Your monthly newsletter from the Gator Parent and Family Association.
The Gator Family Connection
December 2018
From the Gator Parent and Family Association
Home for the Holidays: What to Expect
Whether your student is coming home for the first time, or spending their fourth holiday season at home, there will likely be a transition for both you and your student. Check out this article that explains what your student is experiencing and gives some advice for making their visit home successful.

Welcoming Your College Student Home for Break - What To Expect
UF's "On-Time" deadline is December 15, 2018
 
To apply for financial aid, complete the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. The University of Florida's "On-Time" deadline to receive the results of your 2019-2020 FAFSA from the federal processor is December 15, 2018. Apply now to be considered for the most and best aid.
Want to connect with other Gator families through social media?  Check out our class-specific Facebook groups! 

UF Families of 2020



Please note, you must answer the membership questions in order to be approved by group administrators.

Final exams are nearly here! To find out more about final exams at the University of Florida and to learn how best to support your student, visit the following helpful websites:

Policies
 
(Office of the University Registrar )

Schedules
(Office of the University Registrar )

End of Semester Stress Coping
(Counseling and Wellness Center)



With finals just around the corner, a Care Package is a great way to send your Gator a wonderful surprise from home and proceeds go back to supporting student success. To find out more about ordering a care package for your student, visit their website here.
 If your student lives on campus, ensure they are aware of proper checkout procedures and guidelines. The Fall 2018 term closing is December 15 at 12:00 p.m. Students can follow the UF Housing Check-Out protocol to avoid an improper checkout!  
Florida Alternative Breaks is a University of Florida program that sends out service-learning trips based on specific social issues during weekends and academic breaks. We currently have 6 different trip experiences that students can learn about here.

If you have any questions about the Florida Alternative Break trips or want more information, feel free to email Elaine at  [email protected] or call 352-294-3558. 

Students interested in taking First Year Florida (SLS1102) during the Spring should consider FYF Fast Forward! Fast Forward is a one-credit class that meets just once a week for the first eight weeks of the Spring semester.  The course is designed to provide first year students with tips, tricks and tactics to make the most out of their UF experience.  Students interested in registering for Fast Forward should e-mail Jonathan Tunwar at [email protected].


If your student is graduating Saturday, December 16, congratulations! To learn more about the University of Florida graduation ceremonies, visit their helpful website here.

In addition, make sure to follow the link at the bottom of this email to update your email preferences.