ETSU Homepage

ETSU Department of Psychology

Behavioral Health and Wellness Clinic

166 DeRosier Drive

Phone: (423) 439-7777

Attached is a flyer for an upcoming behavioral outreach program: Kids’ Social Skills Groups. The groups will be hosted by the ETSU Behavioral Health and Wellness Clinic and conducted by a student clinician. This group is appropriate for children with average to above average intelligence but with moderate to severe social deficits. Children with diagnoses of Autism, Social Anxiety, and Social Communication Disorder (formerly known as "Asperger's Syndrome") are likely to be a good fit, but such diagnoses are not a prerequisite for enrollment. Please spread the word and encourage interested families to call our clinic to get on the enrollment list.

The Kids’ Social Skills Group will be offered year-round: we will have 2 cycles each fall, 2 cycles each spring, and one cycle each summer. Each cycle will last approximately 5-weeks and all classes will take place at our clinic, located on the ETSU campus, one night each week for the duration of the cycle.

As such, children ages 8-13 can be added to the enrollment list. Any interested families should call our clinic (423-439-7777) to be placed on the list. If the child is determined to be a good fit for the group and the group dates work for the families, the charge for the duration of the 5-week period will be $50. Families can pay $10 each time they attend, or pay $50 upfront for all classes. There is no charge for being on the enrollment list.

Please spread the word and share/post the attached flyer. Thank you!

Staff at ETSU Behavioral Health and Wellness Clinic

Volunteer for the Sesquicentennial Celebration Grand Finale on Dec. 1. Help needed at noon to set up chairs in King Commons Park, there will be a second shift from 2-4, and a third shift after 5 to take down tables and chairs. See Mrs. Leonard (Cameron’s mom) for details.

Don’t forget to finish up your service hours for graduation! Check out the opportunity below!

My name is Kennedy and I am a Senior Media & Communications major here at ETSU focusing in Public Relations. I am reaching out to you because I have the incredible opportunity to be working with the Salvation Army as a part of Buc Brands, and we have a great opportunity for local high-schools and their students to get involved with a life-changing organization through #JCRings.

I know that for high-schooler’s, especially Juniors and Seniors, volunteer opportunities are important and can at times be necessary for future credentials. The Salvation Army offers volunteer opportunities year-round, but some of the most rewarding opportunities happen during the holiday season.

The Salvation Army’s bellringing is a unique occasion. It provides local veterans in Johnson City the ability to have a warm meal and get some necessary supplies to keep them afloat. The annual red kettle campaign is quickly approaching, and we would love for University High School to get involved!

There are two ways that would be a perfect opportunity for you all to join in:

1. Register to ring. The red kettle campaign can’t happen without the amazing volunteers who stand by red kettles ringing Christmas cheer. There are plenty of locations and dates all across Johnson City, making volunteering to ring as accessible as possible. We’d like to ask your school to reach out to volunteers to help ring bells. It would make for a great event to do as a group that is fun and gives back to our community. You can register at registertoring.com.
2. Take the Red Kettle Challenge. Another super easy way to get involved in this campaign is by setting up an online kettle. You can create an online kettle for your school at https://give.salvationarmykentuckyandtennessee.org/campaign/johnson-city-red-kettle-challenge-2019/c249418 and share your unique link to it on social media, by email, text, or whatever way you communicate to get people to donate. It’s the same as ringing the bell, but with a virtual touch that can be done anywhere at any time. It’s simple to set up and will only take a few seconds of your time. Will you take the #redkettlechallenge to change a life?

I appreciate your time and consideration. If I can be of any assistance in answering questions, feel free to reach out!

Kennedy

We will be hosting prospective high school seniors from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to read applications, make an admissions decision, and advise of their Merit Scholarship amount. They can submit their E&H Application prior to the day OR during your visit. 

They need to bring the following documents:

High School transcripts (official or unofficial)
SAT and/or ACT test scores (official or unofficial)
Essay
If you or your students have any questions regarding admissions, financial aid, programs, etc. please do not hesitate to contact us.

Best,
Traci Harrison
Events & Affinity Admissions Counselor
276-944-6134

Beta Delta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, a society of women educators -  Our organization sponsors an essay contest for high school students.  The topic and submission instructions for our annual essay contest are available from Ms. Shaw. Please note that there are cash prizes as well as an invitation for the state winner to attend and present his/her essay at the Xi State Convention at the University of the South in Sewanee, TN, next June.

ETSU Hosting a College Bound FAFSA Frenzy!-Get one-to-one help with the FAFSA: 

Dear all,

We hope the school year is off to a wonderful start! We would like to cordially invite your students to a FAFSA Frenzy from 3 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 29, at the ETSU Millennium Center.

At this event, ETSU will have staff available to assist students and their families in completing the 2020-21 FAFSA. Other university departments, including Admissions and the Scholarship Office, will be present to answer questions from students. At each event, students will have refreshments and the opportunity to receive giveaways and win prizes.

As you know, the FAFSA is a student’s application for all federal financial aid, as well as the starting point for many state and school aid programs. There are many funding opportunities – including the Pell Grant and HOPE (Lottery) Scholarship – that will not otherwise be available without a completed FAFSA.

If a student plans to attend our FAFSA event, please alert them to visit this webpage and register by Oct. 21. The student, as well as their parents, will need the following items:

• Social Security Number
• Alien Registration Number (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
• 2018 federal income tax returns, 2018 W-2s, and other records of money earned (Note: You may be able to transfer your federal tax return information into your FAFSA using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool)
• Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable)
• Records of untaxed income (if applicable)
• We encourage students and their parents to create an FSA ID prior to the event

We hope to see your students at our FAFSA Frenzy! Please direct any questions to Associate Director Blake Hopson or Communications Coordinator O.J. Early.

Best wishes,

Blake Hopson
Associate Director of Student Financial Aid
East Tennessee State University
PO Box 70722
Johnson City TN 37614
Fax: 423.439.5855
Phone:  423.439.7479

10/24/19     12-1  Wofford College Visit

10/25/19     12-1 ETSU College Visit

10/30/19       8-3  College App Day Tailgate Party (more info to follow)

                     9-10 Josten’s Cap/Gown Supplies Meeting-Cafeteria         

11/6/19       12-1   Josten’s Order Pick Up-Library

11/13/19     12-1 Emory & Henry College Visit

11/21/19     12-1  Northeast State College Visit

Fall Open House
October 22, 2019
5-7 pm
Humanities Building, Blountville Campus

www.northeastnation.com to RSVP

423.323.0229

Anyone who is interested in learning more about Northeast State is encouraged to attend.

Emory & Henry College On-Site Admissions:
Tuesday, November 5, 2019!

Emory & Henry College invites students to attend the Blue & Gold Scholarship Day this Saturday, October 19th. Interview/Audition for our Outdoor Adventure Team, Rugby Team, STEM Cohort, or Theatre Department. Register at www.ehc.edu/visit or contact E&H Admissions.

Spring HBCU (Historically Black Colleges & Universities) Tour

Vanderbilt Admissions-SuperScoring

Hi Seniors-

A growing trend in college applications is to allow students to complete an application with test scores being optional—especially if you are one of those students who excels as a student in every way except for standardized testing. It allows you to give a better picture of yourself as a whole student. Remember, test scores are automatically part of the University School transcript. You must request to have test scores removed from your transcript if needed for test optional schools.

Thanks!

Dr. Shaw

Hi Seniors-

There are nine colleges and universities across Tennessee that offer Army ROTC programs. See me for information about individual schools.

Dr. Shaw

Dear Seniors-

Another student and I discovered an issue with the Common Application this afternoon so please double check your account if you believe you have submitted your application to me. You must identify me as your school counselor using the email address shawa@etsu.edu. Even if you have entered my email correctly please check your recommender information and be sure that your part shows a chart that says what I have “started”, “not started”, or “completed”. If your side says that I have, “chosen to submit paper documents” there is a problem with your account. A quick fix is to re-enter my information and submit it again. Please double check ASAP!

Dr. Shaw

College Visits 2019/2020

Grades 9-12 may attend the college visits at our school

during lunch or study hall. Be sure to sign in!

8/29/19-      9-11 Junior/Senior Field Trip to Tri-Cities College Fair

                    12-1 Maryville College Visit

                    12-1 MTSU College Visit

            5-6  Financial Aid (FAFSA) Workshop for Juniors/Seniors 

                              Library

                      6-8  Tri-Cities College Fair open to public 6-8

9/12/19       LAST DAY TO REQUEST RECOMMENDATION DUE BEFORE   

                    OCTOBER 15!

                    6        TriCities Financial Aid Night- Get help with FAFSA!

9/13/19       Berea College Visit

10/14/19     8-9:30         ACT PreBubbling for Seniors-Cafeteria

12-1            University of Alabama Visit

10/15/19     8-11:30       ACT-Senior Retake

10/16/19     12-1 Sewanee-University of the South Visit

                      1-3  College Application/Essay Workshop for seniors

(Common App prompts and sample submissions with sample admission office rubrics- Sign up coming soon)

10/17/19     9-10  First Tennessee Promise Meeting-Cafeteria

                    12-1  University of Tennessee Visit

10/24/19     12-1  Wofford College Visit

10/30/19       8-3  College App Day Tailgate Party

                    9-10  Josten’s Cap/Gown Supplies Meeting-Cafeteria         

11/6/19       12-1   Josten’s Order Pick Up-Library

4/6/20         3-4    Second TN Promise Meeting-Mandatory-Location TBD

5/28/20       9-11  Graduation Practice

5/29/20       7:45-8:15    Graduation Hall Processional

                    8:30   Cap/Gown Photo @ Sherrod

                    9-11 Graduation Practice

                    6-8    Graduation

College Visits 2019/2020

Grades 9-12 may attend the college visits at our school during lunch or study hall. Be sure to sign in!

8/29/19-      9-11 Junior/Senior Field Trip to Tri-Cities College Fair

                                        (permission slips coming soon)

                    12-1 Maryville College Visit

                    12-1 MTSU College Visit

                      5-6  Financial Aid (FAFSA) Workshop for Juniors/Seniors 

                                        (location to be determined)

                      6-8  Tri-Cities College Fair open to public 6-8

8/30/19-      12-1 Berea College Visit (a work University)

10/16/19     12-1 Sewanee-University of the South Visit

                      1-3  College Application/Essay Workshop for seniors

(Common App prompts and sample submissions with sample admission office rubrics- Sign up coming soon)

10/24/19     12-1  Wofford College Visit

Free Parenting and Media Workshop, March 5th, Milligan College Campus.  Register at Milligan.edu/community-workshops

Please view the following links:

www.act.org/stateanddistrict/examinees

Summer Discovery - Summer Discovery is a pre-college enrichment program for high school and middle school students that combines academics with fun, activities, and sports. Students experience college life while gaining independence, self-confidence, and social skills. Courses are taught by university faculty and students live on campus, exploring university towns for a robust, complete pre-college summer experience.

The Tennessee Governor's Schools provide eleven challenging and high-intensity programs in subjects ranging from the Arts to Engineering to International Studies to Teaching for rising 11^th and 12^th grade students nominated by high school faculty. Students interested in participating in a Governor's Schools program should obtain the application(s) from https://www.tn.gov/education/instruction/tdoe-governors-schools.html. Students may apply to more than one Governor’s School, but can only participate in one. Applications will require two teacher recommendations (forms in application). Student applications and recommendations for the Arts are due to Ms.  Shaw by October 25 and others are due by November 15.

Hi All-See an important message below!! The meeting will be in the Cafeteria at 9:00am on October 17.

Ms. Shaw 

Good morning! 

I hope you are doing well. Please remember that tnAchieves will be facilitating University School’s TN Promise meeting on Wednesday, October 17 at 9:00 AM. I will be facilitating the meeting and can be reached at (865) 898-0538. 

This meeting will be a 30 minute informational meeting with all seniors enrolled at your institution. tnAchieves student handbooks will be distributed and the following topics will be discussed at this meeting:

• Introduction to TN Promise, the November 1, 2018 scholarship application deadline and tnAchieves requirements, deadlines and mentors
• Information on 2019-2020 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion and the mandatory February 1, 2019 TN Promise FAFSA filing deadline
• Community service, which students can begin accruing on November 2, 2018. 

This meeting is not mandatory for student eligibility; however, all seniors are expected to attend as future mandatory eligibility requirements will be discussed. Attendance will not be taken at this meeting. If you wish to take attendance for your records, please do so after our session has concluded. We will leave any remaining handbooks with you for distribution to students who are absent. If we can have access to a microphone, that would be great! 

The class of 2019 team meeting schedule and student handbook can be found on our website, www.tnachieves.org.  The spring mentor meeting is mandatory for students to attend in order to remain TN Promise eligible. 

Please let me know if you have any additional questions. 

Thank you!

Amanda Bolden
Senior Director of Communications, tnAchieves
amanda@tnachieves.org
865.898.0538

I received the email below specifically in reference to the TN Promise application. However, the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) information applies to nearly all students. Getting HOPE funds also depends on completing FAFSA.

APPLY FOR your FSAID this week! J

Ms. Shaw

A representative from Illinois Wesleyan University will be at University School from 12-1 on July 19, 2018, for a college visit. 10th, 11^th, and 12^th graders may attend the visit during lunch or Study Hall. Students should sign in at the college visit if it is during their study hall. Location will be announced.

Click to Link to Ms. Shaw's Senior Website

Lots of Information!

If you are planning to play or compete in any college sports, it is likely that your school will require you to be a member of NCAA or NAIA (may be other organizations) before you are able to participate in athletics at you future school. Membership in one of the organizations will also require test scores and transcripts to be upload by me so take care of this before school ends.  Please check the school where you plan to attend to get details about that school’s membership requirements.

Thanks!

Ms. Shaw

https://web3.ncaa.org/ecwr3/

http://www.naia.org/StudentAthletes.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=27900

ETSU's Department of African American studies hopes to hold the quiz competition for the Let's Explore Africa program on campus next year. They are hopeful that we can get a team together to compete. Although we will not start the group until next school year, please be aware of this opportunity and let Ms. Shaw know if you are interested. You can learn more about the program at http://www.letsexploreafrica.net/.

Reminder: Tennessee Promise Mandatory Meeting April 3 @ 3:00 Media Center (only for students who applied for TN Promise)

Check out ACT Academy

Today we take a big step toward our “Equity in Learning” goals and launch ACT^® Academy™, the new online ACT test prep platform.

Built using the world's leading collection of online resources, ACT Academy provides students with personalized study plans to help them prepare for the ACT^® test.

“ACT Academy will help students improve their readiness for the ACT test and college and career by giving them the resources they need to increase their understanding of core academic skills. And the fact that ACT Academy will be free to all students is yet another way ACT is working to close gaps in equity, opportunity and achievement for underserved learners.”

Empower your students, share and encourage use of this FREE ACT test prep platform.

About half of students applying for FAFSA are selected for verification. Here is a workshop that can help you navigate the system!

The ETSU Office of Financial Aid is offering drop-in Verification for FAFSA Workshops at the Center for Academic Achievement (first floor of the Sherrod Library) on the following dates:

• March 13 - noon to 4 p.m.
• March 26 - 8 a.m. to noon
• April 12 - 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• April 25 - 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Students who miss the workshops should check their Financial Aid status on GoldLink, read your ETSU email frequently, and submit all requirements by the April 15, priority deadline to have your 2018-2019 file ready to award for Fall. Need Help?  Visit the Office of Financial Aid (Burgin Dossett Hall, room 105) or contact a counselor.  

Information for graduation invitations/announcements:

June 1, 2018
7:00pm

Memorial Hall
(Brooks Gym)
1127 John Robert Bell Drive
Johnson City, TN 37614

Seniors-

New midyear (7 semester) transcripts have been posted in Parchment and all current orders have been sent. In order to see the new transcript you must submit a request for a self-view. It will not change immediately because I have to log in to release them to you, but you should have access by the next day.  All Common Application midyear reports have been submitted. If you need me to send a new transcript to a college or university, please request it through Parchment. If you need a midyear report that is not part of the Common Application please see me tomorrow.

Thanks!

Ms. Shaw

Dear Seniors and Senior Families-

Thank you so much for your willingness to re-locate graduation to an off campus location. It was a great team effort from all of you! However, several of our stakeholders have urged us to move graduation to an on-campus location because so many of our students have attended school here on our campus for so many years. Graduation will be held at Brooks Gym this year because of the renovation of the Culp Center. We have several details that we have to work out before I can give you final information, but it will be moved. For those of you printing invitations outside of Josten’s, I am working on getting the formal name and address of Brooks so that you can have that for printing. For those of you ordering from Josten’s, I will take care of the change in information.

Thanks so much for your understanding!

Ms. Shaw

Hi all,

With the Ned McWherter application deadline approaching, I am getting LOTS of questions.  Jason has put together a refresher see attached.  After reviewing that and the below email, if you still have questions please forward those to me.

High school seniors who meet the academic requirements for TSAC’s prestigious Ned McWherter Scholars Program (https://www.tn.gov/collegepays/money-for-college/state-of-tennessee-programs/ned-mcwherter-scholars-program.html) have until February 15 to complete its application via the TSAC Student Portal (www.tn.gov/tsacstudentportal).  In addition to the application, the student will need to ask you to email a PDF of the student’s 7^th semester transcript to Kathy.Stripling@tn.gov or a hard copy may be mailed to…  

Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation

Attn: Ned McWherter Scholars Program

404 James Robertson Parkway, Suite 1510

Nashville, TN 37243

ACT/SAT scores reflected on the student’s transcript are sufficient for McWherter application purposes.  Transcripts are also due by the February 15 deadline. 

Finally, several of you have had applicants concerned after observing the following messaging within their portal accounts after submitting the McWherter application…

Every McWherter applicant will observe this messaging within the TSAC Student Portal initially.  As Kathy Stripling, McWherter administrator, begins reviewing a student’s 7^th semester transcript received from his/her respective high school and McWherter application, the messaging will update as she is able to calculate the “curriculum difficulty” and “leadership” scores and enters those scores within e*GRandS (this process takes time, so applicants should be patient).

Erika Adams I Outreach Specialist

Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation

Good afternoon,

I am reaching out to each of you today to remind you about the services of the ETSU Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) to add to your arsenal of resources for your seniors and parents as they prepare for postsecondary education.  The advisors have been in many of your schools this fall to assist with FAFSA completion.  The EOC is a federal TRIO program that can provide FREE assistance to your high school seniors and adults with enrollment in postsecondary education regardless of the institution they plan to attend.  The EOC Advisors can assist with FAFSA completion, as well as help students and parents with issues that may arise after the FAFSA is completed such as verification, promissory notes, etc. and help address other issues that are barriers to enrollment. Visit our website at www.etsu.edu/outreach.

Advisors can help:

1. Complete the FAFSA and apply for an FSAID
2. Review the Student Aid Report (SAR) for any errors
3. Complete Verification forms
4. Review and compare financial aid awards from different institutions
5. Complete the student loan process
6. Assist with the appeal process, if necessary
7. Answer questions and assist with the enrollment process

Advisors have over 20 years of combined experience in the financial aid process and have offices throughout upper East Tennessee so meetings can be scheduled in a convenient location.

Beverly Barberi          barberi@etsu.edu        Service Area:  Hawkins County, Greene County      

Donna Quillin             quillind@etsu.edu       Service Area:  Sullivan County including Kingsport and Bristol

Dale Clements            clementw@etsu.edu    Service Area:  Washington County, Carter County, Johnson County and Unicoi County

Hopefully most all of your seniors will have completed the FAFSA by the TN Promise deadline this week. But, you may have some that still need assistance with corrections, verifications, loan applications, etc. so an EOC advisor can still assist them.  Also remember that our services are available long after graduation.  EOC Advisors can work with the students and parents during the summer when schools are closed and other programs are not operating to try to help with some of those issues.  We can also assist those students that are high school graduates that come to you needing help or advice in returning to or beginning postsecondary education.  

If I can provide you with additional information or flyers/brochures to share with your students and parents, please let me know.  Please contact us at any time if we can be of assistance to you, your seniors or parents. Our phone number is (423) 392-8041 or email us at eoc@etsu.edu.

Thank you, 

Becky Stout
Associate Director,
Educational Outreach Programs
East Tennessee State University
1501 University Blvd.
Kingsport, TN 37660

(423) 392-8044
www.etsu.edu/outreach

Amazing Volunteer Opportunity!!!! Get those hours finished!

POP Arts (the inclusive performing arts program I'll be working with this semester) needs cast members. The program is for students with and without disabilities. Dr. Chambers said that any USchool students who would be interested in participating could count their rehearsals and performance as volunteer hours.(They'll be meeting for a couple of hours each Saturday from mid-february to mid-april).

Applications have been sent to you via email.

Good morning,

Due to the illness and weather related school closings across the state, TSAC has extended the deadline to submit the 2018-2019 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for TN Promise eligibility to Friday, January 26, 2018.

Even though the deadline has been extended, tnAchieves is continuing to push immediate FAFSA completion. tnAchieves will be heavily communicating to students and parents who have yet to file the 2018-2019 FAFSA via email and text message until the deadline, and we will also update our class of 2018 FAFSA completion dashboard and county map regularly to help track progress across the state.

Please let me know if you have any questions or need assistance with FAFSA completion events. Thank you all!

Amanda

Upcoming TN Promise Deadlines:

• Complete your 2018-2019 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov by January 26, 2018. You must complete the 2018-2019 FAFSA by 1/26/18 for TN Promise eligibility!
• Attend your mandatory spring meeting.  Click here for all meeting dates.

Fall 2018 semester community service hours are due to tnAchieves.org by July 1, 2018.  Submit them HERE. You are responsible for submitting your service hours to tnAchieves.org. DO NOT ask your supervisor, other volunteer or parent to submit your hours for you. It is your responsibility to ensure the completed form is submitted on tnAchieves.org by the deadline. If you are enrolling at a TCAT and your program begins in the summer, you will have 8 hours of community service due by April 1, 2018.

Some colleges require a supplemental financial aid form called the CSS Profile. Check this link to see if one of your colleges requires it! The application is online.

https://profile.collegeboard.org/profile/ppi/participatingInstitutions.aspx

Just wanted to re-inforce a few things about sending transcripts:

-You can create an account at parchment.com so that you can request transcripts at any time. Once you make a request I get a notification to go online and approve your request. Asking me in person or via email is still fine, but it may be easier for you to do through Parchment in the evenings or on weekends.

-You can view your own transcript on Parchment so that it is easier to fill out college applications.

-Your University School transcript includes any completed Dual Enrollment courses, but colleges will need an official copy from the school where you took Dual Enrollment. You can request transcripts from Northeast or ETSU online through your student account—NorStar or Goldlink—NOT D2L. You can also contact the registrar’s office.

-Make sure that you apply for the appropriate clearinghouse NCAA or NAIA if you plan to play college sports. Then, you will need to ask me to log in and upload your transcript from my account or you can request in Parchment. (Fee waivers are available for the clearinghouses if you meet certain economic requirements.)

Attention High School Seniors!  Going to college?  The 2018-2019 FAFSA is available now!  www.fafsa.gov   

https://blog.ed.gov/2017/09/the-parents-guide-to-filling-out-the-fafsa-form/?sf63941675=1

#GOBUCS

List ETSU School Code:  003487 to get the results! 

Don’t forget to follow-up with your ETSU Email, GoldLink, or with the Office of Financial Aid.   Need Help?  www.etsu.edu/finaid/counselors.php

Apply  for admission to the university and  for scholarships now!  www.etsu.edu

Homework Helpline Info for Tennessee students  http://www.homeworkhotline.info/

Hi Seniors-

Here is some information about a program during break to learn more about careers in accounting. Seniors may register at the link given and attend on their own.

Ms. Shaw

Individual students can sign up. Here is the link: https://tscpa.wufoo.com/forms/discover-accounting-2017/

 Laura Hunt | Communications Associate

 201 Powell Place

 Brentwood, TN 37027
 Ph: 615/377-3825

Hi Seniors-  It looks like many of you spent your long weekend catching up on college application forms. Great job!! Remember that if you need a “letter of recommendation” from me—necessary for the Common App, some schools, scholarships, and honors programs then you must complete the “Recommendation Self-Assessment” found here  http://uhseniorinformation.weebly.com/  on the first page and first red link and email it to me at least 3 weeks before your first deadline. You are welcome to share it with other teachers too.

Some schools may not need a recommendation or only require a brief one or two sentence statement. You do not need to complete the form if you do not need a “letter of recommendation.”

Thanks!

Ms. Shaw

Mark your calendar for the  Tri-Cities Financial Aid Night on Tuesday, September 26th, 2017, at 6:00 p.m., at the ETSU DP Culp Center.   

Gain a wealth of financial aid information from the ETSU Office of Financial Aid, ETSU Scholarship Office, various campus departments, and the TSAC Outreach Specialist.   Help students gear up for 2018-2019! 

Also, don't forget to mark your calendars for October 1st to fill out the 2018-19 FAFSA!

The Johnson City Rotary Club is interested in sponsoring a UH student for this opportunity!!!

What is Rotary Youth Leadership Award Seminar (RYLA)?

Rotary Youth Leadership Award Seminar brings together high school juniors and senior from Winchester, Virginia to Greenville, Tennessee for a weekend of fun and an opportunity to learn and practice leadership skills. Participants will have the opportunity to hear outstanding speakers, participate in team activities, practice leadership skills and grow personally by sharing ideas and experiences with peers throughout the district. Participation in the Rotary Four Way Test Speech Contest is encouraged but is optional. More information can be found in the following link

http://www.rotary7570.org/ryla

Who is Eligible?

• Be a high school junior or senior- Recommend students who have not previously attended
• Have a record of accomplishment in school
• Exhibit leadership qualities and a wish to improve leadership skills
• Be willing to participate in group activities
• Complete all application and release forms for the seminar

I am requesting you to distribute this email to Junior and Senior students in your school. Interested students should send me (uddinm@etsu.edu) a one page resume highlighting their academic and extracurricular accomplishments by September 15.

Youth Leadership 2020 - The Johnson City Chamber of Commerce will  be accepting applications until August 12, 2017. 

High School Students:  The Gray Fossil Site will be accepting new volunteers ahead of the summer dig season. There will be a Volunteer recruitment event on Saturday May 6th. All interested students should plan on attending and fill out an application at that time. The goal this season is to recover the back half of a very large species of mastodon that we have been working on for 2 years now. It should be a very exciting season for people to join in on!

The Karma For Care Foundation encourages youth to apply for funds between $250 and $1,000 to complete service projects in their communities. Whether it is starting a community garden, renovating a school playground or helping families get their homes ready for winter, Karma For Care Foundation wants to know what you are passionate about. Deadline: Apr. 1, 2017.

Nursing Day at Milligan - March 3

I would officially like to invite you and your students to attend our Nursing Visit Day on March 3!

Nursing is our most popular major here at Milligan. Our students are well-prepared for their careers and are in high-demand when they graduate.

Our Nursing Day will include informational sessions, student panel, lunch in the cafeteria, a campus tour, and more!

We would love for you to bring a group of students, or you can let them know about the day in case they want to visit with their parents.

Learn more about our program and register for Nursing Day!

Sincerely,

Kristin Wright

Director of Admissions

423.461.8736 | kjwright@milligan.edu

NAIA Volunteer Time

We are looking students who are needing volunteer hours.  

Elisa Britt, Executive Secretary

The Chamber of Commerce serving Johnson City/Jonesborough/Washington County

603 E. Market Street

Johnson City, TN.   37601

(P) 423-461-8006

(F) 423-4618047

britt@johnsoncitytnchamber.com

www.johnsoncitytnchamber.com

Youth Science Camp Applications

Applications are now being accepted online for graduating high school seniors to attend the National Youth Science Camp. Two delegates from each state will be selected to attend the camp from June 14–July 8, 2017 in West Virginia. During the camp, leading scientists from across the country will present lectures and hands-on science seminars. Delegates will also have opportunities to present seminars covering their own areas of interest and research. Encourage your students to apply before the March 1, 2017 deadline. Click here for additional information or contact Charlotte.Woehler@tn.gov.

Information about NCAA  

Information about NAIA

2017 TN Promise applicants received the email below regarding FAFSA completion. All students and parents were also emailed a general TN Promise informational message on Tuesday, 11/8, to the email address he/she provided on the TN Promise application. tnAchieves will begin weekly emails to all eligible students, so it is important for students to check emails regularly!

Please let me know if I can provide any additional assistance.

Thank you!
Amanda Bolden

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the main financial aid application that all students who are enrolling in a college must complete to determine if he/she qualifies for any state or federal scholarships and/or grants. Beginning October 1, 2016 the 2017-2018 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opened for completion at www.fafsa.gov. All students are required to complete the 2017-2018 FAFSA by 11:59 PM on January 17, 2017 in order to remain TN Promise eligible. Failure to complete the 2017-2018 FAFSA by January 17 will result in the loss of your TN Promise scholarship. Submitting your FAFSA even one minute late will result in TN Promise ineligibility.  Please read the points below which highlight important FAFSA information you can utilize to ensure you meet this crucial TN Promise deadline:

The 2017-2018 is the correct year's FAFSA that you must complete. Double check that you are filing the correct year's FAFSA. Failure to complete the correct FAFSA by January 17 will result in the loss of your TN Promise scholarship.
You will NEVER have to pay to complete the FREE financial aid application. Please make sure you file your 2017-2018 FAFSA online at www.fafsa.gov.
The 2017-2018 FAFSA is based on parent/guardian and student 2015 tax information. Even if you are 18 years old, you will need your parent(s)/guardian(s)' financial information to complete the FAFSA unless you are married, have children who receive more than half of their support from you, were in foster care, are a ward of the court, are emancipated from your parents, are homeless and/or have parents who are deceased. All could require documentation from a court. Keep in mind, the federal government defines an "independent" as an individual age 24+.
Please make sure you have your correct social security number. Completing your FAFSA with an incorrect social could delay your aid and cause significant issues.
It is important that you list a TN Promise eligible institution as a college choice on the FAFSA. Your financial aid is sent to the colleges listed on your FAFSA.
Prior to FAFSA completion, you and your parent/guardian are required to create an FSA ID online at www.fsaid.ed.gov. The FSA ID gives you access to Federal Student Aid's online systems and serves as your legal signature for your FAFSA. You will need to use your personal information to create the FSA ID. Your parent(s)/guardian(s) will be required to create their own FSA ID with a different email address to sign your FAFSA as well. For more information on the FSA ID, please reference page 8 of your tnAchieves student handbook.
You will electronically sign your FAFSA at the end with your FSA ID and submit the FAFSA. You will receive a confirmation email after successfully completing the FAFSA.
If you need FAFSA help during completion, click inside the answer box. Information will appear on the right side of your computer screen indicating where to find the appropriate answer. You can also contact FAFSA directly at 1.800.433.3243.

Again, it is mandatory that you complete the 2017-2018 FAFSA online at www.fafsa.gov by  11:59 PM on January 17 order to remain TN Promise eligible. You will receive a confirmation email once you successfully submit the FAFSA. If you do not receive a confirmation email, then your FAFSA is not complete. You can also reference pages 8-10 of your student handbook  for FAFSA information or visit our FAFSA page.

Thank you!
tnAchieves

Last Thursday (December 31st) at midnight was the opening of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, FAFSA. Please watch the attached video for simple instructions on your application.

https://youtu.be/2f9BCmt5LSY

You'll find the link to your application at the bottom.

Keep in mind, this application is for ALL seniors, regardless of financial need.

Here is a list of the things you need:

• Social Security Number
• Alien Registration Number (if not US Citizen)
• Your most recent federal income tax returns, W-2s, & other records of money earned (Note: you may be able to transfer your federal tax return information into your FAFSA using the IRS Data Retrieval tool)
• Bank statements
• Record of investments (if applicable)
• Record of untaxed income (if applicable)
• Federal Student Aid Pin to sign electronically (if you do not already have one, visit https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm to obtain one)

This is chart of federal aid that students may qualify for. The FAFSA is also how students can apply for loans and what the colleges utilize to award school specific financial aid.

Students who plan to utilize the Tennessee Promise are required to fill the FAFSA out by February 15, 2016.

If any families need help or have questions with the FAFSA please contact the guidance department. I will be in the guidance office every Wednesdays to assist.

LINK FOR FAFSA APPLICATION

https://fafsa.ed.gov/

Need help with College Application Fees and other costs?

1. College application fees, ACT/SAT fees,  and other kinds of deposits can add up quickly. Historically, not very many seniors apply for free & reduced lunch status, but if you have that designation you can often be eligible for special fee waivers—even NCAA and NAIA. If you think you might qualify, I encourage you to check with Ms. Kim in the Café to get the paperwork started.

2. Check out schools like Berea, often called the Harvard of the South, which offers Berea’s Tuition Promise. To be eligible to be admitted to Berea your family must fall under specific income requirements, but many families that would be considered middle income in our area of the country often qualify. https://www.berea.edu/admissions/tuition-promise/

3. Consider applying for the Questbridge National College Match. This program is specifically designed for students who excel academically, but may not have the financial resources (ex: a family of four with household income less than $65,000 annually) to attend a top tier college.  You may be a perfect match for a four year scholarship from Duke, Yale, the University of Chicago, MIT or the other 34 member institutions. The FREE online application is due September 27!!!  Apply at questbridge.org.  SEE ATTACHED SCAN OF BROCHURE.

4. Because Lincoln Memorial University came to visit us personally we have a special fee waiver code to waive their application fee! Smfwaiver

5. If you have been a DE student at ETSU, you still must apply to ETSU for freshman admission. However, when you complete your online application choose

RE-ADMISSION which will keep you from being charged the fee, but still allow you to apply for freshman applicant status.

As always, ask me questions!!

Ms. Shaw

Tri-Cities Financial Aid Night!

East Tennessee State University
Tuesday, September 27th @ 6:00 p.m.
D.P. Culp University Center Auditorium

ETSU Office of Financial aid we host the annual Tri-Cities Financial Aid Night in the ETSU Culp Center Auditorium. We will provide a wealth of financial aid information to assist 2017-2018 filers with grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans. The event will be targeted to area high school students and parents but, anyone is welcome to attend.

For more information, please contact finaid@etsu.edu
Participants wishing to request disability accommodations should notify
ETSU Disability Services at 423-439-8346.

Student and Parent Information

• Tennessee Scholars Adds  

          Value to a Diploma!!

What is Tennessee Scholars?

Tennessee Scholars has a clear and focused mission: to increase the percentage of Tennessee high school graduates prepared for post-secondary education, the workforce, or the military.  It is a rewards and incentives program for students who graduate high school with the required courses and additional expectations of attendance, discipline, and volunteer service. Any student can be a Tennessee Scholar who chooses. The key to success is to prepare early.

What are the benefits for graduating as a Tennessee Scholar?                       

Tennessee Scholars requirements are the minimum requirements one needs to prepare for college. The benefits are scholarships to many Universities, job preferential hiring, recognition at graduation, obtaining the distinction of being a scholar that will be on your permanent record for the rest of your life.  You can never go back and repeat high school so become a Tennessee Scholars today. The list of participating Universities are on the website.

How do you become a Tennessee Scholar?

1. Apply by completing the application for Tennessee Scholars.

Once you and your parents sign it, return to the school counselor in charge of your class.

2. Tennessee Scholars must be documented on the checklist each year. The requirement must be completed without exception.
3. Seniors must complete the student checklist before the deadline of your senior year (usually March 1^st). Your counselor must approve your checklist to be eligible for the honor.
4. Seniors must complete the online survey for graduating seniors that is available in January of each year. (Only high school seniors should complete this survey)

Tennessee Scholars supports Tennessee Promise

All students are encouraged to sign up and complete the requirements to receive the funding from Tennessee Promise.

Job Recruiters are searching for Tennessee Scholar Graduates!!!! Don’t miss out on this opportunity! Contact your School Counselor and sign up to Become a Tennessee Scholar Today!

Requirements for Tennessee Scholars

4 years of English

4 Years of College Prep Math (Regular Bridge Math does not count as a 4^th Math for Tennessee Scholars, Sails math does count.)

3 Laboratory Sciences(Biology and Chemistry are required as 2 of those sciences, Physics preferred )

3 Years of Social Studies

2 Years of Foreign Language

1 Year of Fine Arts

Personal Finance as required by the State of Tennessee

Physical Education as required by the State of Tennessee

       2 Additional classes of your choice in any subject                                                                                         

       No class can count more than once.

Additional Workforce Development Requirements

1. No Out of School Suspension
2. Maintain 95% attendance for 4 years (No more than 36 total days missed in 4 years)
3. Maintain a C or above average in all classes. If your final class completion grade is a D or F you must retake that class and make at least a C to count that grade for the class. 
4. Perform 80 hours or more volunteer service hours to help your community. These hours must be done before school or after school and cannot be counted as a grade or for pay. Mission trips can be counted as 8 hours per day you work. Please make sure you keep a log of your hours.

All documents can be downloaded at www.tennesseescholars.org

For more information contact

Ruth Woodall, Executive Director Tennessee Scholars

615-686-8883 ruth.woodall@gmail.com

Attention Seniors!! Social Media Presence and Professional Email Address

Hi seniors,

Please, be mindful of your social media presence when applying to college.

It is vital for you to present your best self not only on your college application, but also online. Your application will tell the admissions officers about your interests, the type of student you are, and how well you performed in school. Your online presence will tell admissions officers, and future employers, how you present yourself in public, and how your projected image fits in with their particular institution. Colleges can check your online footprint to determine and admission and scholarship award. A good rule of thumb is, “if you do not want your Grandma to see it, do not post it.” This is a good time to google your name to see what admission officers will find when they research you. Scandalous pictures, offensive comments, and profanity need to be removed. It’s also a good idea to review the list of pages and groups that you’ve joined and “liked” on Facebook.

Beyond social media platforms, it’s also vital for students to have a professional working email address.  If you have an email address that it unprofessional (example: cupcake31@blank.com) then it’s time to create an email for college applications and scholarships. I recommend using your last name, first initial, and number for your email. You can create a new email through Gmail, Yahoo, or icloud.

Be aware of how you present yourself on social media. It can make all the difference between you and another student competing for admission or for a scholarship.

Sincerely, 

Jordan Lovetere

The application for the Tennessee Promise opened on August 1 so I encourage you to apply now. The Tennessee Promise will cover up to the full amount of tuition and fees at one of Tennessee’s community colleges, Tennessee Centers for Applied Technology, or other eligible institution (list on website).  Additionally, you must attend two mandatory informational meetings in order to be eligible for the scholarship.

For University School:

October 20th- 1^st Mandatory Meeting-8:30 am Media Center

April 6- 2^nd Mandatory Meeting 3:00 pm –Location to be determined.

 Complete the application and view all requirements here:   http://tnpromise.gov/

 Ms. Shaw

Hi Seniors-

I am able to nominate only one senior as a Jefferson Scholar. Please read more about the program and let me know if you would be interested. You must meet all eligibility requirements in order to be considered.

Thanks!

Ms. Shaw

 
Dear Ms. Shaw:

I am pleased to announce that the Jefferson Scholars Foundation at the University of Virginia is now accepting nominations for the Jefferson Scholars Class of 2021.

Jefferson Scholarships provide full tuition, fees, and a living stipend for four years of undergraduate study at U.Va., plus a number of generous enrichment benefits including a study abroad experience.  I encourage you to learn more about the scholarship, the selection criteria, and the multi-stage selection process by visiting the Foundation’s website and reviewing our nomination brochure.

No Wondering! No Waiting! Know in a Moc Minute!

When our Chattanooga Power C Tour comes to your town, interested Freshman students who bring all of their application materials* with them will be admitted in a Moc Minute! 

 Representatives from Admissions, Scholarships, Financial Aid, Housing and Student Success will be on hand to answer questions. Meet current UTC students and faculty to find out how you can achieve the UTC experience.

The information for the Moc Minute program has now been updated. Registration will open soon. http://www.utc.edu/admissions/mocminute.php

Attend UTK Honors Program Information Session September 13 in Kingsport!

Top-notch Tennessee.  September 13th, 7:00 p.m., Renaissance Center, Kingsport, TN.  RSVP:  Email sarahhunter@utk.edu

College representatives will visit our school on the dates below. Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors are invited to attend during lunch or Study Hall. If you attend during Study Hall, be sure to sign in at the library so that you will not be counted absent!

August 25   ETSU   12-1

September 1   Senior College Fair   10-12
                        Wofford College   12-1

October 18   Austin-Peay   12-1

As of August 9, 2016: Youth Leadership:   The Johnson City Chamber of Commerce has 10 slots still available for the 2016-17 program.  Please let Ms. Shaw know if you are interested in applying.  Thank you. 

Click here for Youth Leadership 2020 Information/Applications

Hi Seniors-

We have made it through the first major deadline of the college application season, but there will be a new one coming up about every two weeks through the end of March depending on where you plan to apply. In order to ensure that your materials are submitted in a timely fashion, please follow these guidelines:

1. My email address should always be entered as shawa@etsu.edu. This is extremely important! Even though I receive emails into my inbox from multiple addresses only this address is linked to the Common Application, the UTK VIP Portal, SendEDU, Parchment, etc. If you inadvertently use a different email address, I may not know that you have requested information. This happened to several students who had a November 1 deadline. Go back into all your applications and check. Also, email me or come by the office to verify that I received your request.
   
   
2. DO NOT WAIT to enter my information into your Common Application or other online application until you are ready to submit. I need access to your Common Application a MINIMUM of two weeks before it is due. It takes me several hours to complete my part of your application about 4 pages. If you submit the day before it is due I may not even know that you submitted it until it is too late especially on weekends.
   
   
3. If you have applications due on December 15 or January 1, I need to receive any recommendation/transcript requests (these should be official online links or printed forms) by December 1. The last full working day for faculty and staff is December 10 so please be considerate when making requests of faculty/staff.
   
   
4. If you need a recommendation from me (all common applications require it), then I need a resume or Recommendation Self-Assessment from you at the time you make the request. Please plan to provide this kind of information when you make requests of teachers too.

 I want to give you the best chance of being admitted and receiving scholarship money! Strong applications take time, thoughtfulness and consideration. Please help me and the rest of the faculty to give you our best. 

Ms. Shaw

New college catalogs, applications, and information are received each day. Come by the counseling office to browse the catalog shelf or the college files. Materials may be checked out for use.

College Applications & Recommendations

The Common Application makes it easy to apply to multiple colleges and universities through one application. Access the application at www.commonapp.org. You will need email addresses for the people you would like to invite to recommend you.

EOC Make-up Mandatory - End of Course Exams Mandatory: please remember that this exam counts as 25% of their second semester grade so make-up is mandatory

Check out this link to learn how to have transcripts sent from ETSU. Remember you must have them sent directly from college to college. I won't be able to send them for you.

https://www.etsu.edu/reg/records/transcripts.php

Hi Seniors-

As I am beginning to send health and shot records to colleges and universities (usually goes with your transcript) I am noticing some patterns of missing items. Take this time while you are on break to check in with your doctor to be sure that your immunizations are up to date. The vaccination most commonly missing from the health records is the second varicella booster (chicken pox). I have discovered that many of you have actually had the booster, but that the health record in our school files is not the most current. Simply giving me or the nurse a new copy of your record will fix that problem.

Most colleges and universities will require that you have 2 doses of varicella vaccine (or proof of disease), 2 doses of MMR vaccine, 3 doses of Hep B (HBV) vaccine and to live on campus a Meningococcal vaccine within the last five years.

Please check the exact requirements of the colleges that you plan to attend and go ahead and get these vaccinations out of the way if you can. It is amazing the way an incomplete health record can put the brakes on your college application!

For those of you who have chosen not to be vaccinated for reasons of religious exemption please note that you still have to have a state health record certified by your doctors office or the health department declaring those exemptions and you will probably also have to provide additional documentation to individual colleges and universities. I am not knowledgeable about the exemption process, but if you need help with that then we can figure it out together.

Ms. Shaw

Mini-Manuals and Powerpoints

http://getin2college.com/private/minis.php

User name: 2014 Password: APPLY2 (all caps)

Access the non-public website at the location below. There you will find other materials such as worksheets and checklists, summer programs for high school students, planning calendars, etc. There are also helpful links to other resources found on the internet. Information will be updated on this site throughout the year so check back often. You must use this link, as you cannot get to this from our public website:

http://getin2college.com/protected/websource.php

User name: 2014 Password: GETIN2 (use all caps)

 Check out www.ChristianConnector.com if you are interested in Christian college information and scholarship opportunities.

If anyone is considering applying to Liberty University, I have a special code to waive your application fee. See me if you are interested.

Here is a link for information about volunteer opportunities at the VA:

http://www.mountainhome.va.gov/giving/index.asp

Exploring College Options is a special recruitment program sponsored by the undergraduate admissions offices of five of the country's leading universities: Duke University, Georgetown University, Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Stanford University. During the spring or fall of each year, the Exploring College Options group will visit all 50 states, Puerto Rico, USVI and the District of Columbia. At each event, representatives from the five universities will conduct brief slide presentations about their institution and answer your questions about the sometimes-mystifying world of college admissions. You will learn what distinguishes one fine university from another, what competitive colleges look for in the selection process, and what you can do to enhance your college application.

The programs start promptly at 7:30pm, so we suggest arriving 15 to 20 minutes beforehand to complete the sign-in process and find a seat. Programs typically last one and a half hours. Please feel free to bring your parent or guardian to the program, and if you have a friend who you think might be interested, please direct him/her to this website for registration information.

I have new online ACT prep accounts for you paid for by the Niswonger Foundation. If you would like to have a new account, please come by my office to pick up a username and password. Please plan to stay long enough to activate your account while in my office. For those of you taking a September or October exam I urge you to arrange for an account before break begins!!!

Individual Registration & Login Instructions

Please follow the instructions below to begin using Kuder Navigator an online educational and career planning system for today's middle school and high school students.

Registration

• Go to the Kuder Navigator at http://www.kudernavigator.com.
• Select New Users from the Login Area to begin the registration process.
• Select Student and choose your grade level from the drop down menu.
• Click Continue to create your account.
• During the process you will need to create a unique user name and password. Write down your user name and password for future reference.
• You will also be asked to enter your Activation Code that was provided by your school.

(SEE MS. SHAW FOR AN ACCESS CODE)

• Be sure to check the box next to "I have read and agree to the terms and conditions of use " after reading this information.
• Click Register to complete the process.

Navigator Home Page

Once you have created your account, you will be directed to your Navigator home page. To access the system's tools and resources select a tab from the top navigation menu. Your home page also provides a link your messages, to do list, recommended links, and account information where you can update your profile, upload a photo, and change your grade level each year.

Taking an Assessment

The first step in the educational and career planning process is learning about yourself.

• Click on Learn About Myself from the top navigation menu.
  • 6th Graders: Choose Interest Checklist to learn about your interests in the six Career Fields.
  • 7-8th Graders: Choose My Interests or My Skills. To get started, you will select your desired education level/degree that you plan to attain.
  • 9-12th Graders: Choose Take an Assessment and click on one of the assessment titles. To get started, you will select the desired education level/degree that you plan to attain.
• Once you complete the assessments, use your results and the other available tools from the top navigation menu to support your ongoing education and career exploration and planning.

Logging In

To re-enter your account, go to http://www.kudernavigator.com, select Log In, and enter your user name and password.

Hi Seniors! The Niswonger Foundation has purchased a site license for our high school students for ACT Online Prepmaking it FREE! If you are taking the ACT in December let me know so that I can move your name to the top of the list to get a code.

Ms. Shaw

If you are male and you have turned 18, you are required to register for the Selective Service. State and Federal financial aid monies will not be disbursed if you are not registered.

Hi Seniors-

Hope to play college athletics? If you would like to potentially play a sport in college or even talk with a coach about the possibility of playing, then you must be registered with NAIA or NCAA or both. You can find the required agency on the athletic page of most colleges and universities. To register with NAIA please go to http://www.playnaia.org/ and for NCAA go to http://web1.ncaa.org/ECWR2/NCAA_EMS/NCAA.jsp. Most colleges also ask you to complete a recruitment survey on their website so that they know about your interest. Be sure to talk with your coach about what you need to do to prepare to play at the college level!

Just a reminder that if you hope to play sports at the collegiate level, you may need to register for athletic eligibility. Below are the registration websites where you can register:

NCAA:

http://web1.ncaa.org/ECWR2/NCAA_EMS/NCAA.html

NAIA:

http://www.playnaia.org/index.php

I know that I have recently spoken with several of you about courses transferring from a community college to a four year college in Tennessee. Check out this website to get more complete information:

http://www.tntransferpathway.org/

Fastweb - scholarship search resources 

http://www.fastweb.com/content/educator_link_to_fastweb

Register to take the ACT at www.act.org

-Be sure to take any SAT II: Subject Tests that may be required for college admission! Register at www.collegeboard.com.