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JWU Family e-Newsletter
November 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,
Students are nearing the end of the fall term and finals are just around the corner. This can be a stressful time for students as they navigate their way to the finish line. It is important to remind them to take care of themselves both physically and mentally. Encourage them to take advantage of JWU's resources such as the Center for Academic Support, Counseling Services and faculty office hours.
Wishing your Wildcat the best of luck during their final exams!
Sincerely,
Parent & Family Relations Office
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A little rain did not stop JWU families from showing their Wildcat Pride at the 30th annual Family Weekend, Oct 13-15.
The weekend began with families enjoying The Great DuBois variety show in Schneider Auditorium on Friday night.
Saturday started out with a Parent & Family Welcome where families were encouraged to get to know members of JWU's Parent & Family Advisory Board. The Welcome was followed with a Wildcat Chat where President Mim L. Runey discussed JWU's vision for the future.
The weekend continued with the always enjoyable student parade, family luncheon, fall festival and culinary demonstrations. The Wildcat Center was later transformed into an exciting casino and families were encouraged to try their luck at various games.
To wrap up the weekend, students and family members ran Willie’s Family 3K Fun Run throughout the Harborside Campus.
Make sure you don't miss out on the fun next year. Save the date for Homecoming & Family Weekend 2018, Oct 12-14!
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Loving our Legacies
During last month’s Family Weekend, the
Alumni Relations Office
hosted 40 very special guests – legacy students and their families – for a dessert reception. Legacy students are those who have a parent or sibling who graduated from JWU. The reception was a perfect opportunity for our newest Wildcats with legacy distinction to get acquainted, and for their alumni relatives to share their collective pride in their alma mater and their students.
Kayla Eckstein (pictured left) is a first-year Media & Communications major from Florida and daughter of Adam & Laura Eckstein, both members of the class of ’88. They are pictured with Sierra Blanco (at right), a sophomore Hotel & Lodging Management major and her mom, Elizabeth Blanco ’88. This event was a great reunion opportunity for Adam, Laura and Elizabeth!
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EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION & CAREER SERVICES
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The infographic below from Experiential Education & Career Services includes the following fall events: Part-Time Job Fair, Retail & Business Career Fair, Accounting & Finance Career Fair, Food Service & Hospitality Career Fair, Culinary Nutrition Forum, SEEM Job & Internship Fair, and the Technology Career Fair.
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The wave of success for the Johnson & Wales University athletics department has continued to grow during the fall season. One of the best programs in New England, the Wildcats are now garnering national attention.
In the American Volleyball Coaches Association poll released on October 24, the Wildcats were ranked 11
th
in the country. The Wildcats defeated Simmons College to capture their third-straight conference championship.
Opposing teams have been frustrated by the JWU men’s soccer team this season. The Wildcats – who haven’t lost in their last 15 matches going into the GNAC Tournament – are fifth in the NCAA. JWU women’s soccer ranks in the top 20 nationally for both goals and points.
Johnson & Wales already has two teams that have punched their tickets to the NCAA Championships. The men’s golf team ran away with the GNAC Championship at the Valley Country Club, winning by 19 strokes. The women’s tennis team beat Simmons, 5-2, to repeat as conference champs.
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UPDATES FROM RESIDENTIAL LIFE
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Residential Life
would like to remind families about a few things during the month of November. One thing to know is that even though the residence halls remain open for Thanksgiving break, it is important for those students leaving the halls to ensure the following happens: turn off room lights, take out the garbage, and close and lock room windows.
November is also a time when conflict may arise between roommates. Please keep in mind that our staff is here as a resource for your student. If you find that your student is calling home to inform you of a conflict, please refer your student to their Resident Assistant (RA). RAs are student peers that live in the hall. It is best for your student to handle conflict on their own because they are the most informed of the situation.
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OFF-CAMPUS STUDENT SERVICES
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Commuter students who attend activities and events sponsored by
Off-Campus Student Services
can earn paw prints towards a chance to win a prize at the end of each term. Stop by The Den to learn more and pick up a Commuter Reward Card.
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STUDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES
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It is now time to fill out FAFSA forms for the 2018-2019 academic year. If this is your first time filling out the FAFSA form please go
here
to obtain an FSA user ID. If you already have an FSA user ID then proceed to
www.fafsa.ed.gov
to fill out your FAFSA form.
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The
BRIDGE
has been busy collaborating with multiple departments including Student Involvement & Leadership, the Library, the John Hazen White College of Arts & Sciences and the College of Engineering & Design to promote civic engagement across campus. On October 31, the oneJWU Speaker Series hosted a panel discussion titled “In the Classroom, On the Streets: Civic Engagement as Student Empowerment.” Over 100 students joined a panel of individuals engaged in local advocacy and policy work to learn how to turn their passion into action. The oneJWU Speaker Series will continue on January 24 with “Art as Activism” when professional artists and JWU students majoring in graphic design will display their work at various locations around campus and a panel of artists and activists will discuss the many creative ways we can use our voices to affect change. Please encourage your student to be involved!
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SEMESTER MEMO
Johnson & Wales University has made the exciting announcement that the University will transition from terms to semesters. Read the full
memo
about the positive impact of converting to semesters, or take a look at the
website
for more information.
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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!
"How are you doing?"
As the term comes to an end, it is important to check-in on your Wildcat. How are they feeling with finals around the corner? Did they reach the goals they set for fall term? Are they ready to come home for Thanksgiving break? Remember to actively listen to your student and suggest support resources such as the Center for Academic Support and Counseling Services as needed. If this is your student's first time coming home since September, now is a good time to discuss your rules and expectations for their return.
"How is (name of your student's club/organization) going?"
This is a great time to check-in with your Wildcat's social calendar. Engage your student's interest whether it is a club or organization, a new friend or romantic relationship. Have they explored the great city of Providence yet? If not, there are a variety of things to do and get involved in. A lot of emphasis is usually placed on your student's academic success, but it is also important they feel supported socially.
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PARENT & FAMILY ADVISORY BOARD PERSPECTIVES
When the Honeymoon is Over:
You may have noticed that some of your student’s excitement about the academic year has morphed into complaints about roommates, professors, workload and food. Your student has tackled midterms and knows that finals are just around the corner. Many students are a little sleep deprived or overwhelmed, which can contribute to feelings of frustration.
When your student’s complaints start emerging, which they naturally will, JWU’s Parent & Family Advisory Board members share these suggestions:
- Prompt your student to step back, assess their situation and possibly try a new approach to see how that works.
- Remind your student to access campus resources to help navigate problems.
- Chances are they know that annoying people exist everywhere – ask, “What would you tell a friend in a similar situation?”
- Encourage your student to spend more time in situations that are positive, with people whom they enjoy.
- Share #yougotthis in a text – reminding them that they are competent.
- Guide your student to think through options and to recognize that the situations that they deal with in college are not “forever” challenges.
Brought to you by members of the 2017-2018 JWU Parent & Family Advisory Board
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OCTOBER FAMILY QUESTION OF THE MONTH RESULTS:
Thanksgiving break is right around the corner. What is your student planning on doing during the break?
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NOVEMBER FAMILY QUESTION OF THE MONTH:
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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ASK! Educators are student leaders who support the health and wellness of the JWU campus community by:
- Conducting and sponsoring educational programming
- Disseminating accurate wellness and equity information
- Providing referrals to on-and off-campus services
- Advocating for campus policies and procedures that support student wellness and equity
The ASK! Educators have been very active this Fall. Most recently they were invited by
JWU College of Arts & Sciences
Sociology Associate Professor, Jessica Sherwood to lead activities and discussion in her SOC 2070: Social Problems class.
In November the ASK! Educators will bring their aromatherapy supplies to PAWS to DeStress.
Encourage your student to follow ASK! on
Facebook
and
Instagram
to see what they are up to and how to get involved.
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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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11/13-14 Reading days (no classes)
11/13 Final exams begin
11/17-27 Thanksgiving & term break
11/28 Winter Term Begins
12/6 Wildcat Wednesday
12/22 Holiday Break (Residence Halls Close)
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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 Providence Improv Guild
If your student likes to laugh, this is a perfect night out for them. Students can see talented local performers or even take an improv class. 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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