Dear Parents & Families,       

      Your student is entering a very important time in their life.  We know from Maslow's hierarchy of needs that each person has five basic things in order to survive and thrive.  
  1. Health, food, water, warmth and rest
  2. Safety
  3. Belonging and love
  4. Feelings of accomplishment
  5. Self-fulfillment

      Through our newsletter/email will be addressing topics that will help you support your student as they transition into college life and learn ways to become successful.  

       This week’s topic is “Why your student should get involved”.

      Here are some of our top reasons for getting involved outside of the classroom:

  • It’s a resume builder.
  • It teaches leadership skills.
  • It provides great networking opportunities.
  • It helps develop soft skills (“people skills").
  • They’ll learn more about self.
  • It helps them build community and make new friends with similar interests.
  • It teaches them how to engage with diverse groups of individuals.
  • It provides them with practical experience in a safe setting.
  • It allows them to discover their passions and strengths.
  • It gives them a break from studies.
  • It allows them to become connected to SUU.
  • It teaches them how to work in a team.
  • It allows them to use the skills they’ve learned from their classes.
  • In many instances, it allows them to give back to the community (service hours).
  • It helps your student focus on their future.
  • They’ll have fun! 

      “A study found, that by the senior year, students involved in clubs and organizations had statistically significant higher levels of development in establishing and clarifying purpose, educational involvement, career planning, lifestyle management, and cultural participation than they did at the beginning of their freshman year. In all of these areas, students who were involved in student organizations were more developed than those who were not involved.” (Martin, L. M. (2000)).


      Finding your “place” on campus, however, can be much easier said than done. Here are some of the best ways for your student to get involved:


1. Utilize SUU’s resources: Student Involvement & Leadership is housed in the Sharwan Smith Student Center, suite 171.  Your student can stop by and ask questions.  Keri Mecham (435-586-7712 mecham@suu.edu) is the Director of Student Involvement & Leadership she and the STIL team can help your student to get involved.

2. Try something new each semester until they find their place. The best thing about college is trying new things!  So encourage your student to branch out and try something that sounds interesting, but maybe not something that they are already an expert in.

3. Realize that being involved is an ongoing process: Becoming involved shouldn’t be about just joining one group.  Have your student check out volunteer opportunities through the Community Engagement Center (435-865-8335 Pam Branin braninp@suu.edu )  many service opportunities are available!  Your student could also find local service activities through their church of choice.  Many opportunities abound in the Cedar City Community to help your student grow, gain autonomy, and find purpose in the activities that they get involved with.

Check out this video on student activities from fall semester: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ghTOG5bJ6k

Here’s to an exciting and productive coming year!

Debbie 


Debbie Staples
Parent & Family Services Coordinator
351 W University Blvd. Suite 201
Southern Utah University

debbiestaples@suu.edu

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