The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is gone, but it does not mean your money has to completely disappear as well.

With the New Year just beginning, students are hunting for new jobs. Luckily, there are opportunities on and off campus for both work-study and non work-study students.

All on-campus jobs are posted on EagleAXIS and posts are updated regularly. Students are encouraged to check the website at least every other day.

However, there are several questions a student should think about before applying for a job.

First, how many credit hours are you enrolled in?

According to Sheryl O’Keefe, human resource consultant with Student Employment, a student may only be eligible for an on-campus position if they are enrolled in a minimum of six credit classes.

Second, are you eligible for work-study?

“Look for [work-study eligibility] on your FAFSA award letter,” said O’Keefe. “It will be listed on there.”

To qualify for work-study for the next academic year, students need to fill out the FAFSA and turn it in by Feb. 15.

O’Keefe said,“You want to make sure you check the box [on the FAFSA application] that says something like ‘I am willing to work for my money.’”

As for those who do not receive work-study eligibility, O’Keefe encourages students not to fret. In fact, 75 percent of jobs offered on campus are offered to non work-study students.

As of Jan. 15, there were nine job openings on EagleAXIS for students who are non work-study and 17 possible positions for students who do qualify for work-study, such as a tutor in the EWU Learning Commons or as a sports official for intramural sports.

Virginia Hinch, student affairs director for career services, mentioned that students who have on-campus jobs tend to receive better grades and stay in school.

Junior Kailee Sax has worked on campus at PUB Eagle Espresso for a little over two years now. She knows how accommodating having a job on campus can be.

“They work around my school schedule,” said Sax. “Also, it’s close to home and I can walk to work in 10 minutes. I enjoy working there because I like making people’s mornings.”

While a job on campus may sound appealing, there is one more question a student should ask. How many hours can you work?

“Students are held to 19 hours a week,“ O’Keefe said, “no matter how many jobs you have.”

If students need to work more than 19 hours, there are also a number of off-campus job openings. EagleAXIS also posts off-campus job openings and internships.

To ensure that students are doing their best within the workforce, EWU Career Services staff assist students in many facets.

Hinch strives to help Eastern students find their interests and strengths and helps them declare their major.

“Interviews, that’s another area where students get really nervous,” Hinch said. “We sit down with them and practice interviews.”

Mock interviews are just one of the many services offered by career services. They also help to construct effective résumés and cover letters.

For advice on anything career related advisors are available in the EWU Learning Commons on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“We also do other things throughout the year,” said Hinch. “We will have workshops on different topics.“

This is the 6th annual Work It! Career Conference will be held on Feb. 7 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the PUB MPR. Over 50 employers, such as Washington Trust Bank and Itron, will be present to answer questions.

This conference has a $5 entrance fee, but scholarships are available and lunch will be included.  Register online at http://ewu.edu/workit.

“If you are not seeing something that interests you, just keep checking back,” said O’Keefe. “Do check with dining services. They are our biggest employer on campus.”

Sax was hired by dropping off her application to a manger with dining services.

“You can get applications at the EagleCard office in Tawanka,” said Sax. “I started out as an on-call employee … but I worked my way up.”

To contact career services, call 509-359-6365 or visit them in Showalter 114. Or schedule an advising appointment using EagleAXIS.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, many students that are in a long-distance relationship feel the void of being away from their significant other.
Distance makes the heart grow fonder, yet does that hold true with college students? A recent study says yes.

According to a study by Crystal Jiang with the Journal of Communication, “about 25 to 50 percent of college students in the United States are in long-distance relationships. Around 75 percent have been in one at some point in their undergraduate careers.”

They determined that those involved in long-distance relationships have more meaningful interactions through technology and insightful communication than those who see each other on a daily basis.

This, in turn, leads to higher levels of intimacy and a level of trust, as well as confidence. The couples feel like they are becoming closer than just sharing basic information on a daily basis, according to the study.
For senior Demie Warner, a long-distance relationship is something she knows all too well. She and her boyfriend, an athlete at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, have been together for over four years and have made things work.
Warner is a full-time student, and is involved in club tennis and intramural sports. She believes communication is the most important part of a long-distance relationship.
“We text constantly and Skype on the weekends,” said Warner. “We are both busy with school and sports, but we always make time to talk.”
Communication, senior Matthew Miller agrees, is essential in a long-distance relationship.
Miller recently ended the long-distance part of his relationship when his boyfriend of 10 months moved 2,000 miles from Arkansas to Spokane.
”You only have communication and you have trust,” said Miller. “If we have a problem with each other than we have no problem talking to each other.”
“FaceTime dates were really important,“ said Miller.

Michelle, owner and founder of the website, Loving from a Distance, made a long-distance relationship support website after she realized that there were not a lot of websites specifically on long-distance relationships, seeing as she was in one herself.

According to Michelle, relationships in college are already difficult to begin with due to the course load and extracurricular activities.

“Having a long distance relationship while in college is a little different because you have the added stress of not being able to physically be with your partner for weeks and months,” said Michelle.

According to Rán Henry, a counseling and psychological services psychologist, agrees that technology adds a whole dimension to long-distance relationships.

“With Skype, FaceTime and other means of digital communication, it’s easier to connect when he or she is a state away, across the country or even on the other side of the world,” said Jiang
However, Warner admits that it is not always easy being on the opposite side of the country from your best friend.
“It’s tough, but we make it work,” said Warner. “Everything is more fun with him.”
“It seemed like [time] went by so slow when you didn’t have a countdown,” Miller said. “But when it’s like, ‘I know I am going to see you in two months,’ … it makes it a lot easier.”

According to the ICA study, the couples in a long-distance relationship felt more committed to each other, even though some of them only saw each other in person one to three times a month.
“Long distance couples have so many ways of interacting compared to what was available to long-distance couples of the past and that’s thanks to the internet. It’s the reason why long distance dating has actually become doable,” said Michelle. “In the past, it wasn’t uncommon for couples to break up because one was going across the country to college and the other was
staying behind. Now, couples are able to feasibly give a long-distance relationship a try.”
So, does absence make the heart grow fonder?
“I think if you want a lasting relationship there has to be some sort of plan or idea of when you’ll be together,” Miller said. “It can’t be infinitely ‘someday.’”
“Whether it is a long-distance relationship or someone just down the street,” said Miller, “you want to be in a relationship where that person makes you feel unlike anyone else.”

When Stacy Nadeau and five other brave women were seen on a billboard in Times Square posing in nothing but their underwear, the world responded.

The billboard was an advertisement for Dove as a part of its new campaign, which would feature “real women,” rather than Photoshopped models, and encourage women to celebrate their own beauty.

On Oct. 11 Nadeau visited Eastern Washington University to speak to students at Showalter Hall. The PanHellenic Council sponsored her visit to celebrate its first Inner Beauty Week. The event urged students to recognize what makes them beautiful.

“I loved it,” said Marissa Gomez, a freshman who attended Nadeau’s presentation. “Listening to [Stacy] speak was totally different. She was real. She had a real story that real girls could relate to.”

Chelsea May, a senior who was also in attendance said, “She had a great story to tell and was very inspirational.”

In addition to Nadeau’s presentation, students took part in several other events throughout the week. On Monday students were asked to recognize a woman who helped empower them. On Friday women were encouraged to wear minimal make-up, such as just mascara or blush, to truly embrace their inner beauty.

Nadeau told EWU students that the world’s reactions to her Time Square billboard in 2005 were mixed. Mostly they were positive and supportive, but some people were ashamed that Dove would use “fat” and “gross” models in their advertisements. “To me, the most surprising comments were those from women,” Nadeau said. “I couldn’t believe it. I came from a place where women support other women.”

Nadeau, an organizational psychology major at DePaul University, hadn’t modeled before. Neither had she ever dealt with the wrath of bullies on such a large scale.

She credits her parents for making her the strong and confident women she is today. “[They] were an amazing support system,” she said. “They would help me have an attitude of gratitude and be thankful for my healthy and able body.”

“We found Stacy through Campus Speak,” said Reanne Charuhas, PanHellenic Council member. Eastern has utilized this website in the past to find keynote speakers who present on the collegiate level.

“I believe in building strong women,” said Reanne Charuhas. “The independence, the character of a women is huge.”

According to Charuhas, Eastern has attempted something similar to Inner Beauty Week in the past and she hopes that it will continue in the future. “The ultimate goal is that women are empowered,” Charuhas said, “and that they’re not focusing on filling voids within themselves. “

Gomez has had friends who severely struggle with body image.

“I think it is so important,” she said. “What people don’t understand is how serious this topic is. This is not just being oversensitive to our surroundings.”

Nadeau still has her days in which she is not fully happy with her body. However, she lives her life knowing that no one can shake her confidence because she has accepted her body. So, what is her advice to other women? “Make small changes. Stop comparing yourself to other women.”

Since her billboard appearance in 2005, Nadeau has spent her time guest starring on shows such as, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Tyra, Dr. Phil and Oprah. She is a full-time keynote speaker, writer, blogger and wife.

“Life,” Nadeau said, “is pretty amazing.”

We are all human. We just tend to think a little differently.

That is the message that Eastern Washington University’s Alpha Xi Delta’s women’s sorority hopes to spread.

On Nov. 3, Alpha Xi Delta will host the first ever Football Frenxi. The event will take place on Roos Field from noon-4 p.m. and is open to the public. Proceeds will benefit Autism Speaks, Alpha Xi Delta’s national philanthropy.

Teams may consist of eight to 10 players, and are split into a men’s division and women’s division.

“We chose to do the Football Frenxi since Eastern is a huge football school. Everyone is going to get a goodie bag,“ said Madison Azim, Alpha Xi Delta’s philanthropy chairwoman. “We are just trying to make it all fun.”

In addition to the goodie bags, there will be an award for Most Valuable Player, Most Spirited Team and overall winners in both the men’s and women’s divisions.

Those who do not wish to play are still encouraged to attend. According to Azim, Alpha Xi Delta plans to have plenty of opportunities to get involved on the sidelines.

“We are going to have donation buckets. We are having activity stations. We will have bracelets and blue puzzle-piece cookies,” said Azim.

Also in the works is a kicker contest to see who can kick a football the furthest.

Donations will benefit Autism Speaks because autism is something that Alpha Xi Delta member, Nicole Branstetter says she is familiar with. Branstetter has two half-sisters and two nephews who have been diagnosed with some form of autism.

“[Autism] has been a really big part of my life,” says Branstetter. “It’s one of the main reasons I am in Alpha Xi Delta.”

According to the Autism Speaks website, 1 in 88 people will be diagnosed with some type of autism, affecting over tens of millions of people worldwide. Boys are four to five times more likely to develop the disorder than girls.

Branstetter said she hopes to educate the community and act as an advocate for her nephews.

“Honestly, the biggest thing is spreading awareness in our community,” she said. “I want my nephews to feel like they belong … I just want people to have a better understanding of what autism is.”

“When you bring people together, you can accomplish great things,” said Azim.

Monsters and minions and monkeys, oh my! The characters were out to play during this year’s Harvest Fest.

On Halloween, the Office of Community Engagement held the community event with more than 350 children and their families attendance and an estimated 150 students who volunteered to help.

The costumed volunteers walked children and their families from one building on campus to the other. At each building, professors and staff were anxiously awaiting trick or treaters to hand out candy.

“Harvest Fest is a fun and safe atmosphere for kids and families in Cheney to come and enjoy,” said Gabby Ryan, Eagle Volunteers Program Coordinator.

Ryan oversees a new program on campus called Eagle Volunteers. This program provides students with volunteer opportunities, like a Harvest Fest tour guide.

“It was so fun to see all of the costumes that they came with,” said volunteer Yesenia Lazaro.

“The parents are creative.”

Volunteers were dressed up as anything from members of the Black Eyed Peas to Jack Skellington from “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”

According to Lazaro, who was representing the Alpha Kappa Si business fraternity, this was a great way for clubs and organizations on campus to give back to the community.

Eagle Pride also had members volunteering.

Braden Cooper, from Eagle Pride said, “I always like hanging out with the kids and giving back to the community in any way I can.”

According to Molly Ayers, Director of Community Engagement, all local pre-schools, grade schools and families from Fairchild Air Force Base were invited to attend.

The Office of Community Engagement and the Eagle Volunteers program intend to complete the two or three service projects a quarter.

For those interested in the Eagle Volunteers program, there are also ongoing opportunities within the community. Eastern students may participate as a mentor for a child at one of the Cheney schools or participate in the Feed Cheney program at the Community Center.

The next Eagle Volunteers service project is expected to be for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, according to Ryan.

The Office of Community Engagement took over Harvest Fest from Women and Gender Studies who have run this event in years past. Ayers was extremely pleased with this years turnout and is excited to see how the event will grow.

To volunteer for any of the upcoming Eagle Volunteer events, register online on the Office of Community Engagement’s page on the Eastern website. For more information on volunteer opportunities, email Ryan at CEAmericorps@ewu.edu. For more information about the Office of Community Engagement, email Ayers at mayer1@ewu.edu.

Written by Erika Meyer & Kailee Dunn

Eastern’s volleyball team (6-11, 3-3) is ready to bounce back after an up and down start from preseason to the first round of play in the Big Sky Conference.

Assistant coach Janelle Allen said, “A lot has happened this season we played a lot of top teams in the preseason, we played Oregon, University of Southern California and University of San Diego.  All these Schools were great challenges and I think we played well in the beginning but then hit a little of a low point you might say now we are trying to battle back.”

3-3 in the conference they’re right in the middle of the pack tied with Sacramento State and Montana, the Eagles have big expectations to only get better from here on out with four games remaining in the first round of play one of them being their top opponent, North Dakota (6-0).

Road trips have been tough for the eagles with up to five games at a time on the road. Allen replied, “road trips always take a lot out of you so as long as we can stay on the upside of those I think we are good and stay healthy.  We have a couple players that are recovering.”

Jr. Outside hitter Kelsey Julian is one of the players who are recovering from an injury.   Julian sprained her ankle a few weeks back.  “I was in a boot and on crutches for two to three weeks,” said Julian.  She has been rehabilitating her ankle will strengthening and agility exercises, as well as working on her stability and balance. She went on to say, “It’s a process and I am just trying to heal the best I can. It’s feeling really good now.”

“Every game is always big, we love those W’s,” explained Allen, talking about the remaining games in the first round.  She continued, “But again we’re trying to see realistic and just trying to be more consistent right now we’ve been a little up and down.

The team seems to be progressing smoothly as well. On October 3^rd, Eastern took three out of the four sets from Southern Utah University to bring home a big win. When asked about the team’s improvement, Julian expressed nothing but confidence in her teammates. “At Southern Utah, we started seeing everybody kind of doing their role and I think that is something that is going to develop within the next few games. It’s everybody working together.”

“We have some people that are stepping up and I think they’re doing a great job.” Says Allen.  Sophomore Allie Schumacher leads the teams on the outside with an overall of 163 kills, while senior captain Lindsay Niemeier leads the team with an overall of 402 assists. “Allie Schumacher has done a great job for us and being a consistent leader. Lindsay is opening up those opportunities.”

Finally, Julian solidified her confidence in her team by saying, “we are a great team and we have our moments, but we are working on pulling it together.”

The Eagles have four games that remain in the first round that include, North Dakota, Northern Colorado, Weber State, and Idaho State.  Allen explained, “We’re not quite through half the season so there is a lot of time left, North Dakota will be a tough one so if we just battle with them then take one game at a time we will be good.”