IUP kicks off its ever-present Six O'Clock Series Monday, Sept. 13 at 6 p.m. in the HUB Ohio Room. The Six O'Clock Series is a weekly, 90-minute event covering student-relevant topics ranging from finances to politics to social networking and more.
It has been an institution of IUP student life for years and offers guest speakers and panels over the course of the semester. All Six O'Clock Series events are free.
In addition to often being enriching experiences in their own right, some professors incorporate the Series into their classes as mandatory events or extra-credit opportunities.
The first of this semester's series is "Just What Did They Intend?," an interactive historical panel in which students can discuss the U.S. Constitution with founding fathers Ben Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, George Clinton, Charles Pickney, James Madison and John Dickenson.
The Sept. 20 lecture is "Financial Literacy." A representative of AES/PHEAA will give a presentation on the world of finance from the student's point of view, covering taking out and repaying loans and establishing and cultivating favorable credit.
"Make a Difference, Not Just a Paycheck," on Sept. 27, features a discussion of the value of becoming an active member of the campus and community in an increasingly competitive job market.
At "Responding to Violence," on Oct. 4, a group of local panelists will discuss safety and violence at the community level.
On Oct. 11, Stephen Skinner, Esq. presents "Out in Rural America," a lecture drawn from professional and personal experience on his continuing quest for fairness.
Barbara Ehrenreich, the author of "Nickel and Dimed," this year's Common Freshman Reader, will discuss her book on Oct. 18. This Six O'Clock Series will take place in Fisher Auditorium.
Oct. 25's event is "Building Your Community." Dr. Al Condeluci, CEO UPC/Class, will present on achieving a "community where each belongs."
"Social Networking and Advancing Your Career" will take place on Nov. 1. Barry Davis, an expert in social networking and director of Career Services at LMA Consulting Group, explains how to incorporate social networking into career-building.
"Counterinsurgency Operations in Afghanistan," on Nov. 8, will cover the geopolitical challenges presented by counterinsurgency operations.
The semester's final Six O'Clock Series, "Experiential Learning: National Student Exchange and Alternative Spring Break," will take place on Nov. 15, covering opportunities for learning outside the classroom.
Six O'Clock Series events from previous years include a presentation by the founder of PostSecret, "Studied Abroad andLived to Tell About It," "Roadtrip Nation," and "Revelation of a Redneck."
More information on the Six O'Clock Series can be found on the IUP website and at the Center for Student Life in Pratt Hall room 303.
The office is open from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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