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International Chat with the WC! September 29, 2008

Posted by arussell in : International Students , add a comment

Newsflash from the Blue Light:

The Writing Center does more than just writing – we like to talk, too! On Thursday afternoons at 4pm, the Writing Center hosts an International Conversation Group in Mueller Hall, Room 112. Led by WC consultant Troy Morris, this group is perfect for International/Interlink students who would like to improve their English conversation skills, as well as native English speakers who enjoy chatting and learning about others’ cultures.

Playing games, discussing cultural norms, and chatting in small groups are some of the highlights of group meetings. The conversation is always relaxed and interesting. Group meetings are an easy opportunity to get to know more Valpo students!

Try us out next Thursday afternoon! Come once, come twice, or come every week: everyone is welcome to join in the fun. More more information, mail to writing.center@valpo.edu.

Meet the Consultants September 4, 2008

Posted by jhicks in : CORE, Consultant bios , comments closed

Our writing consultants will be introducing themselves in the next few days. In addition to a funny photo, you will find their hours and interests. Choose the category “Consultant bios.” Each is looking forward to conferring with other students.

Meet a Consultant – Zach King September 3, 2008

Posted by zking in : Consultant bios , add a comment

While on vacation in Florida last summer, I had a horrifying run-in with The Yeti.There’s the old saying popularized by Groucho Marx – “I wouldn’t want to belong to any club that would have someone like me for a member.” But the Writing Center really is a perfect fit for me.

Hi! My name’s Zach King, and I’m one of the Writing Consultants in an awesome line-up this semester. By way of introduction, I should say that I’m a junior English/History major with a Humanities major/minor floating in there somewhere. (CC will do that to a person, right?) I’m also the Assistant News Editor over on The Torch, so writing’s pretty much in my blood. As far as hobbies go (beyond writing, that is), reading has always been a top passion (favorites include Shakespeare, Paradise Lost, Stephen King, and everything in between), although please don’t get me started on movies during a consultation – I can go for days on cinematic discussions! (My favorite movie of all time is Nolan’s The Dark Knight, followed closely by Scorsese’s The Departed.)

I’ve only been at it a week, but already I love working at the Writing Center. The people with whom I work are intelligent, enthusiastic, and generally virtuous people. My consulting sessions have been rewarding thus far, and I look forward to working with many more writers – novices and Bards alike – this semester!

You’ll find me at the Blue Light Wednesdays 12:30-2:30 and Fridays 3-5. See you there!

(And as for that picture, it comes from a Summer ‘07 trip to Florida, where I narrowly survived an encounter with The Yeti.)

VU Slang and Lingo September 3, 2008

Posted by jhicks in : CORE, Humor, Uncategorized , comments closed

After studying in the fishtank lounge, I played a pick-up game of ultimate frisbee in front of the VUCA (pronounced “voo-kah”). Then I went to the CCLIR (pronounced “klur”) for a frozen explosion before meeting with my resmin group under Merlin.

Welcome to Valparaiso Unversity, where we speak in code and the sidewalk paths lead you on confusing expeditions. Remember: the stained glass end of the Chapel (a.k.a. “God’s juicer”) faces east. To help you adjust to life at Valpo, here’s a list of Valpo slang and lingo:

  1. Fish tank lounge: n. The lounge on the top floor of the Union, where you can find a delightful fish tank. Many campus organizations hold meetings in this area. Per popular request, the new union will also have a fish tank lounge.
  2. VUCA: /voo’-kuh/ n. Short for Valparaiso University Center for the Arts. Inside you can find many free concerts, the Brauer Museum of Art, plays, and the annual German Club Fasching dance. Outside is ample space for frisbe and football.
  3. CCLIR: /klur/ n. Short for Christopher Center for Library and Information Resources, also referred to as The Christopher Center, but rarely called “the library.” Important highlights central to a Valpo student’s experience include Grinder’s—the on-campus coffee shop, fireplace lounges, and study rooms.
  4. Frozen explosion: n. Grinder’s serves these sweet, icy, addictive concoctions in a variety of flavors. Grab one, then walk fifteen steps north to the Writing Center for a caffeinated consultation.
  5. Resmin: n. Short for residential minister. These are students that work for the Chapel, setting up Bible studies, holding office hours, and being otherwise kind, fun, and approachable people. Each dormitory is assigned at least one residential minister.
  6. Merlin: n. A fabulous, tall oak south of the Chapel. Legend has it that Merlin’s existence was threatened by the construction of the CCLIR, but to the joy of Valpo students, Merlin survived. Merlin’s shade is hospitable to picnics, studying, enjoying nature, and the annual Shakespeare Under the Stars—a spoof production of Shakespeare’s works.
  7. I.T.: n. Abbreviation for Information Technology, but rarely called “it.” (Think E.T. phone home.) Ask IT about any on-campus technology topics, from setting your laptop for wireless access to your print quota. They are available via email and phone, or drop by their Help Desk, located on the first floor of the CCLIR, between Grinder’s and the Writing Center.
  8. God’s juicer: n. The top of the east end of the Chapel is often referred to as God’s juicer.
  9. The blue light: n. The Writing Center’s blue light, located on our desk on the first floor of CCLIR, is turned on when a consultant is available.
  10. Bethesda/Nifty Thrifty: n. A thrift store on Marks St., just off of campus, where many students take advantage of half-off for Valpo student Fridays.
  11. VUCrew: /voo-kroo/ n. A dedicated cheering section at VU Basketball games.
  12. Adam: n. The four foot tall knight in shining armor who makes The Round Table his home.
  13. The terrace: n. Outside study area off of the fourth floor of the CCLIR.
  14. The kissing bridge: n. A bridge that leads from nowhere to nowhere on the southeast side of campus. The story goes that it used to be on old campus, suspended over railroad tracks, and it was a goal to kiss for the entire length of a train. Students reportedly returned covered in soot, except for their mouths.
  15. Blue books: n. Available in two sizes, professors oftentimes ask students to purchase bluebooks (either at the Union Info Desk or the University Book Store) for exams.
  16. Chapel rats: n. Students who frequent the Chapel by attending daily Morning Prayer, Celebrate!, Candlelight, Sunday services, and volunteering.
  17. Valparainsnow, Windiana: n. An endearing term for VU’s hometown, referring to the somewhat unpredictable and unmerciful weather.

I hope you find this list helpful as you learn the Valpo lingo. Before you know it, you’ll be able to construct sentences like those at the beginning of this blog, and nobody outside of the Valpo bubble will have any idea what you’re talking about.

Until next time, keep your eyes open for our blue light and feel free to instant message us at VUWCafterhours from 9-10:30 PM Suday through Thursday with any quick questions.