Author: Zac Douglas

Zac Douglas is the marketing communications specialist for the University of Mobile. He graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in integrated marketing and communications. As marketing communications specialist, Zac is responsible for writing and strategizing content about the university, assisting with media relations, and handling other marketing and communications projects. He is an active member at Cottage Hill Baptist Church and enjoys spending his time surfing, skating and climbing.

Top 5 Time Management Tips For College

by Zac Douglas

Managing your time in college can be difficult for some students. They struggle with the freedom they now have, and their grades suffer. Thankfully, the University of Mobile has multiple ways to help students manage their time, such as having Fridays off on Focus Fridays. These five tips will help you manage your time at UM and make time to thrive in the classroom while still enjoying your social life.

1. Create a routine

Having a routine can help you know exactly what is coming in your day. It assists you in getting more done in a set period of time than if you didn’t have a schedule. As you build your routine, you are able to tweak it to fit in all that you would want throughout the day without getting overwhelmed.

2. Stay Organized

Keeping up with your schoolwork is a huge factor in managing your time. Avoiding clutter helps you know exactly what is due when. The longer you wait to complete an assignment, the more likely you are to forget. When you stay organized, you can stay on top of your assignments without the stress of last-minute work.

3. Prioritize your tasks

Prioritizing your work allows you to get more pressing matters done sooner. If you have a big project coming up soon, why not break that project down and complete it over multiple days. The same can go for studying. If you have a test coming up soon, don’t wait until a few days out to study; go ahead and prioritize that studying so you can complete it over an extended period of time.

4. Take advantage of Focus Fridays

At the University of Mobile, there are no classes on Fridays. Taking advantage of Focus Fridays is a great way for you to manage your time. Focus Fridays give you the time to prepare for classes, take a trip with friends, volunteer in the community, and grow in your faith. Getting away from the stress is a great way for you to come back prepared and energized to succeed in your classes.

5. Reward yourself when you complete a task

Rewarding yourself whenever you complete even the easiest task can help you get motivated. Whether that be taking a coffee break, watching an episode of your favorite show, or taking a walk around campus, rewards can help you reset your mind and come back energized for the next task. By doing this, you’ll begin to feel pleasure when completing each of your responsibilities.

University of Mobile Opens New Spirit Store

by Zac Douglas

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile opened the new University of Mobile Store, “The U,” on the first floor of Bedsole Commons to provide students, faculty, staff and alumni with University of Mobile branded items.

“We are excited about The U as our newly renovated university store. Students, faculty, staff and alumni will enjoy a wider variety of University of Mobile merchandise including apparel, dorm/home décor, gift items and more,” said Lesa Moore, vice president for marketing and public relations.

The renovation provides a range of products that capture the character of the university. The U is the only place to find university-branded pillows, blankets, Under Armour clothing and much more.

Since The U will now focus on all things UM, textbooks are purchased online at umobile.edu/textbooks.

“Our goal is to create a store that reflects the value of the University of Mobile, emphasizing customer service along with affordable merchandise for all of our university family,” Moore said.

For more information, please visit universityofmobilestore.com or call 251.307.1140.

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 Welcomes New Students with the Great Commissioning Tradition

by Zac Douglas

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile welcomed incoming students on the first day of class with the President’s Commissioning, a tradition in which new students touch the Great Commission Globe to begin their college career.

Students, parents, faculty and staff gathered on the front lawn of Weaver Hall on campus to watch the commissioning of new students on Aug. 17.

“We are here!” said Todd Greer, vice president for academic affairs, celebrating the return of students and start of fall semester. Students have been off campus since March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“We’re back from the longest spring break ever,” said UM President Lonnie Burnett during a brief address. “I am just thrilled to see students on our campus.”

Burnett spoke about “purpose.”

“Our motto, Higher Education for a Higher Purpose, isn’t just words. If we seek and follow God’s purpose, he will do good things.” said Burnett.

He encouraged students to find the direction God has for their lives.

“Never fall for the trap of saying ‘I have no purpose.’ There’s power in God’s purpose. You’re committing yourselves to recognize that God has a purpose for your life, and we each must strive to complete that purpose,” Burnett said.

The President’s Commissioning is the first step in the university’s two-part Great Commission Tradition. Incoming students touch the globe to symbolize the student’s commitment to open up to intellectual and spiritual development during their time at UM. Students also touch the globe after graduation to symbolize they are being sent into the world to fulfill their professional calling.

After the president’s address, incoming students headed down a walkway lined with parents, faculty and staff clapping and encouraging them as they touched the globe to begin their education at the University of Mobile.

For more information on the University of Mobile, please visit umobile.edu, or call Enrollment Services at 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.

Best-Selling Author Jordan Raynor Discusses ‘Calling’ at University of Mobile Conference

by Zac Douglas

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of Mobile unveiled its Calling 2020 initiative at the annual faculty/staff Ignite Conference featuring a keynote address by best-selling author Jordan Raynor.

The Calling 2020 initiative is a university-wide focus on calling, career and community. Its aim is to help students find their unique place in the world and understand how that impacts their career choices, according to Todd Greer, academic vice president for the University of Mobile.

“We want to equip our faculty and staff to see the important role they play to provide our students with practical experiences to find their calling,” said Greer. “Every day we live out the call of Christ. Helping students find their calling is the purpose of our institution as we work to serve the Lord.”

The Calling 2020 initiative was announced at the annual three-day Ignite Conference, held on campus Aug. 10-12. This conference prepares faculty and staff for the upcoming school year through lectures, breakout sessions and prayer.

Jordan Raynor, national best-selling author of “Master of One,” spoke via Zoom about helping students discover their calling and find a career. His talk and the Ignite Conference were made possible with the help of a Lily Endowment-funded grant through the NetVUE program of the Council of Independent Colleges.

Raynor said people are called to see work as worship.

“We are created for good works, and we are working for God, not for men,” he said.

Raynor said many young adults of this generation will have multiple jobs before finding their long-term career. He encouraged faculty and staff to push students to explore their options and not be afraid to try new things.

“We see finding a job like love in the movies,” Raynor said, “we’re looking for ‘the one.’” Instead, Raynor said students should find the intersection of their passions, gifts and the opportunities before them in order to discover what God is calling them to do.

“We want to be a jack of all trades, but master of one,” Raynor said. “Passion is a side effect of mastery. Follow your gifts, and master what you’re good at.”

After Raynor spoke, faculty and staff broke into groups to discuss how they can assist students in finding their calling. Professors shared how they found their calling in work, and how they can use those stories to encourage students.

Faculty and staff also attended workshops on the different opportunities the University of Mobile has for students, such as the app Handshake, the Career Services Center, and the various gifts and talents each employee has that can assist students.

“We want to reach across campus to each other to connect and see how we can help students,” said Dr. Karen Dennis, assistant professor of education in the School of Education at the University of Mobile.

The Calling 2020 initiative will continue throughout the year and include a Campus Career Week with speakers to prepare students for their careers, and a career and graduate school fair.

For information about 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.

How to Find a Church in College

by Zac Douglas

Going to college is a fun time in each student’s life, but it can be a time when students drift away from the church. Finding a home church in college gives students mentors, community, and a way to grow their faith in a critical point in their life. The University of Mobile has multiple ways for students to find the right church for their time in college.

The first step of finding a church in college is finding out what’s most important to you in a church. The type of music, missions, teaching, and community can all play a factor in what a student is looking for.

The University of Mobile hosts the For The Church Expo each year. Local churches set up booths for students to explore. This allows students to see what the local churches offer and see what their college ministry is like.

The University of Mobile also requires chapel for all students. Speakers from local churches lead each week and share their story with the student body. This give students a chance to hear what local pastors’ sermons are like.

Ram Rush is an event for incoming students to get connected with the university. Each Ram Rush leader invites their group to their local church and assists students in finding the church that fits them best.

The University of Mobile works to help students get involved in a local church and build a community that deepens their faith.

How to Survive/Thrive Your First Semester of College

by Zac Douglas

The first semester of college is tough for most students. In general, they don’t manage their time well, study correctly, and have a tendency to focus on their social life before their schoolwork. But focusing on the right things and knowing how to study can help students not only survive their first semester, but set them up for success through the rest of their college career.

Choosing a college with small classes and a low student-to-faculty ratio can be the difference between simply surviving and actually thriving at college. The University of Mobile has a 14:1 student faculty ratio. That means small classes, which gives students the chance to get to know their professors. Building relationships with professors helps students know exactly what is needed in their class. Relationships with professors also give students a chance to learn what life within their chosen career will be like, and build connections with faculty who know their students and can assist in finding jobs and internships.

Learning how to manage your time correctly is a crucial part of college. If students spend too much time on their social life, their schoolwork with suffer, and vice versa. Students need to find the middle ground where they spend enough time on schoolwork to succeed, but also spend time on their social life so they can enjoy college. The University of Mobile’s Freshman Seminar is a course designed to assist freshmen in their transition from high school to college that discusses time management and other skills necessary to succeed.

Studying for college can be much harder on students than studying for high school. College classes require more work than what most incoming students are used to. Finding the right study habits is essential to succeeding in their classes. The University of Mobile Student Success Center offers free help for UM students, including academic coaching and tutoring.

The first semester can be hard, but the most important thing for students to do is not give up. If students put their time and effort into their priorities, they can thrive their first semester, and set themselves up for success for the future.

5 Tips for Living with College Roommates

by Zac Douglas

Living with roommates for the first time can be challenging. The University of Mobile helps students enjoy living on campus by providing the best college dorms in the state of Alabama, according to Niche.com. That’s not all – UM’s residence halls are among the top 30 in the nation! But it can still be an adjustment getting used to dorm life and living with another person. Luckily, a few basic tips can help you have a great time in the dorms with your new roommate.

Clear communication from the start
Having communication between roommates is extremely important for amicable living. If you set ground rules from the start, both roommates know exactly what is expected of them. This keeps roommates from arguing over problems that could have been addressed when first moving in together.

Solve problems as soon as you can
Letting problems fester is one of the easiest ways for students to dislike their roommate. If you have something that’s bothering you, it’s best to get it out in the open as soon as you can. This helps roommates know what’s bothering each other and do their best to fix it.

Remember whose belongings are whose
No one likes when someone messes with their things. Having respect for each other is a key part of having a roommate. It may not seem like a problem with one roommate, but it can be a big problem for the other. The best practice is to set ground rules about each other’s things from the start, and always ask if it’s ok to borrow the other’s belongings.

You may not be best friends
We see on TV and movies all the time how college roommates are best friends, but this isn’t always the case. Students may not be great friends with their roommate, but that’s okay. The most important thing is to have respect for each other so you both can enjoy your time as much as possible.

Remember the golden rule
Always treat your roommate how you would like to be treated. If you follow this rule, you’ll know your roommate is being respected the way you would like to be. If you like to be notified when your roommate has other friends over, make sure that you’re notifying your roommate when your friends are over.

Learning to live with a college roommate can be a wonderful time and growth experience. Setting a few ground rules can be the key to building good memories that last a lifetime.

Ram Rush Welcomes New Students to College

by Zac Douglas

Going to college can be intimidating. You’re leaving your parents, searching for new friends, and beginning life on your own. But don’t worry, that’s what Ram Rush at the University of Mobile is here for.

Ram Rush is a welcome week specifically designed to help new students create new friendships, build school spirit, and learn what college is all about. Ram Rush student leaders know firsthand why the events are important, because they were new students just a few years ago.

“Ram Rush is important because it teaches new students so many different facts and tips about their university through orientations, scavenger hunts and expos. It also allows for ice breakers full of fun events such as Goodwill Gala, a pool party and bonfire which allows for friendships to form,” says Lauren Bodino, a senior majoring in biology pre-med.

These types of events help students push past the initial awkwardness that comes with any new experience and allows new friendships and bonds to develop. Sophie Eberhard, a senior graphic design major, says “I wouldn’t have the incredible friends I have now if it wasn’t for Goodwill Gala!”

Charlie Gessner, a senior intercultural studies major, recommends that new students, “Go ahead and break down your walls.  If you are an extrovert, prepare for introverted circumstances. If you are an introvert, prepare for extroverted situations.”

Bodino says, “The most important thing I have learned from Ram Rush is to truly buy into it. College will absolutely be what you make of it. So, dress up, scream loud and show up!”

Ram Rush also helps students explore different churches in the Mobile area to find a church home where they can serve during their college years.

Ram Rush is the perfect welcome week to break down the fear of college and cultivate new and old friendships. It teaches students lessons about college life, how to juggle their schedules, and shows them what the University of Mobile is all about.

To stay up-to-date on Ram Rush, follow UM on Facebook by liking University of Mobile-Student Life, adding UMobile Ram Rush as a friend, and following us on Instagram @studentlifeum and Twitter, @studentlifeum.

Small Classes Vital to College Success

by Zac Douglas

Smaller class sizes have a large impact on the way students learn and perform. At the University of Mobile, the average class size of 14 people allows students to learn in a more customized approach compared to larger class sizes. Here are five reasons why having a smaller class size is vital to your success in college.

1. Individualized Instruction
When professors have fewer students to teach, they have more time for individual instruction. Professors are able to focus on specific students and assist them with whatever they might need. “In smaller classes, the professors know each student and help students understand how the subject material fits within their chosen major and career path.” says Shanoa Reed, University of Mobile’s student success coordinator.

2. Professor-Student Interaction
With smaller class sizes, student don’t have to work to build relationships with their professors. Getting to know your professors can be essential when students begin looking for careers or internships. Professors have connections within their field and can assist students with the knowledge they need for the work they’re called to do.

3. More Classroom Interaction
“When students get to know their professor, it creates an open dialogue which can be important when students need to ask questions about course material or communicate important information.” says Reed. With smaller class sizes, students have the ability to create a dialogue in the classroom which allows for better understanding of the material and a better relationship with their professors.

 4. Student-to-Student Relationships

Having smaller class sizes allows for students to get to know each other better, form study groups, share notes and work together in the class. This helps students form friendships with classmates, which then transfers into a better classroom experience. When students are more comfortable with their peers and professors, they are more likely to ask questions and understand the class more thoroughly.

 5. Fewer distractions
Having an average of 14 students to the classroom allows for professors to focus more on their course materials and how this helps students with their future careers. Professors can customize the classwork to fit the interests and talents of a smaller group. “According to research, students in smaller classes earn higher grades and have more positive outcomes.” says Reed.

For more information on class sizes at the University of Mobile, please visit umobile.edu/academics.

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