Dear T-bird Parents & Families,

It has been amazing to watch our students as they've jumped out of their comfort zones, learning to coexist with new roommates, meeting new professors, and adapting to the rigor of the new school year. We know at this point in the semester many students are feeling overwhelmed with their classes and many are struggling with homesickness. This is normal, but it can be hard to know how to support your when they are struggling. I loved  this article  on helping your student deal with homesickness.

Our student affairs staff went out this week visiting students on and off campus to let them know we are proud of them and that we are here to support them. It was a wonderful experience to visit with our students, offer support, and provide encouragement. Family postcards from Parent Orientation are also being delivered this week, and it has been so fun to see the student's smiles when they see their love notes from home.

This is a great time to offer encouragement to your student, to remind them of their strengths, and to help support their dreams. Text messages, notes, and packages from home would be a welcome surprise for many students. If you are ready for a campus visit Parent and Family Weekend will be September 27 -28. We are still accepting RSVP's, more information is included below. That week will also be Homecoming week, which is such a fun week on campus, so students without family in town will have plenty of activities and events to participate in with other students.

Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to be a partner in your student's education. 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 continuing to work together to create a great experience for your student at SUU.
Parent and Family Weekend begins Friday, September 27 with check-in before the Forever Red Celebration. Come ready to laugh and play outside with live music, fireworks and fun!

Saturday, September 28 we will enjoy the day together at the Homecoming Parade and Pancake Breakfast, with a flexible afternoon to enjoy the area with your student, and ending with the Homecoming Football game at 6 pm.


For pictures of what Parent and Family Weekend/ Homecoming looks like at SUU, check out  these highlights from last year.
If your student is looking for help getting connected on campus, have them check out the meet-ups happening in The Nest (Student Center room 178).

Students meet up before campus events and attend the activity together. It's a great way to get to know other students who are looking to meet new friends.

For updates on campus meet ups, check out FYE at SUU on Facebook .
This weekend on campus:

Casino Night
The Student Center will be transformed into Las Vegas for Casino Night Friday, September 13 at 9:30 PM. Students get dressed up and have a fun evening meeting new students and playing for prizes. Students over 18 get in free with their student ID. A meet up will take place in the Nest at 8 pm, where students can learn to play blackjack and walk to the activity together.

Tailgate and Football Game
On Saturday, September 14 at 3 PM, students can cheer on our football team at their first home game of the season. Students can hang out at the tailgate, get their faces painted, eat free food, and enjoy fun giveaways. The big game starts at 6 pm, students get in free in the student section with their student ID. Be there early for best seats!

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