JWU Family e-Newsletter
September 2018
Congratulations to all students on the start of
a new academic year!
WELCOMING OUR RESIDENTS

With the help of more than 350 move-in volunteers, Residential Life welcomed new and returning students to their on-campus homes this month. Our halls are filled with activity and it’s great to have everyone back!

To ensure a positive experience in residential living, students should consider these 5 tips (families, keep these in mind when talking with your students):

  • Communicate with your roommate(s). Get to know each other, your likes and dislikes. While you may or may not become best friends, everyone deserves to be treated with courtesy and respect.
  • Use your resources, starting with your resident assistant. These folks are great sources of info on all things JWU and can help if issues come up.
  • Get out of your room. Meet other residents in your building; invite neighbors to join you for dinner; help your hall earn bragging rights at the annual Res Life Rumble (look for sign-ups at your hall front desk).
  • Maintain a healthy living environment. Empty your trash in proper receptacles; if you have a private bathroom, clean it!
  • Try something new. If you haven’t been involved with your Hall Council before, this could be the year. Explore a club that matches your interests.

We look forward to working with all of our residents and making the 2018-19 academic year the best one yet.
ENCOURAGE YOUR STUDENT TO GET INVOLVED

Student Involvement & Leadership (SIL) is excited to kick off a new year! On Sept. 2, students had the opportunity to participate in a new campus tradition, Ignite the Night, where our newest Wildcats hung illuminated lanterns on Gaebe Commons to symbolize their entry into the JWU community.
On Sept. 7, also on Gaebe Commons, SIL hosted the annual Student Involvement Fest. This was a great opportunity for students to explore clubs and organizations available on campus. Joining a club or organization allows students to explore their interests, make friends and learn from their peers.

If your student missed out, it’s not too late! They can log on to the Involvement Network via JWU Link to search clubs and get in touch with current members. Most clubs are always welcoming new members! Or, they can visit SIL at the Citizens Bank Center for Student Involvement or the Wildcat Center to learn more.

We’re never short of events! The best way see all that SIL has to offer is to follow us on our social media (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter): @jwupvdinvolved
INTRAMURALS OFFER OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMPETITION & FUN!
All Johnson & Wales commuter or resident students are invited to participate in Intramurals. It's a great way to meet new people and get moving! Registration takes place the first week of each term. Traditional sports such as soccer, volleyball and floor hockey are offered during all three terms, while seasonal sports like flag football, basketball, dodgeball and handball are offered in the fall and spring.

Registration, schedules, results and updates are posted on our Intramural Sports website (look for JWU Providence under the Schools tab). The site can also be accessed from JWU's Athletics page (look for Intramurals under the Campus Recreation tab).

Intramurals are a lot of fun and we hope your Wildcat will get involved! Follow our social media accounts - accessible through our website - to keep updated on new information! 
GET A JOB!

It's a sentiment often expressed by those who have invested in a student’s education, and JWU is making it easier to help our students do just that.

Experiential Education & Career Services (EE&CS) will host hundreds of companies on campus this fall for industry-relevant career fairs. In the past, students who came prepared often walked away with jobs and/or internships from leading companies.
Because many employers have shifted most of their graduating student recruitment to the fall, making offers as early as November, it is crucial that students recognize the competitive edge they gain by preparing early. EE&CS can help students with application-ready resume reviews, mock interviews and more. 
“ I can’t go, I have class.” If you hear this from your Wildcat, the good news is, with a little planning, they can still participate. Since classes run from 7:10am – 9:45pm, career fairs will always overlap with some. EE&CS works with faculty to promote career events well in advance. This allows students the time to arrange an excused absence in accordance with policy stated in the Student Handbook.

Encourage your Wildcat to plan their career event attendance. All events and job and internship postings are posted at link.jwu.edu > jobs & internships > career events . Also, guide your Wildcat to EE&CS starting as soon as their first year . We should be one of their first stops as many competitive leadership development positions have mid- to late-September deadlines. Send us your Wildcats and we’ll bring the employers!
BUDDIES NEEDED!

The Global Buddies program pairs domestic and international students with the goal of fostering meaningful cross-cultural exchange and easing student transitions into the JWU community. 

Encourage your Wildcat to take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn about various cultures from around the world and gain global learning experience. They can learn more and access the application by visiting our website . Note, the application deadline is Sept. 17, 2018.
LEARNING ABOUT CAS

Center for Academic Support (CAS) invited more than 100 first-year and transfer students to our annual Meet & Greet, held on Sunday, Sept. 2. It was a great opportunity for CAS advisors to introduce themselves and discuss resources available to students. Attendees reviewed their schedules, booked their initial meetings, and heard success stories from peers who have benefited from CAS.
 
If your student had accommodations in high school, including an IEP or 504 Plan, encourage them to visit our office and meet with an advisor. In accordance with Federal law, an in-person meeting with your student is required for us to provide accommodations.

CAS takes great pride in the relationships we build with our students to guide and promote their success. Our Downcity office, located at the John Hazen White Building, can be reached at 401-598-1485 and the Harborside office, located at the Friedman Center, at 401-598-1018.
Mark Your Calendars
WILDCATS FIRST

New Student Orientation & Support Programs is pleased to announce a new initiative, Wildcats First. It's a dynamic and interactive program that promotes a smooth transition from high school to college life for first-year students, providing a strong foundation for success. The program will introduce students to a new topic each month and provide an opportunity for them to meet other students, learn new skills and create opportunities. It will explore topics that empower students both personally and professionally.

Upcoming Wildcats First dates and topics include:

  • Sept. 14 - Identifying Learning Styles, plus Registering for Classes
  • Oct. 5 - Friend Finder

If your student is interested and has questions, have them contact us at wildcatsfirst@jwu.edu or 401-598-2648.
HOMECOMING & FAMILY WEEKEND

Come back to campus Oct. 12 - 14 for a weekend of family-friendly fun! See our Wildcats on Parade; test your luck at family bingo; enjoy culinary demonstrations. While most activities are complimentary, tickets are required for a few. Seating may be limited and early bird pricing ends soon! Access more info and ticket sales at our HFW website.
SEEM LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

JWU's College of Hospitality Management is hosting a Sports/Entertainment/Event Management Leadership Conference on Oct. 17. If you've got a student in a Hospitality program, especially SEEM, encourage them to participate. All JWU students are invited to attend. Find out more at the conference website .


 Visit the official University calendar for additional dates.
Health & Wellness
COLLEGE DRINKING & YOUR INFLUENCE

JWU's Director of Health Education shared this great article from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism on the risks of college drinking and the tremendous influence parents/family members can have. Yes, your voice does make a difference!
STUDENT ADVOCATE

Check out the September edition of Student Health 101 for families. Your student receives a unique but similar version of their own. We encourage you to have open discussions about these important topics that are updated monthly.
JWU Parent & Family Community
PARENT & FAMILY ADVISORY BOARD PERSPECTIVES

Happy New School Year! On behalf of the Parent & Family Advisory Board (PFAB), I extend a hearty welcome back to returning Wildcat parents and families, and a special welcome to our new JWU parents and families. This is an exciting (and yes, sometimes nerve-wracking) time, as your students embark on or continue their college journey.
 
PFAB is comprised of parents and family members just like you. We all have students enrolled at JWU. We think about them often and wonder how they are going to “survive,” but we know they are resilient and are amazed at how quickly they adapt and settle in.
For my son, Josh, as well as my wife and I, the JWU experience has been tremendously rewarding. The classroom and experiential education has been significant and beneficial. Just as important are the life experiences Josh has had. They’ve been invaluable! PFAB has allowed me to remain connected to Josh’s education in a special way and contribute to this uniquely welcoming and supportive community.
 
I wish all of you and your students a great 2018-19 academic year. Take comfort in knowing your student’s JWU experience is laying a strong foundation for them to succeed in the career of their choice and in life.

- Marc Dubner, from Succasunna, NJ, 2018-19 PFAB Chairperson (pictured with his son, Josh)
CONVERSATION STARTER: A TIME OF CHANGE

September brings lots of change for students. Some are living away from home for the first time or adjusting to a daily commute to Providence. Others might be with new roommates in a different residence hall or off-campus apartment. Many are facing new professors, majors, and in the case of transfer students, universities. Still others are contemplating next steps as they begin senior year or decide if an internship or term abroad is right for them.
 
We all react differently to change - even that which is positive. As your student gets into the swing of things this fall, check in to see how they're handling their unique change. Are they making connections on campus? Balancing all of their responsibilities (school, work, extracurriculars, etc.)? Celebrate their successes and if they're having trouble, guide them to the people and resources who can support them, both on campus and at home. Ultimately, we all want our students to successfully navigate change and have a great year filled with learning and growth.
FAMILY QUESTION OF THE MONTH

This month, we're offering a survey suggested by AHEPPP - the Association of Higher Education Parent/Family Program Professionals. JWU results will be incorporated with data from other schools nationwide. Watch for our results next month.

For what life skill does your student currently need the most guidance?
Providence Happenings
If you're planning a trip to Providence and need ideas for fun in the city, look no further than GoProvidence ! This website, sponsored by the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, is packed with info including a calendar of events, dining options (can you eat like a local ?), and lots more! Here are a couple of options for September.
Food Truck Friday at Carousel Village

Fridays, through Sept. 28, from 5 - 8:30 p.m., at Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village. Find out more about this great opportunity for a casual family outing here .  
Providence Ghost Tour

September 1 - October 31, daily, from 7 - 8:30 p.m., through Providence's historic East Side. Enjoy a guided walking tour by lantern light. Find out more here .  
We Want To Hear From You!
JWU Parent & Family Relations serves as a liaison to parents and family members of incoming and current students through communication and programs. This monthly e-Newsletter helps you stay connected to your student as you journey with them through their JWU experience.