Financial Aid Resources

A big part of the college decision process is the tuition. As in, how will you pay for your tuition? If you're still working on the answer to that question, then check out these financial aid resources:

• Student Loans, Forgiveness
• Financial Aid Overview
• Student Aid on the Web 
• 529 Plans

Archives Myths

Here's an interesting post from the Smithsonian about myths.

Student Loans

Alright SU students, I know you're thinking about finals (yes, finals) right now but at some point you might have to make payments for a student loan. If you haven't heard, the President is talking about a change regarding student loan payments.

If you're already paying student loans, then here is the repayment assistant for student debt (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau) & here is an income-based repayment calculator (Federal Student Aid).

Penny Increase in Price of Forever Stamps First Since May 2009

From this news release, the USPS will add a penny to the cost of Forever stamps beginning 2012. More about the price changes are here.

Quit Smoking

Need help in order to quit smoking? Use smokefree.gov for tips & tools. The site offers a mobile app, QuitGuide, & SmokefreeTXT that sends encouraging text messages and advice.

History: The Articles of Confederation

What is the Articles of Confederation? Answer: The first constitution of the United States.

CDC Learning Connection

The CDC has pulled together learning products and resources for the public health community into the CDC Learning Connection. I imagine this would be a useful tool for our nursing students and graduates.




Current nursing students also have access to our medical & health related databases which are listed on the appropriate subject guides:

• Anesthesia
• Nursing
• Medical and Health Sciences

Most databases require a SU userid & password in order to search.

Documents of the Month: Domestic Violence

For the rest of October, our display will highlight the topic of Domestic Violence.

• Office on Violence Against Women: Working together to end the violence 
• There's NO Excuse for Domestic Violence
• Violence Between Intimates
• Breaking the Cycle of Domestic Violence
• Domestic Violence: A workplace issue
• New Numbers for Domestic Violence Victims and Others (English & Spanish)
• Danger to Police in Domestic Disturbances - a new look
• Confronting Domestic Violence: The role of criminal court judges
• Understanding and Preventing Violence
• Domestic Violence, Stalking and Antistalking Legislation
• Domestic and Sexual Violence Data Collection
• STOP The Cycle of Violence: What you can do
• Domestic Violence by Police Officers
• Family Violence: A workshop manual for clergy and other service providers
• The Shelter Experience: A guide to shelter organization and management for groups working against domestic violence
• Violence Against Women: Causes and Prevention
• State Domestic Violence Laws and How to Pass Them: A manual for lobbyists
• The Effective Coordination of Volunteers
• Child Protection in Families Experiencing Domestic Violence

Alerts for Data Overage Charges

Soon smartphone, cell phone & other wireless device owners will receive automatic alerts before going over the agreed data usage plan. This is due to an agreement between the FCC & CTIA (The wireless association). The White House Blog post, Celebrating an Innovative Approach to Consumer Protection, has a good description of the agreement along with links to the announcements.

Income, Poverty and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2010

The Census report, Income, Poverty and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2010, is now available. For highlights (it's 95 pages) see the news release. 

Clinical Trials

Looking for a clinical trial? ClinicalTrials.gov is one way to search both for trials and results by condition, drug, sponsor or location.

Super Committee AKA Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction

Have you added the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction to your list of sites to monitor? The committee is in the news for not having open meetings. Read the committee rules regarding meetings and hearings to see if you agree with the set rules.

Social Security Benefits - Are You Eligible?

Use the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST) to determine which Social Security Benefits you are eligible for and for application instructions.

Fire Prevention

It's officially COLD in central Alabama which means it's space heater time. Please, use good judgment when using a space heater. For tips on space heater safety and more, read Fire Prevention from the CDC.

Scareware

I have a feeling that more of us will be online between now and Monday than usual so that means we'll see more pop-ups & warnings. Take a few minutes to read this helpful blog post on how to handle scareware before you begin surfing the 'net.

performance.gov

Watch our government as they cut waste by using performance.gov to keep track of the data & system changes. The areas to watch are acquisition, financial management, human resources, technology, performance improvement, open government, sustainability and customer service.

Hosting Opportunities

Have you considered opening your home to an international student? Hosting is not just about having a student in your home. You could host an international scholar or professional. As well, the length of  time varies. Learn more about hosting from Hosting Opportunities by the Department of State.

Social Health Hub

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has created a social health hub that will make it easier for the public health community to develop & adopt best practices for the usage of social media.

How Hard is My Water?

How hard your water is determines how much detergent & soap you need to use among other things. Sometimes it's nice to know how hard or soft the water will be at your vacation destination. Use the map and chart from USGS to learn where the hard water is in the US and what makes it hard.

Report of the Office of the Secretary of Defense Vietnam Task Force

The Report of the Office of the Secretary of Defense Vietnam Task Force has been released in its entirety by the National Archives.

SU community, you may find the report in HeinOnline (login required).

After School Snacking

What are your favorite snacks? Need some ideas? What about food safety for kids at home alone after school? Parents, get ideas & more from the snacking post on the FoodSafety.gov blog.

College students, don't worry - there's a section just for you guys.