Free For All Friday

Good morning, Ashby!

Free for all Friday is here once again. Here are the events taking place this weekend:

Friday

JMU Brass Band, 8:00 PM, Wilson Hall, $2

Saturday

JMU Wind Symphony, 1:00 PM, Wilson Hall, free

“Lineage: The Margaret Walker Song Cycle", 4:00 PM, Festival Highlands Room, free

Men's Basketball vs. Drexel, 7:00 PM

Friday and Saturday

Oklahoma! 8:00 PM, Latimer-Shaeffer Theatre, $12

The Princess and the Frog, 7:00 PM, Grafton Stovall Theatre

Brothers, 9:30 PM, Grafton Stovall Theatre

Sunday

Oklahoma! 2:00 PM, Latimer-Shaeffer Theatre, $12

Women's Basketball vs. William & Mary, 2:00 PM

JMU Treble Chamber Choir, 6:30 PM, Muhlenberg Lutheran Church

Mozart/Schuman Concert, 8:00 PM, Anthony-Seeger, free

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Spring Break Closing

Good morning, Ashby!

You should be attending a community meeting with your RA this week. At that meeting you will be discussing checking out for Spring Break! Here are some important notes to remember:

• You must sign up for a check-out time with your RA 24 hours in advance.
• You must exit the building by 5 pm on Friday, March 5
• The building re-opens at 12 noon on Sunday, March 14
• You can leave your refrigerator and fish tanks plugged in....everything else must be un-plugged.
• Any questions??? See me or your RA!

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Safety and Security

Good morning, Ashby!

I wanted to take some time out today to remind you about some important safety and security concerns within residence halls.

• Piggy backing- this is when you allow someone that does not live in the building to follow you in through the front door. This gives someone who does not live here access to the entire building. All guests of the building must be escorted through the building by their host.
• Locking doors- be a smartie and lock your door! It is too easy to get things stolen from your room or allow people you do not want into you room. Save yourself to the stress and hassle and lock your door!
• Do not give your keys or ID to other people. Again, this gives them free access to the building and to your room. You may think you can trust people, but the only way to be certain is to take safety precautions!

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Through the Eyes of a Woman

Good morning, Ashby!

I wanted to let you know about a program taking place tonight at 7:00 pm in Grafton-Stovall Theatre. It is called Through the Eyes of a Woman.

A night of artistic expression about women's experiences, feelings, and history. Don't miss this evening of poetry, song, dance, skits and celebration of Womanhood! Sponsored by The Center for Multicultural Student Services and Student Wellness and Outreach.

I hope you'll consider going to the program! Take a study break and go celebrate the women in your life or your own womanhood!

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Maintenance Monday

Good morning, Ashby!

I hope that you were able to get out and enjoy some of the warmer weather this weekend! It felt so good to see some sunshine and not have to wear tons of layers of clothing!

Here are your items for Maintenance Monday this week:

1. This week your RAs will be hosting community meetings to talk about closing information for Spring Break! Make sure you attend so you know how to properly check-out.

2. Check your email! This is just a friendly reminder that you should always be checking your email as a student at JMU. This is an official way for the staff of JMU to communicate with you and it is your responsibility to check it and assure you are getting all the necessary information. Please, check it and respond in a timely manner!

That's it for this week!

Until next time..

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Free For All Friday

Good morning, Ashby!

I can't believe it's the weekend already!!! Either way- here is your rundown of events on campus this weekend:

Friday

Taste of Africa, 6:30 PM, Festival Ballroom

Fiesta Night, 10:00 PM, TDU

Baseball vs. Marist

Friday and Saturday

Precious, 7:00 PM, Grafton Stovall Theatre

New Moon, 9:30 PM, Grafton Stovall Theatre

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Taste of Africa

Good morning, Ashby!

I am here to tell you about an event that is taking place on Friday evening in the Festival Ballroom. It is called the Taste of Africa and it is put on by the African Student Organization, of which RA Edgar is the president! Here's a snipet about the show:

The African Student Organization presents their ANNUAL cultural show, TASTE OF AFRICA 2010: RECONNECT on Friday, February 19th* at 6:30pm (doors open at 6pm) in FESTIVAL BALLROOM. We encourage students, faculty, and the staff of the James Madison community to come out and see us share our unique experiences through a story line full of performances such as step, singing, and dance. Let us take you beyond the textbooks and the media and teach you about the Africa we know. It will be an entertaining but most importantly, insightful event.

So, come on out on Friday night and enjoy the experience....plus, support Edgar! I'll be there if you're looking for someone to sit with...let me know!

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Avatar: The Living Ashby Planet

Good morning, Ashby!

You may have noticed this week that there are a lot of programs taking place in the building! That's because this is our theme week in Ashby! Our theme for this year is Avatar: The Living Ashby Planet! The goal for the RAs this week is to provide an Academic or Multicultural program for you and fit it into the theme for the week.

Here are some examples of the programs taking place this week: Fair Trade Coffee, Hunger/Poverty Simulation, Avatar Ability cooking, etc. Make sure to check out the ads around the building for these awesome programs!

Now for one of my favorite quotes from Avatar to close us out today:

The Sky People have sent us a message... that they can take whatever they want. That no one can stop them. Well, we will send them a message. You ride out as fast as the wind can carry you. You tell the other clans to come. Tell them Toruk Makto calls to them! You fly now, with me! My brothers! Sisters! And we will show the Sky People... that they can not take whatever they want! And that this... this is our land!

Until next time...
Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Assessment Day

Happy Assessment Day, Ashby!!!

Here is a brief rundown of assessments here at JMU:

Students are tested first as incoming first year students and then again when they have earned 45 to 70 credit hours, typically their sophomore year. Even transfer students participate in JMU assessment. During these assessments, students are tested on their knowledge in one of the general education areas of history, science, mathematics, or fine arts. In addition, a students may also complete tests measuring critical thinking, cultural knowledge, intellectual and personal development.

If you have to take assessments today, click here for a table of locations and times for your assessments! Make sure that you participate in your assessments! After all, they will put a hold on your account if you don't do them and you're supposed to! If you don't have assessments today, then enjoy your day off!

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Maintenance Monday

Good morning, Ashby!

Just a quick heads up that today is the first CHOICES day for this year! So, you may see LOTS of people in and around campus today. Make sure to say hi and spread the JMU spirit around campus to the families on campus. This is also just a reminder that you should not be letting anyone who does not live here in the building. This includes families here for CHOICES. There are designated residence halls for them to tour, and Ashby is not one of them. Please direct them to one of the appointed residence halls!

I hope everyone had a great Valentine's Day!

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Free For All Friday

Good morning, Ashby!

It's the weekend already! It's been one crazy week with all those snow days. Here's what is happening on campus this weekend:

Friday

Sex Rules by UPB, 8:00 PM, Memorial Hall

Jazz Ensemble, 8:00 PM, Wilson Hall, $8

Saturday

Men's Basketball vs. VCU, 6:00 PM

Friday and Saturday

The Fantastic Mr. Fox, 7:00 PM, Grafton Stovall Theatre

2012, 9:30 PM, Grafton Stovall Theatre

Sunday

New Moon matinee, 3:00 PM, Grafton Stovall Theatre

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

JMU Steel Band, 3:00 PM, Music Building, $2

Corey Smith Concert

Good morning, Ashby!!!

I hope all have enjoyed a not-so-normal week full of snow days! I know it has given me a chance to get caught up on some work and I hope you have done the same.

I wanted to let you know of an awesome concert that is taking place on campus tonight at 8:00 in Wilson Hall! Corey Smith is playing and you click here to go to UPB's website and purchase your tickets. It is cheaper to buy ahead than to wait and get them at the door...so I suggest either ordering online or going to the Warren Box Office to get tickets!

I definitely suggest going to this concert! Corey Smith is great....check out the video below to get a preview!

Until next time....go enjoy some great music!

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Photo Competition

Good morning, Ashby!

Now, those of you who visit the blog site each day instead of getting emails, may have noticed that the background of the blog has changed to a photograph of Ashby from this past snow storm!

As such, I'd like to change the photo every two weeks- so I'm beginning a new photo contest! Here are the rules of play:

1. Take pictures of life in Ashby- with you friends, of the building, of something around campus, whatever you want it to be!

2. Submit the photographs to ashbyhall@gmail.com

3. Every two weeks check back to see what the new photo is and if your photo has been chosen!

Any questions? Let me know in the comment section!

Until next time..

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Maintenance Tuesday?

Good morning, Ashby!

Okay, so I know that normally we do maintenance related issues on Mondays, but yesterday was a snow day so this week we're going with Tuesday!

1. Please fill out the Madison International survey that was given to you by your RA and then slide it under my apartment door. This is important feedback that we need and would like to use for next year. Thanks!

2. Please be careful around campus! We are lucky that we have such great maintenance staff at JMU who have cleared parking lots and sidewalks for us, but there is still a lot of ice out there! Be careful!

3. Get out and enjoy some snow-free air today....and go to class! Okay, so at the time that I'm writing this on Monday night, classes are on for tomorrow...so, get out and enjoy some fresh air and go to class! I know we've all been cooped up and going a bit crazy, so before another snow storm hits this afternoon get out there and enjoy the freedom! And then get back inside, and warm up...it's cold out there!

4. Next week is a theme week here in Ashby! Our theme is Avatar: The Living Ashby Planet! GET EXCITED! There will be programs coming your way from each of your RAs and some special BLUE treats from me at the Valentine's party on Sunday night in the kitchen at 7:30! Come out and enjoy the fun!

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Dining Services

Hey everyone,

Well, since the giant snow storm is upon us there is not much to share with you all about what's going on this weekend since most of it will be cancelled. However, here is some important information for you about where you can eat this weekend!

The following dining halls will remain open for you this weekend so that you can go eat:

E-hall

D-hall

Mrs. Greens

PC Dukes

Mr. Chips

Make sure to check out the dining services website for updated information!

Remember to stay safe, don't go out driving if you don't have to, and stay warm! Take it as a great weekend to relax watching movies and getting some homework done!

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Superbowl Party!

Good morning, Ashby!

As some of you may be aware, this weekend marks one of America's most celebrated sporting events: The Superbowl for American Football! The game is on Sunday evening and there will be a program happening in the TV Lounge to watch it. It is being co-sponosored between Edgar and the Community Activities Board!

This is a great opportunity learn about an American sport or to see some great commercials (this is the highest paid commercial event of the year, too)! Consider coming down the TV Lounge to watch it this Sunday!

Indianapolis Colts vs. New Orleans Saints

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Kick-off is at 6:25 pm

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Snow Alert

Good morning, Ashby!

Well, with all of this snow over the past few days, I have realized that some of you may not be clear on where/how to get the fastest weather/JMU closing updates. There are a few options:

1. Turn on the TV to a local TV station and watch the closing lists. Look for James Madison University.

2. Check your emails. The university always emails us to let us know of closings.

3. Sign up for the text message/voice mail alert system. Click here to get a tutorial on how to sign-up.

Enjoy the snow, Ashby!

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Roommate Mixer

Are you planning to live off-campus next year and need to meet other students who are looking for a roommate? The Office of Off-Campus Life is hosting a Roommate Mixer next week where you will have the opportunity to do this!

You will have the opportunity to meet other roommate-seeking students, enjoy free food, games, and get a lot of your questions about next year answered!

Check it out:

Monday, February 8

6:30 PM

The Festival, Highlands Room, 1st Floor

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Maintenance Monday

Good morning, Ashby!!!

Just a few quick items for this week:

1. For anyone who is interested in applying to be a part of UPB for next year, I have applications available. Please come see me and I'll give you a copy!

2. The Leadership Summit is this Saturday. Make sure to register for this great, FREE, and educational leadership conference taking place right here on campus!

3. As always, don't forget that CAB meetings are every Sunday at 8 PM in the TV Lounge. Every week, we discuss things happening in the building and I bring a treat for everyone to eat! Please consider joining us in a coming week!

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director