Winter Break Conversations

T-Bird Parents and Families,

Congratulations to all our students on finishing fall semester! Some semesters go just as planned, and some are filled with surprises. Winter break is a great opportunity for students to relax, recharge, and great ready for a new semester. Students can take a look at the things that were difficult and the things that worked well for fall semester and use both to create a more successful semester. As you enjoy the break with your student, ask them about their goals for the new semester. Are there activities they would like to participate in or clubs they hope to join? Could their schedule use an adjustment- drop or add a class/ devote more time to studying/ find a job? Focusing on what went well and all they have learned can help them as they set new goals for a new semester.

I loved this finals week letter from President Wyatt to our students about all the things we learn when things are difficult. I felt it was applicable to both finals week and the exciting start to a new semester. I have also included a letter below that went out to students last week with information about important upcoming deadlines and resources for campus support. If you have any questions, please let me know.

Please feel free to contact me any time your student has a need and you aren't sure where to send them for support. There is so much help available on campus, let's help your student use it. I look forward to a new semester learning together.

Hey T-Bird!

It is hard to believe that another semester is done! We hope things went well for you at SUU. If not, please know that it is not uncommon for students to have a rough semester or two. Remember that we have resources and support in place to get you back on track and/or keep you on track. Below are a few reminders:

Financial Aid cannot be applied until 10 days before school starts!

Under federal law, Financial Aid (loans, scholarships, and/or grants) cannot be applied to your outstanding tuition balance until 10 days before school begins. Expect to see a high outstanding balance on your SUU Portal until December 29.

If your financial situation has changed (i.e. got married, had a child, etc.), meet with a Financial Aid counselor to re-evaluate your FAFSA.

Call (435) 586-7735 and ask to make an appointment with your counselor .

Didn’t do as well as you’d have liked this semester and are worried about your scholarship from SUU?

All institutional scholarships are reviewed at the end of every Spring semester. This means if you did not do well in Fall, you still have one more semester to meet your credit and GPA requirements. You got this! Learn more about scholarships here . Call (435) 586-7735 if you have specific questions.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

You may receive an email from Financial Aid saying you haven’t made satisfactory academic progress by passing 70% of the classes you attempted or by maintaining a 2.0 GPA. This may affect your federal financial aid. Be sure to respond to all communications quickly. Call Financial Aid at (435) 586-7735 with questions.

Unsure of how to view your final grades? Click here

Tuition Deadline

Tuition is due on the first day of school (January 7, 2019). If you do not have your tuition paid or you have not set up a payment plan by Friday, January 11th , you will be charged a $35 late fee. If you still have not paid your tuition or set up a payment plan by Monday, January 21st , you will be dropped from your classes at 5:00pm on January 22, 2019 .

There are other resources beyond financial aid that may be able to help you pay for next semester.

Make an appointment with Ashleigh Zimmerman , your Financial Wellness counselor, to discuss your options over the phone during the break.

Use the time you have over the break to apply for Departmental Scholarships and Housing Scholarships .

Be aware of your academic standing

Many students have rough semesters that end with lower grades than they’d hoped--if you’re in that boat, don’t panic! For information on what it means to be on academic warning or probation, click here . Remember that retaking a class to improve your grade is an option! Make an appointment to discuss that with your advisor by clicking here .

Need a job for next semester?

You can find off-campus jobs using Handshake and on-campus jobs using T-Bird Campus Jobs . Both of these are available in your portal. If you need help applying for jobs or just want your resume reviewed the Career Center can help you.

We are NOT closed for the Holidays.

Campus will be open over winter break! While some offices will be staffed by fewer folks than usual, we’ll be here and available to help and answer questions throughout the break. Please note that campus will be closed on December 24, 25, and 31 as well as January 1 for the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Each graduate, regardless of whether he or she plans to “walk” at Commencement on May 3, 2019, must submit a graduation application (and pay the $15 diploma fee) by one of the following dates:

December 15, 2018 for spring 2019 graduates, or January 15, 2019 for summer 2019 graduates.

Those who miss their respective deadline may be subject to a $50 late fee.

These deadlines apply to all associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The graduation application can be completed in the mySUU portal . Additional information about the graduation application is also available online through the Registrar's Office. Completing the graduation application is the responsibility of each graduate and is necessary to receiving a diploma.

If you have questions about your graduation requirements, please contact the Registrar's Office at 435-586-7715 or stop by their office located inside the Sharwan Smith Student Center Rotunda. Meanwhile, check suu.edu/graduation for the latest SUU Commencement updates throughout the year.

FINANCIAL AID

The FAFSA application for the 2019-2020 academic year is now open. Students are encouraged to apply early. Students can apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov .

Scholarship Applications for departmental and scholarship housing are now open for Fall 2019. Please encourage your students to apply: www.suu.edu/finaid/scholarships.html

Stay connected!

Like SUU Parent and Family Services on Facebook

Visit our website suu.edu/parents

parents@suu.edu | Southern Utah University | (435) 865-8752