL 3410 - Canvas Error”.

    Content: This is where you discuss the problem or what you need. Always have a formal opening by using the Professor’s correct title. Tip #4: Use “Dr.” if they have a Ph.D.), some Professors will have email guidelines on Canvas or in their syllabus. If you cannot find their correct title, using “Hello Professor [last name]” is always safe. Write out your whole email and spare no detail. Add line breaks where appropriate, nobody wants to read one paragraph for the entire email. After all the content is written, delete sentences that are unnecessary – effectively communicate with as little words as possible. Professors receive emails 24/7, and that is tiring! Tip #5: Making your email quick and easy to read, while clearly stating what you need, will lower chances of miscommunication and increase chances of getting exactly what you want. It will also make it easier for the Professor to respond.

    Email Signature: Always use an email signature, I recommend having your signature set up in your email account settings for all emails you send. Essentials to have in your email signature: full name, University name, majors/minors, student org positions, on-campus job titles, and contact info (phone and UNCC email).

    When to Send: The best time to email Professors is Monday through Friday: 9 AM to 5 PM EST. Send and reply back to emails during this window. If you are writing an email during the weekend or at a time that is not between 9-5, I highly recommend you schedule your email to send on a specific date/time. Tip #6: Schedule your email to send at 8:00 AM on the next business day. That way, the Professor sees your email at the top of their inbox when logging in the next morning.


    3. Why are office hours important?

    Office hours are windows of time when your Professor says they are available to meet with students, it will usually be the same day/time every week. Professors set this time so students can review content they don’t understand, get info on the next test, and clarify requirements on a big assignment/project due soon. Tip #7: These windows of time should be seen as windows of opportunity, a chance to learn and develop a relationship with your Professor.

    Office hours are in person at the Professor’s office on campus, but now, Professors offer the same availability on Zoom. You can find a Professor’s office hours in their syllabus, usually with instructions on how to access the video call. Professors are also open to talking about students’ career aspirations – but only when appropriate. It is best to initiate non-academic conversation when there are no other students that need help, as academics are priority during office hours. Not every Professor is ready to have a long conversation on every topic though, so identify which Professor is best for which topic. For example, you wouldn’t go to your accounting Professor to talk about marketing firms in Charlotte! While it could be a valuable conversation, it would be better to talk to a marketing professor.

    In conclusion, a lot of information, both academic and non-academic, can be learned from your Professors. If you make the extra effort to get to know them as people, then you can utilize this relationship in the future for professional advancement as well!

It's Time for the Career & Internship Fair!

 


The Spring Career & Internship Fair is Friday, February 26 from 11am- 3pm. More information, attending companies, and registration can be found here

We want to help you feel prepared to attend the fair. Please join one of our PD Meet-Ups this week:

  • Monday, 2/22, 1:30pm- 2:00pm- Starting Your Resume from Scratch
    • This meet-up is for you if you are creating your resume for the first time
    • Join the event (no registration needed) here
  • Wednesday, 2/24, 12:15pm- 12:45pm- Career Fair Crash Course
    • This meet-up is for you if you would like to learn more about how to navigate the virtual career fair and best practices for making the most of this experience; 
    • Join the event (no registration needed) here
Can't make either of these but want to learn more?
  • We have 24/7 resources on resumes, networking and more on our Canvas page
  • The Career Center is offering a series of meet-ups to help you prepare and those can be found here

Tresata Career Fair

 

Tresata, Charlotte's third unicorn company and a company that makes automation software to solve data problems,  is hosting a Virtual Career Fair on February 25th

EVENT DETAILS
  • Thursday, February 25th 6 - 7:30pm EST
  • This event is open to the public
You can click here to register. 


Tuesday, February 16, 2021

Krispy Kreme Summer Internship Program Accepting Applications!

Leah Kresser earned her B.S.B.A. in Marketing in May 2020. The summer before graduation she interned at Krispy Kreme's new corporate location in South End. She had a great experience and continues to work there full time.

Krispy Kreme is currently accepting summer internship applications for students in all business majors. See the internship posting (pay, job duties, time commitment) and application information via Hire A Niner.

“The Krispy Kreme Internship Program is truly one of a kind. If you want to wake up in the morning genuinely excited to begin your work day, this program is for you. You will spend the summer working on meaningful and impactful projects in your department, have fun ways connect with your intern class, interact and learn from our Global Leadership Team, as well as see what makes our sweet treat brand so special. Speaking as a now full time employee who began as an intern, you don’t want to miss out on this opportunity!”  --Leah 

Monday, February 15, 2021

Join Upcoming Events with Women in Business

Women in Business has several exciting opportunities this spring and we hope to see you there!

Register Here for the Coffee Hour or Apply Here for the Retreat!







Friday, February 12, 2021

Welcome Back Business Niners!

Welcome back Business Niners! My name is Erika Colvin and I am a Senior, Finance Major, and I serve as one of the senior Peer Advisors this year! I am so excited to welcome all of you back to UNCC for the Spring 2021 semester and give you an introduction to this year’s Peer Advisors! Throughout this post, I am thrilled to tell you all more about Peer Advisors and what we do, how to schedule an appointment with Peer Advisors, different benefits about scheduling appointments, and different ways to be successful throughout this semester! 


  1. Who are the Peer Advisors and what do we do?

  • Peer Advisors are declared Belk College of Business students who work to support undergraduate students as they progress through the pre-major curriculum by offering supplemental academic advising; helping them understand the major declaration requirements and process; clarifying their academic and career goals; providing mentoring to students classified as at-risk by the university; and assisting students in their transition by helping them discover and connect to involvement opportunities both inside and outside the Belk College of Business.


  1. How to make an appointment with a Peer Advisor?

  • The best way to connect with us is by scheduling an appointment with one of us through the CONNECT advising platform. 



  • On your student homepage, select the Connect link.

  • Click Make an Appointment for Advising and a series of drop-down menus will appear. 



  • Choose Peer Advising and then select Niblock Student Center, Friday, Virtual


  1. The benefits of having an appointment with a Peer Advisor? 

  • As current students of the Belk College of Business Peer Advisors are able to give real-life knowledge to students because we have been there before. By scheduling an appointment with us, we will be able to clarify the major declaration requirements and describe how to declare your major, provide academic support resources, and connect you with involvement opportunities in the Belk College of Business and across campus. Peer Advisors are always available, willing to help, and will do our best to help students succeed after their appointment! 


  1. How to be successful in the first four weeks of the semester? 

  • The first four weeks of the semester are the foundation of the rest of the semester. In order to make sure you have a strong semester you should find different methods to stay organized, be sure to reach your professors if you need extra help, and with the virtual environment be sure to read everything. I recommend writing out all of your assignments in a planner to help you organize your semester. You can create a chart with different due dates and times, assignment titles, and a section to mark if the assignment is completed or not. With everything being virtual emailing your professors to set up appointments and attending office hours are the best way to continue to stay engaged throughout the first four weeks and the semester. Lastly, most of the information you'll get now is textbase. Read carefully. Stay active. Discussion boards, emails, web conferencing, surveys. Log in and check messages as often as possible. If possible, be sure to turn Canvas and email notifications on, this is the best way to get messages from professors in a timely manner. 



As this semester begins you all should know that you are never alone! Although times can get tough whether you need professional or educational help, officials in the Niblock Student Center are willing to assist you with what you need. I hope that everyone has a great semester and if you need anything please do not hesitate to reach out! 


Thank you, 


Erika Colvin


Friday, February 5, 2021

Lunch and Learn: Recap

On February 2nd, we had our first Lunch & Learn of the Spring 2021 semester! 

This Lunch & Learn was all about alumnus and their impact within the community following their time at UNC Charlotte. We were honored to host the following panelists: 

  • Nicholas Sulak'17 MIS, MGMT, Lowes Companies
  • Yazan Alhakim '18 Marketing, Owner of FastSigns 
  • Devonte Ivory '16 Finance, MassMutual Carolinas 
  • Julia Loomer '18, '19 MS MGMT, BNI Global 

Throughout this event, the panelists spoke on how to choose a community that helps with their overall growth, job search tips, and the importance of knowing the company culture. Panelists also gave advice on LinkedIn and how to make a personal connection with an employer. 

Thank you so much to our panelists for your time and all of your great advice!

Missed this Lunch & Learn? Be sure to keep a look out for the remaining Lunch & Learns, along with all other PD events for this semester, at this link: https://belkcollege.uncc.edu/scpd-calendar

How to Check In for a Drop-In through CONNECT.

Check in for a virtual Drop-In:
 

Step 1 - Log into Connect

Step 2 - Click 'Make an Appointment' (blue button at top right)

Step 3 - Select 'View Drop In Times' (right side of screen)

Step 4 - Under 'Service' select Academic Advising.

Step 5 - Select 'Find Available Times'

Step 6 - Select location, Niblock Student Center Virtual

Step 7 - Click 'Check-In for First Available'

An Academic and Career Coach will call the phone number that is listed in your student account. 


Notes:

  • You can check in for an appointment only DURING OUR DROP-IN HOURS.

  • Drop-ins are first-come, first-serve for quick 5-10 minute questions for current Belk College Undergraduates only.

  • Have your questions prepared prior to checking in.

  • Coaches will attempt to reach you by phone, but will reach out by email if they cannot connect with you.

Nila and Stokley Bailey PFLAG Scholarship Opportunity

The deadline for the Nila and Stokley Bailey PFLAG Scholarship is February 15, 2021. 

For information please visit https://identity.uncc.edu/scholarship