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GET YOUR HANDS ON
A THOUSAN SISTERS

A Thousand Sisters, a CAMPUS READS book, is available at the SVC Library in print as well as in e-book format on KINDLE FIRE.

You can check out a Kindle from the library with this book loaded onto it.

Check out the CAMPUS READS discussion about the book by linking from the GLOBAL FEST page on the college Web site.

For more information contact Margret Mills,  Public Services Librarian.

Updated: 1/27/2012 2:56:51 PM
CLUB DAY
JANUARY 31st

Get connected! Join a campus club. Many to choose from! Come to Club Day at noon on Tuesday, January 31. Each club will provide information about their focus, and the events that they sponsor.

For more information, contact the Office of Student Life.

Updated: 1/27/2012 2:51:33 PM
Free Online Tutoring
is now available!!

All SVC students now have access to free online tutoring through the Northwest eTutoring Consortium!

Students can access eTutoring from any computer with an internet connection, even from home!

  Subjects eTutors can help with include:

  • Writing
  • Math – Developmental through  Calculus, and Statistics
  • Sciences – Anatomy & Physiology, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
  • Accounting, Economics
  • MS Office, Web Development
  • Spanish

eTutoring Services Include:

  • eWriting Lab: Submit a draft of your paper to an eTutor, ask for specific feedback, and receive your work back with an eTutor’s response usually within 24-48 hours.
  • eChat: Meet live with an eTutor in one-on-one tutoring sessions via a fully interactive, virtual online environment.
  • eQuestions: Leave a specific question in any subject for an eTutor. You will receive a response within 48 hours (usually sooner).

How do you get started? Log on to eTutoring at:

http://www.skagit.edu/etutor

You’ll find instructions for how to log on here!

This service is made possible through your Skagit Valley College Student Technology Fee.

Questions?  Please contact:

Jane Jansen jane.jansen@skagit.edu 360-416-7852

Updated: 1/27/2012 2:41:38 PM
BELLY DANCING
WITH ASTARTE

Learn how to belly dance with Astarte. This is a fit way to spend your Monday! Astarte will be teaching Feb. 20 and 27 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Phillip Tarro Theatre.

Updated: 1/27/2012 2:26:07 PM
DROP-IN TUTORING
NOW AVAILABLE!

Drop-in math tutors are available this quarter in both the Math Center (located in the General Use Computer Lab, F-212), and the Tutoring Center (located in Lewis Hall, L-20) at the following times:

In the Math Center:
 Monday thru Thursday 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Friday 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

In the Tutoring Center:
 Monday thru Thursday 9:30 a.m.  – 12:30 p.m.

Please note: additional hours will be available, so watch for schedule updates.

Tutors can help with most levels of math. Some tutors can also help with science courses.

Check with Jane Jansen in L-19 for availability. Take advantage of this free service early in the quarter!

Call Jane at 416-7852 if you have any questions.

Updated: 1/27/2012 2:19:42 PM
WRITING TUTORS
AVAILABLE

Writing tutors are now available in the Tutoring Center at Lewis Hall in room L-20 for help with English and other writing assignments.

The winter quarter schedule is as follows:

Mondays
 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Tuesdays
 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Wednesdays
 10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Thursdays
 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Fridays
 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

For more information contact Jane Jansen at 416-7852.

Updated: 1/27/2012 2:10:01 PM
SVC vs EDMONDS

The SVC women's and men's basketball teams will battle it out against Edmonds at this home game.

The women's teams will begin at 5 p.m., and the men's teams will start at about 7 p.m.

Contact Roger Valentine at 416-7827 or Steve Epperson at 416-7771 for further information.

Updated: 1/27/2012 1:50:33 PM
19 EASY HOME
WINTERIZATION PROJECTS

Make your home feel warmer without turning up the heat this winter. With these winterization tips, you'll save energy without spending much money (and you might even qualify for $500-$1,500 in tax credits).

1. Dodge the Draft(s)
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, drafts can waste 5% to 30% of your energy use. Start simple and adopt that old Great Depression fixture -- the draft snake, which you can easily make yourself. Just place a rolled bath towel under a drafty door, or make a more attractive DIY draft snake with googly eyes, felt tongues and the like. You can use any scraps of fabric -- even neckties -- and fill with sand or kitty litter for heft. Make sure drafts aren't giving your thermostat a false reading too, and read on for more advanced solutions.

2. Change Furnace Filters
Yes it's easy to forget, but it's important to replace or clean furnace filters once a month during the heating season. Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy demand. Here's a worry-saving tip: mark a monthly check on your calendar. Better, consider switching to a permanent filter, which will reduce waste and hassle. Did you know that disposable fiberglass filters trap a measly 10 to 40% of debris? Electostatic filters trap around 88%, and are much better at controlling the bacteria, mold, viruses and pollen that cause illness and irritation. They cost $50 to $1,000 or more. Another good choice is a genuine HEPA filter (like the one pictured), which can remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles. HEPA filters are based on Department of Energy standards. But avoid "HEPA-like" filters, which can be vastly less effective. If your entire furnace is in need of replacement, it will cost a lot more -- but replacing an inefficient burner for a modern machine will save you every month through the heating season. Be sure to take advantage of federal tax credits for new furnaces, which can cover 30% of the cost, up to $1,500. (Note: 2011 tax credits are less generous.) 

3. Run Fans in Reverse
Most people think of fans only when they want to be cool, but many ceiling units come with a handy switch that reverses the direction of the blades. Counterclockwise rotation produces cooling breezes while switching to clockwise makes it warmer: air pooled near the ceiling is circulated back into the living space - cutting your heating costs as much as 10%!

4. Winterize Your A/C and Water Lines
This one's really easy, and it will even save you a few pennies next summer, too: Simply drain any hoses and air conditioner pipes, and make sure you don't have excess water pooled in equipment. If your a/c has a water shutoff valve, go ahead and turn that off.

Similarly, make sure any hoses are drained and stowed away neatly. Turn off exterior water spigots. It's also a good idea to seal any water leaks around the place -- and don't forget to remove any window A/C units and store them so you don't invite cold drafts all winter.

If you're in the market for a new air conditioner, the federal government will reimburse 30% of the cost for an efficient central air system, up to $1,500. (Note: 2011 tax credits are less generous.)

5. Turn Down Your Water Heater
While many conventional water heaters are set to 140 degrees F by installers, most households don't need that much steam, and end up paying for it -- in dollars and the occasional scalding burn. Lowering the temperature to 120 degrees F (or lower) would reduce your water heating costs by 6% to 10%. If you start to wonder why you need a tank at all, then you may be ready for a tankless water heater, or to go solar. If you are in the market for a new water heater, take advantage of the federal tax credit, which pays 30% of the cost for solar water heaters, or up to $1,500 for conventional systems. (Note: 2011 tax credits are less generous).

6. Install Storm Doors and Windows
The simple act of installing a storm door can increase energy efficiency by 45%, by sealing drafts and reducing air flow. Storm doors also offer greater flexibility for letting light and ventilation enter your home. Look for Energy Star-certified models. Similarly, storm windows can make a huge difference when the cold wind starts blowing. It may be a pain, but it is well worth it to get them out of the shed or attic and install them for the season. (Make sure each is securely shut -- they don't do much good if you leave them in the up position by mistake!) Efficient doors, windows and skylights qualify for a federal tax credit covering 30% of the cost, up to $1,500. (Note: 2011 tax credits are less generous.) 

7. Give Your Heating System a Tune-Up
You probably already know that cars need periodic tune-ups in order to run their best. Well the same is true for heating equipment. Keeping your furnace clean, lubricated and properly adjusted will reduce energy use, saving up to 5% of heating costs.

The good news is many utilities offer free annual checkups by qualified technicians -- but you often have to call early, as HVAC crews get backed up once heating season starts. Some furnace manufacturers and dealers also offer free or discounted inspections.

If your entire furnace is in need of replacement, it will cost a lot more -- but replacing an inefficient burner for a modern machine will save you every month through the heating season. Be sure to take advantage of federal tax credits for new furnaces, which can cover 30% of the cost, up to $1,500. (Note: 2011 tax credits are less generous.)

8. Mind That Thermostat
It's easy to forget to turn down the heat when you leave the building, but doing so is one of the surest ways to save money. Most households shell out 50 to 70% of their energy budgets on heating and cooling, so why pay for what no one uses? For every degree you lower the thermostat during heating season, you'll save between 1 and 3% of your heating bill. Make it easier with a programmable thermostat; they are widely available for as little as $50, and the average family will save $180 a year with one.

Go a step further and ask your local utility if it's making smart meters available in your area, as part of recent federal smart grid investments.

9. Put Up Some Plastic
For just a few dollars, pick up a window insulation kit at your local hardware or discount store. Don't worry -- properly installed, window plastic is essentially invisible. Adding a buffer against drafts and extra still air space can give a nice boost to your home's ability to hold heat.

Save even more by hiring a pro to install a high-tech "low-e" film directly to the window glass. If your windows are old, consider investing in a set of efficient windows -- which qualify for a federal tax credit covering 30% of the cost, up to $1,500. (Note: 2011 tax credits are less generous.)

10. Use an Energy Monitor
Measure your way to savings with an energy monitor (pictured is the TED, The Energy Detective, which starts at $139). Such a device indicates household electrical usage in real time and projects your monthly bill. Research has found that such info leads consumers to reduce their electricity consumption significantly.

In fact, according to the company you'll save 15%-20% on each bill, which would amount to hundreds of dollars a year. By seeing exactly how much each appliance or activity costs, you'll start seeing easy ways to cut waste. Go a step further and ask your local utility if it's making smart meters available in your area, as part of recent federal smart grid investments.

11. Use Caulking and Weatherstriping
Simple leaks can sap home energy efficiency by 5% to 30% a year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. That means it pays to seal up gaps with caulking and weatherstripping. Take a close look at places where two different building materials meet, such as corners, around chimneys, where pipes or wires exit and along the foundation. Use the incense test: carefully (avoiding drapes and other flammables) move a lit stick along walls; where the smoke wavers, you have air sneaking in. And heating or cooling sneaking out.

In another method, have someone on the outside blow a hair dryer around each window while you hold a lighted candle inside. If the candle flickers or goes out, you need to caulk or weather strip around the frame.

Low-income households can qualify for an average of $6,500 worth of weatherization improvements to their homes through government programs administered by each state. Find out about your state's program by contacting local energy agencies.

12. Put on a Sweater
Make like Jimmy Carter and dress warmer for winter, even inside. Gone are the days (for most of us at least) when we can afford to lounge around in our underwear while it's frosty outside. Remember what we said about each degree on the thermostat costing you money?

Roughly speaking, a light long-sleeved sweater is worth about 2 degrees in added warmth, while a heavy sweater (even the ugliest of ugly sweaters) adds about 4 degrees. So cozy up and start saving.

13. Boost Insulation
It may not seem sexy, but insulation is one of the best ways to save energy and money at home. It can make a big difference to add more insulation between walls, and make sure your attic floor and basement ceiling are well covered. The federal government will reimburse you for 30% of the cost, up to $1,500 for highly efficient insulation. (Note: 2011 tax credits are less generous.) Additionally, low-income households can qualify for an average of $6,500 worth of weatherization improvements to their homes through government programs administered by each state. Find out about your state's program by contacting local energy agencies.

14. Insulate Your Pipes
Pay less for hot water by insulating pipes. That can also help decrease the chance of pipes freezing, which can be disastrous. Check to see if your pipes are warm to the touch. If so, they are good candidates for insulation. (Use the same method to determine if your hot water heater would benefit from some insulation).

You can get pre-slit pipe foam at most hardware stores. Cut it to size and fasten in place with duct tape. Ideally, choose the insulation with the highest R-value practical, which is a measure of its heat-blocking power. Pipe insulation is often R-3 or, for batt styles that you wrap around, a stronger R-7.

The federal government will reimburse you for 30% of the cost, up to $1,500 for highly efficient insulation. (Note: 2011 tax credits are less generous.) Additionally, low-income households can qualify for an average of $6,500 worth of weatherization improvements to their homes through government programs administered by each state. Find out about your state's program by contacting contacting local agencies and utilities.

15. Seal Those Ducts
Moving even deeper into your home's infrastructure ... one encounters ductwork. Studies show 10% to 30% of heated (or cooled) air in an average system escapes from ducts. Therefore, it could pay to hire a professional technician to come out and test your duct system, and fix any problems. Properly sealing ducts can save the average home up to $140 annually, according to the American Solar Energy Society. Plus, you'll have better protection against mold and dust.

Many utilities offer incentive programs for duct improvement. Be wary of "duct cleaning" services, however; absent an air quality problem, most homes don't need their ducts cleaned.

Additionally, low-income households can qualify for an average of $6,500 worth of weatherization improvements to their homes through government programs administered by each state. Find out about your state's program by contacting local energy agencies.

16. Take Advantage of Tax Credits
A host of lucrative tax credits can help homeowners install renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Various local, state and federal incentives exist to encourage the use of efficient windows and doors, insulation, roofing, HVAC (including geothermal ground source heat pumps) water heaters (including solar water heaters) and alternative energy technologies, like solar power, geothermal heating and cooling, biomass stoves, small wind turbines and even fuel cells. Learn about local incentives by searching this Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency.

Learn more about geothermal heating and cooling from Climate Master, one of The Daily Green's past sponsors.

17. Choose the Right Contractor
To choose which project to tackle first, it may help to try perform your own energy audit, or, if some of these improvements prove to be a little ambitious for you, hire an expert. But how do you get someone who shares your values? Green building pros are setting up shop all across the country, so they're getting easier to find. The Department of Energy certifies Energy Star home performance contractors, who are trained to improve energy efficiency in residential homes. (Be careful: many state and federal incentives require that the work be done by a certified contractor -- so check the rules before hiring anyone.) Ask potential contractors about their interest in and experience with going green, and find out if they are approved for work that qualifies for a green home label.

18. Get Creative and Go Alternative
Various local, state and federal incentives exist to encourage the use of alternative energy technologies, like solar panels, geothermal heating and cooling, biomass stoves, small wind turbines and even fuel cells -- all of which require a front-end investment that typically pays itself off in energy savings over a number of years.

Whereas most incentives for energy efficiency improvements are capped at $1,500 -- incentives for most household alternative energies cover fully 30% of the cost of, with no cap. (Learn more about geothermal heating and cooling from Climate Master, one of The Daily Green's sponsors).

Or, you can get creative. Tired of paying to chill food when it's cold outside? Take advantage of natural cool air by rigging up an ambient air refrigerator (pictured here) on the side of your dwelling. The process is more simple than you might think. You just need some wood, insulation and a couple of computer fans. Get all the details for your own super fridge here.

19. Upgrade to an Efficient Furnace
Thankfully it's not something you have to do every year (or even every decade), but if your furnace is old you could save a lot of money in the long run (and improve your home's value) by upgrading to a new unit.

Make it an Energy Star-certified furnace and you'll save 15% to 20% versus standard new models. You could save 50% or more compared with many old furnaces still in operation. Be sure to take advantage of federal tax credits for new furnaces, which can cover 30% of the cost, up to $1,500. (Note: 2011 tax credits are less generous).

Updated: 1/12/2012 2:08:07 PM
JOIN THE
CRIMINAL JUSTICE CLUB!

For those of you interested in Criminal Justice, this is a great club to join. Club meets every Wednesday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in room T-45.

For more information contact Rory at Rsilva4230@mysvc.skagit.edu.

Updated: 1/11/2012 3:02:12 PM
HOT SALSA NIGHTS
IN OAK HARBOR

Come and dance the salsa at the Oak Harbor Elks Lodge on Friday, February 10 from 8 to 11 pm. Dance lessons from 7:30-8 pm.

Tickets: $5 student • $7 public. Tickets at the cashier's window.

For more information contact Lourdes at 679-5311.

Updated: 1/10/2012 3:02:47 PM
JOIN THE
RAINBOW ALLIANCE!

This campus club exist to give support and promote the welfare of lesbian, bisexual and gay students, faculty and staff at Skagit Valley College and the surrounding community. We hold weekly meetings as well as occasional support groups and movie nights.

Everything said in our meetings or at our events, as well as the identities of those involved, are strictly confidential.

Meetings are every Tuesday at 12:30 to 1:20 p.m. in N-120 (Nelson Hall).

Learn more by visiting www.facebook.com/svc.rainbowalliance or email us at rainbowalliance@mysvc.skagit.edu

Updated: 1/10/2012 2:36:47 PM
Skagit Valley College
Presents
GlobalFest 2012

Enjoy a wonderfully prepared international dinner as you dine with friends from other countries! After a sumptuous meal, you will have the opportunity to listen to keynote speaker Lisa Shannon.

Lisa, humanitarian and author of A Thousand Sisters: My Journey of Hope into the Worst Place on Earth to be a Woman, will share her personal story of awakening to the horror of atrocities against women in the war-torn African Congo, her determination to make a difference, and what she learned from these courageous women.

Lisa also founded Run for Congo Women, a grassroots series of runs/walks taking place throughout the U.S. and Europe. These events have raised more than a million dollars in sponsorships that help support Congolese women.

She is featured in O Magazine's "2010 Power List", Shape Magazine's "2010 Women Who Shape the World" and Nicholas Kristof's "DIY Foreign Aid" in New York Times Magazine's piece on women social entrepreneurs.

You can reserve your tickets to this special event by going to the McIntyre Hall box office located at 2501 E. College Way, which is close to Skagit Valley College. You can also reserve your seats by calling (360) 416-7727 x2 or toll free (866) 624-6897. You can also get tickets by going to www.mcintyrehall.org.

Updated: 12/1/2011 2:41:18 PM
SPECIAL
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
WEB PAGE OFFERED!

Your SVC Student Government is excited to present a new Moodle website that is now available to you. This Moodle page will allow you:

  • To be able to chat with members of your Student Government.
  • Access to Student Government minutes and agendas.
  • Access to information about events for students that are going on around the school.
  • Share your thoughts about issues, ideas, and things that you would like to see changed.
To take full advantage of the great features of this new website, you must first register by:
  1. Logging into your Moodle account.
  2. Locate the search courses bar.
  3. Search “student government”
  4. Click on the class.
  5. When asked if you want to enroll, click “yes”
What does Student Government do?
  • Make decisions on school related matters like approving clubs, deciding where student money is to be spent, and solving student issues.
  • Represents the students on committees such as Tech Fee Committee (decides where technology money is to be spent), S&A (decides how much money each part of the school gets), and Instruction Committee (reviews issues like learning communities and LIA).
We hope you will join this site, as your opinions and ideas are important to us.
Updated: 11/9/2011 3:32:32 PM
ONLINE
CLASSIFIEDS FOR
SVC STUDENTS!

Check out the SVC Student Classifieds page with carpool resources, books for sale, and information about apartment rentals.

Go to www.skagit.edu/directory. Click on SVC Student Classifieds link.

If you have any questions about the Student Online Classifieds, come visit us at the Office of Student Life. We can help you understand how to use this important resource.

Updated: 9/22/2011 3:11:15 PM
FACULTY AT
SVC LIBRARY CAN
HELP YOU WITH YOUR
RESEARCH PROJECTS!

Stressed out by classes, homework and assignments? Take a deep breath. The Norwood Cole Library faculty can help save you time on your research projects!

Updated: 9/20/2011 3:11:14 PM
CHECK OUT
MINI LAPTOPS
AT THE LIBRARY!

Students may check out mini laptops for 3 days at the Norwood Cole Library.

Laptops include free wireless.

Laptops are paid for by student tech fees.

Updated: 9/19/2011 2:57:53 PM
FREE FOOD! Yes ! ! FREE POPCORN is available in the Student Leadership room every Thursday at 1 to 3 pm. This is for staff and students. So start grazing!
Updated: 9/16/2011 2:37:13 PM
FREE PARKING PERMIT
DECALS ARE REQUIRED!

Parking permit decals are required at the Mount Vernon Campus and are available at no additional cost.

On August 31 and from September 12 to 23 you can pickup up your permit decal at the Campus Center Lobby Information Desk. Any other time, pickup your permit at the Security Office — Room T34.

Parking permits are mandatory for all vehicles parked on campus during daytime classes between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Faculty and staff parking decals are required for faculty and staff parking.

Students are not permitted to use visitor or staff parking at any time.

A map, detailing designated student parking, is available at the information desk in the lobby of the Gary Knutzen Cardinal Center building.

If you have any questions, visit the Security office in Walter Roberts Hall or call 416-7777.

Updated: 8/30/2011 3:24:38 PM
COMPUTERS AVAILABLE
ON CAMPUS!

If you need a computer to complete your class assignments or homework, check out the Computer Lab in F104 or the Norwood Cole Library.

Updated: 8/3/2011 2:04:03 PM
SAVE ON BUS FARES

For $25 a quarter you can purchase a SKAT sticker which is affixed to your Student Body Card. Go to the cashier's booth in Admissions to purchase your card.

Island County buses are FREE and connect with SKAT in Mount Vernon.

This can significantly save you on the costs of bus transportation and reduce your carbon foot print!

You can travel on the cheap to and from local community areas along with Oak Harbor, Everett and Bellingham!

Take advantage of this great deal!

Updated: 7/13/2011 2:28:23 PM
Free Online Tutoring
is now available!!

All SVC students now have access to free online tutoring through the Northwest eTutoring Consortium!

Students can access eTutoring from any computer with an internet connection, even from home!

Subjects eTutors can help with include:

  • Writing
  • Math – Developmental through  Calculus, and Statistics
  • Sciences – Anatomy & Physiology, Biology, and Chemistry
  • Accounting and MS Office 2007, Web development
  • Spanish

eTutoring Services Include:

  • eWriting Lab allows students to submit a draft of their paper to an eTutor, ask for specific feedback, and receive their work back with an eTutor’s response within 24-48 hours.
  • eChat allows students to meet live with an eTutor in one-on-one tutoring sessions via a fully interactive, virtual online environment.
  • eQuestions allows students to leave a specific question in any subject for an eTutor. They will receive a response within 48 hours (usually sooner).

How do students get started? Students will find log in instructions for eTutoring at:

http://www.skagit.edu/etutor

You’ll find instructions for how to log on here!

This service is made possible through your Skagit Valley College Student Technology Fee.

Questions?  Please contact:

Jane Jansen at jane.jansen@skagit.edu or call 360-416-7852

Updated: 7/12/2011 3:05:27 PM
S-O-S
STUDENT
ONLINE SUPPORT

Do you have trouble logging in, understanding your computer or your email? Does the Moodle Muddle have you scratching your head? Contact SOS!!

SOS stands for Student Online Support.

Updated: 6/2/2011 3:32:01 PM
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