After graduation... WHAT? Where will you be in five, 10 or 20 years from now? The Graduation Pledge Alliance (GPA) can embolden you to find employment that allows you to live out your values and work for positive social and environmental changes within your workplace.

Thousands of students at over 100 other colleges and universities sign the Pledge around graduation time. It's completely voluntary. Its purpose is to enable students to connect their values with work they find personally satisfying, and at the same time, create a better world for others.

Check out the GPA website at www.graduationpledge.org to learn more. It has lots of helpful information including information on jobs and internships.

At Belmont’s Graduation Rehearsal on Dec. 19 at 1:30 p.m., the student GPA committee will have a table at the back of the auditorium where you can sign the Pledge book and receive a pledge card and pin. You are encouraged to sign up only if you are serious about making the Pledge since it’s completely voluntary and no one is monitored.

The Belmont student GPA committee can be reached at belmontgpa@yahoo.com.

Posted by April Hefner at 08:29 AM on December 18, 2008 | Permalink

Vanderbilt University will make its first football postseason appearance in 26 years on New Year's Eve in Nashville when the team plays Boston College in the 11th Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl at LP Field (Dec. 31, 2:30 p.m.). As a friend and neighbor, Vandy is offering the Belmont community a special opportunity to participate in this historic event. By purchasing Bowl Game tickets through 322-GOLD or by visiting the Vandy Athletic Web site (www.vucommodores.com), Belmont students, faculty and staff will be able to purchase great seats in the lower level of LP Field. These seats are better than anything that can be purchased through normal channels or via Ticketmaster.

Posted by April Hefner at 11:43 AM on December 16, 2008 | Permalink

There is a potential for inclement weather and freezing rain in our region for the evening of Mon., Dec. 15 and morning of Tues., Dec. 16. Exams will continue as scheduled, but we want to encourage everyone to use individual discretion when traveling to Belmont. Belmont's main campus and the Cool Springs location will also be open as scheduled. Please continue to check BIC as well as the news line (615-460-5000) for any updates that may be required due to changing weather conditions.

Posted by April Hefner at 05:21 PM on December 15, 2008 | Permalink

Join us for a break during exams with Exam Exercise! Take a break from writing papers, answering questions and last minute cramming with a fun fitness class at the Beaman Center. Back by popular demand, Exam Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and get a great workout in before tackling your next calculus problem.
Thurs., Dec. 11: Zumba!
Fri., Dec. 12: Scenic Spin
Mon., Dec. 15: 20/20/20
Tues., Dec. 16: PiYo

Check BIC or the Beaman Blog for class descriptions. All classes will meet at 12 p.m. in the Group Fitness Room. Sign up for Scenic Spin by calling 460-6313.

Posted by April Hefner at 09:51 AM on December 12, 2008 | Permalink

The Belmont Writing Center, located on the second floor of Wheeler, will be open the hours listed below during exam week. Student writers should call x6241 for an appointment.
Wed., Dec. 10: 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Thurs., Dec. 11: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Fri., Dec. 12: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Mon., Dec. 15: 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Tues., Dec. 16: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Second, we are happy to work with students writing take-home exams only if the professor has clearly indicated (preferably in writing on the exam itself) that students may bring the exam to the Center for help. Students are ultimately responsible for understanding and communicating their professor’s policy regarding take-home exams and the Writing Center.

Posted by April Hefner at 08:50 AM on December 12, 2008 | Permalink

Today (Fri., Dec. 12) Belmont will be open, and exams will continue as scheduled at both Belmont's main campus and the Cool Springs location. Please continue to check BIC as well as the news line and Web site for any updates that may be required due to changing weather conditions. Because conditions can vary greatly within our region, students, faculty and staff are urged to use individual discretion when traveling to campus in snow or icy weather.

Posted by April Hefner at 06:59 AM on December 12, 2008 | Permalink

Join us for the Fall Book Drive Kick-off at 10 a.m. on Dec. 10 in the Beaman Student Life Center. Come have a cup of hot chocolate and a home-baked cookie as we kick off the Fall Textbook Drive to support Belmont's Annual Family Literacy Day, as well as literacy efforts around the country and around the world through our partnership with Better World Books.

If the bookstore won't buy your books back, please donate them to support our work. Drop off locations are in the Bookstore, Wright/Maddox Lobby, Beaman Student Life Center Lobby and Massey Business Center Lobby.

Please contact Tim Stewart, 615-460-5431 or stewartt@mail.belmont.edu, if you have questions or would like to arrange for pick-up of books at your office.

Posted by April Hefner at 12:51 PM on December 09, 2008 | Permalink

We would like to update the campus community on a security alert that was issued Fri., Dec. 5. Last Friday morning's intrusion at Bruin Hills is being investigated by the Metro Police Department. The incident occurred while the victim was in an unlocked apartment and, based on information available to the university at this time, is being reported as an attempted sexual assault. Further details are not available.

It is always an effective crime prevention tactic, but as the holidays approach and our campus is less heavily populated, please remember to keep your residences and cars locked at all times, and be aware of your surroundings. The number one deterrent to most crimes occurring on our campus is the locked door. At any time, you may request an escort by campus security to your car or residence by calling x6617.

Additional officers have been added to the overnight shift to maintain a continuous presence in the Bruin Hills, Hillside and Thrailkill areas of campus. It is important that you report to campus security any suspicious activities or persons: 460-6617.

Campus Security

Posted by Jennifer Wetzel at 04:33 PM on December 08, 2008 | Permalink

Student tickets for Battle of the Boulevard will be distributed on "Dead Day" - Wed., Dec. 10 from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. in the Beaman Student Life Center. You may only pick up one ticket and you must pick up your student ticket to be admitted to the game. This year’s battle will take place on Mon., Jan. 12 at 7:15 p.m. While this game occurs two days before classes resume, dorms will be open so you can come back to campus to cheer on Belmont against Lipscomb!

Posted by Jennifer Wetzel at 01:01 PM on December 08, 2008 | Permalink

Each day, 18,000 children die of starvation or starvation-related causes. This December you can do something about it. On Dec.10 in the Curb Event Center, we are taking on hunger in a big way. Belmont University's Student Affairs Division in partnership with Feed My Starving Children, Word Entertainment, EMI Christian Music Group and Provident Records offers you an opportunity to make the difference between life and death for children around the world.

Over 1000 Volunteers will prepare and pack 400,000 meals, providing food for 1,100 children for an entire year!Please join us. With no special preparation and only two hours of your time, combining ingredients, sealing bags, and packing boxes to the sound of Christmas music you can save a child’s life. Simply sign up online. Go to http://www.belmont.edu/promo/wow for more information and sign-up.

This is the largest event ever sponsored by Feed My Starving Children and a powerful way to live out the university’s mission of “engaging and transforming the world.”

**Belmont students will be able to receive Community Service Convocation credit for the time that they serve.**

Join us, and start your Christmas season with gratitude and giving back.

Posted by April Hefner at 10:16 AM on December 08, 2008 | Permalink

Blasting to Begin, Changes to Inman Garage Access
Construction on the new Pharmacy/Health Sciences building and parking garage are progressing as planned. To continue excavation for the garage, blasting began yesterday. Blasting will occur twice a day, at 10:30 a.m. and again at 2:30 p.m., though that schedule may be altered slightly to accommodate for exam week. For the most part, the blast will not be experienced as a loud noise but rather a very brief rumbling sensation in the ground. Once blasting begins, there will be two blasts per day, Monday through Friday, for the next few months.

Due to safety needs, pedestrian access to the Inman building will be limited to the front/Wedgewood entrance and the side/East Belmont Circle entrance. No one should attempt to enter or exit the vehicular entrance to the Inman Garage on foot. In addition, vehicle traffic patterns near the construction site and the Inman Garage will be altered. Also, overflow parking is now available at 15th and Acklen.

Please see the map below for additional details. Thank you for your continued cooperation and patience during this construction project.

Posted by April Hefner at 10:42 AM on December 05, 2008 | Permalink

A report was received early this morning, Friday December 5, of an intrusion and assault in
the Bruin Hills apartment community on Belmont's campus. Campus security, Metro police
and residence staff responded, and an investigation is continuing. A text alert was issued,
and an update was placed on BIC.

As safety reminders:

When in your residences, keep your doors and windows locked.

Always be aware of your surroundings.

Report any suspicious activities or persons to campus security (460-6617) or the staff of
residence life (460-5802.)

To sign up for text messaging, text the word Belmont to 27538. In reply, you will receive a
welcome message which indicates a successful sign-up. You may also sign up for Belmont
Text Messages from your BIC account. Visit bic.belmont.edu, and sign in to your account.
You will find the Text Alert link under the "My Campus and Academic Department Messages"
subheading. Click on the link provided, and you will be directed to the text alert Web site.
After submitting your information, you will receive a text message which indicates a
successful sign-up.

Posted by Jennifer Wetzel at 05:26 AM on December 05, 2008 | Permalink

The 2008 Fall Follies T-shirts are ready to be picked up. You can pick up your T-shirt(s) between 8 a.m.-4:15 p.m., Monday-Friday, at the front desk in the Student Affairs Office (which is located on the second floor of the Beaman Student Life Center). You must present your Belmont ID, and initial for the T-shirt(s) as well. You are only allowed to pick up the T-shirt that you ordered. No exceptions.

Posted by April Hefner at 10:19 AM on December 02, 2008 | Permalink

Belmont students, faculty and staff can receive a 10 percent discount on tickets to the Dec. 8 Debby Boone concert at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. The concert, which will feature the Nashville Choir and The Boone Sisters, will benefit Continent of Great Cities, a Christian non-profit committed to planting strong churches in the major cities of the Latin world.

Tickets are on sale now at the symphony box office: 615-687-6400. To get 10 percent off the price of any ticket, simply ask for the "church" discount. Limited table seating is also available for dinner and show by calling Ashley Holland at 615-354-3747.

Continue reading "Discounted Tickets to Dec. 8 Debby Boone Concert" ...

Posted by April Hefner at 04:10 PM on December 01, 2008 | Permalink

On Fri., Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m. in Troutt Theater, the Department of Theatre and Dance presents "They're Doing Choreography!," a dance showcase of original compositions created by Dance Minor students at Belmont. Each choreographer will present a movement piece that is unique to his or her life experience and that highlights the use of the human body as a means of expression. Admission is free, and Cultural Arts Convocation credit is available.

Posted by April Hefner at 02:27 PM on December 01, 2008 | Permalink

Join the Student Government Association for its annual Mistletoe Ball Formal this Thursday evening, Dec. 4, from 8-11 p.m. at Cannery Ballroom. Tickets can be purchased in the Beaman at 10 a.m. on Wednesday. Tickets are $12 for an individual and $20 for a couple, and the first 75 people will receive a free t-shirt. Food, live music and prizes will be provided. Tickets are also available for purchase at the door, and directions to the venue are available at www.mercylounge.com.

Live performances by Belmont students:
Brett Mclaughlin
Sydney Hutchko and Megan Lopez
John Flanagan
Bianca "Miss B" Edwards
Andrew Neil
and Future!

If you have any questions or need more information, contact Sarah Mitchell at 460-6428 or at sga@mail.belmont.edu.

Posted by April Hefner at 02:17 PM on December 01, 2008 | Permalink

On Mon., Dec. 8 at 10 a.m. all students, faculty and staff are invited to take a break from busy end-of-the-year to-do lists to celebrate the season at the Belmont Mansion, courtesy of new Service Corp initiative "White Out." The event will feature live acoustic Christmas music, sweet treats and even some giving back. Attendees are encouraged to bring at least one unwrapped toy that will be donated to Toys for Tots in order to ensure less fortunate children see their Christmas wishes come true.

For more information about Belmont Service Corps’ White Out, visit www.belmontservicecorps.org or contact Amanda French at frencham@pop.belmont.edu.

Posted by April Hefner at 01:42 PM on December 01, 2008 | Permalink