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Lessons in Simplicity: Improve Your Writing Overnight

You're faced with that five-page paper or 300-word discussion post online. Like many students, you use long sentences with unnecessary words to fill the space. Even worse, you are repeating the same ideas. There is a time for an overabundance of words . These include expository writing, letters of apology, certain types of poetry and Shakespearean-style scripts. But filler words don’t typically belong in your everyday writings. Use these tips to quickly strengthen your short papers, your cover letters, and your online correspondence. You're faced with that five-page paper or 300-word discussion post online. Like many students, you use long sentences with unnecessary words to fill the space. Even worse, you are repeating the same ideas. Note this word of caution. Concise and crisp writing isn’t easier or “dumbing down.”  In fact, it can be harder to write in a style of plain language that makes it easier for others to read. Editing is an art in itself. Tips for Plain Language
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Hot Summer Events at Georgia Colleges and Universities

Here we are nearing the middle of another magnificent summer in Georgia. Bright sunny days and beautiful scenery are great reasons to take a road trip and see the state’s stunning colleges and universities. Following are a few events hosted by Georgia’s universities over the coming weeks.   Friday, June 21 Archery Date Night. Located in the heart of Statesboro, Georgia Southern University is the host of Archery Date Night . Designed for those who “want to learn a new life skill while having fun with your special someone,” this is certainly not your typical date night. Things that will be covered: Safe handling of a bow and arrow Proper grip How to successfully release an arrow How to aim Basics of the National Training System All equipment will be included. Saturday, June 29 Cody Johnson Performance.  The ACM entertainer of the year nominee will perform at Fifth Third Stadium at Kennesaw State University on June 29th. The stadium is home to the Kennesaw State Owls football team and is

How a BSN Degree Differs from an RN License

Nursing is a high-demand field that often provides flexibility, competitive pay, and personal satisfaction. But people are sometimes confused about the difference between a registered nurse (RN) license and a BSN degree. An RN is a license that is required for any nurse in Georgia to practice. Students can take the exam for an RN license after completing an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Only those RNs who completed the four-year degree are considered BSNs. Many registered nurses who initially completed two-year degrees or diploma programs, decide to return to college to pursue their BSN degrees. Through USG eCampus, several institutions offer online RN-to-BSN programs. These can typically be completed while RNs continue to work. Why Many RNs Pursue the BSN Program Salary is one motivation for completing a four-year nursing degree. According to ZipRecruiter (2024), registered nurses in Georgia with associate degrees earn an average of $81,268, while those with bach

Insomnia? Getting Better Sleep for Your Health and Happiness

As we acknowledge mental health awareness month, sometimes it’s important to go beyond the usual (but important) antidotes promoting well-being.  Clearly, better eating, more exercise, meditation, and seeking professional help as needed are on the menu for the perpetually stressed college student. But more and more studies are linking a lack of sleep to feelings of anxiety and depression. In a 2020 article published in the Australian Journal of Psychology, researchers reported that poor sleep quality was significantly linked to anxiety and depression in college students. For male students, the problems were often worse because men were less likely to seek help for insomnia. Even more interesting is the belief that sleeplessness is not necessarily a symptom of poor mental health, but the other way around ( Suni and Dimitiu, 2024 ). In other words, the anxiety you are feeling may be caused or triggered by an ongoing pattern of not getting enough sleep. How to Get More Sleep A paradox

Let’s Get Ready for Finals - 8 Secrets For Success

For many students, just the thought of final exams and projects brings anxiety and distress. This stress can be self-defeating, as studies show that over-worry related to exams can make it more difficult to retain information (Young, 2022).  But with proper preparation and a positive mindset, students can set themselves up for a grade-boosting finale. Obviously, re-reading the material (or practicing problems) is a necessary ingredient for high achievement on exams. Assuming that just about everyone reviews the materials to some extent, let’s consider what practices can set you apart. Get calm. First and foremost, your best bet is to worry a lot less. For most USG eCore and eMajor courses, the final exam or project only represents a relatively-small portion of the grade. It helps to calculate the exam score you will need to achieve the grade that you are seeking.  For example, if the final exam is worth 15 percent and you have an 87 in the course, you would need a 107 on the final to

Sitting in the Front Row of an Online Class

We all remember that first day of class and trying to decide where to sit. Even when we felt like hiding in the back row (and texting on our cell phones), we knew we were probably better off in the front. It seemed that the ones just a few feet from the lectern were almost part of the instructor’s secret club. And when we joined that club on the first row, it seemed as though our grades were higher, the teachers liked us more, and we were more confident. Being at the front of the class felt like being at the top of the class. In an online class, the front row has a lot more room than it does in a traditional classroom. There’s space for a lot more of us to be an active part of the learning experience. And finding that perfect spot is fairly simple - even in a virtual space. Provide a memorable introduction. Most courses provide for an opportunity to introduce yourself during the first days of class. Make a positive impression by not only telling about your academic goals but revealing

March Freebie: No Application Fee for Most USG Colleges and Universities

Free applications are back at more than 20 institutions in the University System of Georgia. During the month of March, potential students can apply for admissions to most USG institutions at no charge. By waiving fees, institutions are able to increase applicant pools and remove a financial barrier for those who might otherwise be reluctant to apply. Rates vary across institutions but savings can be significant. For a student applying at 10 USG institutions with average fees of $40, the savings would be $400.   Students may apply for as many schools as they wish. Most institutions will automatically waive the fee during the application process. A few require specific steps during the application process. Below is a listing of all participating USG institutions and additional instructions where needed. USG Institutions Requiring No Code for Free Applications in March 2024 Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College ( application ) Atlanta Metropolitan State College ( application ) Clayton Sta