Library Resources

As the semester comes to an end, you are probably wondering

how you are going to juggle everything

—research papers, finals, assignments—

and how you’re going to make time for it all!! 

One area that a lot of students tend to struggle with is how to effectively search for research articles within our library. Recently, we visited with Michael Saar, who is a reference librarian at Lamar University. He gave us some helpful tips that we would like to share with all of you!

• Don’t be afraid to ask the librarians for help! After all, that’s why they are there!! You can always call and make an appointment with them for more personalized assistance. They are located on the first floor of the library in room 108, which is behind the student assistance desk. 

• Did you know our library has a youtube page? Go to www.youtube.com/lulibrary to view short, 5-minute videos on search techniques as well as other topics that you mind find helpful!

• If you are having trouble searching for articles, think about the concept of what you are looking for. How is the subject described? Usually, we search with key words which are usually nouns. Taking out words such as is, the, and, and because could help improve your search dramatically! Also ask yourself, “How else could I describe this topic? What are one or two word phrases that could describe the topic I am looking for?” The more you are able to narrow down your concept or subject term, the better. 

• Since we are Health Science majors, Mr. Saar recommended 3 databases that could be of specific assistance to us: CINAHL, Communication and Mass Media Complete, and the academic version of Health Source. All databases could provide helpful information, but these three could potentially provide good information pertinent to our particular fields of study. 

• And finally, did you know that if our library does not currently have an article available you could request an Inter-library Loan? Our librarians are able to request articles, books, and other audio or visual materials from other libraries for a specific amount of time for our use!

We wish you a worry-free end of the semester!!

Team Work Makes the Dream Work!

Sincerely,

Your Speech and Hearing Family

Taking Care of Yourself

The end of our spring 2015 semester is approaching fast. 

Deadlines for assignments, research papers, 

final exams, and notebook due dates are impending. 

Feeling stressed yet?

 Kearston Burton, LEAD mentor, suggests this TED Talk video to put things into perspective.

"Just because we all struggle with this…its a bit lengthy but definitely watch it when you get about 18 free mins. It gave me chills and changed my life! I hope that we all strive to be people that encourage ourselves and one another in ways that foster an overall love for mankind." 

Good Luck in all of your end of semester projects!

Team Work Makes the Dream Work 

Sincerely,

Your Speech and Hearing Family

LEAD Community Outreach

The LEAD Mentoring group members, mentees and mentors, came together for our first meeting this semester to plan future community outreach endeavors. Our goal is to present the Lamar University Speech and Hearing programs, Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, to local high schools during career day activities.

April Bonton, Graduate SLP Clinician, is heading up the outreach project. April states that our goal is to inspire people to know more about Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. Several outreach activities have been held at Lamar Port Arthur and Lamar Orange.

The next planned outreach activity is planned for:

February 23, 2015

Central High School

Beaumont, Texas

8am -11am

Volunteers are needed, and can be undergrad or grad students.

If you are interested please email me pboudreaux@lamar.edu

Kearston Burton, Graduate SLP Clinician, led the group in a fun get-to-know-you activity, by creating a fun quiz in the web app Kahoot. Our competitive spirits went into overdrive as we split into groups to answer the quiz questions. Check out this fun website, it would be perfect for presentations, study groups, or test reviews.

The following FAQ's about Audiology and Speech-language Pathology were created by Maureen Ehrlich, Graduate SLP Clinician. Designed to be used as a handout during group outreach projects, they are also handy fact sheets that you can copy and give to anyone that may be interested in learning more about our chosen professions.

FAQ About Audiology

• What is audiology?

Audiology is a branch of science dealing with the science of hearing.

• What does an audiologist do?

An audiologist is a highly educated and trained professional who evaluates an individual’s hearing loss and fits him/her with hearing aids.

• What kind of education do you need to become an audiologist?

After obtaining a bachelor's degree, a student must enter a four year program to earn a clinical doctorate in audiology.

• What is the median salary for an audiologist?

The median salary is $71,000 a year.

• How competitive is it to get into graduate school to become an audiologist?

Getting into graduate school is highly competitive. Students are expected to have a gpa of at least 3.5G. The RE is also required at most graduate schools.

• How can Lamar University help me become an audiologist?

Lamar University has a comprehensive academic program that will provide a student with the education and training to enter the field of audiology.

Learn more here:

http://fineartscomm.lamar.edu/speech-and-hearing-sciences/academic-programs/doctor-of-audiology.html

FAQ About Becoming A  Speech Language Pathologist

• What is a speech language pathologist?

A speech language pathologist is a specialist that evaluates and treats speech, language, cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders in individuals of all ages.

From stroke patients to a child with a stutter, an SLP sees a wide range of clients.

• What kind of education does a speech language pathologist need?

First, a student needs a bachelor's degree or post baccalaureate work in speech pathology.  Speech pathologists also have a master's degree as well as a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) earned by working under supervision. Texas also requires a state license.

• What is the median salary for an SLP?

The median salary for an SLP is about $70,000.

• How competitive is it to go to graduate school in speech pathology?

Getting into graduate school is very competitive. Most students have a gpa of at least 3.5. The GRE is also required for most graduate programs.

• I have a bachelor's degree in speech pathology but I did not wish to go to graduate school. Are there other opportunities ?

Yes! With a bachelor’s degree in speech pathology, you can become a speech pathologist assistant. Learn more here:

• http://work.chron.com/speech-pathologist-assistants-license-texas-25213.html
• https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/speech/sp_assistants.shtm

• How can Lamar University help me become a speech language pathologist?

With small classes, student organization and opportunities to learn outside the classroom, Lamar University faculty and staff are dedicated to education the next generation of speech language pathologists. Learn more here:

• http://fineartscomm.lamar.edu/speech-and-hearing-sciences/

Team Work Makes the Dream Work

Sincerely,

Your Speech and Hearing Family

LEAD Members Important Dates

Hello and Welcome Back to Campus!

There are two important mandatory dates for all 
mentees and mentors participating in the LEAD group.

When: Friday, January 30 from 10am to noon and Febuary 23, 2015 

What: Career planning with mentees

Goal: To co-present a career workshop with mentees to high school students

 Please contact Justin, Maureen, or Kearston to help with one of the three areas we hope to address: transitioning from HS to college; career components in Audiology and SLP fields; planning get to know you activities.

Justin is helping to coordinate transition and planning from HS to college. Please email Justin here: jeveans19@my.lamar.edu

Maureen is focusing on career components in the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology fields. You can email Maureen here: mehrlich1@lamar.edu 

Kearston is leading up our efforts to engage, have fun, and get to know each other better. Kearstons email is kburton4@my.lamar.edu

Team Work Makes the Dream Work

Sincerely,

Your Speech and Hearing Family

New Beginnings

Classes begin at Lamar University Tuesday, January 20th, 2015.

A new semester with fresh chances, new experiences, 
and opportunities is about to begin.

Preparing for a new semester can be costly,
with the cost of books and supplies. 

Here are several links to find bargains on your textbooks.

Rent Textbooks Cheap

LU Book Swap Facebook Group

Did you know that usually you can find out what books you need before classes start by going to your self-serve banner, choose the "student" tab, then "registration" tab, scroll down to the Barnes and Noble link, which will take you to their page and a list of required textbooks.

See you at school!

Team Work Makes the Dream Work

Sincerely,

Your Speech and Hearing Family

Successful Students

As we look forward to a new semester 

here are a few ideas on how to prepare for success:

• Focus: Have a goal, prioritize, and organize. Utilizing a calendar or planner, in either digital or paper format will help you stay on top of classes, assignments, and exams. Two words: Procrastination and avoidance. It's likely many of us have had problems with this. Dr. Monica Harn recommends doing a time study; examine how you spend your time to see where you can improve. Dividing up work on reading, assignments, and papers work progressively and efficiently. 
• Participate: This is your education, actively engage! Discuss class material with classmates and ask questions in class, chances are if you have a question, someone else does also. Often the best advice will come from our professors; they are available through email and office hours. 
• Balance: A full load of classes, jobs, friends, relationships...sometimes it can be hard to manage everything. Stay healthy and balanced by getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising. 
• Persistence: As in the quote above, don't give up! Persistence pays off. Attend all classes. Evaluate classes as you move through them, if a class is not working for you, sometimes it may be better to drop and retake it. Network with classmates and professors for recommendations on future classes and activities.

Additional Resources

LU Book Swap Facebook Page

Lamar NSSLHA Facebook

Rate My Professor

10 Habits of Successful College Students Chegg Blog

Team Work Makes the Dream Work

 Sincerely,

Your Speech and Hearing Family

Test Taking Tips

Have you ever left class after an exam feeling that you had under performed? Likely we have all had that feeling before.

The links found below will help you build test preparation skills and improve test taking abilities.

If you are experiencing problems with just one class, talking with the professor is the best place to start. You can explain how you are preparing, and ask for alternatives or suggestions.

Resources at Lamar:

Student Services Listing

Career and Testing Services

Student Advising and Retention

Academic Enhancement Workshops

Resources on the Web:

Overcoming Test Anxiety (SUNY Buffalo)

Strategies for Difficult Test Questions (Virginia Tech)

Memory Skill Building (Virginia Tech)

Test-Taking  (Bucks County)

Team Work Makes the Dream Work

Sincerely,

Your Speech and Hearing Family