Indiana University Southeast is helping students develop life skills beyond the classroom in the Skill of the Month program. The Student Life and the Residence Life and Housing office will be cohosting these monthly events at no cost to IUS students. These events are to help students learn practical life skills that can be applied to everyday life. The program gives students hands on experience and training often left out of traditional education. Although college emphasizes career preparation, everyday abilities are important in the development of confidence and independence.

Each month, students can participate in a different workshop centered on a specific skill. Topics are selected with the goal of helping students navigate common situations they may encounter during their college experience and beyond. By offering hands-on learning experiences, the program encourages students to gain knowledge while connecting with campus resources and fellow students.

September’s featured event, Cooking with IU PD, focused on basic cooking skills and helpful kitchen safety tips. The workshop was created through a partnership with the IU police department that educated students on useful tips and tricks in navigating food preparations. For students living independently for the first time, cooking is an essential life skill. Preparing meals can help reduce expenses, make healthier choices, and become more self-sufficient.

For many students, college represents a transition into adulthood. Students often find themselves managing personal finances, housing, transportation, and meal preparation. The Skill of the Month program reflects a broader view of college success. The most recent Skill of the Month topic covered Technology 101 held on Oct. 12. It focused on helping students improve their understanding of everyday technology. Representatives from the Information Technology department will be available to answer questions, troubleshoot technology issues, and share helpful technology tips. This session provided students an opportunity to strengthen their understanding of essential tech skills that will prove to beneficial in their college experiences. Developing technology skills helps students prepare to enter the work force and to adapt to ever changing technology advancements.

The next Skill of the Month event will be held on Monday Nov. 9 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in University Center 122. Students will learn how to manage their finances better with additional information about 401ks, savings accounts, student loans, and more! Event hosts are providing snacks and a soda bar!

To learn more or see what other events will be held in later months students may visit the IUS webpage and look for Get Campus Connected. Students may also visit the Grenadier Central site page for all up and coming events with different organizations and stay up to date on current IUS news. Students can search, view, and join organizations within the IUS network. Students can also visit the IUS events page and calendar.

Students can connect with Student Life office via email at seact@iu.edu or can call the office at 812-941-2316 or connect with the Residence Life and Housing office by email at liveon@iu.edu. If there is a topic or skill that you would like to see featured as a Skill of the Month in the future, please reach out to the Student Life or Residence Life and Housing offices for future planning and coordination.

Jemma Gibson is a student in JOUR-J303 Online Journalism and is a contributing writer for The Horizon.