Palau Community College

MESEKIU'S

NEWS

Friday, April 18, 2008                                    Weekly Newsletter                                        Volume 10, Issue 16

TRIO Programs Well Represented at
Annual WESTOP Conference

 From left to right: Student Support Services Counselor Adora Nobuo-Andreas; Educational Talent Search Director Laura Mangham; Upward Bound Academic Advisor Kiblai Suzuky; WESTOP Board member Sylvester Mata; UOG TRIO Director Yoichi Rengiil; and Student Support Services Director Vernice Rechebei at the WESTOP conference in Kona, Hawaii.

PCC Administers
2008 High School Survey

The Institutional Research Development office of Palau Community College (PCC) administered a one page survey to Palau High School junior and senior students last April 15^th. About 189 students participated in the high school survey. PCC administers the survey every other year to all high school juniors and seniors to determine the educational goals of the students in order to develop programs and services at PCC that will meet their needs and expectations. The last survey was conducted in 2006.

PCC will be using the results of the survey to further improve and enhance its programs and services to current and future students. Such relevant information and factors will play a role in the student's decision in terms of his/her educational career. The survey will also be conducted in all private high schools of Palau. The following is the survey schedule to the other high schools :
 

Palau Mission Academy-	April 30, 2008
	9:30 a.m.
Mindszenty High School-	April 30, 2008
	1:30 p.m.
Emmau High School-	May 1, 2008
	9:30 a.m.
Belau Modekngei School-	May 6, 2008
	1:30 p.m.
Bethania High School-	May 9, 2008
	1:30 p.m.

The Development office would like to thank Palau High School Principal

(Continued on page 3)

College staff representing the four TRIO programs (Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math & Science, Educational Talent Search, Student Support Services) at PCC were in Kona, Hawaii last week to attend the 30^th Annual Western Association of Educational Opportunity Personnel (WESTOP) conference.

Laura Mangham who heads the Educational Talent Search (ETS) program took part in the conference with one of her program's academic advisor Jolene Joseph. Mangham said that the conference offered helpful insight and information in the areas of record keeping and reporting. According to Mangham, the ETS program is a US federally-funded program serving our six hundred (600) student and adult participants, and one of its requirement is to maintain a database of each participant. From the database, a report is generated and submitted each year to the US Department of Education. Mangham said that attending the conference this year was necessary

for her program as it is in its first year of the new four-year grant cycle. Mangham said that the conference was beneficial as it outlined the new recording and reporting processes required of the mandatory objectives in the new grant cycle.

Kiblai Suzuky who works as an academic advisor for the Upward Bound (UB) program at Palau Community College also attended the conference on behalf of Director Kuye Belelai and UB staff. Suzuky, who has been with the UB program for about eight months said that the conference was a big help for her, providing network opportunities with other professionals in her field of academic advising. Suzuky is one of the two academic advisors at the UB program who serves over 100 high school students throughout Palau. The Upward Bound program is the longest-serving TRIO program at PCC, beginning its services to high schools in Palau in 1983.
                        (Continued on page 2)

MHS Seniors Apply Physics at Auto Shop

Forty-nine (49) seniors from Mindszenty High School (MHS) have been divided into two groups and meeting every Tuesdays and Thursdays at the PCC Auto Shop to have hands-on experience and apply what they have learned in their physics class. Accompanied by their teacher, Jerry Sermeno, the students are learning from Auto Mechanic instructor, Eugene Uehara the application of physics in relation to Auto Mechanics. This special class began last week and will continue until the first week of May.

(Continued from front page)

Representing the Upward Bound Math & Science to the conference were Director Tchuzie Tadao, Academic Advisor Huan Hosei, and Administrative Assistant Keith Ignacio. Director Vernice Rechebei and Counselor Adora Nobuo-Andreas represented the Student Support Services program.

WESTOP is an educational association with six regional chapters comprised of TRIO personnel from Palau, FSM, CNMI, Guam, Marshall Islands, American Samoa, and the western US states of California, Arizona, and Nevada. It convenes the annual WESTOP conference for staff development and professional networking purposes. 

PCC Students Perform at St. Joseph's Church Fundraiser
By: R.A.K 

 RMI student dancers.

Kosraean students' performance.

On Saturday, April 12th, the PCC student organizations of FSM and RMI enthusiastically extended a helping hand to the call of Ms. Blandina Yangilmau in her aim to organize an entertainment show for the St. Joseph's Church fundraiser. The ongoing beat of the RMISO's (Republic of the Marshall Islands Student Organization) dance number brought the crowd at the event to their feet. Then, in a heartfelt performance, the angelic Kosraean students expressed a Christian message through song and hand gestures.

Afterwards, the Chuukese male students, in unison, beat their dance sticks, jumping high and low all the while shouting out words of wartime. Closing the Chuukese number, the Chuukese female students, as if appeasing the war spirits, performed their contemporary number with the mesmerizing sway of their grass skirts and their beautiful smiles beaming from ear to ear. Keeping the audience entertained, the Pohnpeian warriors ran out on stage beating their war drums.

Chuukese student dancers.
 

Pohnpeian student dancers.

Traditional dance performed by the Yapese students.

Finally, with all the power that they had, the Yapese students came out and shook the stage with the pounding of their bamboo sticks, altogether bellowing their non-stop chant, all the while hypnotizing the audience with their colorful grass skirts and beautiful dress wear. For their tireless preparation and practices, I thank and congratulate the FSMSO and RMISO students for a job well done!

BITS AND PIECES...

Japanese Scholarships...

The Government of Japan is offering full scholarship covering tuition, fees, and allowance to Palau citizens for study at a Senshu-Gakko (Professional Training College) and at Japanese Universities as undergraduate students. Applications are available at the PCC Development office so, feel free to stop by. You may also call the Development office at 488-2470/2471 ext. 253 for further information.

Training Opportunities
at APTC...

Palau Community College (PCC) is recruiting local individuals who are interested in attending the Australia-Pacific Technical College (APTC) in the following trade areas:

Automotive Technology (2)
Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technology (1)
Small Engine Technology (1)

The APTC has campuses in Fiji, Samoa, and Vanuatu. All Pacific Islanders are eligible for the APTC training courses.

For more information about the APTC training programs, please contact Sherman Daniel at 488-2470/2471 ext. 254 or email him at shermand1961@yahoo.com.

Happy Earth
Day, Palau!

The Palau Community College Board of Trustees, President, Administration, Faculty, Staff, and most especially the Students, wishes to extend a Happy Earth Day to the Republic of Palau. Let's all Change, One Step at a Time!

Preparing to Study: A Good Study Place
Taken from Study Tips.com at www.how-to-study.com

You need a good study place to be prepared to study. You should be able to answer YES to all of the following questions:

1. Is my Study Place available to me whenever I need it?
Your Study Place does you little good if you cannot use it when you need it. If you are using a Study Place that you must share with others for any reason, work out a schedule so that you know when you can use it.

2. Is my Study Place free from interruptions?
It is important to have uninterrupted study time. You may have to hang a DO NOT DISTURB sign on the door or take the phone off the hook.

3. Is my Study Place free from distractions?
Research shows that most students study best in a quiet environment. If you find that playing a stereo or TV improves your mood, keep the volume low.

4. Does my Study Place contain all the study materials I need?
Be sure your Study Place includes reference sources and supplies such as pens and pencils, paper, ruler, calculator, and whatever else you might need. If you use a computer for your schoolwork, it should be in your Study Place.

5. Does my Study Space contain a large enough desk or table?
While working on an assignment or studying for a test, use a desk or

table that is large enough to hold everything you need. Allow enough room for writing and try to avoid clutter.

6. Does my Study Place have enough storage space?
You need enough room to store your study materials. Be sure you have enough storage space to allow you to keep your desktop or other work surface clear of unnecessary materials that can get in the way.

7. Does my Study Place have a comfortable chair?
A chair that is not comfortable can cause discomfort or pain that will interfere with your studying. A chair that is too comfortable might make you sleepy. Select a chair in which you can sit for long periods while maintaining your attention.

8. Does my Study Place have enough light?
The amount of light you need depends on what you are doing. The important thing is that you can clearly see what you need to see without any strain or discomfort.

9. Does my Study Place have a comfortable temperature?
If your Study Place is too warm, you might become sleepy. If it is too cold, your thinking may slow down and become unclear. Select a temperature at which your mind and body function best.

Having a good Study Place is important for good studying.

(Continued from front page)
Theodore Borja, teachers, and especially the students who participated in the survey. Special appreciation to the PCC staff from the Talent Search program, Library, Business office, and Continuing Education office who helped to administer the high school survey. 

          ALUMNI NOTES:

Class of 2007 (PCC)
Jennylee Rekemesik - 2007 PCC graduate with an Associate of Science (AS) degree in Business Accounting (BA). Rekemesik works at the Hawaiian Belau Rock Corporation as an Accounting Clerk. She has been working there for the past year.

Class of 2004 & 1995 (PCC)
Christine Trolii - 2004 PCC graduate with a Certificate of Achievement (CA) in Office Administration (OA) and a 1995 graduate with a CA in Secretarial Science (SEC). Trolii works at the Bureau of Immigration as an Immigration Officer. She has been working there for the past 3 years and 4 months.

Class of 1992 (MOC)
Kimberly Wong - 1992 MOC graduate with a Certificate of Achievement (CA) in General Office Clerk (GOC). Wong works at Eurasia Pacific Inc. as a Freight Clerk. She has been working there for the past 1 1/2 year.

Alumni Notes showcases MOC/PCC alumni who contribute to the quality of life in their local community and are postive role models for other PCC students to emulate. If you are that alumni or know someone who is, please contact the PCC Development Office at telephone number 488-2471. We would like to feature you in future issues of the Mesekiu's News.

Previous Mesekiu Issues:

April 11, 2008
April 4, 2008
March 28, 2008
March 21, 2008
March 14, 2008
March 7, 2008
February 29, 2008
February 22, 2008
February 15, 2008
February 8, 2008
February 1, 2008
January 25, 2008
January 18, 2008
January 11, 2008
January 4, 2008
December 28, 2007
December 21, 2007
December 14, 2007
December 7, 2007
November 30, 2007
November 16, 2007
November 9, 2007
November 2, 2007
October 26, 2007
October 19, 2007
October 12, 2007
October 5, 2007

Wanted: 1979/1980
MOC Yearbook

PCC Development Office is looking to buy two (2)
1979/1980 Micronesian
Occupational College (MOC)
`Fly High' Yearbook.

Asking Price: $25 each
(Mint condition)

Please contact Armstrong Debelbot at PCC Development office at
488-2470/2471.

Job Opportunities
Available at PCC

Positions & Salaries:

Math Instructor
$16,010 to $21,068 per annum
Science Instructor
$16,010 to $18,730 per annum
Career Counselor
$17,317 to $19,479 per annum
Academic Advisor/Couselor
$15,000 to $18,000 per annum

Upward Bound (UB) Program:
(2) English (Literature & Composition) Instructors
(2) Math (Algebra 1 to Precalculus) Instructors
(2) Japanese Instructors/Tutors
(2) Cultural Awareness Program (CAP) Instructors
From $250 to $400 bi/weekly for 6 weeks Commencing June 9-July 18, 2008

English (Literature & Composition) Tutor
Math (Algebra 1 to Precalculus) Tutor
Japanese Tutor
From $200 to $250 bi/weekly
Commencing June 9-July 18, 2008

Upward Bound Math & Science:
Math Tutor
Science Tutor
From $300 bi/weekly for 6 weeks
Commencing on June 9-July 18, 2008

Full Time
Math Instructor, English Instructor, Science Instructor, Foreign Language Instructor, Computer Literature Instructor
From $500 bi/weekly for 6 weeks
Commencing on June 9-July 18, 2008

General Information:
Application forms can be obtained from PCC Human Resources Division (HRD) at P.O. Box 9, Koror, Palau 96940 or at our website: www.palau.edu. Send completed application with official transcripts, resume, and verification of previous employment (s), if any to same address. For further information, call HRD at (680) 488-2470/2471 or come in and see us.

 Announcement of Scholarship Opportunities

Program	Deadline
Taiwan Scholarship	21-Mar-2008
Australian Regional Development Scholarship	1-Apr-2008
Palau Grant (all undergraduates)	31-Jul-2008
Palau Student Loan (undergraduate or higher)	31-Jul-2008
Palau Scholarship (Juniors or seniors standing in college)	31-Jul-2008
Congressional Scholastic Award (graduating h.s. seniors only)	31-Jul-2008
Scholarship for College Programs Offered Through
Non-Traditional Means	31-Jul-2008
Bank of Hawaii Scholarship (2nd yr degree PCC student only)	31-Jul-2008
Shell Palau Scholarship	31-Jul-2008
Ekei Scholarship	31-Jul-2008
Speaker Tadao Ngotel Scholarship	31-Jul-2008
Rotary Club-Dave Williams Scholarship (PCC student only)	31-Jul-2008
Kayangel Scholarship	31-Jul-2008
Steven Bai Nakamura Memorial Scholarship	31-Jul-2008
Didil Belau Scholarship
(female in their junior or senior standing in college)	15-Aug-2008

For application forms and information, please contact the Palau National Scholarship Board (PNSB) at P.O. Box 1608, Koror, Palau 96940 or call (680) 488-3608; Fax to (680) 488- 3602 or Email to pnsb@palaunet.com.

 Celebrating Birthdays

     Rodney Kazuma             April 22
 
       Happy Birthday To You!