JWU Family e-Newsletter
May 2019
Congratulations to our graduates!
COMMENCEMENT IS THIS SATURDAY

The JWU community will gather on Saturday, May 18, to celebrate our 2019 graduates. Ceremonies begin at 8:45 am (Colleges of Arts & Sciences, Business, Engineering & Design, Health & Wellness and Hospitality majors – excluding Food Service Management) and 1:45 pm (College of Culinary Arts and Food Service Management majors). If you won't be attending in person and would like to view the festivities, log onto live webcasts. More information and links to the webcasts are available on our Commencement website. Plus, watch for a Commencement recap in the next issue of Family Connections.

Congratulations to all graduating Wildcats and their families. Enjoy your special day!
HOSPITALITY STUDENTS HOST EXPO

On May 1, students from Professor Panciera’s International Expositions and Events class hosted an expo titled “Beyond JWU’s Backyard: Branch Out of Gaebe,” on Gaebe Commons. Their objective was to help students, staff, and faculty learn more about resources and activities available throughout the city of Providence leading into the summer. Working with a committee structure, students handled every aspect of planning and executing the event. They identified and communicated with local exhibitors, developed and executed a marketing campaign, oversaw a budget, developed a risk management plan, managed day-of operations and more. 

This experience was well received by all involved internal and external stakeholders. Students were supported by the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) through the use of their textbook, Art of the Show , and additional partnerships. By participating in an event debrief, students identified areas of success and challenges and strategized for future growth.
WELL-BEING IN LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

Research has found that the inter-connectedness of student well-being, satisfaction and deep learning can positively support student and institutional success. The Well-Being in Learning Environments (WBLE) Project conducted by staff from Counseling Health & Wellness and faculty members considered the impact of well-being on student success. During the fall and winter terms, returning students were invited to complete a survey and volunteer for focus groups. Here is a brief overview of their key findings:

Participants demonstrated strong agreement to all well-being practices, including positive classroom culture, real-life learning, personal development and instructor support. In addition, there were statistically significant results among specific demographic groups:
  • students who live off campus with a family member had a significantly higher level of agreement with optimal challenge,
  • students who had low family financial contributions had a significantly higher level of agreement with instructor support, and
  • students who were not the first in their family to attend college had a higher level of agreement with social connection.

Based on WBLE findings, the project team will work with staff and faculty to enhance existing practices and identify additional strategies to enhance well-being. This supports JWU's mission and our dedication to students' personal, academic and professional development and success. If you'd like to learn more about the study, contact Kristen Buglione, JWU's director of health education, by email or at 401-598-2023.
CLOSING TIME IN RES LIFE

It is that time of year again – closing time! This year flew by for us in Residential Life and before we know it, we will gear up for a new September start.

Our halls close on May 17 at 12 noon. Students are responsible for packing their belongings, cleaning up their spaces and moving out by noon. Those who don't follow these procedures are subject to a fee. Individual hall teams will communicate with students about specific requirements.

If you are assisting your Wildcat with packing or moving out, don’t forget to bring a hand truck or some extra people to help move all the belongings your student accumulated throughout the year. Once again, your Wildcat should contact a Res Life team member in their hall with any questions.

For students joining us again next year, note that move-in is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 7. More details will be provided to your student via email sometime in August. Have a great summer!
TIPS FROM ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES

The end of the school year is quickly approaching, and many students are headed back home for summer break. Moving home can be difficult for some – it takes some students a whole year to get used to being their own person, and now they are coming back to some rules and a space that isn’t 100% theirs.

With any change there can be anxiety, frustration and other feelings that don’t make the situation any easier. Share these tips with your student – they can help diminish these feelings and hopefully create a summer break everyone can enjoy.

  1. Talk before the move; don’t wait for the car ride home to share summer plans! This is also a great time to discuss the household rules; you and your student may have different ideas about rules since they last lived at home.
  2. Be polite; please and thank you get you a lot further when adjusting to changes in schedules and responsibilities. 
  3. Recognize that students have had their own living space for a while. They may have developed different habits for cleaning up after themselves and will now need to readjust to living in a shared family space. This also goes for noise – your student may have gotten used to falling asleep with the TV on or playing music, and this might not work as well at home; try to provide some space for their adjustment.
  4. Be positive! A good attitude and a smile are a lot easier to live with, and they're contagious.
  5. Breathe, meditate, and exercise…taking care of your body will help with your mind and soul. Go for a walk to get fresh air, and encourage your student to do the same.

Here's a great article specific to a student's first summer break. Enjoy the summer with your Wildcat!
IS YOUR STUDENT MOVING OFF CAMPUS?

Off-Campus Student Services is pleased to share the following information and resources with families of students who will be transitioning from on-campus to off-campus living next year. Our goal is to help ensure students have a good experience living off campus.

Finding housing and roommates
 
  • Log into jwuLink > go to the Services page > under Commuters, select Jump Off Campus.
  • Register on the site, and then search for off-campus housing based on your needs.
  • You can also set up your profile to find a roommate, if you need one.
  • Remember to ask tough questions to avoid ending up with a bad roommate situation, and use our roommate compatibility checklist before settling on your roommates. 
  • Use safewise to research the safety of a potential neighborhood.
 
Apartment inspection and lease responsibilities
 
  • Never sign a lease without seeing the apartment first – take along an apartment condition checklist to inspect rodent droppings, water damage, drafty windows, fire and smoke detectors, two means of egress for bedrooms, presence of a lighting/security system, etc.
  • The lease is a legally binding document – make sure to read it for terms and conditions before signing (have a family member review it too, if you can).
  • If there is a concern about the apartment’s condition or something in the lease that you do not agree with or have questions about, clarify or re-negotiate with the landlord before signing.
  • As a tenant, remember that you must keep the apartment clean and in good condition, and you’ll need to notify the landlord of any repairs or damages that need to be addressed.
  • Please refer to the RI Landlord-Tenant Handbook whenever necessary.
 
JWU expectations for living off-campus
 
  • As a member of a larger community, you are expected to engage in behavior that enhances (not deteriorates) the neighborhood in which you reside.
  • You have a responsibility to behave appropriately and to abide by local city ordinances (particularly for noise, trash and snow removal): See Providence or Cranston.
  • You must be in compliance with JWU’s Good Neighbor Policy at all times – any violation of this or the Student Code of Conduct will be subject to the university’s conduct review and sanctions process.
STUDY ABROAD SCHOLARSHIP REPORT

During the 2018-2019 academic year, JWU Study Abroad awarded 19 JWU Global Study Abroad Scholarships, totaling over $25,000. Since we first launched the scholarship in Summer 2017, more than $65,000 in scholarships has been awarded to over 40 students.

Our scholarship applications are growing in numbers. Between 2017-2018 and 2018-2019, we saw a nearly 70% increase in new applications. The upcoming academic year of 2019-2020 is already on track to surpass this growth.

Scholarship money comes from our application fees, so the more students we send abroad every year, the more opportunities we have to support them with scholarship funds. To learn more about this scholarship program, please visit our scholarship page.

If you or your student has questions about programs or the JWU Global Study Abroad Scholarship, email studyabroad@jwu.edu, call at (401) 598-1406, or visit our website.

Photo provided by junior Frankie Concepcion who completed the Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie baking & pastry program in France in Spring 2018.
END-OF-YEAR FESTIVITIES WITH STUDENT INVOLVEMENT & LEADERSHIP (SIL)

May is here, Wildcat Families, and what a ride this year has been. SIL closed it out with incredible events hosted by clubs and organizations, and we're ready to see our graduating seniors off at Commencement in a few days.

The end of April brought Greek Week, a week-long celebration of the Fraternity and Sorority Life Community, full of philanthropic efforts, competition and awards.

Founders Week showcased UIB’s talented programming efforts, with programs including Spa Day and the always popular Wildcat Wahoo, JWU’s premier end-of-the-year carnival.
To end the festivities, SIL hosted the annual Student Leadership Awards, where student leaders, nominated by their peers, came together to celebrate each other’s accomplishments. See the list of award recipients here.

It’s been a fantastic year, and as always, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram @JWUPVDInvolved to get the latest scoop on EVERYTHING Student Involvement and Leadership. Enjoy a relaxing and beautiful summer!
Mark Your Calendars
SUMMER CAMPS FOR KIDS AND TEENS

If you've got a future Wildcat in your family or circle of friends and they're looking for something educational and fun to do this summer, consider JWU Summer Camps. They're designed for young people interested in culinary arts, baking & pastry arts, criminal justice and engineering & design. Sessions dates vary by program and run July 22 - August 9 . Certain age requirements apply.

For more information or to register, visit our website today.
Important Dates

5/13 - 17: Final exams
5/17: Residence halls close at noon
5/18: Commencement
8/2: Fall payment deadline (returning students)
9/7: Move-in
9/9: Fall classes begin

 Visit the official University calendar for additional dates.
Health & Wellness
STUDENT ADVOCATE

Check out what's new in Student Health 101 for families, and ask your student if they've been reviewing the student version. This monthly e-magazine features information on many topics related to wellness, including healthy eating, money management, good sleep habits and more. One of the most recent articles (which includes a 7-minute video) focuses on handling mistakes mindfully.
JWU Parent & Family Community
THANK YOU, PFAB MEMBERS

The Parent & Family Advisory Board bids farewell to veteran members this month. Geri Igler, Marc Dubner and Diane Hogan, pictured here, will see their students cross the Commencement stage on Saturday. Donna Kobza (missing from photo) is also leaving PFAB as her daughter completed her studies.

These individuals were dedicated members of PFAB for four straight years. They came to campus for events like Orientation and Accepted Student Days, participated in Admissions Information Meetings in New York and New Jersey, communicated with families in person and through social media, and contributed to a wonderful camaraderie among Board members.

On behalf of Parent & Family Relations and all of us at JWU, we sincerely thank Geri, Marc, Diane and Donna for their efforts. Their passion for PFAB and JWU was always evident and appreciated. We wish each of them, their students and their families the very best.
FAMILY QUESTION OF THE MONTH

In April, we asked about your availability for live chats. Results are posted below. Watch for more information on the Wildcat Family Support Series – a compilation of live chats and videos on a variety of college family hot topics – starting in September.
April family question & results:
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, and lots more! Here are a couple of options for the summer.
PVD FOOD TRUCK EVENTS

Enjoy food from locally owned trucks. Many events also have live music. Admission is free to most events but some are held in conjunction with charities that accept donations. The flagship event occurs every Friday starting at 5 PM at Roger Williams Park, from April 19 through September. Find more information here .
HIT THE BEACH

Providence is the capital of the Ocean State, and Rhode Island has plenty of beach options. Discover what's out there, courtesy of visitri.com, and plan some time to enjoy the sun, surf and sand. Click here to explore all of the beautiful RI beaches!
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.