LumberChats: Inside NAU

Every year, the U.S. Department of Education gives over $120 billion in federal grants, loans and work-study funds to more than 13 million college students-- making it the largest provider of student financial aid in the country.

What students may not know is that a large portion of financial aid in the United States is distributed on a rolling basis, meaning the sooner you apply, the better your chances of reviving generous aid.

Whether you're a prospective student, current Lumberjack or a parent, the world of scholarships and financial aid can seem daunting. You may be thinking filling out the FAFSA is too much trouble or that you may not qualify. Why would you subject yourself to all those forms if it won't get you anywhere?

We're here to tear down those myths and share why you should fill out the FAFSA (even if you think it's a waste of time). This episode Jackie Henderson, the Associate Director of NAU's Office of Scholarship and Financial Aid, sits down with us to help explain the process and bust some myths.

Lumberjack Garrett Frierson (and FAFSA pro) is also on hand to share his experience with filling out the form, receiving financial aid and the impact it's made on his NAU experience.

NAU Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid 

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From white elephant gift exchanges to secret Santas, 'tis the season of giving--- and spending too. This year industry experts expect the average American to spend $920 on holiday gifts.

For most college students, life is lived on a budget. It's even worse when the holidays roll around. Thinking about all the gifts you have to purchase for you family and friends can be scary when you realize you're on that same college budget you had at the start of the semester.

While you might start off the holiday season with good intentions, it’s easy to go overboard and find yourself in the red.

This episode we’re helping you avoid that fate with holiday spending tips from NAU Instructional Designer and certified financial coach, Ashlee Binderim. We also hear from sophomore and self-proclaimed bad budgeter Carla Betancourt about the woes of holiday spending as a college student. 

Thanks for listening! Want to be on our podcast? Share your idea with us and be a guest on LumberChats.

We've all been there. You're up in front of the room, your heart starts beating, your palms get sweaty, you hope you don't throw up. The fear of public speaking, also known as glossophobia, is one of the most common fears in America. If you're one of those people who will do anything to avoid it--- you're not alone. In fact, studies show almost 75% of the population is affected.

In this episode we meet Alondra Lomeli, Dante Wright, Denise Ocampo and Britton Lee-- four Lumberjacks who are conquering this fear by participating in the Regents Cup, a first of its kind public speaking competition.

Led by Dr. Gretchen Gee, NAU President's Distinguished Teaching Fellow, the team has spent the fall semester practicing a variety of debate styles anchored in respect and civil discourse. While it is a competition, Dante describes it as "more of a gathering and celebration of what it is to have free speech." As Denise emphasizes,"There’s no attacking, you’re not even judged on how well you defend your side, you’re judged on how inclusive you are of other people and how respectful you are of other people’s words.

Tune in and hear how how our Lumberjacks conquer their fear of public speaking and how many times they go through through their speeches before they feel ready. 

The Regents Cup explained by Dr. Gee
Apply for the competition: Regents Cup official site
Professor Spotlight: Dr. Gee

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OWN IT. SECURE IT. PROTECT IT.

We sit down with Jonathan Wince and Erin Plese from NAU's Information Technology Services to talk through what it really means to #BeCyberSmart in this day and age and the three things we can all do right now to better secure our digital profile.

Resources:
Information security at NAU
Set up 2-step verification 

Thanks for listening! Want to be on our podcast? Share your idea with us and be a guest on LumberChats.

One way to set yourself up for success both physically and mentally is to unplug.

From talking through what it means to our wellbeing to be living in our hyperconnected world to the benefits of minimizing screen time, we explore what it means to unplug.

Starting off with Melissa Griffin and Jill Sawyer from Health Promotion we learn all about the ways unplugging can help us be our "best selves".

Then, we hear from NAU Social Media Manager Maria DeCabooter on what it means to find work life balance in a job that practically demands being plugged in all the time. 

Thanks for listening! Want to be on our podcast? Share your idea with us and be a guest on LumberChats.

The air is crisp and the leaves are changing. That can only mean one thing--- fall and Family Weekend are near.

From what you should pack (layering is key), to the best photo ops on campus to what Family Weekend activities you need tickets for--- we've got you covered from all perspectives 👌🏼

Shannon Clarke from Parent and Family Services share her tips for making Family Weekend one to remember and answers the questions parents ask most--
How much time should families expect to spend with their Lumberjack? What's the line between a fun visit and being the family that overstays their welcome?

From the student perspective Lumberjack freshman Tatum Bracamonte shares how her adjustment to college life has been and what her dad does to put a smile on her face when she's missing home.

We cap things off with Lumberjack parent, Shannon Shoots, who talks about her experience of "letting go" and letting her child take the lead.

Unable to make it the trip? Family Weekend activities are open to all students! Encourage your Lumberjack to accept the invitation if a friend/roommate’s family wants to include them in dinner or an activity. Or think about sending a care package to arrive right before the weekend with a letter or treats from home. Care packages are great at this point in the semester (and any other time too 😉)

Family Weekend line up: https://news.nau.edu/nau-family-weekend/#.XZY2RedKiL4
NAU Parent & Family Services: https://in.nau.edu/dean-of-students/parent-and-family-services/
Subscribe to The Backpack email newsletter: https://in.nau.edu/dean-of-students/the-backpack/

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Our town, Flagstaff, sits at 7,000 feet and is located in the largest contiguous Ponderosa pine forest in North America. Right here on campus you can soar across the tree tops at NAU’s Challenge Course. Adventure doesn’t stop there either. We’re also within a 2 hour drive of 14 different National parks and monuments. If you’re into winter sports— we’re one of the closest universities to a ski resort.

How do we take advantage of our surroundings? In this episode we explore some of the ways our Lumberjacks take it out outside through majors like Forestry, trips put on by Outdoor Adventures, and classes like Wilderness Within taught by Professor John Lynch.

Explore NAU's Centennial Forest: https://nau.edu/forestry/about/research/centennial-forest/
Take a trip with NAU Outdoor Adventures: https://in.nau.edu/campusrecreation/outdoor-adventures/
Explore NAU's Parks and Recreation Management: https://nau.edu/gpr/parks-and-recreation-management/

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Did you know -- NAU was named an Emerging Hispanic Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education? Here at our Flagstaff campus, Latino students comprise 21 percent of our total enrollment. Our NAU-Yuma location which was designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution in 2007, enrolls 71 percent Latino students.

Between September 15 and October 15, we will be observing Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrating the contributions of both Hispanic and LatinX Americans. From the sounds of mariachi to campus events honoring our diversity, we're taking you inside NAU to find out what LatinX heritage month means to our students, faculty and staff.

First up, we hear from the President and Vice President of NAU's LatinX Student Union who share with us who they looked up to growing up, the lessons their parents imprinted on them, what folklorico figure gives them chills and what NAU's LSU wants you to know.

Special thanks to NAU Mariachi Mar y Sol for the music you heard this episode, Emily and Vanessa from NAU's LatinX Student Union, Destinee King, our Inclusion Coordinator in IMQ and all those who shared why celebrating LatinX heritage month is important to them: Bekka, Jose, Leslie, Margarita, Marcela, Ruby and Dani.

Thanks for listening! Want to be on our podcast? Share your idea with us and be a guest on LumberChats.

How a student can study abroad is one of the most frequently asked questions we get in person and in our DMs. Today we're sitting down with Marcela Pino Alcaraz to break down one of our most unique options-- NAU's award-winning Interdisciplinary Global Program.

Through IGP you can earn 2 degrees in 5 years AND spend one full year abroad.

How does it work?  IGP has two tracks – STEM and Business. Students spend a year abroad, with one semester taking classes and one semester doing an internship. When you return to NAU you present your internship projects in your language of study to the IGP Summit. Finally, you graduate with degrees in your chosen major plus a degree in either a language or cultural studies.

Amazing? We think so! If you need more convincing, hear from Lumberjack Kalil who just started his time abroad in Spain. He's currently adjusting to siestas and the slower pace of life. We also have Mia who just returned from her year abroad in Argentina and Ecuador. Mia shares her experience being immersed in the culture and research in her field.

From where you can study to how to pay for it (yes, your scholarships can still apply), we're here to help you explore the world around you and make a positive impact in it.

Go big, go global. Through IGP the world is at your fingertips.

Learn more:
Interdisplinary Global Program: https://nau.edu/igp/about-the-program/destinations/
Apply to IGP: https://nau.edu/igp/admissions/eligibility/
NAU's Center for International Education: https://nau.edu/cie

Have an idea for a future podcast? Let us know! Email [email protected]. Have a question for us? Leave a voice note in our DMs and you might end up on the air 
👌🏼 (Insta: @nauflagstaff)

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You've unpacked your bags and are adjusting to life at 7,000 life. You're still not sure where your first class is and how long it will take you to get there. What can make the college transition easier? Welcome Week. This week gives students exclusive access to programs and clubs on campus and provides opportunities to meet new Lumberjacks, connect and become part of the campus community.

In this episode, we're sharing our Lumberjack tips. From introducing yourself to strangers to going to office hours, taking advantage of free tutoring on campus and leaning into the uncomfortable-- listen up and do these things to get your semester started off on the right foot.

Welcome Week Events: https://in.nau.edu/dean-of-students/welcome-week/

Peer Jacks Mentoring: https://in.nau.edu/peer-jacks/

NAU Social Media internship:  https://in.nau.edu/social-media/internships/

NAU Academic Success Center: https://in.nau.edu/academic-success-centers/

Special thanks to Peer Jacks Student Mentoring Director, Joey Ruiz, NAU Social Intern Karringtan Bell and Assistant Director of the Academic Success Centers, Zoe Escarcega

Thanks for listening! Want to be on our podcast? Share your idea with us and be a guest on LumberChats.