February 8, 2023

Honors Wednesday Memo

Opportunities and Information for Honors Students

edited by Kistler Hunt

Volume 6, Issue 19

February 8, 2023

 

Dear Honors students and friends,

Some of my favorite conversations over the past 5 1/2 years are with students who were just accepted for upcoming study-abroad trips, or who just landed a new job or a research gig, or who just decided to apply for a new opportunity, or attend a talk on campus or off, that might well expand their world, transform the way they understand things, maybe even change the course of their life.

And many of these students have said: "And I learned about it in the Honors Wednesday Memo." 

Always worth the reading!

Jeff

 

 

Top photo features Honors College students and faculty (left to right): Colin Maloney, Dr. Jessica Martell, Zoe Finucane, Kammy Kasher, Caroline Arch, Klara Bost, Sophia Varriale, Allie Tippin, Jo Kelley, Dr. Belinda Walzer, and tour guide Francis Higgins in front of City Hall in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in December 2022. This faculty-led study abroad trip was a part of HON 3515: Human Rights and Post-Conflict Resolution and GLS 4100: Borders and Walls. Photo submitted.

 

Upcoming Opportunities:

Dean Jeff is happy to help you apply; send him an email at vahlbuschjb@appstate.edu. 

VA SCAN-RD Summer Research Program

The Veterans Affairs South Central Appalachian Network for Research Development (VA SCAN-RD) is now accepting applications for their summer research program. This research program allows students to advance their knowledge and capacity for research with a focus on how social factors impact veterans’ health and well-being, medical treatments, and clinical research. Students have the option to engage in web-based modules or experiential learning activities as a part of this program. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. For more information, to request an application, and to apply, contact the VA SCAN-RD Program.

Fulbright Week

The Office of International Education and Development is hosting its annual Fulbright Week February 14 – 16. Fulbright Week allows for students and faculty to learn about opportunities available through the Fulbright program, to ask questions about Fulbright, and to develop a strong application. Throughout the week, various events will be held for both students and faculty, both in person and virtually. Registration is required. To register for faculty workshops, click here. To register for student workshops, click here. To view the schedule of events, click here.

MSL Graduate Fellowship in Public Relations

MSL, a leading public relations agency, is now accepting applications for its graduate fellowship for public relations. This summer program is specifically designed to allow students to learn through hands-on client opportunities, exposure to the people and the strategy that moves its business forward, and the chance for permanent employment at MSL. Lakin Stevens ‘22, former Honors College student and Honors Wednesday Memo editor, participated in this fellowship and is currently employed by MSL! Students can select from 8 major cities in the U.S. to participate in the fellowship. Students who are graduating in the Spring 2023 semester are especially encouraged to apply. Rising seniors are also welcome to apply. This fellowship is full time and paid. Applicants are encouraged to apply by early March. To learn more about the fellowship, click here. To apply, contact MSL. For any questions about the fellowship program, contact Lakin Stevens. When submitting the application, students must submit a resume, cover letter, and fellowship city of interest.

DLLC Symposium Proposal Applications

The Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures will be hosting its fourth annual DLLC Symposium, titled “Diversity and (Dis)Connections in the Contemporary Context,” on March 23 and March 24. Undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and community members can submit proposals of any kind. Some topics of interest include: the meaning of education and scholarship, fostering diversity in the classroom, the role of pedagogy, etc. Submissions are due March 1. To apply, applicants must include their contact information and relation to the University, a notation of the type of presentation and time needed, and a title with a 200-word abstract. Proposal applications can be submitted to Dr. Jean-Francois Fournier. For any questions, contact Dr. Fournier or Dr. Adrienne Erazo.

Appalachian College Advising Corps

The Appalachian College Advising Corps (AppCAC) is now accepting applications for its cohort of advisors for the 2023-2024 academic year. AppCAC places recent college graduates in high schools throughout western North Carolina to serve as full-time college and career advisers. Students selected for AppCAC are eligible to receive benefits through AmeriCorps, including loan deferment, health benefits, and education awards. This position holds an 11-month full time contract. Students must graduate by June 2023 to be eligible. For more information, click here. To apply, click here.

 

Stay in the Know: 

Koru Mindfulness Classes

Students have the opportunity to participate in free, 4-week-long Koru Mindfulness Classes. These classes allow students to lower stress levels, get better sleep, increase their focus, and lower their levels of self judgement. Classes start on February 9, February 13, and February 14, with varying class times. Registration is required for each class. To view the schedule and register for the class starting February 9, click here. To view the schedule and register for the class beginning February 13, click here. To view the schedule and register for the class beginning February 14, click here.

Outdoor Jobs Fair

The Career Development Center is hosting an Outdoor Jobs Fair on February 15 from 11:00 – 2:00 p.m. This job fair allows students to secure both summer and year-round employment, as well as learn more about internship opportunities within the outdoor jobs field. Students of all majors are encouraged to attend. Students are also encouraged to pre-register for this event here. For more information, contact the Career Development Center.

Immigrant Mountaineers Movement Mini Conference

The Immigrant Mountaineers Movement (IMM) will be hosting their first mini conference on March 24. This conference will feature discussions about immigration issues, allow for insight from immigration-affected people, and foster an equitable environment for immigrants in the High Country. IMM is currently seeking immigration-related abstract submissions to be shown at their conference. The deadline for abstract submissions is February 15. For more information and for any questions, contact IMM. To submit an abstract, click here.

Career Development Center Clothing Donations

The Career Development Center is currently seeking clothing donations for its Look Smart Clothing Closet, which provides students with professional clothing. Work-appropriate clothing items and accessories that are gently used are especially needed. Donations can be dropped off at the Career Development Center. For any questions, contact the Career Development Center.

WellTrack Boost App

The Counseling Center has released their new app, WellTrack Boost, which provides resources and tools for mental health. This app allows people to track their mental health, their mood, and to connect them to mental health resources on campus. Those interested can click here to learn more and download the app. Participants must register with their App State email.

 

In the Honors Spotlight

Honors faculty member awarded second Fulbright Teaching Award

 

Photo features Dr. Alexandra Sterling-Hellenbrand. Photo by Chase Reynolds. 

With support from her 2022–23 Fulbright award, Appalachian State University’s Dr. Alexandra Sterling-Hellenbrand, professor in the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures and the Global Studies Program, will return to Austria this spring. This marks her second awarded Fulbright in the past four academic years. Dr. Sterling-Hellenbrand will teach and engage in research as the Fulbright Visiting Professor of Cultural Studies at the University of Graz. She will spend February–July in Austria, teaching two courses: an undergraduate course called King Arthur in America and a graduate course called The Game of Adventure in German Arthurian Romance. For over 75 years, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 400,000 participants — chosen for their academic merit as well as leadership potential — the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research, exchange ideas, and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns. 

To learn more about Dr. Sterling-Hellenbrand’s Fulbright award, click here to read the story by Jessica Stump.

 

Have announcements to share? Submissions can be made to honors@appstate.edu. Any content received by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday will be considered for the following week’s issue. 

Have a story to share? Share what you have done, what you are doing, or what you will be doing by submitting a story here

To stay in the know, learn about opportunities, and take part in the Honors community, find us below!