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Greetings, Niner Nation Family!
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November is already underway, and we can't believe how fast the semester is progressing. Students are already in the midst of registering for their spring courses and applying for summer leadership positions. It's an exciting time on campus!
This month's issue contains a wealth of articles and information for your student and family. As your student prepares for next semester, read our article for some tips on how to help them best plan for success. Additionally, we are quickly approaching final exams for their fall classes, and our campus provides a wealth of resources to support students in these exams. If your student is stressed about finals, also make sure to check out our article about care packages that you can send to bring your student a little joy.
This month's issue also includes multiple student spotlights focusing on their experience at UNC Charlotte. We love including student perspectives, and this month we are also especially happy to include a piece about international students' experiences with Thanksgiving here in the U.S.
As always, we are here to support your student and family as members of the Niner Nation. If you ever have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact us at
parents@uncc.edu or by phone at 704-687-0341.
Go Niners!
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Jordan Holliday-Millard
Assistant Director for New Student & Family Services
Niner Nation Family
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Preparing for Next Semester: It’s Not Too Early
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By Kelsey Wilkins, New Student & Family Services
Everyone’s busy semester should be winding down, and we hope you and your student have had a successful time here at UNC Charlotte. Coming back to school in January is probably the last thing on everyone's mind, but now is a good time to quickly think through what to have in place for 2017. Here are some tips on how to prepare for the upcoming spring semester.
Parents
- Make sure your student returns to school with everything they brought home (especially if they are traveling far for school)
- Make sure your student is prepared to walk to class in all types of weather.
- Remind your student to purchase books ahead of time.
- Talk to your student about the fall semester and then have a conversation on how to do well in the spring.
Students
- Make sure your books are purchased and will arrive on time.
- Map out where your classes for the spring semester will be.
- Clean out old binders and prep them for your new classes.
- Make sure you have enough supplies — ink, paper, binders, pencils, etc.
Evaluate how you did last semester and take what you learned and grow from it.
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Mark Your Calendar: Spring Family Reunion Feb. 25
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By Caitlin Carey, New Student & Family Services
Spring Family Reunion is Niner Nation Family's newest event for parents and family members. Last year, students and families cheered on the men’s basketball team to a victory in Halton Arena and enjoyed going on the court at the end of the game.
Next semester, New Student & Family Services is looking to host an even bigger Spring Family Reunion. The event is Feb. 25, with registration opening Jan. 18. We look forward to sharing more details about the event soon!
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There’s No Place Like Home, Right?
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By Daniel Watson, New Student & Family Services
The jack-o’-lanterns have all been discarded, election day is within arm’s reach and Santa Claus has just begun his TV campaign, which are all indicators of…? You guessed it, Thanksgiving Break!
Students will be heading home Nov. 23-26 for their first extended break of the fall semester. Although your new Niner may have come for a weekend or two this semester, this time will be different. While at school your student has been developing into a better version of themselves; this growth is normally accompanied by a sense of independence. This newfound independence could either “make or break” the holiday spirit. Make sure you’re prepared to handle the adjustment.
According to “College Parent Central,” here’s what you can do to prepare for your student returning from campus:
- Even before your student heads home, ask if there is anything you should know before he/she arrives. Sometimes students express their independence by piercings, shaving their head or dying their hair purple or another hue. Finding out “what’s new” in advance may give you time to prepare yourself before they walk in the door.
- Let your student know if there are any changes they should expect at home. Has a younger sibling moved into his or her room? Have you repainted the living room a new color? Is there a new puppy?
- Try not to over-schedule your student’s time while they are home. It is reasonable to expect your student to be involved with some family activities, but make sure your student has enough personal time.
- Make an appointment with your student for an open discussion about potential issues that may come up while they are home. Plan to sit down as early in the visit as possible to address things before they become problems. This may be the single most important thing that you can do to make the visit go smoothly. An honest discussion about curfew and expectations is one thing that many students worry about. Be ready to compromise.
- Try to find a balance between independence and family responsibilities. Negotiate carefully how much you will expect of him or her while they are home.
- Take time over the vacation to get to know the new person your student is becoming. This is an ideal opportunity to learn about your student in a new way.
We know you’re excited to see your student — rest assured they are just as eager to return to the four walls they call home, no matter how uninterested they may seem. We hope these tips will help you enjoy your thanksgiving dinner in peace.
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Test Prep: Help Your Student Succeed at Exam Time
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By Ena Walker, New Student & Family Services
When a student leaves for college, it’s a journey for the whole family. By now, your student has completed midterms and is sailing toward finals week. For families of new college students, finals week can be stressful, but there are many ways for you to support your student.
The first thing to understand as a parent or family member is that college testing is different from high school testing. University tests are much harder to study for and take more time out of your student’s normal life. Adding proverbial fuel to the fire, many college students don’t know that expectations will be so much higher. Also, many upperclassmen get burnt out before finals arrive, making studying that much harder. So, here are a few ways for you to support your student through their finals:
Studying is your student’s responsibility.
Understand that college is based on time management, and unlike in high school, it is solely on your students to study for their exams.
There are many resources for your student to help them succeed.
The University Center for Academic Excellence offers free tutoring and supplemental instruction sessions to help students comprehend material.
Take advantage of review sessions.
Professors will occasionally offer review sessions before giving final exams. Though the sessions may not be mandatory, encourage your student to attend them.
Suggest your student be proactive in reviewing class notes.
Reviewing notes regularly before the final exam is a great help in mastering material.
Whether this is your student's first or last semester at UNC Charlotte, finals are always a challenge.
They are always a stressor. Be a positive influence on your student through encouragement. The effect you could have on them is monumental.
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Football: Recapping the Season to Date
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By Ena Walker, New Student & Family Services
Football season is upon us in Niner Nation, and with homecoming recently past, it’s a good time to look back on how our 49ers have done so far this year. They began the season with a rough start. Traveling to No. 19 Louisville, the team sustained a crushing 70-14 loss.
The next week, the first home game of the season was against Elon, drawing a record crowd of more than 15,000 to Jerry Richardson Stadium. The 49ers found victory in a 47-19 win over Elon, and morale was high due to overwhelming student support.
Our next home game was on Family Weekend, Sept. 17, and we suffered a 37-19 loss to Eastern Michigan. Loses were also the order of the day in our next two games, an away game at Temple and a home game versus Old Dominion.
Our starting quarterbacks were transitioned from Kevin Olsen, brother of acclaimed Carolina Panthers player Greg Olsen to Hasaan Klugh. Our next game at Florida Atlantic University with our new quarterback brought a big 28-23 victory! Klugh also started our 2016 homecoming game against Florida International in which we fell just short of another victory, 27-26, with a missed field goal attempt.
But the positive momentum continued the next week when we captured one of our biggest wins ever — a 27-24 victory at Marshall. As of this writing, four games remain, including two at home — Nov. 12 against Rice and Nov. 19 against Middle Tennessee. Come out and support the Niners!
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Student Spotlight: Kevin Hines
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Complied by Caitlin Carey, New Student & Family Services
Kevin Hines is a sophomore political science major from Harrisburg, N.C. He enjoys longboarding, snowboarding and staying up to date with current events. You can often find Kevin outside of Prospector as it’s his favorite place to grab lunch with friends. We interviewed him about his experiences at UNC Charlotte, and here are his answers below.
Tell us something you are involved with on campus and why you love it!
Student government. I serve as a student panelist within the judicial branch. This position has allowed me the chance to gain a perspective on the conduct process. My favorite part of this position is being able to help out my fellow students who are going through the conduct process better understand the reasons behind our code of conduct and how they can use the situation as a learning and growing experience.
What has been your greatest challenge?
My greatest challenge has been remembering to put myself first. I find myself constantly struggling with the concept of self-maintenance. I naturally look to connect with others and help them in whatever way that I can. That combined with my desire to push myself out of my comfort zone and try new things has led to a schedule filled to the brim. I have noticed that it is very easy with all of this to forget to leave time for myself, but it has also showed me that if you do not leave time for yourself then you are setting yourself up for failure.
What have you learned (or are learning) that's made a difference to you?
Time management!!! Trust me, in no way am I anywhere close to having great time management, but I definitely have come tremendously far in managing my time. When I first came to college, I struggled with balancing when to study or watch Netflix. Now I balance the academics of a full-time student, involvement in four campus organizations, an on-campus job, volunteering and hanging out with friends. Finally, I have to say that Google Calendar has been the biggest resource in allowing me to manage my time so much more effectively.
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Student Spotlight: Kayla Davis
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Compiled by Caitlin Carey, New Student & Family Services
Kayla Davis is a sophomore international studies and political science double major. She is originally from Raleigh, N.C., and is currently an active member in her sorority, Alpha Kappa Kappa. She loves being a part of something bigger than herself and being able to make a difference. We interviewed Kayla about her experiences at UNC Charlotte, and her answers are below:
Why did you choose UNC Charlotte?
Because I loved the campus atmosphere when I toured for the first time. I remember walking around campus and feeling so comfortable in the environment. There are so many opportunities on campus and so many organizations to get involved in. I was super excited to be at a university where I knew I could achieve academic success and have the freedom to develop leadership skills and become a strong leader.
What have you learned (or are learning) that's made a difference to you?
I am learning how important it is to remember your “why.” It is important to remember why you chose UNC Charlotte or why UNC Charlotte chose you, as well as why you want to be at the University.
UNC Charlotte is what you make of it, and it is about you setting goals for yourself and doing what is necessary to accomplish them. My “why” is love. I love UNC Charlotte; I love the opportunities it has provided for me. If I can have a conversation with someone and make them express the same love that I have for UNC Charlotte, then I feel like I am making a difference.
What advice do you have for incoming students?
Get involved in organizations that you’re genuinely interested in and thrive in them. Stay true to yourself and never forget your “why.” UNC Charlotte is far from being perfect, but it is every bit worth the journey. When you love something, you do what you can to make it better. Getting involved, using your voice and having #NinerPride can make or break your UNC Charlotte experience.
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International Student: Finding a Second Family at UNC Charlotte
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By Kelsey Wilkins, New Student & Family Services
We had the opportunity to interview Aquel Alkhawaia, a senior computer science major from Saudi Arabia, and Aziz Alammar, a junior/senior biology major, also from Saudi Arabia. Aquel has been at UNC Charlotte for four years, and Aziz has been here for five years.
Both students quickly found a home at UNC Charlotte when they moved to the area and have continued to grow and develop here.
Aquel said that what surprised him most about the United States was how open-minded people were and how people were willing to try new things and not be afraid to fail. Aziz said that what surprised him most was how independent students were from their families.
Both Aziz and Aquel said that it has been a while since they had been home, and when they feel homesick, they rely a lot on the friends they have made here in the United States. They both came here to experience new things.
Aziz’s brother and cousin are both recent graduates of UNC Charlotte, and they are part of the reason why Aziz chose to attend school here. Aquel is part of his family’s long history of traveling abroad to attending universities, and he is glad Charlotte is where he ended up because he has found a second family here.
Both Aquel and Aziz have adopted a few American pastimes while living here in the states. Aquel likes to participate in Halloween and has also developed a love of hiking. Aziz said that he has been able to adopt traditions but still celebrates Saudi Arabian holidays here with his friends.
They are both planning on going back to Saudi Arabia when they graduate and said what they will miss most about the United States are their friends, the people they have met and the energy that people exert.
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Creating a Care Package for Your Student
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By Caitlin Carey, New Student & Family Services
A surprise care package from a family member is always appreciated, especially toward the end of a semester with finals. For students, getting a little bit of love from home in the form of their favorite snacks, a new coffee mug or even just a heartfelt note goes a long way to make them feel supported.
Care packages are easy and often inexpensive to make and send. If you’re interested in creating a care package for your student, here are ideas of what it might contain:
Favorite Treats from Home
Does your student like certain homemade cookies or baked goods that can be easily shipped?
Decorations
Help you student decorate their dorm room or apartment to make it feel like a home away from home; send some decor items!
Water Bottle or Tervis Tumbler
If your student is like most, he or she treks across campus a lot from one building to another. Send a new water bottle or tumbler as a helpful refresher!
Kraft Easy Mac Cups
This all-time favorite of college students is always appreciated. Students love this as a quick dinner or even a late-night study snack.
Food Containers
Perfect for keeping leftovers fresh in a mini fridge.
Bread and Peanut Butter
Makes a quick and easy sandwich when on the go!
Games
Stress balls, Bananagrams, Monopoly and other games are great for a study break and de-stressing!
Hair Ties
Can we say more? Many students can never have too many of these.
Technology Accessories
A new laptop case, a new phone case, extra-long phone chargers or headphones are great for students who love their technology — or have recently lost their latest pair of headphones!
Cold/Flu Season Care Package
It’s almost impossible to avoid getting sick during college. So a box of chicken noodle soup, cough drops, Gatorade and Kleenex packs can come in handy.
Toiletries - surprisingly very appreciated!
- New tube of toothpaste and a new toothbrush
- Razors
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Soap and face wash
Letter from Home
Nothing cheers up a college student more than a handwritten note.
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Niner Nation Family
New Student & Family Services
Dean of Students Office
UNC Charlotte
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