November 2004

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Michigan News

While the University of Michigan was named the “Hottest School for Greeks with Brains” by Newsweek last week, three U-M fraternities are currently under suspension by their national organizations for hazing and other violations. Two other fraternities and two sororities are also under investigation, after reports last month of drunken fraternity pledges being forced into a car’s trunk and drunken sorority pledges being touched by fraternity members after their clothes were removed. The University has not named the organizations involved.

In the Know

Online dating sites like Match.com are quickly gaining popularity, and it seems like there’s a site for every group imaginable. Jdate.com offers a network for Jewish singles while Singlerepublican.com allows “conservative American singles” to find a match with similar political views. The Alumni Association’s inCircle networking tool is also a good way to meet U-M grads with similar interests. But before you put your heart out into the World Wide Web, eGrad.com offers these steps to protect your safety:

• Start slow. Be careful of individuals who seem too good to be true. Begin your communication via instant messenger or email, and look for odd behavior.
• Protect your anonymity. Never include your last name, email/home address, phone number, place of work or other identifying information in your personal profile or initial messages.
• Request a photo. If a match doesn’t offer a photo, consider that he or she has something to hide.
• Meet in a safe place. When you do take your encounter offline, provide your own transportation and meet in a public place with lots of people around.
• Tell a friend where you’re going. Let someone know when and where you will meet and your date’s full name and telephone number.

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We reported in the fall issue of Michigan Alumnus that the amount of sleep the average person needs varies anywhere from six to 10 hours a night. But one thing’s for certain: More and more Americans are suffering from lack of sleep. Dr. Ronald Chervin, director of the U-M Sleep Disorders Center, offers some more tips on how to ensure a good night of shut-eye:

• Establish a regular and relaxing bedtime routine.
• Create a sleep-conducive environment that is dark, quiet and cool.
• Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillows.
• Avoid caffeine six to eight hours before bed, and finish eating two to three hours before bed.
• Exercise regularly, but at least a few hours before bedtime.
• Avoid alcohol and nicotine before bed.

Career

If you’re thinking about a career change, consider a profession in health care, information technology or environmental science. Both state and national studies reveal that these areas are the hottest fields for growth and employment. Not sure if these fields are right for you? Take advantage of the Alumni CareerPort’s exclusive partner, DBM Career Services. DBM offers telephone consultations with career professionals who can help you determine which career path is right for you. Not ready to talk to someone? DBM also provides online career assessments.

Think your SAT score can never come back to haunt you? Think again. The New York Times reports that in an increasingly competitive job market, employers might ask recent—and not-so-recent—college grads for their SAT scores. Since grading standards vary, it’s difficult for employers to compare prospective students based solely on their grades. A recent HotJobs.com posting revealed several employers and employment agencies requiring SAT scores alongside grade point averages. Graduates seeking positions in engineering, computers or finance are most likely to be asked for their SAT scores.

Association News

Join us for the last away-game tailgate of the 2004 season on Saturday, November 20, before the Michigan vs. Ohio State game in Columbus, Ohio. We offer the best pregame atmosphere, including entertainment and special appearances by former U-M football players. Tickets are only $5, soft drinks are on us, and food, beer and wine will be available for purchase. The tailgate begins at 10 a.m.; kickoff is at 1 p.m. Buy tickets online. And if you can’t make it to Columbus, watch the game with your local alumni club. Find the club nearest you on our Web site. As a member of the Alumni Association, you are automatically a member of your local alumni club.