Monday, March 01, 2004

Wilmington, NC- Programming for the week of March 1, UNCW Community Link, an interactive public affairs television show speaks with Suzanne Pitzer, Rebecca Caldwell, and Dr. Philip Sharp about UNCW programs to prevent students from using drugs and to help those struggling with drug or alcohol problems. Also featured this week are Ryan Neuwirth, Sean Ahlum, and Abbey Teague to talk about UNCW’s National Student Exchange Program.

H.E. “Hunter” Thompson, Jr. sits down with the Director of the National Student Exchange, Sean Ahlum, and two students who have experienced the program first hand. Abbey Teague is a junior visiting UNCW from Sonoma State University in California, and Ryan Neuwirth, a senior, has traveled to Puerto Rico from UNCW. The National Student Exchange is a growing program that allows students to attend universities throughout the United States and other territories and still remain students at UNCW. Both Teague and Neuwirth say it has been an enriching experience.

One of the many reasons students are eager to participate in the National Student Exchange is to more thoroughly explore their major. Ahlum says many students want to travel to other universities to sample their nationally recognized programs. UNCW brings in about 30 students per academic year to explore what we have to offer. Ahlum stated that one of the most popular areas we have students interested in is the Marine Biology program. Whatever the reason, students are encouraged to broaden their horizons and see what the National Student Exchange program has to offer.

Betty Ann Sanders features three guests this week to talk about the different methods students can use to keep them away from substance abuse, or to help them if they already have a problem. Rebecca Caldwell is the director for UNCW Crossroads, which is a program designed to let students help students with addiction problems. The Crossroads program also tries to be an encouraging force on campus by helping students realize the many benefits of being substance free.

UNCW also offers counseling services much like the ones that Dr. Phillip Sharp offers. Students are welcome to use these services to enquire about a friend who might be using drugs or to get help for themselves. Suzanne Pitzer offers a unique service, she is an intervention specialist. Her job is specifically designed to help close friends and family confront someone who has an addiction problem. What Caldwell, Pitzer, and Sharp all share is the idea that if students need help they can get it.

Providing this week's Editorially Yours segment is Lisa Pollard from the History Department to tell us why women's studies are so important.

UNCW Community Link reaches beyond the television studio to allow citizens to sound off on compelling issues facing Southeastern North Carolina. Hosts Sanders and Thompson engage and challenge the region’s newsmakers and opinion-shapers and then ask viewers to voice their opinions. Through collaboration with the Southeast Public Interest Network of North Carolina (www.SpinNC.org), citizens can use the latest Internet technologies to continue the dialog on show topics and community ideas. UNCW Community Link is brought to you in part by the following sponsors: Time Warner Cable, Wilmington Star-News and WHQR Public Radio.

For more information on this week’s show visit these web sites:

UNCW Center for Leadership Excellence and Service

http://www.uncw.edu/stuaff/leadserv/

Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity

http://www.capefearhabitat.org/home_store.htm

Bolton Health and Wellness Center

http://www.uncw.edu/son/boltonoverall.htm



Tune into UNCW Community Link:

Wilmington & Brunswick County can tune in on The Learning Network, Time Warner Ch 5 and Charter Communications Ch 12 at 7 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays

Pender County can tune in on Government Channel 8 at 7 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays

Carteret County/Havelock can tune in on Time Warner Channel 10 at 7 p.m. on Thursdays

Jacksonville can tune in on Time Warner Channel 10 at 7 p.m. on Thursdays