Give Thanks!
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, and there is so much to be grateful for. Help your student acknowledge the people and things that have been helpful in their life this year. Whether your student is home or away over the break, tell your student what you're grateful for about them, and encourage them to work hard for the rest of the semester. If you find that they are unmotivated, ask them to think about the positive experiences they have had. Send them a handwritten note or tell them in person or over a video call.

Some great questions to ask your student this week:
  • What are you doing to stay healthy?
  • What assignments do you have before Thanksgiving break?
  • Will you have school work to do over break?
  • Do you know your finals schedule (when/where)?

If your student is coming home for the break, here are a few things to consider before they arrive.
  1. They'll need time to decompress.
  2. Finals are looming.
  3. Expect (and support) change.
  4. Get the real scoop.
This article goes into more detail on these items and will hopefully give you some insight on these topics.

I am grateful for all of you and your willingness to support and encourage your students this semester. Your student's college experience is also an experience for you and I know that can be hard at times. Thank you for being there through the hard times and reaching out when your student needs support. I hope you and your families have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving Care Package Ideas
If your student can't come home for the holiday, send them a care package full of their favorites!
Look at having a meal delivered or picked up,
here are a few suggestions:
  • Cracker Barrel (St. George) (435) 688-1200
  • Denny's (Cedar City) (435) 867-0213
  • Applebees(Cedar City) (435) 865-7767
  • Chilis (Cedar City) (435) 586-9700
  • Costco (St. George) (435) 256-0003
  • Local Grocery Stores
  • Lins (435)-586-3346
  • Smiths (435) 586-1203
Send their Favorite Fall Treats!
  • Hot chocolate
  • Apple cider
  • Pumpkin bread
  • Let's be honest, anything pumpkin spice flavored!
  • Caramel apple suckers
Thanksgiving/Holiday Decorations
If your student is used to coming home to a fully decorated house, send some fun holiday decor for their dorm or apartment to help it feel like a home away from home. Also, consider sending craft supplies for creating their own DIY decor.
The temperature is definitely dropping here in Cedar City,
consider these fun ideas:
  • Fuzzy socks
  • Cozy hat
  • Mug
  • Fall scented candle or oil
  • Hand lotion
Today is the last day to order!


Help your student through the dreaded finals week by purchasing a Finals Survival Kit!

The deadline to order is
November 22nd

While they are spending their nights preparing to tackle their final in-person tests and assignments, you can brighten their day by sending snacks and a sweet note from home.

Each kit contains a personalized note from you and additional goodies, such as popcorn, oatmeal, hot cocoa, fruit snacks, cookies, Capri Sun, crackers, chips, gum, chocolate, and more!

Questions? Call 435-865-8656 or email studentalumni@suu.edu
Upcoming Events
Start your holiday season off right!
Take your student or gift them tickets.

Entertainment icon Marie Osmond will spread the holiday spirit as she launches her A Symphonic Christmas tour at Southern Utah University on Wednesday, December 1, at 7:30 p.m. inside the America First Event Center. Her special guests will include her nephew David Osmond and “America’s Got Talent” finalist Daniel Emmet. Tickets are $35 for adults and $25 for students and can be purchased at tbirdtickets.com, at the Thunderbird Ticket Office, or by calling
(435) 586-7872.
T-Bird Terms
College Terms You Need to Know:
Academic Probation
A status colleges give to students who are struggling to pass courses. Academic probation is used to warn students that they need to improve their performance. Students on academic probation may lose scholarships or become ineligible for university sports.

Here is more information about SUU's Academic Probation & Recovery process.

If you’d like to participate in counseling services, the first step is to give us a call. Our front desk staff will be able to give you information on our available services and answer any questions you might have, we will then give you direction on how to access our request for services. The request includes demographic information, information about your difficulties, a one-page description of “Rights and Responsibilities” to review and sign, and our tele-counseling consent form to review and sign. Students are welcome to call our office any time during business hours (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Friday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm; Thursday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm) to complete this request. The intake request generally takes about 20 to 30 minutes and will need to be filled out during business hours.

Due to the high volume of requests for counseling services it may take some time before you are assigned. Check out our Mental Health Toolkit, our COVID Survival Guide, or reach out to us about our available groups while you wait!
Or you can find a list of Cedar City mental health providers here.
Important Dates to Know for Fall
If your student is coming home over any of the breaks, schedule travel, doctor, and dentist
appointments around these dates.

  • Wednesday, November 24: Thanksgiving Break No classes; campus is OPEN
  • November 25-26: Thanksgiving Break No classes; campus is CLOSED
  • Friday, December 10: Last Day to Withdraw with "W" from all courses
  • Send your student a note of encouragement for finals!
  • Monday, December 13: Instruction Ends Last day of regular class meetings 
  • Tuesday, December 14 thru Friday, December 17th: Final Exams
  • Monday, January 10: Start of Spring semester

For details about other important dates throughout the academic year, review the Academic Calendar.
Student Resources
The following resources are available to all SUU students, please encourage your student to
utilize these free resources. To see the full list, click here.

  • Tutoring Center- drop-in tutoring, study groups, and one-on-one tutoring. Students can also work with a tutor to improve study skills, test-taking strategies, and time management.  
  • Tutoring Center Online Resources- includes videos, worksheets, and links to help students improve study skills, test-taking strategies, and study strategies.
  • Writing Center- resources and opportunities to encourage successful writers across all disciplines. Their webpage includes tips for writing and online appointment scheduling.
  • Speech and Presentation Center- assists students in the writing and presentation of speeches.
  • Student Support Services- developmental classes, skills courses, and academic and tutoring support for students who are first-generation, first-time, low income, ESL, non-traditional, or have physical or learning disabilities.
  • Disability Support Center- support and services for students with disabilities who are overcoming different educational difficulties because of their individual challenges. Coordinate campus accommodations and access to services.
  • Gerald R. Sherratt Library- quiet study areas, print papers, get research help, reserve a study room, use a computer, make copies, check out calculators, Ipads, and books.
  • Visit Professor- office hours are posted days and times a professor will be available in his/her office to meet with students and answer questions. Office hours are listed on the class syllabus, which students can view in Canvas. Students should come prepared with specific questions or concerns related to the class. Professors want their students to take advantage of this time. They are the ones that create the content of the course so please encourage your student to go if they aren't understanding the material.
  • Schedule a meeting with their ACE (peer mentor). Stop by the Nest, Student Center room 178, visit the Nest website, or call 435-865-8752 with any questions, or to find out who their ACE is.  
  • Form a study group with peers from the class.
  • Reach out to their Academic Advisor for support, guidance in creating schedules, preparing for graduation.
  • Schedule a Career Assessment with the Career Center to explore strengths and career pathways.  
  • If your student is struggling with mental health issues, they can reach out to CAPS for counseling, group therapy, and additional support.
The health, safety, and well-being of every member of the SUU family is a priority for us. SUU operates under the direction and guidance of a number of entities including the Utah State Legislature, the Utah System of Higher Education, the U.S. Department of Education, the Utah Department of Health, the Southwest Department of Health, and various accrediting bodies.

For more information on our COVID-19 updates, please visit our campus COVID-19 information website.
If your student is struggling emotionally, physically, mentally, etc. and you aren't sure where to send them, please contact us and we will help you find the resources they need. parents@suu.edu or 435-865-8752

We have created a way for you to report a student concern to SUU so we can help your student find success: https://www.suu.edu/safety/report.html

SUU.EDU/PARENTS | Southern Utah University | (435) 865-8752