Mental Wellness: Tips for Processing New Information

How can college students be successful in the midst of a world of uncertainty? “Mental Wellness Monday” on the University of Mobile’s Student Success Instagram page can give you some ideas. University of Mobile counselor Mary-Claire Marshall is sharing tips and news you can use each Monday, and we’ll recap her advice here each week. You can find the video on Instagram at @umobilessc.

This week, Mary-Claire chatted about how to respond to getting new and shocking information.

1. It’s Okay to Grieve. | Some of you are seniors, and you are missing out on some of your most hoped for times. Some of you are missing out on final hours of nursing, teaching and spending time with friends. It’s okay to mourn this loss. It’s okay to be sad. Give yourself some grace.

2. Take Care of Yourself. | Give yourself a little more TLC, eat some chocolate and enjoy some Netflix, just not too much of it! Do some things that will help you cope. Often in crisis we go into a fight or flight response. If you’ve noticed extremes of anxiety, nervous energy, and insomnia or maybe feeling the opposite like flat or drained – that is normal. Do something active, listen to music, write, draw or get in nature to allow yourself a chance to move from that response.

Resources: Headspace and Sanvello are helpful apps that suggest exercises and activities to do!

It’s tough to receive information that changes your life, but with some good resources, community and care – you can make it through.

Mental Wellness: Routine, Recharge, Reach Out

How can college students be successful in the midst of a world of uncertainty? “Mental Wellness Monday” on the University of Mobile’s Student Success Instagram page can give you some ideas. University of Mobile counselor Mary-Claire Marshall is sharing tips and news you can use each Monday, and we’ll recap her advice here each week. You can find the video on Instagram at @umobilessc.

Here are this week’s Mental Wellness Monday tips:

1. Have a routine.
Make a schedule. Wake up at the same time every day. Try to have something that you do every day at the same time, whether that be going on a walk, taking a shower or eating lunch. This will help you have a sense of normalcy during the chaos.

2. Recharge.
Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, find the things that help you recharge. If you’re an extrovert, FaceTime your friends/family and still find ways to connect with others. If you’re an introvert, try not to seclude yourself to the max. Find ways to be productive if you’re going to be by yourself, like writing, reading a book or drawing.

3. Reach out to other people.
When we can find something outside of ourselves to focus on, it can help. Here are a few examples: sewing masks for health care workers, picking up groceries for others and prayer walking around your neighborhood.

This week, focus on developing routines, finding ways to recharge, and reaching out to those in need.

College Students Need Structure Now

With on-campus classes going online for 2 weeks at the University of Mobile and many other colleges around the nation, I decided to ask UM’s academic counselor, Anna Meherg, for a couple of tips as students move to schooling online for several weeks. Anna offers practical advice for students across the nation.

What do you suggest academically for students while they are working online?

“My biggest tip would be to find ways to create structure at home. I would suggest that students attend/login to courses on their regularly scheduled days at their regularly scheduled times to start.

“Some other things that I would do to add structure would be to schedule in homework/study times during the day as well as setting an alarm to wake up in the mornings instead of sleeping in.”

What do you suggest socially for students while they are working online?

 “My biggest advice about this is to set up a time to FaceTime or video chat their normal lunch buddies and all eat lunch together while video chatting.

“Also, Netflix is offering ‘Netflix Party’ where students can watch movies at the same time while apart. This could help with those feeling socially isolated.”

In sum, Anna suggests that students try to schedule their day at home like their average day on campus. Anything that students can do to make life during this transitional period reflect their normal day-to-day life on campus will help them succeed during this time.

University of Mobile Ensemble “Exit 13” Releases New Song “Focus”

MOBILE, Ala. – University of Mobile’s “Exit 13” ensemble released a brand-new, original single on March 13 on all digital platforms like iTunes, Apple Music and Spotify.

The song performed by “Exit 13” was co-written by UM student Keaton Bunting, a junior majoring in worship leadership, and UM alumnus Chris Lockwood, published songwriter and producer in Nashville, Tennessee and worship leader at World Outreach Church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

Bunting hopes that this song will remind people of the all-surpassing joy that comes from focusing on Jesus. “The idea behind this song is that while the world is filled with fleeting distractions, there is only one thing truly worth our absolute attention, that lasts forever – and that is Jesus Christ,” says Bunting.

“It has been such a neat opportunity to watch a project of mine, a song, develop into this thanks to the influence of some incredibly gifted people here at UM. Working alongside of them, I got to watch my idea turn into a reality. I am so thankful for the opportunities I have to learn and grow in my song writing and field by being here at the University of Mobile,” says Bunting.

“Focus” is a byproduct of  “Song Shot,” a University of Mobile song competition through the Alabama School of the Arts, sponsored by the university’s 8Eighty Records.

“Focus” was recorded in the University of Mobile’s Fisher-Brewer Recording Studio.

Jeff Quimby, consultant and general manager of 8Eighty Records, says, “8Eighty Records and the University of Mobile are committed to musical excellence and educational opportunities’ for students to have “music industry” level experience while attending school.”

You can watch the “Focus” lyric video at https://youtu.be/i-6Py9KmEA4.

For more information about the Alabama School of the Arts, visit umobile.edu or call 251.442.2222

 

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.

For more information about the University of Mobile, visit the website at www.umobile.edu or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

University of Mobile Presents Musical ‘Little Women’ April 17-19

MOBILE, Ala. – The Alabama School of the Arts at the University of Mobile will bring Louisa May Alcott’s classic story to life with the musical “Little Women” April 17-19.

Performances will be held April 17 and 18 at 7 p.m. and April 19 at 2 p.m. in Ram Hall on the University of Mobile’s campus, 5735 College Parkway, Mobile, Alabama 36613.

General admission is $15. Tickets for students with a valid ID are $10. Purchase tickets at umobile.edu/pas. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.

Alison Wilks, coordinator of communication and graduate admissions and director of Miss University of Mobile program and Summer Arts Series, is the director of “Little Women.”

Wilks says, “As a young girl, Little Women stole my heart. Directing this show is a dream come true. Louisa May Alcott captured the home of young sisters, the intricacies of their relationships with one another, as well as the delicate processes of allowing new members into a tight knit family.”

For more information about Alabama School of the Arts at University of Mobile, go to umobile.edu/asota or call 251.442.2222.

 

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.

For more information about the University of Mobile, visit the website at www.umobile.edu or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

University of Mobile Hosts Black Tie Ball April 4 at Alabama Contemporary Art Center

MOBILE, Ala. – The Alabama School of the Arts at the University of Mobile will host the first Black Tie Ball on April 4 at 7 p.m. at Alabama Contemporary Art Center.

The Black-Tie Ball is a formal event where guests will be entertained by tunes made famous by artist Michael Bublé performed by the UM Jazz Band. Attendees can expect to enjoy great food, incredible artwork, silent auction and more.

Tickets are $75 for individuals and $125 for couples. Tickets can be purchased at umobile.edu/blacktie.

Black Tie Ball ticket sales and donations will benefit students and programs of the Alabama School of the Arts through the Deans Excellence Fund. Proceeds will help with scholarships, equipment, travel and other items which directly benefit students as they train in the Alabama School of the Arts through outstanding professional programs in a Christ-centered academic culture.

For more information about the Black Tie Ball or Alabama School of the Arts contact 251.442.2383.

 

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.

For more information about the University of Mobile, visit the website at www.umobile.edu or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

University of Mobile Students Assist Senior Bowl Athletic Trainers

Chelsea Acton, George Harvell, Emilie Brown and Kaitlyn Spangler

MOBILE, Ala. – Four University of Mobile pre-athletic training students had the experience of a lifetime on the sidelines of the 2020 Senior Bowl. They were surrounded by the top players in college football, famous collegiate coaches like Nick Saban, and NFL coaches and staffs who gathered in Mobile, Alabama, for the annual all-star showcase.

But the best part of the experience was the opportunity to shadow NFL certified athletic trainers and see first-hand what it’s like to work in a field that might be theirs one day.

“I was able to make connections and gain experience that would not have been possible without the University of Mobile. This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” says Chelsea Acton. Acton worked with the Detroit Lions team.

Acton says she applied what she has learned in the classroom to real life.

“By volunteering at the Senior Bowl, I was able to learn more about the operations of what I am studying at school. I got to apply the things that I learn about in my textbooks,” she says.

In addition to Acton, a senior, fellow students George Harvell, senior; Emilie Brown, junior, and Kaitlyn Spangler, junior, were each given the opportunity to assist the Lions and Bengals athletic training staffs. They helped with taping and stretching of collegiate players for the entire week leading up to the Senior Bowl. All four were invited to assist in game coverage on the sidelines when the nationally televised Senior Bowl kicked off on Jan. 25.

Melissa Thomas, master of athletic training program director and associate professor in kinesiology, says that this opportunity has been afforded to University of Mobile students on a volunteer basis for the last few years.

“This shows the validity of our program to the community by the invite alone from the Senior Bowl. It shows that over the last few years our students have impressed certified athletic trainers working at the professional level, by their initiative to learn, their work ethic, and their professionalism,” says Thomas.

Thomas says an email received shortly after the game indicated how valuable the students were in their efforts over the course of the week.

It read: “On behalf of the Cincinnati Bengals athletic training staff, I wanted to express our thanks for hard work and excellent job that your students did at the Senior Bowl.  We appreciate their professionalism and efforts on a job well done!”

This is just one way the University of Mobile is providing exceptional education and once-in-a-lifetime, real world, opportunities to their students.

“I think what students gain with an experience such as this is the belief that they can do this job, that if they work hard someone will notice, and by putting yourself out there when you are terrified of failure will only build confidence,” says Thomas.

 

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.

For more information about the University of Mobile, visit the website at www.umobile.edu or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

University of Mobile Hosts All-Steinway School Anniversary Concert on Feb. 13

MOBILE, Ala. – The Alabama School of the Arts at the University of Mobile will celebrate its status as an All-Steinway School on Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. with an All-Steinway School Anniversary Concert.

The piano concert begins at 7 p.m. in Moorer Auditorium in Martin Hall on the university’s campus, 5735 College Parkway, Mobile, Alabama 36613.

Students in undergraduate and graduate programs will present a night of Bach, Mozart, Chopin, Sibelius, Debussy and Rachmaninov. Admission is free.

Director of piano studies and professor of music, Steinway Artist Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva, said, “We have been blessed to be able to experience the joy and inspiration of practicing and performing on the best pianos in the world, Steinway.”

The University of Mobile was established as an All-Steinway School in 2016. Onalbayeva and Becky Fox, who taught piano at the University of Mobile for almost 40 years, served as the co-chairs of the “All-Steinway, All Together” campaign that raised funds to make the University of Mobile an All-Steinway School within a year.

For more information about the Alabama School of the Arts, call 251.442.2383 or visit umobile.edu/asota.

 

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.

For more information about the University of Mobile, visit the website at www.umobile.edu or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

University of Mobile Presents Artist Carrie Fonder’s “OUH HOU” Art Exhibit and Artist Talk

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile welcomes artist Carrie Fonder and her exhibit to the Marilyn Foley Art Gallery on campus. The exhibit will be on display from Jan. 13 until Feb. 27, Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is free.

The artist talk will be held on Feb. 27 at 11 a.m. in the Marilyn Foley Art Gallery, 5735 College Parkway, Mobile, Alabama 36613.

“My work is invested in the intersection of nature and culture and explores issues of gender, power and complicity through the use of humor and kitsch,” says Fonder.

“In the video, ‘OUH HOU,’ I have assumed the role of famous curator Hans Ulrich Obrist and intervened in his TED talk. The piece creates a parody of the use of TED to share ideas, while examining the opacity of arts speak, made even denser through the inaccurate YouTube subtitles,” says Fonder.

Fonder earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in sculpture at Milwaukee Institute of Arts and Design and her Master of Fine Arts in sculpture at the Cranbrook Academy of Art. Fonder is currently a lecturer at the University of West Florida.

The gallery is curated by Phillip Counselman, chair of the University of Mobile art department. For more information about art programs at the University of Mobile, visit umobile.edu or call 251.442.2222.

 

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.

For more information about the University of Mobile, visit the website at www.umobile.edu or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

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