Freshman Family Newsletter
September 2017
Dear Class of 2021 Families,
 
Welcome to the 2017-2018 School Year at William & Mary! We are excited to join you as you begin the W&M parent journey!
 
While your student explores new opportunities here at William & Mary, be sure to stay connected with the Parent & Family Programs website for exposure to the most pertinent family resources and the best ways to get involved and stay engaged. Additionally, Parent & Family Programs has created a forum on Facebook for Tribe Parents to interact and share common experiences, as well as make your transition smoother. Join the group in addition to liking our Parent & Family Programs page!
 
We hope to see you all on campus for Family Weekend later this month (Sept. 15-17). If you have any questions in the meantime, don’t hesitate to reach out!
 
Sincerely,
Mark Sikes PhD'15
Director of Parent & Family Programs
Opening Convocation
One of William & Mary's most treasured traditions is our Opening Convocation ceremony. Signaling the start of the academic year, Convocation begins with the president of the university leading new students through the Wren portico to the wild cheers and warm handshakes of the entire William & Mary student body.

Family Weekend 2017 
William & Mary welcomes all Tribe Families to experience campus life first-hand at Family Weekend, which will take place Sept. 15-17. It is important to register for Family Weekend before the event itself. We hope to see you here at William & Mary!

LAST CHANCE: Exclusive Gear for Family Weekend
Be sure to check out the newly released Family Weekend 2017 Gear: only available until the end of the day! This year we are offering a grey, long-sleeve t-shirt and a hot and cold travel mug. Shop them here while supplies last!

Happy New Year! - Updates from Residence Life
On Friday 8/25 we checked in 1500+ residents. That's approximately 6 residents per minute. Over the course of the next four days, an additional 3500+ residents returned to campus housing. That is A LOT, but we are so glad you are here!!!

Below are the top 5 things shared by some seasoned parents and staff to remember during this amazing time!

1. Enjoy your student's experience with them. It will make the transition easier for everyone.

2. Make sure that you and your student are aware of the resources around them. Follow W&M Residence Life on Facebook, Instagram, and twitter for up to date information.

3. Encourage your student to get to know the people on their hall and in their building. Their experience will be much more fulfilling for them if they are able to feel connected to their campus community.

4. Let your student complain. Then let them think. Part of personal development in college is learning to stand on your own two feet. Keep it all in perspective. What may be drama right now will be long forgotten tomorrow.

5. Try not to solve problems for them. College is about learning in the classroom and out.

Now that your student is getting settled in, it is vital they engage in the community. The best way to do that is to participate in Hall Council. This is a great leadership opportunity and allows your students voice to be heard in their community.

Opportunities Abroad
Is your student interested in studying abroad for a summer or semester? Come learn about the
many international opportunities available to W&M students! The Global Education Office’s
annual Study Abroad Fair will be held this year during Family Weekend on Saturday,
September 16 from 12-3pm. It’s a great opportunity to learn about programs, meet W&M
faculty leading programs, and speak with students who have studied abroad. Have questions?
Study Abroad workshops are held daily, and the Global Education Office has walk-in hours
11am-5pm, Monday-Friday.

W&M Theatre presents "Our Lady of Kibeho" 
Based on real events, Our Lady of Kibeho is an exploration of faith, doubt, and the power and consequences of both. 

October 5–8, 2017
Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall 
7:30pm, Thursday–Saturday
2:00pm, Sunday
Tickets on sale September 5! 

Tuition/eBill Statement News
The next Fall 2017 semester eBill Statement will be published September 8, 2017. The W&M Fall 2017 Tuition Payment Plan will close for enrollment September 11, 2017. Please be sure to watch for monthly eStatements that may include printing charges or other incidental fees. You and your ‘authorized users’ will receive an email notification to alert you of a new eStatement and any amount due. Tuition Payment Plans will adjust accordingly.

What I Wish I'd Known... 
This year, we're expanding the "Wish I'd Known..." series. This series presents six panels of current seniors throughout the year sharing their experiences and advice about what they have learned and wish they knew as freshmen. Topics range from "Science Research on Campus" to "Internships." Students will find updates in TribeCareers! 

MACE: My Active Career Exploration
MACE is a six-week program, meeting for an hour a week, offered every semester to freshmen and sophomores, typically beginning after add/drop. It is most beneficial to students looking for assistance determining or confirming career options. At the end of the program, your student will create a three-semester plan, setting goals for career-related experiences in the near future. 

Ice Cream Social and Volunteer Fair 
The Office of Community Engagement is hosting an ice-cream social to connect service-minded students with each other and local non-profits. Even if students are not able to attend the ice-cream social, they can always stop by OCE for individualized service advising on the third floor of Blow Memorial Hall. 

Alumni House Tailgating
The Tribe game-day experience is going to be better than ever before for alumni, parents and friends during the 2017 Tribe football season! Join the William & Mary Alumni Association and other members of the Tribe family for a festive tailgate on the Alumni House lawn. 

Essential FYI Series Kicks Off
All first-time-in-college students attend the Essential First-Year Initiative Series. The four fall-semester-required sessions, which are intended to build upon conversations and topics introduced during New Student Orientation, are attended with the student's residence hall community and Resident Assistant.

Dining Dollar Updates
Auxiliary and Dining Services would like to respond to concerns about Dining Dollars and provide information about the retail options accepting Dining Dollars this fall. Some changes of note include Qdoba gaining a permanent location in the Student X-Change, Cosi and the Center Court in Sadler reopening with late-night options, and Starbucks being added to the Boehly Cafe in Miller Hall. More information can be found on the Dining Services website and Facebook page.

Homecoming
Join us this October 19-22 for Homecoming & Reunion Weekend!

The Tribe will come together for events for every age and interest.

We hope to see you there! 

Translated Newsletter
If you are interested in receiving our newsletter translated in Mandarin, fill out the form below. The translation of each newsletter will be available a week after the original newsletters have been emailed. The first translated newsletter will be sent out next Friday, September 8.

From Move-In to Commencement your student will find support and encouragement from the faculty, administrators and staff invested in their success and well-being. The College needs YOUR support to provide the resources and programs students need to flourish both academically and personally. Consider  making a gift to the Parent Fund  today!  
 
Parents are partners in student success! Explore volunteer opportunities by visiting our  Parent & Family website !
Parent & Family Programs                              
Email:  families@wm.edu
William & Mary
P.O. Box 8795
Williamsburg, VA 23187