DECEMBER  2017
C o m m o n   C o n v e r s a t i o n s
December means final examinations! Your student has prepared all semester and it is important that you continue your encouragement as the next few weeks brings academic pressure. Remind your student that it is never too late to seek tutoring at the CLASS (Center for Learning and Student Success) Office or meet with a Counselor in Counseling and Psychological Services. Throughout these weeks, there are many programs on campus to help your student remain stress-free.

For those whose student are graduating this Fall, congratulations! It is an accomplishment for both your student and your family. This next chapter brings much opportunity and we wish your student much success!  Alumni are encouraged to join the Alumni Association, to remain connected to the university, and to continue to utilize services such as the Career Center, as they begin to navigate their next steps. Please feel free to reach out to our office if we can be of support during this transition! 

Office of Parent and Family Programs
Dean of Student's Office, Division of Student Affairs
Parent and Family Helpline: 1-888-328-8411
C h e r i b u n d i    T a r t     C h e r r y    
B o c a    R a t o n    B o w l

The Division of Student Affairs is offering students discounted tickets for the Cheribundi Tart Cherry Boca Raton Bowl. Tickets are available to students at a price of $10. Only 1,000 tickets have been reserved so students must act fast. Tickets are only available for students with an active Znumber and FAU email address.  For more information please contact the office of student activities and involvement at 561-297-3735 or [email protected] .
Parents and Families can purchase tickets to the game directly through FAU Athletics by calling 
1-888-FAU-OWLS or emailing [email protected]
W e L e a d 
S t u d e n t   L e a d e r s h i p    S y m p o s i u m
The third annual WeLead: Diversity Matters Student Leadership Symposium will be taking place on the FAU Boca Raton campus on Saturday, January 27. WeLead is a one-day Symposium designed to broaden participants cultural competency and leadership knowledge. WeLead invites national speakers, workshop presenters and peers to facilitate opportunities for participants to learn about diversity and leadership and how to incorporate these lessons when working with diverse teams.
F a l l   C o m m e n c e m e n t 
The ceremonies will be held on Thursday, December 14 th  at 9am, 1pm and 5pm and Friday, December 15 th  at 9am and 1pm .

Degree candidates should report to the Live Oak Pavilion one hour before the beginning of the ceremony.

It is recommended that guests arrive to the Carole and Barry Kaye Auditorium one hour before the beginning of the ceremony. Twenty minutes before the ceremony begins, the auditorium is closed due to the processional. If guests are not in the auditorium at this time, they will be asked to wait outside until the processional concludes. You must have a ticket in order to attend commencement. 
P a r e n t   I n v o l v e m e n t
You Are Invited to Spring Fling: February 2-3, 2018

The Owl Parent Association (OPA) invites you to join them for the 9th Annual Spring Fling Weekend! If you missed Parent & Family Weekend in the fall, this is a great opportunity to spend time with your student and enjoy the fun activities that are planned. We welcome back our friends who attended Fall Parent and Family Weekend.
T h i n g s   t o   C o n s i d e r   i n    D e c e m b e r
Owls Care Health Promotion now has a new office available to students: The Women and Gender Equity Resource Center (Gender Center). The mission of the Gender Center is to advance gender equity, educate the campus community, and promote a safe and inclusive environment that supports student learning and development for all constituents facing gender-based oppression.
The WeLead: Diversity Matters Student Leadership Symposium is a one-day experience designed to broaden participants cultural competency and leadership knowledge. WeLead is open and free to all FAU students and includes keynote speakers, several break out sessions and opportunities to interact with peers, faculty, and staff.
Does your student have an important interview or meeting and needs something to wear? Encourage them to check out the OWL Professional Clothes Closet.  Florida Atlantic University has launched the OWL Professional Clothes Closet, a new initiative aimed at helping FAU students dress appropriately for job interviews and networking events.
U n i v e r s i t y   A d v i s i n g   O w l s o m e   C o r n e r
University Advising Services (UAS) helps your student develop and implement an academic plan for success at FAU.  Our advising program is based on the Appreciative Advising model, which is the intentional practice of asking positive, open-ended questions that help students optimize their educational experience and achieve their DREAMS, DESIGN a plan to achieve those dreams, and make necessary changes to ACHIEVE their goals.  The advisee and advisor are partners, and below are a few tips on how you can be an APPRECIATIVE PARTNER with your FAU student.

Suggestions for Being a Parent/Family Partner In December
  • Deliver: Support your student's resiliency. Encourage your student to join a study group, sign up for tutoring, attend classes, and visit campus resources.  
Success Network Resources
[email protected]  |   www.fau.edu/uas   |   561-297-3064
 Marsha Saddler  |   [email protected]  |  UAS liaison to  Parent and Family Programs
I m p o r t a n t   D a t e s 
Dec. 4: Deadline to complete winter break housing contract
Dec. 6: Last day of classes
Dec. 7-13: Final exams
Dec. 14: Housing move out for Fall 2017, except for graduating students, who move out by Dec. 15
Dec. 14 & 15: Fall 2017 Commencement
Dec. 15: Semester Ends
Dec. 19: Cheribundi Tart Cherry Boca Raton Bowl
Dec 25-31: Winter Break Holiday (Offices will be closed)
Jan. 6: Spring Semester Begins
K n o w i n g   Y o u r   S t u d e n t
Papers and exams are looming ahead for your r student. All students handle the academic pressures differently, and some may require additional support over the next month. Remind your student that you have confidence in their abilities to complete their work. Sometimes, relating stores from your own life- perhaps a tough challenge and how you handled the fear, can resonate with your student. 

References

Johnson, H. E., & Schelhas-Miller, C. (2011). Don't Tell Me What to Do, Just Send Money: The Essential Parent Guide To The College Years (2nd ed.). New York: St. Martin's Griffin.
S u r v e y
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