Dear T-Bird Parents and Families,

This has been a crazy, interesting and exhausting semester. It has been one we have never experienced. Many students have been hit hard by their situations but they are figuring out what works for them and pushing through. It's been incredible to watch! As we walk around campus, there are still happy faces (behind masks) and it generally feels like our energetic campus has always felt. Campus employees and students alike are all preparing for finals week starting December 14th. We've gone online for the rest of this semester but campus is still open and available remotely and in person. If you have questions about this, please give us a call or email and we will help any way we can. We are anxiously waiting and planning for students to return in January when we are back on campus and safely with our T-Birds again.

There are many different scenarios for students as the semester closes over the next few weeks. Many students decided to return home and study remotely this article has some great study tips for families now sharing a household with their student. A number of students remained in Cedar City and are studying from dorm rooms and apartments. This article has some great online learning and studying tips. However your student has chosen to study, our end goal is for them to find success. This may look different this year but we are here to help. Please feel free to contact us 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.
Checking out of On Campus Housing??

If your student has questions about on campus housing; checking out or any other information, please contact https://www.suu.edu/housing/ (435) 586-7966 or housing@suu.edu
Is it normal to feel stress while in college? The answer is, yes. Therefore, it is important to practice healthy stress management. Share some of these with your student or have them visit https://www.suu.edu/health/stress/

Signs of stress:
Difficulty concentrating
Increased worry
Trouble completing assignments on time
Short temper
Headaches
Changes in eating habits
Changes in sleeping habits

Stress management techniques: 
Manage your time with a planner or use some of these tips.
Set short term goals. Goal setting worksheet
Avoid procrastination, Procrastination management worksheet
Exercise regularly 
Start a journal to track what causes you stress
Plan leisure activities to break up your schedule
Limit caffeine intake, caffeine elevates the stress response in your body
Winter break is a great time to get started on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2020-2021 academic year. By completing the FAFSA, students will be considered for grants, work study, and loans. SUU Financial Aid has great tips for getting started and a link to the application on their website at suu.edu/finaid.

Scholarship Applications for current students including Departmental, Housing, Staff Association, and Graduating Class Gift opened November 1st. For a how-to video on applying for these scholarships, click here.

If your student needs help creating a financial game plan to get them through the school year, have them reach out to financialwellness@suu.edu to schedule a one-on-one appointment to help make their budget last.
FAFSA.ED.GOV
Each graduate, regardless of whether he or she plans to “walk” at Commencement on April 30, 2021, must submit a graduation application (and pay the $15 diploma fee) The deadline for Spring semester has passed. There is still time for summer graduates to submit a graduation application. Deadline is December 15th, 2020 for summer 2021 graduates.

The graduation application can be completed in your student's mySUU portal. For any questions regarding Commencement 2021, please visit suu.edu/graduation for schedules, reminders, and the latest updates.
suu.edu/parents - Southern Utah University - (435) 865-8752