Putting the Spotlight on Student Film

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, AUGUST 22, 2023 — Mometu, a free video-on-demand and live TV streaming service, is calling on student filmmakers to submit their films to the first ever annual College Shorts Film Festival, a new destination for ground-breaking storytelling from emerging student artists.

The Mometu College Shorts Film Festival (MCSFF) is open to college students across North America and is accepting films across five categories:

• Best Drama
• Best Horror/Thriller
• Best Comedy
• Best Documentary
• Best Potential Pilot

The festival serves as a launching pad for the next generation of talented filmmakers, celebrating works covering all topics and genres, and giving students an opportunity to learn firsthand how to market their films to drive viewership.

Entries to the competition must be original, student-created film with a minimum running time of 5 minutes and no more than 30 minutes. The festival jury will consider all submissions, with finalists uploaded to Mometu’s streaming service for live viewing during the festival, where 25% of the grading will be based on minutes watched of the films submitted. There will be prizes for Best Picture and all category winners will receive a Mometu Gold Star award and laurels for each winning category, and a distribution deal offer for their winning film.

To apply, or for more information, visit mometu.com/filmfestival

Speaking on the festival, Bryan Louzil, VP of Business Development at Mometu, said: “The College Shorts Film Festival marks a real turning point for Mometu, and gives us an opportunity to provide a creative space for up-and-coming filmmakers to showcase their immeasurable talent. We’re so excited for this year’s competition and can’t wait to see the imaginative projects that these young creatives develop.”

The deadline for submissions is October 15, 2023, at 11:59 pm PST. Finalists will be notified on October 31, films will be uploaded in November, with the festival taking place December 1, 2023.

About Mometu

Mometu is a start-up streaming service, providing premium live and on-demand programming using innovative free ad-supported television (FAST) technology. Dedicated to the discovery of thought-provoking movies, documentaries, TV series, and live channels, what sets Mometu apart is its catalog of over 10,000 hand-curated titles – compiled without the use of AI – that bring greater representation to under-the-radar creatives and contains cult favorites that can no longer be found online.

Media Contacts (on behalf of Mometu)

Stacey Ballard
stacey@sandstarcomms.com

What’s the scoop: For a limited time, members of Xfinity Rewards, the company’s free customer appreciation program, can redeem two sweet rewards: a $1 movie weekend rental through Xfinity and a free pint of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream added to their Gopuff order. Xfinity Reward members new to Gopuff will also have access to an exclusive offer for three months of Gopuff FAM, a subscription service that provides unparalleled convenience and a vast array of products delivered right at your doorstep.

Why it matters: Everyone loves saving money! That’s why Xfinity Rewards and Gopuff have teamed up to bring even more value and convenience to millions of people across the nation. Whether you want a quiet night in or are setting the scene for the ultimate movie night, Xfinity Rewards and Gopuff are making it easier than ever to get your summer essentials delivered right to your door- and television screen!

How to get this offer: To redeem these exclusive rewards, Xfinity Rewards members can simply visit xfinity.com/rewards or go to the Xfinity app.

Restrictions apply. Offer limited to current Xfinity Rewards members 18+ with account in good standing. While supplies last. Limited time offer. Eligible Xfinity Rewards members (“Members”) must have a delivery address within a Gopuff delivery zone to redeem the offer. Comcast reserves the right to modify or cancel the offer at any time. May not be assigned or transferred. All redemptions are final. To access the FAM free trial (“Trial”), Members must create a Gopuff account and add a payment method using https://webo.onelink.me/TC5V/j0tytuj1 . Trial customers will be auto-enrolled into a paid FAM subscription (currently $7.99/month) at the end of the 3-month Trial period unless they cancel their membership prior to the end of the 3-month Trial period. Users can cancel their FAM subscription at any time. The Trial is not available to customers who currently have an account with Gopuff or had a Gopuff account at any time. To redeem one free pint of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream equal to a listed price on Gopuff of $6.99 or less (the “Product”) while supplies last, Members must add one product to their cart, enter the unique one-time-use promo code (“Code”) provided to them within the Xfinity Rewards platform and apply the Code at www.gopuff.com or on the Gopuff mobile app. In order to activate the offer, the Code must be entered at checkout or the discount will not be applied. The Code will not be added automatically and cannot be applied retrospectively. The Code cannot be used in connection with any other promotions, and can only be applied when it is the highest value promotion available to the customer on the Customer’s account. Existing customers will be charged a small order fee of $4.95 if after the application of applicable discounts and promotions their basket is under $12.95, and new Gopuff customers must meet a minimum order value of $8.95 (excluding the value of the Code, delivery fee, and tips) to redeem the offer. The offer is non-transferable and has no cash value. The offer is void if not redeemed by 9/15/23. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Void where prohibited. One Trial and one Code per account/household. May not be combined with other offers. Use of the Gopuff mobile application and www.gopuff.com is subject to their terms & conditions and privacy notice.

About Xfinity Rewards:
Xfinity Rewards is a free program available to Xfinity customers. Members enjoy access to exclusive discounts, events, and virtual and live experiences that only Comcast NBCUniversal can make possible. Signing up is simple to do through the Xfinity App or online at Xfinity.com/rewards. Upon registration, members will be assigned Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Diamond status based on how long they’ve been a Xfinity customer—and more rewards are accessible to those who have been with Xfinity the longest.  Xfinity Rewards will continue to evolve with regular updates to benefits available to all members, and new and exciting opportunities throughout the year.  For more information about Xfinity Rewards, please download the Xfinity App or visit xfinity.com/rewards.

Media Contact:
Veauna Howell
Comcast Corporation
Veauna_howell@comcast.com

PHOENIX (August 21, 2023): As the new academic year begins, campuses nationwide fill with excitement and energy. While education, personal growth, and community remain important, prioritizing student safety is crucial for a year of enriching experiences.

While college campuses epitomize learning and camaraderie, they can unfortunately also be sites of various incidents, including crimes. According to Clery Act Reports, on average, over 24,000 crime and safety incidents occur annually since 2009. This includes:

• 2,411 robberies
• 1,840 fires
• 20,521 burglaries

However, these risks are not just limited to students who live on campus. Even living off campus brings its fair share of theft, fire, and other forms of crime. By taking steps to protect their belongings and h

Theft Prevention

Students frequently bring valuable possessions like laptops, smartphones, and bicycles to college. Implementing simple precautions can significantly enhance security:

• Enable location sharing on electronic devices.
• Use tracking devices like Apple AirTags on your backpack and bike.
• Take pictures of belongings and receipts to show proof of purchase and ownership.
• Use strong, unique passwords.
• Use bicycle locks or bring your bike with you indoors when possible.

Securing living spaces is equally vital. Whether living on or off campus, cultivating the habit of locking doors is a fundamental safety measure. Installing locks on personal areas and even incorporating small safes for valuables further fortifies security.

Fire Safety

Fires can occur in on-campus residence halls and off-campus housing, posing risks to both health and belongings. Take the following fire safety tips to heart this school year:

• Ensure functioning fire alarms in living areas.
• Familiarize yourself with fire escape plans, identifying multiple exits.
• Promote fire safety discussions among roommates and peers.
• Be cautious with flammable items near heat sources.

Renters Insurance

It’s tough when unexpected events cause damage to a student’s property. Even if the student did nothing wrong, like in cases of burglary or water damage, it can still be a large financial burden for them to bear. It’s important to take proactive measures, but sometimes things that are out of our control can still happen.

John Fees, co-founder of GradGuard, emphasizes the financial implications: “Families must consider if they can financially replace stolen or damaged items. Given the increasing costs of education, families can face significant challenges replacing a laptop or bicycle, ultimately disrupting the college experience.”

GradGuard’s Renters Insurance, endorsed exclusively for students, offers worldwide personal property coverage, liability protection, a low $100 deductible, and no credit check. GradGuard works with hundreds of colleges nationwide and provides affordable rates starting at just $11 a month. College families can have peace of mind knowing that their students’ possessions are safeguarded against financial loss, no matter where in the world they may be.

Safety remains a top priority this school year. Implementing simple, yet effective measures enhances student safety, allowing them to focus on academics, personal growth, and creating lasting memories.

About GradGuard:

GradGuard is the #1 provider of college renters and tuition insurance. Since 2009, GradGuard has protected more than 1.3 million students at more than 1,800 unique institutions. GradGuard’s innovative protections are embedded within the enrollment processes of the largest and most prestigious universities in the United States, ensuring their students are protected from the risks of college life.

Contact:

Natalie Hubertus
Director of Marketing and Communications
nhubertus@gradguard.com

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society – is currently accepting applications for its Mary Todd Sabbatical Award, named in honor of its former Executive Director, Dr. Mary Todd.

This prestigious award, valued at $50,000, will be presented annually to one outstanding faculty member to support a sabbatical year or similar reassignment of duties, allowing them to focus on research, writing, or other professional development activities. The Society recognizes the importance of providing faculty members with the time and resources necessary to explore new ideas, collaborate with colleagues, and make significant contributions to their disciplines.

“It is a pleasure to see this newest award program come to fruition this year. The Sabbatical Award will help our outstanding faculty members continue to fuel their passion for the love of learning by supporting their scholarly work. It is our hope that this award program will continue Phi Kappa Phi’s tradition of supporting academic excellence and service to others across all academic disciplines well into the future,” said Society Executive Director and CEO Dr. Bradley R. Newcomer.

Applications for the award will be open to active members who are faculty members. A committee of esteemed professionals will review the applications and select the recipient based on their demonstrated excellence, potential for impact, and alignment with the Society’s mission and values.

The new award will be added to the Society’s already robust portfolio of awards, which currently gives $1.3 million annually to deserving members and students.

The deadline to apply for the Sabbatical Award is Oct. 1, 2023. To learn more about the award, visit www.phikappaphi.org/sabbatical.

About Phi Kappa Phi
Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Phi Kappa Phi inducts approximately 25,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni annually. The Society has chapters on more than 325 select colleges and universities in the United States, its territories and the Philippines. Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors. Faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction also qualify. The Society’s mission is “To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and engage the community of scholars in service to others.” For more information, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org.

Media Contact
Alyssa Papa
Director of Communications
apapa@phikappaphi.org
(225) 923-7777

MADISON, Wisc.—Magna Publications has announced a new partnership with Credly by Pearson to provide digital badges to demonstrate learning gained from online courses, online professional development training, virtual workshops, and virtual conferences. Participants who complete any of the eligible programs and meet the required criteria will now earn a Magna Publications digital credential.

“Our learners are committed to professional growth, and we wanted to make it easy for them to share their achievements online in a way that is trusted and can be easily verified,” said Bill Haight, president of Magna Publications. “These proficiency, learning, and participation badges represent the distinct learning achieved by our earners. Credly has been pivotal in our success with this.”

By displaying a secure, digital representation of a Magna Publications badge, earners can more easily manage, share, and use their earned badges within their networks, across social media platforms, and on their resumes. Each digital badge contains verified metadata that describes the criteria and process required to earn it.

Magna digital credentials cover topics on:

• Classroom teaching
• Online teaching
• Course design
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Academic leadership

“We are thrilled to offer our customers this well-deserved recognition for their commitment to their professional growth,” said Haight. “As we continue to embrace the future of digital badging, we are humbled by the support of our valued customers these past 50 years.”

For more information about the Magna Publications digital credential program, visit https://www.magnapubs.com/digital-badging/

About Magna Publications

Magna Publications provides innovative teaching and leadership practices for educational professionals to use to ensure student success. For over five decades, we have connected thought leaders with educational professionals to continually enhance teaching and learning on today’s college campuses. Visit www.magnapubs.com to learn more.

About Credly by Pearson

Credly by Pearson is helping the world speak a common language about people’s knowledge, skills, and abilities. Thousands of employers, training organizations, associations, certification programs, and workforce development initiatives use Credly to help individuals translate their learning experiences into professional opportunities using trusted, portable, digital credentials. Visit www.credly.com to learn more.

Media Contact
Tierney King
(608) 227-8102
tierney.king@magnapubs.com

Internet and mobile back-to-school deals from Xfinity fit university students’ lifestyle and budget

Eligible students can take advantage of additional savings of up to $30 a month with the Affordable Connectivity Program

PHILADELPHIA – August 9, 2023 – Would you share a bar of soap or deodorant with your roommate? Sharing can be hard, but thanks to Xfinity Internet, sharing your Internet connection is easy. University students living off campus may be eligible for exclusive deals for as low as $25 per month, with WiFi equipment included, a two-year price guarantee and no annual contract.

Whether you need basic Internet to research for that term paper, or the fastest speeds for online gaming, Xfinity’s got you covered with three tiers of service based on your budget and your needs:

Signing up is easy. Visit https://www.xfinity.com/student or scan the QR code below to view the exclusive student offers in your area. You can also sign up by calling 1-800-XFINITY (1-800-934-6489) or by visiting one of our stores.

After you’ve signed up for Xfinity Internet, use our Snapchat lens to play our “Would You Rather” game to make those tough choices on what to share with your roomie (toothbrush, anyone?).

Xfinity Mobile – The Best Kept Secret in Mobile
While some new roomies can be a nightmare, Xfinity brings a lot to the table. Xfinity also offers a wireless service, Xfinity Mobile. With almost 6 million lines added since its launch in 2017, Xfinity Mobile is one of the fastest growing mobile providers in the country. Rated the fastest mobile service with 5G and millions of WiFi hotspots in Comcast service areas*, Xfinity Mobile delivers a great wireless experience for less money. Xfinity Mobile also has the latest phones, with exclusive offers like up to $1,000 off a new Samsung Galaxy phone. It’s also the perfect mobile service for taking abroad with Xfinity Mobile’s Global Travel Pass.

Learn more about the convenience and reliability Xfinity Mobile offers here.

Affordable Connectivity Program – How to Qualify
You also may qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides a monthly credit of up to $30 toward your Internet bill. To qualify, you must meet the program’s eligibility criteria which can be found here. You may qualify if the entire household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level (for example, $55,500/year for a family of four, $27,180/year for an individual) or if you receive assistance through certain government programs, including if you received a Federal Pell Grant during the current school year.

Learn more about Comcast’s Internet service offerings that are fully covered by the ACP benefit.

About Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

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Contact
Camillia Travia
215-286-3350
Camillia_Travia@comcast.com