One of the unique things about UM is it provides its students with the opportunity to participate in many different leadership programs, events and activities that help build strong resumes and professional skills.
The Leadership Institute at UM has been used as a tool by students seeking to improve their leadership goals and abilities. The program offers a Leadership Clearinghouse and Resource Center where students can participate in different programs and workshops. It also offers a library where students may check out different books, audio and videotapes, journals and articles.
Throughout the year, UM offers leadership summits, one-day programs put on by the Leadership Institute. The summits offer various interactive workshops that bring students together to share various leadership ideas.
Every student who attends a summit is automatically put into the Leadership Certificate Program. This 40-hour certification program is designed to allow busy students flexibility and choice while still ensuring a challenging and meaningful experience. Students have the option of choosing between two-hour workshops and weekend leadership training sessions. They can also elect to “transfer” credits from the leadership training not associated with the Institute, such as Greek life training, resident assistant training, orientation leader training, club officer training, and more.
Last semester’s workshops included “Recognizing Your Resources”; “Cross Cultural Awareness”; “Rewards and Recognition”; “Beyond Empowerment”; “Creating a Sense of Ownership” and “Retreat Planning”.
Seniors who have been involved both on and off campus have the option of taking Senior Reflections, a five-week, non-credit course originated by Dr. Pat Whitely, vice president for student affairs. The course provides an opportunity for students to reflect upon their past leadership roles and share how these experiences have contributed to who they are morally, civically and ethically.
For more in-depth information on the various activities and programs offered by the Leadership Institute, visit http://www.miami.edu/leadership-institute or e-mail them directly at student-activities@miami.edu.

The Toppel Career Center offers a wide range of career development programs to all University of Miami students. Students can meet with a career advisor to discuss their career development plans, and take part in intake advising, Toppel’s resume critiquing process.
Along with these services, the Toppel Career Center also offers programs throughout the semester on effective resume and cover letter writing, interviewing skills, internship infosessions and programs centered around specific topics, such as “How to Apply to Graduate School.” The 4trak Success Plan listed below ensures that students stay on track with their career development while at UM.

FRESHMAN YEAR
* Join at least one club or
professional student organization
and network
* Stop by the Toppel Career
Center and visit Toppel Online at
www.miami.edu/toppel
* Obtain information about
volunteering and internships
* Line up an interesting summer
job or internship
* Attend a resume development
workshop, begin creating your
resume
* Register on CaneTRAK and
update profile every six months
* Make an appointment to see a
career advisor and get assistance
as you explore your interests,
values, and abilities
* Take the Self-Directed Search
and/or complete the Discover
program
* Review career literature in the
university library, the Toppel
Career Resource Library, and on
the internet
* Go to Career Expo and Career
Fairs
* Get involved in the Leadership
Institute

SOPHOMORE YEAR
* Make an appointment to see a
career advisor and get assistance
as you explore your interests,
values, and abilities
* Continue to review career
literature in the University
library, the Toppel Career
Center Library, and on the
internet
* Do an internship, get part-time
work, or volunteer in an area of
interest
* Take an elective in a major you
are considering
* Talk with professors and
advisors about required course
work and future career
possibilities in majors of interest
* Speak to people in the field,
including alumni, and set up
informational interviews
*Obtain part-time or summer
employment in a field related to
your career interests
* Begin attending workshops on
interview skills and networking
* Stay involved in student
organizations

JUNIOR YEAR
* Continue attending workshops
on interview skills and networking
* Attend all applicable Career
Expos and Fairs
* Continue researching career
fields and opportunities
* Develop a mentor relationship
with a professional
* Become a leader in one of the
organizations you have joined
and compete the leadership
certificate program
* Obtain career-related summer
work
* Investigate graduate school
programs
* Attend the Toppel Career
Center’s Graduate School Fair
* Obtain recommendations/
reference letters from professors
and administrators
* Choose elective courses that
will help you develop skills
[computer, public speaking, etc.]

SENIOR YEAR
* Review the graduate school
application process OR tell
everyone you are graduating and
looking for employment
* Schedule a mock interview at
the Toppel Career Center
* Participate in Toppel’s
On-Campus Interviewing program
* Attend all applicable Career
Expos and Fairs

For more information on Toppel and the various services and programs offered, contact 305-284-5451.

As the 2003 academic year nears an end, Mike Johnston nears the end of his Student Government presidency. He leaves with a long list of accomplishments and the satisfaction that under his leadership UM was named Best SG for Private Colleges in the state of Florida by Florida Leader Magazine.
“This award has eluded our school for years. We always came in second,”
Johnston said. “When I found out I was really happy, and it was a great way of ending
out the year.”
Over the past year, as a result of SG efforts, several improvements to the UM campus have been made including establishing 24/7 convenience store hours, increasing Ibis Ride shuttle service, extending Wellness Center and Chartwell’s hours of operation, incorporating a crepe vendor by the UC and installing ice machines in the residence halls.
More recently, students have received HBO and additional cable channels in the residence halls.
“This year our projects have truly been student-centered,” Johnston said, adding that he focused on the details that would make the campus better. “No project or issue was too big or too small.
“My personal philosophy is to always follow through with what you say you are going to do,” he said. “Never say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ without knowing if you can do it.”
Johnston says that getting involved on campus has enriched his collegiate career.
“The University of Miami has been my home, and I will never forget how much I have learned or the friends that I made. That is the key to college.”

Student Government President Scott Sadowski, from Waukesha,Wis., inherits the position from Mike Johnston, and is hoping to defend the title that Johnston earned for UM: best student government for the private school sector in Florida, as ranked by Florida Leader Magazine.
However, Sadowski isn’t just about his job. He says he has a “work hard, play hard” mentality”.
For fun, Sadowski enjoys playing intramural sports, including arena football and volleyball. He is also the coach of his basketball team and works out five times a week.
“Working out is a reward to myself,” Sadowski said. “My goal is to maintain consistency.”
Sadowski also likes to go to the Grove and South Beach.
“I like a good mix of both places,” Sadowski said. “That’s the nice thing about Miami: you have those options.”
This summer, Sadowski held an internship at General Electric medical systems. Next summer, he’s setting his sights on Wall Street. Eventually, he hopes to go into corporate finance or investment banking.
Sadowski attributes his success to his parents.
“I got my scholastic drive from my dad, and my involvement qualities from my mom,” he said.
His parents say their son has always has been a team leader of organized sports and various projects in which he has participated.
“He is driven, focused and knows how to rally his team to achieve results,” his father James said.
“Scotty is a unique individual. He always initiates projects for the benefit of others in his community,” his mother Nancy said. “I believe his caring, hard working, and creative character will demonstrate what a great leader he will prove to be.”
Currently, Sadowski is working on many of the issues from his presidential platform, including improving shuttle service around campus and the Grove and working with the Convocation Center [C-Center] to improve parking and student seating.

Located on Bresia Avenue on the UM campus is Casa Bacardi, a microcosmic dwelling that represents all that is Cuba, past and present.
Casa Bacardi, a new interactive cultural center highlighting Cuban history and culture is part of the Institute for Cuban and Cuban American Studies. According to organizers, the Bacardi Family Foundation donated $1 million to promote and update the building.
“This is a resource for students to learn about the culture and history of Cuba,” Jamie Suchlicki, director of ICCAS, said. “It also serves as an interactive cultural center that educates students and the public about Cuba in a post-Castro era.”
Among Casa Bacardi’s amenities are an exhibit area, cinema, music pavilion with more than 2,000 digital music selections from 19th and 20th century Cuban works and a Cuban info center that allows visitors to take quizzes that test their knowledge of Cuban history.
“I think Casa Bacardi is a very happening place,” Alejandro Cardenas, sophomore, said. “It’s a great place to hang out with friends and learn about aspects of Cuba that we may have not been aware of.”
Maria Urizar says that throughout the year, Casa Bacardi is host to a number of special events.
“We are always inviting special guests to present their books, give lectures and speak at luncheons,” Urizar said. “Depending on the type of event, we usually host between 90 and 100 attendants per event.”
All services at Casa Bacardi are free to students.
For information on exhibits or cinema show times, call 305-284-CUBA or visit www.miami.edu/iccas.

1. Learn how to manage your time and money.
2. Prioritize academics; the rule of thumb is at least two hours of study per credit each week.
3. Become engaged in extracurricular activities and/or a part-time job on campus. Active students are usually happier and are better able to take advantage of educational opportunities.
4. Communicate with your family regularly and, if possible, schedule a midterm visit, like Parents Weekend. Expect your relationship with your parents to change.
5. Try to compromise and share with your roommate, when possible.
6. Just in case, purchase a health insurance policy that includes mental health emergencies and ample local coverage.
7. With your new freedom come potential dangers such as drug and alcohol abuse, date rape, and sexually transmitted disease. Educate yourself about these problems this summer so that you can plan what’s best for you before you act.
7. Participate in a systematic, but moderate, exercise program at the Wellness Center. It’s good for the mood. Healthy eating and sufficient sleep also can help.
9. Find a group of friends, including one or two you can trust.

As students prepare to enter UM, they may eagerly anticipate unprecedented educational opportunities and Miami’s rich cultural diversity. At the same time, however, they will also be facing many challenges in dealing with their newfound freedom.
Here are ten tips from the Counseling Center designed to enhance students’ adjustment:
Learn how to manage your time and money.
Prioritize academics; the rule of thumb is at least two hours of study per credit each week.
Become engaged in extracurricular activities and/or a part-time job. Active students are usually happier and more able to take advantage of educational opportunities.
Communicate with your families regularly and, if possible, schedule a midterm visit, like Parents Weekend. Expect your relationship with your parents to change.
Try to compromise and share with your roommate, when possible.
Just in case, purchase a health insurance policy that includes mental health emergencies and ample local coverage.
With your new freedom come potential dangers such as drug and alcohol abuse. Educate yourself about these problems this summer so that you can plan what’s best for you before you act.
Participate in a systematic, but moderate, exercise program at the Wellness Center – it’s a great stress reliever. Healthy eating and sufficient sleep also can help.
Find a group of friends, including one or two you can trust.
Smile!
Oftentimes, there can be bumps in the road, and the Counseling Center is available to help smooth them out. Our staff consists of professionals from the fields of psychology, psychiatry, and social work. We also feature an accredited predoctoral psychology internship program.
Here are some of our major services:
Group programs to give students the opportunity to talk with their peers about common challenges such as relationships, anxiety, depression, eating issues, and stress.
Short-term personal counseling, with depression, anxiety, family conflict, eating disorders, and relationship issues being frequent student concerns
Career testing for students uncertain of a major or occupational goal
Academic counseling for issues like test anxiety, learning disabilities, and poor time management
Psychiatric consultation for students obtaining regular counseling at the Counseling Center. Our psychiatrists do not prescribe controlled substances, including stimulants.
In some instances, students go off campus for their mental health services. Since the Counseling Center staff is very familiar with specialists in the Miami community, we are happy to provide referrals to students who come to the Counseling Center to tell us about their needs.
Weekday hours are 8:30 a.m to 5 p.m., and appointments can be made by contacting 305-284-5511 or stopping by the Counseling Center at 21R, Center for Student Services, directly south of the Pavia Garage. Counseling is ordinarily confidential.
For additional useful tips about many college adjustment issues, go to our web site at http://www.miami.edu/counseling-center and click on self-help resources.

MIAMI
Working on campus afford opportunity to get experiences they can have outside the classroom
Message is need to give that through working they can get good experiences. They need to give that dome thought’
Jobs not necessarily major-related, but will learn skills that they can apply to their careers.
No longer will a 4.0 goagpa land you a good job. Have to prove you’ve been exposed to working, developed interpersonal skills; wonderful thing about working at um is it exposes you to world of diversity on the job. Regardless of whether you work on campus or off campus.
Not need-based.
MC jobs and students are matched
Working off campus
Strongly suggest freshmen start working on campus with their schedule s that gives them flexibility. adapting to new life and employers know that.
On campus programs: UM is unique in that it doesn’t provide just one program – realizes students come in with different backgrounds, goals and with that in mind students can choose what they want to do. Mc program is designed for freshmen that have already had some experiences in working, and want to continue to develop skills and want to take responsibilities and accept commitment.
All freshmen are invited to participate
Based on info they receive they choose to apply deadline is June 15
Selection committee looks at applicants and selects them that have self-reported desire to develop skills and a desire to get job to get more reasonability than typical student job. And willingness to attend professional workshops and other support services.
Only freshmen are invited to participate because nature of program is to track skill development throughout the four years.
After 12 years program has won two national awards one from Sallie Mae and the other (to come)
At this point MC is working to find your match with employers that have requested a student like you. You’ll be receiving your referral very shortly. Need to come to orientation (look in orientation booklet or online) For MC students; you’ll probably already have contacted your employer. For other students we recommend they get here on campus and start making phone calls for prospective employers once they have their class schedules.
Advisor is Susie Picar MC coordinator
FEDERAL
Different option
Largest program is FWSP avail to students who qualify through financial aid. Biggest program on and off campus oppsortunities available. Lots of flexibility with student schedules. Aim of the program is to afford student additional finances to attend the university, doesn’t mean it doesn’t provide good career development oppsortunities as well.
Some MC students qualify for FWSP. Considered one job a MXC job funded through FWSP.
This is need based.
Program works for students who just need a job work a few hours typically between 10-15 hours, students look for jobs on their own through EASY web site or bulletin board outside office of student employment 37K.
Student Assistant
For students who didn’t apply or get accepted to MC and for those who don’t qualify for FWSP, there are jobs posted under the student assistant program. Mostly temporary jobs if on campus but are also opportunities off campus in jobs that are usually close enough to the university so students can get there by walking r using public transportation. Jobs are posted on EASY system for this.

All programs need to bring these documents:
Very important to bring documents from home as you get ready to get a job. Most students can bring in social security card AND picture ID, like a driver’s license OR US passport or alien registration card, very important you bring that.

Ariana Ramil, student employment advisor for other two.
Maria Pavon associate director will help with off campus opportunities.

The Foreign Exchange/Study Abroad Program, which allows students to spend spring break, summer, or an entire semester studying in another country, is becoming one of the most popular programs available to UM students.
“After studying and traveling throughout Europe, I realized how important it is to get out of your fishbowl hometown and learn about other cultures and environments outside of the states,” Zach Ordonez, a senior who traveled to Prague to study, said.
Among the benefits of traveling abroad is the intensive practice of a foreign language and immersion into a new culture. Also, students in nearly every major can find classes in their field taught from a different point of view.
“At Buckinghamshire Chiltern’s University in High Wycombe, England, I learned about British colloquialisms and culture while adapting to my surroundings,” Liz Lowry, senior, said. “My professors were extremely interested in learning the American teachings of music industry management, and I was intent on understanding theirs.”
According to those working with the program, the earlier a student plans a semester abroad with an academic advisor, the easier it will be to meet any academic requirements.
“First-year students are encouraged to consider a summer program abroad after their first year at UM,” Chris Tingue, assistant director of the International Education and Exchange Program, said. “It’s best for students to plan study abroad into their program of study as early as they can.”
Historically, the most popular destinations for study abroad were in Western Europe. However, UM has recently seen an increase of participation in programs to Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Australia.
On average, about 60 students travel for the fall semester, and approximately 90 in the spring. The tuition cost and all aid and scholarships that an enrolled full-time student at UM has earned will apply to study abroad. Some travel stipends are also offered.
On the down side, a student traveling abroad will be away from UM for a period of time, “out-of-the-loop”, which is hard on students involved in extra-curricular activities. Also, some students experience culture shock, or simply find that a certain country was not all they had hoped for.
However, Tingue says the experience outweighs
“The rewards are endless-most students who spend a semester abroad wish they had planned to go for a full year,” Tingue said. “The world awaits.”
For more information about the exchange/study abroad programs at UM, contact the International Education and Exchange Programs office at 305-284-3434, or visit www.studyabroad.miami.edu.

The UM Research and Creativity Forum presents the opportunity for both graduate and undergraduate students representing all of the departments on campus to display their work and be recognized for their achievements.
“It’s an opportunity for students to showcase their work, whether a scientific research study put together with the help of a faculty member, or a creative work,” Dr. Lydia Barza, interdisciplinary studies program specialist who worked to combine the undergraduate and graduate forums, said.
The Graduate Student Association [GSA] first conceived the idea of a research and creativity forum in 1994 to give graduate students an opportunity to display their research to the UM community. This April, the GSA collaborated with the undergraduate student organization Inquiry: The Research Connection, to create a combined research and creativity forum that would serve the entire student body.
Inquiry is designed to encourage undergraduate students to explore research opportunities and has previously held its own forum for undergraduate students.
Jim Fatzinger, director of graduate enrollment, said the forum is beneficial for both graduates and undergraduates.
“We want to give graduates and undergraduates an opportunity to display their work,” Fatzinger said.
The forum is a consecutive two-day event, with the first day involving the display of the work. On the second day, a banquet is held to honor all the students involved and to award the students for their achievements.
This year, the forum introduced 55 undergraduate abstracts, a 50 percent increase from the year before. These numbers, according to Fatzinger, demonstrate the growing interest in the forum from undergraduate students.
Caroline Caperton,an undergraduate student who participated in the Forum, felt that she gained valuable knowledge while conducting her research and participating in the forum.
“I’m amazed at how diverse the subjects of study are at UM, and just how many students, both graduate and undergraduate, are involved in research at such intensive levels,” she said.

UM is geared to begin the first phase of University Village, a project that will house approximately 1,120 upperclassmen, graduate and law students in a total of 162 apartments.
Recently, however, the UM Neighbors Homeowners Association [UMNHA] has gathered hundreds of signatures from residents against the construction of University Village, claiming it will increase traffic, massing and density to unacceptable levels in the neighborhood. Also, they are worried that students in the area will yield higher crime rates.
However, not all the neighbors in the area agree with these concerns.
“It seems to me that some of the neighbors mistake the features of modern urban living for living next to students,” Margaret Marshall, director of English Composition at UM and resident of the proposed construction site, said. “These neighbors will not be appeased no matter what the university proposes to do with the area, and unfortunately have made the process more difficult than it has to be. Ultimately, the plan will be less than it might be.”
Christopher Vasquez, a sophomore majoring in public relations and political science, says he feels like a member of the Coral Gables community, even though the neighbors only consider him a temporary resident.
“As University of Miami students, most of us feel that we are residents of the Coral Gables community,” Vasquez said. “Whenever my friends and I tell people that we go to the University of Miami, we always have to specify that UM is in Coral Gables as a way of recognizing that we live in a great area. When I need food, I eat at the restaurants on U.S. 1 and Downtown Coral Gables. When I need a haircut, I go to Miracle Mile.”
Groundbreaking for the project has been halted pending mediation negations between the City of Coral Gables, the UMNHOA and UM administration.
For more information contact the University Village information line at 305-284-6728 or e-mail questions and comments to universityvillage@miami.edu.

Since academics is a top priority for all students at UM, the university has developed several learning centers with programs and professionals that help students develop valuable study and test-taking skills. One of the first places that most students turn to is the Academic Development Center.
Every year, hundreds of students take advantage of these free services and improve their academic standing at UM. The center offers a variety of free, easily accessible resources designed to help students take charge of their academic lives and succeed at UM. Services include peer tutoring in a wide range of subjects and assistance with study skills.
Located within the center is the Office of Disability Services, which serves as the primary university office responsible for the coordination of auxiliary aids and services for students and employees with disabilities. Some services of the ODS include priority registration, letters to instructors outlining accommodation needs, note takers, testing accommodations and assistance with accessibility issues.
All services are available to prospective and enrolled students, their parents and/or sponsors, faculty and staff.
Also located within the ADC is the Reading and Study Skills Center, which provides individualized assistance to help students improve textbook reading skills and maximize overall learning efficiency. Students also learn about time management, note-taking skills and test preparation. Seminars and workshops in the Reading and Study Skills Center are open to all UM students.
Another useful academic resource is the Writing Center, a tutorial center for student writers who want to work one-on-one with writing consultants. Many students take advantage of this service, especially for English or writing-intensive courses. In the Writing Center, writing practitioners help novice writers tap into their ideas, jump start writing projects, structure manuscripts, organize research data, document sources and use standard English grammar and appropriate punctuation. The Writing Center also acts as a liaison between students and instructors, aiding in communication between the two and assisting students in meeting specific assignments and general expectations.
Students are encouraged to take advantage of all of the options and resources available to them. For more information on the Academic Development Center, call 305-284-2800, and for more information on the Writing Center, call 305-284-2956.