Midterms creep up on us twice a year, right when we are getting a hang of our classes, then bam! Professors begin stressing “50 percent of your grade depends on this ONE test” or “if you fail this paper, you will most likely fail the class.” Midterms can definitely be stressful, but staying focused and taking the proper steps can help decrease stress levels and help to insure you go into your next midterm prepared.

Take advantage of office hours

Many students don’t take advantage of  their professor’s office hours. It is a great chance to get one-on-one time and ask any questions you may have before the big exam. Check to see when your professor will be in their office, and let them know ahead of time that you plan on visiting. Make sure to show up prepared, with a few questions to ask to get the discussion started. You never know, putting in that extra might have the professor leading you toward the right material to study for the exam.

Do not skip review class

Reviewing for the midterm usually takes place the class before the actual test. This is one of the classes you defiantly do not want to skip! It is a time when students can ask questions and teachers go over course material and what to expect on the exam. Make it a priority to go over your study guide, notes, and bring any questions you may have to class. Don’t be shy when asking questions, if you have a question, most likely other students do too. Even if you feel ready, a review session is a great way to test your knowledge and to cover any topics you may have missed.

Do not cram

At one time or another we have all waited till the last moment to study and crammed before a big exam. Cramming so much information in such little time results in poor test results. The brain can only process and retain so much information in such little time. To avoid cramming, organize your time by putting aside time to study each day leading up to the exam. I try to give myself about a week or two (depending on the course) to go over all the chapters, quizzes, homework, etc, that way my brain can better process the information, and hold on to it longer, heck I may even remember it after the exam…

Step away from Facebook

We are all guilty of checking Facebook, updating Twitter and pinning while we are studying. Thanks to technology, our generation has trouble focusing on just one thing. I find it easier to study at a desk  not on a couch or bed and without my laptop or phone. That way I am not tempted by Facebook, texting, or falling asleep. Give yourself a good amount of time to study, and after reward yourself with a little time on the computer or phone.

Stress management

If you are feeling overwhelmed, take a break from studying and hit the gym or  take a coffee break with a friend. Midterms can make many students anxious and can keep students from staying focused. It is necessary to give yourself time to breathe. When I am feeling stressed, I put down the books and workout at the gym with a good magazine. It helps to get my mind off of studying for a bit. It is important to take breaks throughout studying so you don’t get burned out, just make sure its more studying, and less breaks.

Study in groups

I find working with others not only helps clarify questions I may have, it makes studying more enjoyable. If one of you missed a day of class, another group member can fill them in, more brains help answer more questions. It is impossible to pick up one everything in class, and what you missed or are unsure about it is likely your classmate can help. Your peers are going through the same thing, so get some of your classmates together and make it less stressful on all of you by working together!

Midterms don’t have to be stressful, so long as you prepare! Keep yourself organized and focused leading up to midterms.  Also, make sure to get a good nights rest, and a healthy filling breakfast before exams! And remember to “keep calm and carry on!”

Good luck!

College is challenging in many ways, and even the best high schools may not properly prepare you for college academics.  Many high school students, even those in AP or honors programs, studied minimally and did very well, but this does not hold true for college.  However, studying successfully in college doesn’t mean spending hours upon hours memorizing in the library—we’re here to help you find methods to study smarter, not longer.

Study Hours

However, it is still necessary to set aside time to study. A recent study completed at the University of California found that while an average student studied 24 hours a week in 1961, today that number has dropped to 14 hours a week. This may be due to the fact that high school seniors are now (on average) studying less than 6 hours a week. This makes the transition to college even more difficult. Studying in itself is a valuable habit, it builds self-motivation and discipline, and of course is necessary to grasp course material. However, this decline in study hours hasn’t been reflected in a decline in grades, leaving the question of whether students are more efficient or if classes are too easy.  The 2009 National Survey of Student Engagement found that 62% of college students studied less than 15 hours a week while receiving As and Bs. This is less than the amount of hours most students spend in class.

So what are students doing with this spare time?  Many students are more engaged outside the classroom.   Between extra-curriculars, part-time jobs, and internships, many do not have the time to spend 20+ hours a week studying.   Others believe that technology like laptops and online search engines have made studying much more efficient, and that is responsible for the decrease in hours. However, 33% of the students surveyed felt they didn’t really know how to sit down and study. So what are the best studying techniques?

The Best Studying Techniques

Studying is a skill—one to be learned, and one that can be consciously improved. The Do’s and Don’ts of Studying include finding what methods work best with your life and personality. It is a common myth that you should always study in the same place. While avoiding distracting study spots is smart, changing around your location will help you retain information because memory is colored by location. Making flashcards is a technique with dual benefits.  Writing down information multiple times helps you retain it better, and mnemonic devices add to this effect.  Creating flashcards and studying them in a group will help you to better understand difficult perspectives, as your peers may be able to explain them in more colloquial terms than your professor.  Another way to make studying less boring is by switching between topics. Spending three hours in a row on one class or topic will result in boredom and a failure to really retain the information.

So remember, studying is an important skill—crack open your textbooks and take the time to study efficiently and you will see the payoff in your GPA and retaining knowledge long after the final exam.

It’s February, meaning there’s still plenty of winter left. Even though it gets closer to spring every day, there could still be blizzards, snowstorms and other winter-related problems. We all know that snow looks great outside of your home or apartment, but we also need to make sure that we know how to deal with it if it ever gets out of control or threatens your safety. Here are a few quick tips to make sure you’re safe at home for the rest of the winter, especially if there’s a storm:

One basic way to protect your home or apartment from snow is shoveling. Buy a medium-sized shovel and make sure that walkways and sidewalks are completely clear after a storm. Shoveling helps you and your neighbors stay safe from black ice and other post-snowstorm dangers. It’s also a smart idea to use salt on any walkways to help melt ice quickly. As always, be careful while you’re out there clearing things up! Inside, make sure to have welcome mats so everyone can clean off their boots before entering, and eliminate tracking water into the house that could lead to slips and falls. You don’t want to be liable for any injuries at home!

Another way to keep your place safe and sound during a storm is by checking up on the heat. During a storm, there’s always a chance that you may lose power. Be sure to keep the heat running—keep yourself and your roommates warm just in case! If your heat does not appear to be working properly, be sure to talk to your landlord ASAP—don’t get stuck in the cold during a storm.

One thing tenants may forget about is ice buildup in unusual places. For example, ice can freeze and accumulate at a rapid rate in your downspout or other exposed pipes. If enough snow builds up in the pipes, there could be disastrous results. Make sure to check with neighbors, roommates and landlords to be sure that your pipes stay ice-free, especially after a big blizzard.

An important snow safety tip for your apartment is be prepared. If a big snowstorm is in the future, make sure you’ve taken care of everything ahead of time at home. Be sure to keep blankets and flashlights out in the open in case your heat or power goes out. If it looks like a blizzard could last for days at a time, stock up on plenty of food and household essentials like soap and toilet paper, just in case you won’t be able to get to the grocery store for while. If you have a car, put it in the garage or an area where it won’t get snowed in.

If you’re not sure about the state of your apartment for the rest of the winter, talk to your landlord to discuss any concerns. It’s important that you’re 100% sure your place will be safe during a storm or blizzard—peace of mind is key during the wintertime. Also, consider renters insurance to help cover your personal belongings and protect what’s important in your home in the event of an accident.

Stay safe for the rest of the winter! Spring is just around the corner!

Photo by rwiedower

Hopefully you had a great Valentine’s Day and got to spend it with people you love, doing something you love. Holidays like Valentine’s Day, though focused on your loved ones, can also bring about feelings of loneliness. Loneliness is not uncommon on college campuses across the country. If you’re feeling lonely this week, you are not alone.

Where does loneliness come from?

The best four years of your life. This phrase is used to describe the college experience, and while this is true for some, it doesn’t paint a full picture of the undergraduate years. College is certainly not an easy transition for many, especially those who are going to school far from home. A completely new set of friends, a new city, and culture shock can make college campuses a lonely place for many students. While freshmen and transfer students are the most likely to suffer from loneliness, it can actually strike at any point during college.

Why does loneliness occur?

Some students find that their freshman year crowd doesn’t quite provide the support and close relationships they had established with friends from home. Others may begin to suffer from loneliness when a close friend goes abroad for a semester, or if their relationship with a significant other ends. Loneliness isn’t limited to physically being alone either—in fact, loneliness can be defined as “a painful and disturbing awareness that you are not feeling connected to others” and can happen in the middle of a crowded room. The pressure to drink and party can also contribute to feelings of loneliness or depression. Those who don’t give in to the pressure to drink may feel isolated from many of their peers. College is also the first time that many students are away from their families and are forced to make a new group of friends. Add the increase in academic challenge and responsibility of living alone and it is easy to understand why students feel lonely.

People ages 18-25 are the most vulnerable group to suffer from mental illness, including depression and anxiety. A survey conducted by the Massachusetts General Hospital found that 14% of students at a Boston-area college showed some signs of depressive symptoms. In fact, 85% of colleges are reporting an increase of students with psychological problems over the last five years. These statistics prove that loneliness is not an uncommon problem—you are not alone if you feel this way—however, that doesn’t mean you can’t treat or prevent these feelings.

How can you prevent loneliness?

Loneliness can be prevented! If you’re having trouble making friends or fitting in with the people on your floor, try joining a new club. This can be something similar to what you were involved in during high school, or a completely new interest that you’ve never explored! The great thing about meeting people in these organizations is that you already know you have a common bond. Greek life is another way that many college students are able to find a community within the larger campus. School-sponsored events are another great way to meet friends as well as try new things and maybe even take home some free giveaways. Volunteering, whether through a campus or outside organization, is a fun and rewarding way to make a difference in the community and remind yourself of how much you have to be grateful for. College campuses also have many resources if you are feeling lonely or even depressed, you just have to look. Try talking to your RA or scheduling an appointment with campus counseling services. These people are there to help you—it is their job and they will be able to get you the guidance you need. There is nothing wrong with admitting that you are struggling—asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Photo by jintae kim

Over the years Valentine’s Day has been steadily growing into one of the largest spending days of the year. To give you a little perspective here are some quick stats about Valentine’s Day spending:

• It is estimated that Americans will spend about $17 billion this year on Valentine’s Day gifts this year on everything from flowers to fancy dinners.
• To break that down a little more, it is expected that 18.9%, or $4.1 billion, will be spent on jewelry.
• So how much is each individual person spending? The average person will spend $126 on gifts this year.
• When buying jewelry people tend to spend even more. For example, Tiffany & Co. offers gifts ranging from their $125 necklaces all the way to their $15,000 engagement ring.

But what about after these gifts are bought, presented, and awed over? Few people take the time to think about protecting these special and, often, expensive gifts. And once you decide to insure that gift, how should you insure it? Well, here are some tips to help you and your Valentine.

For adults who own their own home and have insurance it is as easy as listing their gift under their homeowners insurance which generally covers valuables items. However, there are some stipulations under each insurance policy that you should make yourself aware of, such as limits on the individual item value or the total amount of coverage you are allowed under your policy. Also, most policies only cover “named perils” like fire or theft so make sure to check that as well.

However, for college students they must take extra steps to insure their gifts as most landlords and colleges don’t protect students’ personal belongings. And insurance is even more important for students who are living in close quarters with people they don’t know and have their valuables sitting around. Theft is extremely high among college students, which is why people should protect themselves and their valuables.

One popular solution is renters insurance. GradGuard offers renters insurance which can protect your stuff, as well as, your own liability if damage is done to property or someone is hurt at your residence. These plans can cover up to $50,000 in personal property coverage, $300,000 in personal liability coverage and replacement cost coverage which will reimburse you should your belongings be damaged or stolen. Take an inventory of your belongings (and those new gifts!) and determine if it is worth the money to know that you and your Valentine’s Day gifts are protected. Policies run around the range of $100-$200 a year.

Sources:

http://money.msn.com/saving-money-tips/post.aspx?post=2b3c62b2-7941-4ca4-853b-4cbc7250913f

http://www.nationaljeweler.com/nj/independents/a/~27760-NRF-forecasts-4.1B-jewelry-spend

http://www.trustedchoice.com/Content/Articles/Valentines-Day-Valuables.aspx

http://www.gradguard.com/renters

Photo by Cia Gould

Happy Valentine’s Day! What will you be doing this year to celebrate? Maybe you’ve got a great date planned, a girls’ night, an intramural game or a night of lots of studying for midterms – whatever your plans are, there’s no right way to celebrate (except you should probably indulge in some sweet V-Day treats!). Valentine’s Day is undeniably the most popular date night of the year, and whether you are single, taken or somewhere in-between, you’ll probably be thinking a bit about love today.

Although love is sweet, college can be an awkward time for relationships. We are still figuring out who we are, who we want to be, what we want to do and where we want to go. There are many changes throughout college, from semester to semester. A hectic class schedule, raucous party scene, semesters abroad and summers spent at home all put stresses upon college relationships. However, the inclusive community on campus, being surrounded by people who share your interests in your classes and clubs, and the freedom of independent living are all great factors that help create lasting and fulfilling relationships.

Whether you are single or in a relationship, here are some facts about college relationships – the good, the bad and the ugly:

• 25 to 40% of all romantic relationships among college students are in some way long distance.
• 37% of long distance couples split up in the first 3 months compared to 21% of traditional relationships. Although, if a long distance couple lasts the first year, only 8% break up after the first year compared to 25% of traditional relationships, according to the Center for the Study of Long Distance Relationships
• The most common time for breakups is around three to five months.
• The one day a a year that has the lowest percent of breakups is Christmas.
• Most couples break up during the summer, spring break, 2 weeks before winter holidays and, shockingly, Valentine’s day.
• 24% of men and 23% of women ages 21-34 are virgins.
• 29 percent of singles, who fell in love with someone they did not initially find attractive, fell in love after becoming best friends.
• A recent report by the National Center for Health Statistics show college students prefer short no-strings attached relationships that are short and sexual rather than more committed, long-term relationships (for some, casual relationships are easier because they want to focus on their own lives and goals with out having to worry about another person. Many students feel like college is a time to have fun and not be in a serious relationship).
• The number one cause of breakups on college campuses is a result of cheating.
• 32% of college students report dating violence by a previous partner and 21% report violence by a current partner
• A study from The  National Resource Center on Domestic Violence found that nearly 60% of young women have experienced abuse in a relationship. If you or someone you know is in a abusive relationship call National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-SAFE (7233).

While some of the statistics are depressing, every relationship is much more than a statistic, and there are exceptions to every rule. If you’re spending this Valentine’s day alone, you can still enjoy! College is a great place to meet someone, and is a fun and exciting place to be. If you are dealing with a break-up or post break-up remember life goes on, and part of life is learning from experiences, good or bad. As Carrie Bradshaw says “After all, computers crash, people die, relationships fall apart. The best we can do is breathe and reboot.” There are many resources on campus where you can go if the stress of love is taking it’s toll. Most schools offer counseling or support groups, and you can check out this helpful resource from the University of Texas at Austin.

Again, happy Valentine’s day! Here’s wishing you a day spent with someone you love or doing something you love!

Sources:

1. http://www.match.com/2011-relationship-dating-statistics
2. http://dailytrojan.com/2011/04/06/students-prefer-hookups-over-relationships/
3. http://facts.randomhistory.com/dating-and-relationship-facts.html
4. http://www.marieclaire.com/sex-love/men/breakup-calendar
5. http://www.toponlinecolleges.com/blog/2011/10-tips-for-long-distance-college-relationships/

Photo by Camdiluv

President’s Day is just around the corner, and maybe you’re planning a trip to tackle the slopes. Skiing is a favorite wintertime activity, but unfortunately, every year there is a long list of ski related accidents. Annually in the United States there are on average approximately 34 deaths from skiing. There are also about 39 very serious, non-fatal injuries like severe head trauma and paraplegia from skiing accidents, as stated on www.ski-injury.com.

These numbers speak for themselves. Before hitting the slopes keep yourself safe by taking the necessary precautions to ensuring a fun and safe skiing adventure!

Wear a Helmet

It may not be the most fashionable accessory but helmets SAVE lives. Everyone should wear one, no matter your ski level! Think of putting on a helmet like wearing a seatbelt, it will save your life in the event of an accident. They’re also quite warm, and the plastic resists wind, unlike a hat. The leading cause of skiing deaths is collision, so please please strap on a helmet!

Don’t Ski Solo

Especially if you are a beginner! New skiers are at the highest risk for injuries. If you get into an accident having someone by your side will help you get help and to safety. Even if you are a advanced skier having a pal with you is always a good idea, unexpected accidents happen on the slope when you least expect it, and it gets very cold out there.

Rest

Skiing for a long period of time can be dangerous. Take a break! Replenish with food and water, but be aware that most injuries occur after lunchtime when tiredness sets in. Pace yourself throughout the day, and if you are too tired do not risk trying to keep up. Sit a couple runs out and head back up the slope when you feel up to it. The lodge is a cozy place to rest, and there is always something fun going on there.

Avoid Persuasion

If you find yourself skiing with more advanced skiers do not be persuaded to follow in their lead down advanced slopes. I have been in this situation and it not pleasant. I began to panic as I realized I had little control, and my friends were ahead of me. I literally slid down on my butt the whole way, which is tricky and unsafe considering there were skiers flying past me. Avoid this situation at all costs, but if by mistake you are on a run that is too hard, first, take a deep breath and take it very very slow, find a professional to guide you down. I’ve been known to pop off my skis and walk down the sides when the course gets too difficult or icy. If there is still no way of getting down, do not panic, stay where you are and call for help!

Do Not Drink and Ski

Drinking and skiing do not mix! Stay sober on the slopes. Drinking reduces reaction time, and control over your body. Not only are you a danger to yourself, but you are putting everyone else in danger. Also, it is illegal. If you are caught you will be arrested!

In order to fully enjoy yourself and ski down the slope with ease, make sure you are covered with health insurance.

There is a lot to love about skiing, take in the the fresh air, the rush and the beautiful scenery, just remember to be safe!

Happy Skiing!

So you’ve filed your FAFSA. Congratulations! Now what? Let’s take a look at the next step in the process… the Student Aid Report. After you’ve submitted your FAFSA, you’ll get your SAR within 3-5 days.

What it is?

The Student Aid Report is summarizes all the info you provide on your FAFSA, it is essentially your processed FAFSA results. This document will contain your EFC, or Expected Family Contribution, to the cost of tuition. Using information you provide on your FAFSA and taking into account several factors (the size of your family, the number of family members in college, earnings), this number is calculated.

What does the SAR do?

The schools you’ve selected to receive your FAFSA will use the information to determine your eligibility for federal and institutional student aid funds. Once those schools receive your EFC, they can determine how much aid to give you and your family.

To figure out how much aid to give you and your family, schools use this formula: Cost of attendance – EFC = Financial Need

Am I eligible?

If you’re eligible for federal student financial aid, the schools listed on your FAFSA will send you an award letter. The letter will tell you the type of aid you’re eligible to receive and how much you may receive.

College tuition is a big investment, even with financial aid. Whether you are happy with the amount of aid you’ve received, or you were hoping for more, consider applying to private scholarships, and get in touch with your university to see what opportunities they may offer. As with any risky investment or venture, consider taking steps to protect your investment in college tuition. Tuition insurance could be a fit for you and your family.

However, filing taxes needs to be a priority, especially if you had a job for the past year (work-study jobs included) and are currently going to college, because you could potentially save money on your education costs. Also, if you’ve earned interest from bank accounts, have used scholarship or financial aid money for something other than tuition or textbooks, or if you’re not a US resident and are here on a visa, then you definitely should file your taxes.

Credits & Deductions: What You Need to Know

In terms of higher education, there are two tax credits available to most students to help with the costs of college and one additional credit available to first/second year students. These deductions are the American Opportunity credit and the Lifetime Learning credit. Students can only choose one credit, even if they are eligible for both, and there are some limitations to look into. If you’re a freshmen or sophomore, you may also be eligible for the Hope Scholarship credit.

There are also some options for tax deductions that are relevant to college students. If you receive financial aid and have a qualifying income, then you may be eligible for the Student Loan Interest deduction. The Tuition and Fees deduction could allow you to deduct up to $4,000 in tuition and fees.

Also, don’t forget to deduct your moving expenses on your taxes if you go to a school that is far away from your home and you work full-time. There are specifics that go along with the moving expenses, but it’s definitely worth looking into if you work full time and attend school a long-distance from your hometown.

If you’re a recent grad or  looking for a full-time job, then you may be eligible for some additional deductions. These deductions, which are not always talked about and are relevant to students are employment and outplacement agency fees, costs of typing, printing, and mailing copies of your resume, and travel/transportation expenses if you need to travel for an interview.

You can read more about credits and deductions and learn how to claim them here.

Tax Tools

TurboTax®

Get free personalized tax advice online with the free edition, which allows you to file your federal taxes for free, but does cost an additional fee for state taxes. Also, you can download the iPhone/Android app (SnapTax) for free and pay $14.99 when you’re ready to e-file your returns. Check out this funny video of a dog filing taxes using this app!

H&R Block®

Also a free edition, H&R Block® includes federal taxes with an additional fee for state taxes. This tool provides the option to file online, in an H&R Block office location, or live via telephone.

TaxACT®

Similar to TurboTax® and H&R Block®, TaxACT® also allows you to file your federal returns for free. You may recognize this tool from their hilarious “Free to Pee” Super Bowl ad, which you can check out here.

The Essentials: Where, When, How

Now that you’re armed with the inside scoop on deductions and credits, as well as the tools of the trade, you’re ready to file! April 15^th of each year is the due date for filing federal tax returns. The returns need to be postmarked by this date, so just like with a final term paper or project, don’t procrastinate! Check out the details on where to file and how to file your tax returns here.

Filing taxes might seem like a daunting task that could easily be pushed to the bottom of your to-do list. However, it is an important yearly responsibility that must be completed and if you do it correctly, you could potentially end up saving a ton of money and maybe even getting back some money to spend as you choose!

Good luck taking on the tax season!

*Sources consulted:

• www.irs.gov (IRS Website)
• “SnapTax Mobile App – Snap it! File it! Done!” (TurboTax Blog)
• “Surviving College and Tax Season: 7 Tips for Students” (TurboTax Blog)
• “Federal Tax Benefits Help You Pay for College” (Back to College blog)

One valuable tool that many people don’t take full advantage of is the FAFSA. FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid which is offered by the U.S. Department of Education. It’s exactly what it sounds like: an application that students and their parents can fill out each year to receive federal aid, such as grants, loans and work-study programs to help pay for school.

So the first question you’re all asking is how does it work? The U.S. Department of Education begins accepting applications starting January 1 of each year and continues accepting them until June 30 of the next year. However, each state and college has their own deadline which you’ll want to check out. You can see your specific deadline here. Something to consider when you are filing your FAFSA is that the aid is given out on a first come, first serve basis so the earlier that you can send in your application, the better your chances are for receiving more aid.

There are several ways to file the FAFSA. You can complete it online, fill out a printed PDF copy, or request a paper copy by calling 1-800-4-FED-AID. The online application is recommended, because you can fill it out and send it right away. Like a paper copy, you can save it and come back to it if you need to. If you’d rather have a hard-copy, you can print out a PDF or get a copy sent to you, but you’ll have to take into account the time it will take for FSA to send it via mail, and the time it will take you to send it back.

When filing your FAFSA, you will need yours and your parents’ financial information for 2011 for the 2012-2013 school year. You’ll need to prepare some documents in order to fill it out, including income tax returns, your current bank statements, and your IDs (like your driver’s license or social security card). You can see the complete list of documents here. Once you have all these you can start applying for your financial aid. The application will ask you various questions about how much you and your parents make, your family’s assets, and household information in order to determine your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) that you or your parents are expected to pay for your tuition.

Once you have submitted your FAFSA you will be sent a Student Aid Report (SAR) in 3-5 days which summarizes all your information and will contain your EFC. Once you get this, check that it’s accurate and then you’ll be all set to receive your financial aid.

So what should you take away from this? Here’s what you need to know.

1. You can access the FAFSA at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/.
2. Complete your FAFSA as early as possible
3. Make sure you have all of your financial documents ready to go when you’re applying.
4. Once you get your SAR make sure everything is correct otherwise you may not receive the right financial aid.
5. The FAFSA will also be used by your college to determine if you are eligible for private aid from the college so check if you need to do anything extra with your financial aid office.
6. Good luck and hopefully this can help you make paying for college a little easier!

Sources:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/story/2011-10-25/public-college-costs-increase/50919598/1

http://www.naicu.edu/news_room/private-college-tuition-increases-46-percent-for-2011-12-institutional-student-aid-up-7-percent

http://federalstudentaid.ed.gov/about/index.html

http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

Photo: http://www.401Kcalculator.org