JWU Family e-Newsletter
December 2017
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The Parent & Family Relations Office serves as a liaison to the parents and families of incoming and current students through on-going communication and programs. This monthly e-Newsletter helps you stay connected to your student as you journey with them through their JWU experience.
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Dear Wildcat Parents & Families,
Winter term is here and holiday break is approaching. JWU students face the added challenge of an extended break in the middle of winter term. So, what does this mean for your student?
Your student may feel pressure to complete a lot of tasks in a short period of time. It can be exhausting for students to start new classes, interact with new classmates, get to know new professors, and complete homework assignments during the holiday season. In order to best support your student, it is important to understand the demands placed on them this time of year.
Initiate a conversation with your student about how they plan to manage their time, stay focused and remain motivated for the second half of winter term. Allow your student time to gather their thoughts and process their feelings. Use this time to gauge how your student is doing both academically and personally.
Most of all, enjoy the holiday break with your student. From all of us in the Parent & Family Relations Office, best wishes for very happy holidays!
Sincerely,
Parent & Family Relations Office
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On the day before fall term exams began, more than 400 students participated in the Paws to De-Stress event hosted by Health Education. Aside from playing with some adorable therapy dogs, students had the opportunity to make their own stress balls, aromatherapy lotions, origami and positive affirmation cards. Other calming activities included coloring, completing puzzles, playing with play-dough and participating in Massage Envy’s total body stretch sessions. The event was a welcomed break from exam preparations for all who attended.
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The women’s volleyball team had an amazing fall season! In November, after sweeping Simmons College 3-0, the team claimed its third straight GNAC title. This win also locked the Wildcats in as hosts for the NCAA regional tournament. The regional championship sent Johnson & Wales to the quarterfinals in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This is the farthest any JWU program has advanced in NCAA Tournament play. Unfortunately, JWU’s run was stopped by second-ranked Calvin, but the team ended with an impressive final record of 35-1. It certainly was a season to remember. Way to go, Wildcats!
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In November, JWU Providence National Student Organizations (NSO) was represented by 28 students in New York City. They joined peers from 49 other colleges and universities for DECA’s ENGAGE conference. The conference provided an opportunity for industry site visits, professional workshops, competition, networking and free time for fun in the city.
If your student is a member of NSO (DECA, SkillsUSA, FBLA, FCCLA, TSA, FFA, BPA, JA or HOSA) encourage them to get involved.
Contact the NSO office at 401-598-2345 with any questions.
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Once a month, the BRIDGE's Geography Series offers students the opportunity to share various cultures with the JWU community. Participants learn about different regions of the world, engage in activities such as learning a Bollywood dance or how to write Chinese characters, and often sample traditional foods. This fall, featured presentations focused on China’s Sichuan Province, Ecuador and St. Maarten. During the St. Maarten event, students collected goods to donate to hurricane relief efforts.
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Study Abroad is excited to announce that the Winter Study Abroad Fair will take place Wednesday, January 24, from 1:00 - 3:30pm in the Cuisinart Center for Culinary Excellence on the Harborside Campus. Students are encouraged to stop by to explore the dozens of different programs that JWU Abroad offers in more than 35 countries. There will also be plenty of internationally-themed music and foods to sample. If you have any questions, please contact our office at
studyabroad@jwu.edu
or
401-598-1406, or visit our website at
studyabroad.jwu.edu
.
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OFF-CAMPUS STUDENT SERVICES
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Off-campus living is an important topic families should discuss with their students who are considering this option. Due to continuing concerns regarding crime and disruptive behavior, the university strongly advises students to avoid the Elmhurst area as they consider options in Providence. Students who do live in Elmhurst are asked to be proactive in addressing the challenges that are occurring in this neighborhood.
Along with an increased vigilance by neighborhood residents and Providence Police, two new City Council resolutions regarding student behavior in the Elmhurst area have been proposed. Students should be familiar with the
resolutions
.
Before signing a lease, we strongly recommend students research the neighborhoods they are considering. If your student would like assistance with the off-campus housing search, please encourage them to utilize the online housing database, Jump Off Campus, located under
Services
through JWULink, or contact Off-Campus Student Services (OCSS) at 401-598-4595 or
OCSS@jwu.edu
.
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JOIN THE RESIDENTIAL LIFE TEAM
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Lead our Pack! Is your student interested in becoming a Resident Assistant, Front Desk Manager or Graduate Assistant within Residential Life? Applications are available under
Residential Life Organization
through the JWULink Involvement Network until Friday, January 12.
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THE CENTER FOR ACADEMIC SUPPORT
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These sessions are a great opportunity for students to take charge of their academic success.
Learning Preferences:
Wednesday, January 10
9:30 – 10:30am – John Hazen White Building, 1
st
Floor
11:30am – 12:30pm – John Hazen White Building, 1
st
Floor
2:00 – 3:00pm – John Hazen White Building, 1
st
Floor
7:45 – 8:45pm – Friedman Building, Culinary Learning Center
Decision Making & Problem Solving:
Wednesday, January 17
9:30 – 10:30am – John Hazen White Building, 1
st
Floor
11:30am – 12:30pm – John Hazen White Building, 1
st
Floor
2:00 – 3:00pm – John Hazen White Building, 1
st
Floor
7:45 – 8:45pm – Friedman Building, Culinary Learning Center
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JWU Parent & Family Community
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CONVERSATION CALENDAR
Each month we will provide suggested talking points to help you navigate timely conversations with your Wildcat. You know your student best, so use this guide as you see fit. Good luck!
"What are your plans for winter break?"
Winter break is a wonderful time for your student to visit with friends and family, catch up on much needed sleep and eat home-cooked meals. Students are used to their freedom and ability to come and go as they please when they are at school, but is that okay when they are home? Now is an excellent time to speak with your student about their plans. What are your rules and expectations? Having a discussion with your student early on can help avoid conflict and make for a more peaceful holiday break.
"Lets talk about financial planning."
It is never too early to begin the discussion about finances, tuition and scholarships. Applying for financial aid is an annual event. Students who wish to be considered for financial aid must complete the
FAFSA
form. In addition to financial aid, students can utilize iGrad for advice and
scholarship opportunities
. If your student has questions regarding the FAFSA form, scholarship applications, tuition or loan repayments, please have them contact their
financial advisor
or call 401-598-1468.
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PARENT & FAMILY ADVISORY BOARD PERSPECTIVES
When Students Work
Whether your student receives Federal Work Study or another opportunity to work at JWU, campus work can sometimes be seen as a deterrent to academic success. Students may wonder, “How can I study enough while working?” Other students may view it as a necessity in order to earn money for tuition. Parents and families are usually happy with on-campus employment, recognizing that it can help offset education expenses and reduce loan obligations.
Campus employment can also provide students the opportunity to meet new people, manage their time, and learn how to budget their income. Many campus positions even correlate with a student’s chosen field of study.
Families can support their students by learning more about the benefits of campus jobs and discussing the positive outcomes. Students should be encouraged to challenge themselves and step out of their comfort zones. Sometimes a campus job can do just that – allow students to grow and learn more about their strengths and areas for improvement, all within a supportive and educational environment.
-Contributed by Judi, parent of a Culinary Arts/Food Service Management sophomore
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NOVEMBER FAMILY QUESTION OF THE MONTH RESULTS:
So far this year, on what topic has your student looked for the most advice or assistance?
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Be sure to read this month's
Student Health 101
for families. Since your student receives their own version of this, we encourage you to have open discussions about these monthly topics.
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IMPORTANT DATES
Be sure to encourage your Wildcat to engage in some of these academic and social opportunities. To see more information on any of the dates listed below, please visit our
events page
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12/22- Holiday break begins, residence halls
close at 12:00pm
1/6- Residence halls re-open at 12:00pm
1/7- Holiday break ends
1/7- Culinary & baking weekend labs resume
1/8- Classes resume
1/15- MLK Day- no classes
2/2- Spring payment deadline
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PROVIDENCE HAPPENINGS
Providence offers a variety of exciting events that your student can enjoy during their downtime. Encourage them to take advantage of living in this great city.
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The ALEX AND ANI City Center is now open for the 2017-2018 ice skating season. This is a fun and active way for students to get outside and explore Providence during the winter months. Hours, rates, skate rental details and more information can be found
here
.
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We Want To Hear From You!
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QUESTIONS, COMMENTS or CONCERNS?
Have topics you would like to see in future issues? Please contact the Office of Parent & Family Relations at 401-598-2895 or by email at
family.pvd@jwu.edu
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Stay connected from the Parent & Family Perspective
Parent & Family Relations Office
Mon-Fri, 8:30am-4:30pm
401-598-2895
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