Bluff Hall Newsletter

Bluff Study Tables

It’s Canada Geese Nesting Season!

Some things to know about the Canada Goose… 

• Resident Canada geese are well-adapted to human dominated landscapes.
• They nest in a variety of locales – some in very close proximity to people.
• Goose nests occur near:
  • Sidewalks
  • Entryways of homes and buildings
  • Adjacent to paths and roadways
  • Balconies, porches and rooftops
  • Nesting season occurs as early as late February through mid-may
  • Both birds of the pair attend to the nest
    • A single goose that appears to be “patrolling” an area may indicate that a nest is in the vicinity

The behavior of nesting geese to humans varies tremendously.  Some nesting geese readily flee when approached by humans whereas other geese will stand their ground to defend the nest.  Some geese will actually attack approaching humans by running or flying at them.

Goose behavior during nest defense consists of geese standing erect and/or spreading their wings to make themselves appear larger while loudly hissing.  The defense behavior can be daunting.  Attacking geese will often try to strike their perceived nest predator with their wings and/or will bite.

Here are some helpful tips regarding geese:

• DO NOT FEED THEM.
• DO NOT THROW ITEMS AT THEM – they my see this as a threat and attack.
• Do not be afraid of them.
• Continue to face them.
• Never turn your back on them or run away from them.

What to do if you come across aggressive geese:

• Call UHFM (University Housing Facilities Management) Office at 618-650-2070 to report it.
• Be specific with date/time/location of incident..
• If an issue appears to be an emergency and/or someone is injured, call 911 or contact the SIUE Police non-emergency number 618-650-3324.

IF A GOOSE IS ATTEMPTING TO NEST ON YOUR BALCONY OR PATIO – PLEASE CONTACT UHFM IMMEDIATELY (618) 650-2070.

University Housing will work closely with Facilities Management regarding aggressive geese around housing facilities.

If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact University Housing Facilities Management at 618-650-2070.

Join Area Council!

 Area Council is the representative and programmatic board of your community.  If you’re interested in joining or would like more information, complete the “Area Council Application” in Roompact. All residents are welcome and encouraged to join.  Area Councils plan events for the community, advocate for positive change, and give a voice to the residents! 

 

Monday Grab-and-Gos are Returning! 

More info coming soon.

COVID Self-Reporting Form

You should complete this form if you are aware that you:  

Have been tested for COVID-19, with or without symptoms  
Have tested positive for COVID-19 or have been given a diagnosis of presumed positive by a health professional  
Have symptoms, but not yet tested positive 
Have had a CLOSE contact with an individual who has been tested and diagnosed with COVID-19
In alignment with the Centers for Disease Control's definition of CLOSE contact, reporting is necessary if you are someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to test specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated.

Your identity will not be disclosed to anyone other than SIUE employees responsible for maintaining your health and safety, or Health Department officials as required. You may voluntarily share your information with whomever you choose.

Roompact

Roompact is the digital platform that University Housing uses to help engage residents in their communities.   Visit https://roompact.com/login to get started!  Within Roompact, you can engage with community discussions, submit your roommate and suitemate agreements, sign up for Area Council, contact your RA,  and more!

The 2021-2022 Desk Manager application is now open!

The DM application can be found online. If you have questions, please contact Domonique Crosby at docrosb@siue.edu or (618) 650‑4627.  

 Desk Manager (DM) Job Functions

• Provide safety and security for residents
• Provide excellent quality service to residents and guests
• Build rapport with residents
• Educate residents and enforce University Housing policy
• Serve as a resource for the community
• Manage administrative tasks: checking in/out guests; issuing and logging parking permits, packages, and keys; maintaining and updating other forms and records

 Qualifications

• Must submit a completed application by the appropriate deadline: Friday, February 19.
• Must be able to be a DM for the entire 2021-2022 academic year.
• Must have at least a 2.3 cumulative GPA (DMs are required to maintain a 2.3 GPA).
• Cannot be graduating before May 2022.
• Cannot be enrolled in the School of Pharmacy program during the 2021-2022 academic year if a new applicant.
• Must have lived in University Housing for at least one full semester by the time you would begin as a DM. (summer is counted as a semester)
• Must be in good financial, academic, and behavioral conduct standing with the University.
• Submit a completed application by the appropriate deadline: February 19.

SIUE is Smoke-Free Campus

As a reminder, SIUE is a smoke free University.  This applies to all space, inside buildings and out and includes tobacco and cannabis.  Signs have been posted at all University entrances.  You may access the policy at  http://www.siue.edu/policies/6a2.shtml

Career Development Center

Career Development Center 
The Career Development Center is open for virtual appointments. You can make your appointment through your Cougar Jobline account or call our office at 618-650-3708. The Career Development Center can help you with your resume, cover letters, job search, LinkedIn accounts, graduate school personal statements/application, mock interviews, and much more. Our office is located in the lower level of the Student Success Center in room 0281.  

Upcoming Spring 2021 Events: 

Networking: An Employer Panel Virtual Discussion 

Tuesday, February 16 

5:00-6:00 p.m. 

Link provided on Cougar Jobline 

Networking is an invaluable skill for professional development and advancement. Learn more about how to build your confidence in this skill and expand your network through networking experts.   Reserve your spot today through your Cougar Jobline by clicking on Events - Virtual Networking: An Employer Panel Virtual Discussion - +Register or you can call the Career Development Center at 618-650-3708.  Spots are limited!  

Virtual Career Fair Crash Course 

Wednesday, February 24 

2:30 – 3:30 p.m. 

Zoom Link on Cougar Jobline  

Does the virtual career fair seem overwhelming to you?  Attend this live virtual workshop to make the most of the upcoming virtual career fair.  Hear tips on what to do before, during, and after the virtual career fair.  Reserve your spot today through your Cougar Jobline by clicking on Events - Virtual Career Fair Crash Course - +Register or you can call the Career Development Center at 618-650-3708.  Spots are limited!  

Cougar Guides are student leaders who help guide, support and mentor new students throughout the SIUE Experience. Additionally, they assist with the implementation of activities and sessions that take place during the SIUE program. This position provides the opportunity to interact with SIUE faculty, staff, and students in a leadership role that provides transferable skills that will be valuable no matter where their career path takes them.

To learn more about being a Cougar Guide, students can attend our virtual information session Wednesday, February 17^th at 4 pm. Students should register to attend. This session will be recorded for anyone who cannot make it to the live event. If they're ready to apply, they should complete the Cougar Guide Application by March 12^th, 2021. 

Spring 2021, Student Success Center 1252- www.siue.edu/lss/tutoring-resource-center

Policies – YOU NEED TO KNOW!

As a resident of the Cougar Village, you are responsible for knowing the information, policies, procedures, and deadlines that are contained in the University Housing Living Guide.  To access the living guide, go to:  http://www.siue.edu/housing/pdf/SIUE-Housing-Guide-Final.pdf

Facilities Issue?  Put in a workorder!

University Housing Facilities Management (UHFM) is the unit assigned to the development and maintenance of University Housing facilities and grounds. UHFM is responsible for repairing housing units, care of the grounds surrounding housing facilities performs snow removal, maintains the cleanliness of common areas and offices in University Housing buildings oversees pest control, and much more.

In the event of any building or grounds related issues, Students need to initiate the repair by submitting a Maintenance Request to University Housing Facilities Management (UHFM). UHFM responds to student-initiated repair requests as a first priority.  To complete a work order, click HERE!!!

Get protected!  Insure yourself and your belongings!

University Housing does not insure the personal property of residents. Residents are strongly encouraged to Insure their personal belongings while living in University Housing. Students can look into renter’s insurance or their parent/guardian homeowners’ policy for potential coverage options.

SIUE is Smoke-Free, Tobacco Free, Nicotine Free

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has implemented the Illinois law that prohibits smoking and all tobacco-related products into its policies and procedures.

To view SIUE’s Smoke-Free Campus Policy, click here.

Having TV issues?  Read Me!

Charter Business has transitioned its analog video TV service to high-quality digital TV service, which provides more channels and increased HD content. As part of this transition, only TVs with a digital QAM tuner will be able to view the new digital lineup. If a TV does not have an embedded QAM tuner or is enabled with an external QAM tuner, an error message or snowy picture will appear on the TV.

What is a QAM tuner and how do I know if my TV has one? A QAM tuner allows your TV to tune to the digital or HD cable channels that Charter will be sending out. Most, but not all, TVs that were made after 2006 have a QAM tuner built-in. Most Samsung, Sony, Sharp, Panasonic, Toshiba, and Visio models have a built-in QAM tuner. Brands like Westinghouse, Colby, Element, or other lower-end brands often do not have the QAM tuner. These are only a few examples. Please be sure to check for a QAM tuner when considering a specific TV model.

• You can search online by make/model of your TV or reference your TV's owner’s manual for specific model information related to what type of tuner is present.

• An example of what the manual may say if the TV has a QAM tuner: o “Built-in digital tuner (ATSC/Clear QAM)”

o NOTE: An ATSC tuner will not work with Clear QAM. It MUST say “Clear QAM” or “Digital QAM Tuner”.

 • Additionally, if your TV remote has the (.) or (-) symbol button for easy tuning or is able to display channels with a (.) or (-) as in 5.2 or 5-2, your device likely has a QAM tuner.

NOTE: This is general information regarding integrated QAM tuner enabled TVs. It is always advised to refer to the manufacturer’s website or examine the “technical specifications” section of the owner’s manual to determine information on the QAM tuner.

How do I program my TV to view the new channel lineup?

• Most QAM tuner TVs have a "Channel Search" or "Auto Program" function that will automatically scan the incoming signals and detect the ones that are available. It may be necessary to do a channel search before your TV will allow you to tune to a specific channel.

1. Go into the TV Menu and select “Set Up”

2. Look for and select an option similar to “Channel Search” or “Auto Program”

3. The TV will automatically begin searching to identify all available channels

4. After this auto search is completed, there should be approximately 60-70 channels available for viewing (if the TV has an internal QAM tuner). If no channels are available, it is likely the TV does not have a QAM tuner.

NOTE: If you previously watched a program on channel 4, the new channel may have moved to a new number, such as 4.2 or 4-2. Please speak to your property manager about new channel lineup cards.

NOTE: Most HD TVs have the ability to modify aspect ratios. If your picture seems stretched or has black bars around the picture after the scan, please modify the aspect ratio to fit with your desired viewing experience.

When do I need to reprogram my TV to view the new channel lineup?

• The Clear QAM solution has been installed on-campus. If you have not already, you should plan to program your TV immediately. Until the TV is rescanned, your new digital TV lineup will not be viewable.

• Tivo is not compatible with the QAM solutions

• When you are inside, always wear a face-covering that covers your mouth and nose, except while you are in your own living unit.
• When you are outside, wear a face-covering anytime you can’t maintain a 6-foot distance between yourself and other people.
• If you have been around someone who has tested positive or think you have COVID-19 symptoms, please fill out the COVID Self-Reporting Form (https://www.siue.edu/about/announcements/coronavirus/reporting-confirmed-cases/index.shtml).
• If you are awaiting COVID-19 test results, please quarantine at home or in your living unit until you get the results back and are cleared by Health Services and University Housing.
• You are strongly encouraged to make any guests that enter your room or apartment wear a face covering at all times and maintain a physical distance of 6 feet when possible.
• Residents are expected to comply with posted occupancy limits for shared common spaces.  A maximum of four persons may occupy a room at any time.
• Please wash/sanitize your hands on a regular basis and sanitize any frequently touched surfaces in your living unit and bathroom.  
• Violations of COVID-19 expectations and guidelines may result in your removal from University Housing.

Sign up for e-Lert today!

What is e-Lert? SIUE's e-Lert is a text messaging service that will be used to quickly notify faculty, staff and student cell phones when an urgent situation, such as a bomb threat, severe weather, hostile intruder, or when the University closes due to inclement weather. There is no cost to register for the alerts; however, standard rates may apply if your cell phone plan does not include text messaging.  Click on "Sign Up Now!"

Rave Guardian

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) now offers the Rave Guardian app for its students and their families. Rave Guardian is one of the best ways to not only improve personal safety, but also protect your friends by building a private safety network. This app provides instant communication with friends, family, campus safety, and even 9-1-1.

SIUE encourages all students throughout campus to utilize the app to network with friends and help increase overall safety and security of the entire student body. An important part of the Guardian app is that students can use it not only to keep themselves safe, but to help protect others. Even students who may not feel as if they need others to help keep them safe can utilize the app to be a guardian and help protect their friends.

Download Rave Guardian and Become a Guardian on Your Campus

Download Rave Guardian for Free The app is available for free on the Apple or Google app store.

Use Rave Guardian to Protect Yourself and Others

Set a Safety Time – Notify people you trust to check in on you if are alone or in an unfamiliar place.

Manage and Message Your Guardians – Invite family, friends or others to be your Guardian, and communicate with them within the app as needed.

Easy Emergency Communication – Call safety officials directly for help if you are in trouble and send text tips – including photos – if you see something suspicious.

Rave Guardian is a proven personal safety solution used on campuses across the country. To learn more, visit siue.edu/emergency.