Tuesday, March 2, 2010

IT Corner: Keeping your Computer Virus Free By Dan Jarrett

Your first line of defense is to have a current Anti-virus program. Even if you cannot afford to buy one, there are some free programs out there.
Here are the top three free options:

They may not have all of the features of the store-bought Anti-Virus programs, but they do the job. This will have to be kept up to date along with your operating system. By keeping everything up to date you will reduce the chance that a virus, spyware or malware will get through.
You will often see ads for SPYware Doctor Downloads and others similar to that. Those are Trojans with Adware that keeps popping up. Limeware is also filled with viruses. If you are looking for music to download, try Frostwire; it is better. And if you are not sure which Anti-Virus to get, I recommend McAfee Internet security with website safety ratings, which can be found at:
http://www.mcafee.com/us/

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Starting School at Southwestern College: Current students offer advice to Southwestern’s Newest Pupils

By Danielle Reibel

When you start college as a new student, there are always some things you should expect to on your first day. Most first days are the same. You get your schedule and figure out exactly where all of your classes are. Most people end up changing their schedule. Next, you’ll go to every class and most teachers will give you a syllabus for that class. You’ll soon realize that classes aren’t as bad as you thought. You may even have a few teachers that you love and a few that you may hate. Don’t be so sure though because your outlook on these teachers will change as the quarter goes by.
By the middle of the day most people get a little shy about lunch time because you don’t know who you’re going to sit with. Don’t worry though because out lunch room only has three tables, so it’s better to get lunch somewhere else (possibly with some new people you have met from class). I go to Seafood Arcade next door and work on school work since I have two and a half hours between my first and second class.
After lunch, the day just zips by. You should remember to always ask questions when are you confused about anything, whether it be related to class or Southwestern in general. Most likely someone else wants to know the same thing. Finally, don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to someone. That new person could end up being your college buddy for the rest of the year. Good Luck!

Additional tips for success at Southwestern College
by Shannon Harrison and William Peagler


  • Always follow the dress code.

  • Attendance is a must or you will fall behind quickly.

  • Have open lines of communication with your instructors.

  • Find out about all resources at the school so you can utilize them.

  • Find out exactly where to park and how much it will cost you.

  • Be willing to learn basic computer skills and knowledge.

  • Do not be afraid to ask questions.

  • Work on time management skills in order to manage a high volume of classwork
    and homework.

  • Build relationships with fellow students for classroom purposes.

  • Be willing to make sacrifices to succeed.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Featured Figure in Black History: Paul Laurence Dunbar

The Southwestern Eagle celebrates Black History month by remembering one of Dayton’s best known figures

February is black history month; how much do you know about Paul Laurence Dunbar? You may have more in common than you think. Born in Dayton and raised by a single parent, Dunbar is remembered as one of the best loved poets of African-American History.

Dunbar was born to former slaves on June 27, 1872 in Dayton, Ohio. His father was a veteran of the Civil War. Dunbar’s parents separated when he was very young, and his mother, Matilda, worked to support her children on her own. One of the families that Dunbar’s mother worked for was that of Orville and Wilber Wright.


Although they were very poor, Dunbar’s mother consistently taught her children to value poetry and storytelling. She encouraged Dunbar in his intellectual pursuits. Though he was the only African-American student in his class at Dayton Central High School, he was actively involved in many student organizations including the school newspaper.


Dunbar’s career as a literary figure can be dated to 1892 when he published his first collection of poems, Oak and Ivy, and also gave his first public reading. Although his work was reasonably popular, Dunbar still had to work as an elevator operator to support himself. He frequently sold volumes of his poetry to people that he met on the elevator.


While living in Toledo in 1897, Dunbar published his second book of poetry and became more widely known and respected. He married shortly after and began working for the Library of Congress in Washington D.C. During this time his health declined.


In 1902, Dunbar separated from his wife and returned to Dayton. Though he continued to work, his health steadily declined. He died of tuberculosis here in Dayton in 1906. His body of work included 12 books of poetry, and other books that included plays, novels and short stories.

Dunbar’s home in Dayton can still be visited today! Call 937-313-2010 for more information.
Dayton Public Library is home to a collection of Paul Laurence Dunbar publications, including many first editions.
Email history@daytonmetrolibrary.org for information.

Student Bus Passes

Bus passes will be issued in the Business Office at the follwing times effective 2/18/2010:

Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday
10AM – 11AM
2PM – 3PM
4:30PM – 5:30PM

Things to Keep in Mind:

Attendance will be checked
Issuance of bus passes will be based on
attendance
You must bring photo ID (State ID, Driver’s License or Student
ID)
You must bring your old bus pass to be issued a new one.
The cost is
$10.00/Weekly

.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Do you know your Dress Code?

Allied Health Student Clothing:
SWC issued or solid color scrubs. Scrubs must match.
White lab coats must be worn in labs.
Scrubs and lab coat must be clean and in good condition
Students must wear suitable undergarments that do not show through scrubs.
Students may wear a solid colored shirt under their scrubs.
Light colored socks (preferably white) should be worn.


Allied Health Student Shoes:
Nursing shoes or mostly white tennis shoes should be worn.
Shoes must be closed toe and in good condition.

Allied Health Hair:
Hair must be clean and neatly groomed.
Hair should be pulled back off face. Long hair should be worn in a ponytail/bun/etc.
Hair should be a natural color.

Fingernails:
Trimmed to 1/4 inches from end of finger.
Only clear or natural color nail polish.

Jewelry for Allied Health students:
Earrings should be kept to a minimum.
Earrings should be simple studs or flat patterns in professional designs—No dangly or hoop earrings.
Only one ring per hand.
Only simple chain choker necklaces are allowed. Simple/tasteful charms or medallions are acceptable. No long chains or large charms/medallions.
The only bracelets allowed are medical ID bracelets.
A watch with a digital readout or second hand is recommended.

Other notes for Allied Health students:
No visible facial piercings other than earrings are allowed.
Facial or neck tattoos should be covered with makeup or clothing.
Facial hair (beards and mustaches) should be neatly trimmed.
Makeup and Perfume should be worn in moderation.
Students must be clean.

Notes for Business, Computer and Criminal Justice Students:
No Jeans are allowed.
Southwestern College Polo or Button front shirts are preferred. Other dress shirts are also acceptable.
Professional/Dress shoes should be worn.
Slacks/skirts should be professional and neutral.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Stay Safe on the Roads! Be cautious when Driving in Snow and Ice

The season for snowy weather is upon us – don’t get stranded! Neil Dunlop and Edmunds.com have compiled some tips to help drivers in bad weather. If you are driving on snowy, icy roads, follow these tips to stay safe:

Slow down if the roads are bad!
Allow extra following distance between your car and the car in front of you.
If your car starts to loose control in a skid, turn into the skid and accelerate if possible. Even though it goes against your instinct to speed up in these situations, it can help you regain control of your car.


Their last bit of advice may be the most tempting to follow: “go slow in the snow. Or stay home and make hot chocolate” (Dunlop)


If you do get stuck in the snow, having proper supplies could help you get through the ordeal quickly and safely:

Bottled Water
Matches & Candles
Blankets
Kitty Litter, Gravel or Sand
A first Aid kit
Warm Clothes
A small shovel
Flashlights and batteries
Packaged food, such as energy bars or canned nuts
Paper Towels
Spare Wiper Blades
Wiper Fluid
Jumper Cables



Dunlop, Neil. “How to: Drive in the Snow.” Edmunds. 2009. Web. January 13, 2010.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Remember and Celebrate: Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Dayton

This year, Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday is being observed on January 18th. His actual birthday was January 15, 1929. This year would have been his 80th birthday.

Most of us already know about Martin Luther King Jr. and his involvement in the African American Civil Rights movement. He believed in using peaceful means of protest and conflict resolution. In 1964, he became the youngest person to ever be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

We can best honor King’s memory by remembering his message and mission. Southwestern College Library has many books that relate to racial conflict in America.

Many biographies and other articles related to King are available on Infotrac at Infotrac.galegroup.com.
Username: lesday
Password: Dayton

There are also many events taking place on January 18th in the Dayton area to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day:

Day of Service at Dayton International Peace Museum
Free for children K-12
1:00pm—3:00pm, call 937-227-3223
Children learn about applying non-violence in everyday life.

MLK March and Rally
Courthouse Square
March begins at 10:30am from each of the four corners of the city, for more information call (937) 424-1500

YMWA Piqua’s Martin Luther King Day Celebration
1:00pm—2:00pm, 937-773-6626
This event is free