November 2019
Students depart for the holiday
Most of our students have departed for fall break, leaving our buildings much quieter this week. Nonetheless, there is a lot of activity here as those of us still on campus are using this time to finalize our preparations for the last two weeks of school.

Yes, you read that correctly. When your student returns from the holiday, there will only be two weeks remaining before the winter break! This interlude is the perfect opportunity for students to reenergize themselves for the final push of the semester.

If this is your student’s first trip home from college, you may find that relationship dynamics have changed—more than likely for both you and your student. Communicating with your student about expectations you each have for the holiday can go a long way toward enjoying this new stage in your relationship over the break. This article  provides suggestions for communicating with your college student over the break, including how to have “open conversations about the holiday weekend, campus adjustment, and upcoming winter break…for the emerging adult and family.”

Looking ahead, when students return to campus, they will be pushing through the final stretch of the fall semester. It can be an overwhelming time, and students should know they are not alone. The university has several services available to help them, including the Student Success Center , Counseling and Testing , and supportive professors and staff. In addition to these resources, we also provide opportunities for your student to relax during Stress Relief Week. Stress Relief Week activities include the   9 th Annual Tree Lighting Festival , Bingo , Survival Kits , and Rock Painting . The week will end with a “Joy to the World: The Stories of Christmas” concert, performed by the Idaho State Civic Symphony .

In this season in which we celebrate gratitude, I would like you to know what an honor it is to support your students as they pursue their dreams. I am also thankful for our connection with you. The time your students spends with friends and family over this break directly contributes to their success during the last weeks of the semester. 

Roars truly,
Lyn Redington
Vice President for Student Affairs
Navigating finals stress
Stress is a normal and natural part of life.   The National Institute of Mental Health   notes that everyone feels stress at some point in their lives, regardless of age, gender, or circumstance. We have all experienced stress, but many college students agree that internal and external factors can compound the stress of finals. Try sharing these tips with your student. To combat this we have developed some tips to share with your student on how they can navigate finals stress.

ACCEPT STRESS
It helps if we can acknowledge that stress is a normal thing in our lives. We can accept that stress is a companion, and learn how to manage our time spent with it. Encourage your student to identify their stressors and come up with an action plan for managing them. The goal isn’t to eliminate stress, but to establish small steps to acknowledge, respond, and move forward. Another important part of accepting stress is realizing that stress may also have a positive effect. Peter Vitaliano, Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the School of Medicine, University of Washington says, “Even though stress can feel overwhelming, it also forces people to problem-solve, ultimately building confidence and skills that are important for future experiences.”

HAVE A STUDY PLAN
Encourage your student to start with a study plan. A solid game plan is an excellent jumping off point and helps lower stress levels. Students can create a schedule of when to study and what subjects to review. Dividing their time between different materials will help them avoid burnout. After determining a study schedule, students should use their personal study preference, which can include reviewing past tests and notes, finding a study buddy, working in a group, or re-writing old notes. Whatever their preference, the most important task is establishing a plan and following through. 

SELF CARE
When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Sound familiar? It’s not just a Billy Ocean song, but a mantra, especially among students. It is a commitment to finish projects, study for tests, and support one another. Sometimes, however, this commitment comes at the personal cost of overlooking their very real need for personal care. We need to remind our students that it is not just OK, but actually more important than ever to get the rest they need, eat a meal, and take a break.
Winter commencement
Winter Commencement is Idaho State’s newest tradition. Families and friends are invited to join graduates in celebration of their accomplishments. The ceremony will take place inside the Holt Arena on Saturday, December 14, 2019, at 11 a.m. If you are unable to join us in Pocatello, the ceremony will be live-streamed on the  University's Youtube channel . Tickets are not required for this event. 
Idaho State University announces 2019 National Outdoor Book Awards
Looking for reading material to share with your student over the break? Look no further than the award winning selections from the National Outdoor Book Awards (NOBA). NOBA is the outdoor world's largest and most prestigious book award program. It is a non-profit, educational program , sponsored by the National Outdoor Book Awards Foundation ,   Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education , and   Idaho State University . Read more  
Important Dates
November 25
November 25
November 27
December 2  
December 2      
December 9       
December 13    
December 14
December 16   
January 13         
January 21        

Thanksgiving Break (Nov. 25-29)
ISU Women's Basketball vs. Montana Tech in Reed Gym 7 p.m.
ISU Men's Basketball vs. West Coast Baptist in Reed Gym 7 p.m.
Closed Week/Stress Relief Week (Dec. 2-6)
9 th Annual Tree Lighting Festival in the Pond Student Union at 7 p.m.
Final Examinations (Dec. 9-13)
Fall 2019 classes end
Winter Commencement in Holt Arena 11 a.m.
Winter Break (Dec. 16-Jan.10)
Spring 2020 classes begin
Last day to submit an application for May 2020 graduation

Bengal Parent and Family Network isu.edu/parents