Your monthly newsletter from the Gator Parent and Family Association.
The Gator Family Connection
September 2019 Newsletter
From the Gator Parent and Family Association
W elcome back to all of our Gator Families! The hustle and bustle of the Fall Semester is upon us! As we start a new year, we are excited to have your students back on campus. There are so many resources at the University of Florida and we hope that you and your student both take advantage of all that we have to offer.

The Gator Parent and Family Association serves as your connection to the University. Parents and family members play a vital role in student success and we are happy to have you as a part of our Gator Family. The Family Association is dedicated to providing you with both accurate and timely information. This is also how we will send out any safety concern information as well as general information designed to keep you informed. 

As the semester moves forward, feel free to reach out to our office with any questions, comments, or concerns by emailing IHaveAGator@ufl.edu. We love to hear from you!
  
Have a great day and Go Gators!
  
Sincerely, 
The Gator Parent and Family Association

The University of Florida's Career Showcase, sponsored by the Career Connections Center, is the largest career fair in the Southeast!

Fall 2019 Career Showcase Dates
September 24 (Non-Technical) & September 25 (Technical)
Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center

Hundreds of employers will be at this year's fall event looking to fill various opportunities from internships to full-time positions. Wherever your student's interests lie, there is a variety of employers from diverse industries who will come to the University of Florida to network specifically with our students. To see more on the event and what employers will be present, visit the Career Showcase website.

The Career Connections Center also offers numerous resources and services to support students in the time leading up to and even after Career Showcase, such as complimentary LinkedIn headshots, resume critiques, and workshops on topics like interview skills, resume building, and internship search. More information on these workshops can be found here.

LeadUF is a four-week leadership experience designed for first and second year students, where participants learn about, reflect on and develop their personal leadership framework. Click here to learn more and register.
 
GatorNights is a leading late-night program in the Southeast, taking place every Friday night each semester. Every week, GatorNights brings free movies, bands, comedians, arts and crafts, games and food.
Click here to learn more.
The University of Florida implemented the Medical Amnesty Policy  to help ensure all students call for medical help for themselves or friends during alcohol, drug, or other health emergencies. The Medical Amnesty Policy waives student disciplinary action under certain conditions. 
Fall semester is a great time for your student to begin their involvement journey!  Click here for more information about UF Student Organizations. 
Study Abroad Fair
September 25 | 10:00 a.m. - 3: 00 p.m.
Reitz Union North Lawn

The Gator Career Closet is a free lending service, through which students may borrow professional clothing and accessories for up to seven days. To learn more or donate, visit  
their office in the Career Connections Center or check out  their website .


Day of Service is a day where hundreds of UF student volunteers give back to our community through a day of reflection and service in the local Gainesville area. To learn more, check out  their website.
Florida football season is here! The Gators got off to a great start with victory against Miami. Click here to view the 2019 Gator Football Schedule. For more information on football games, regulations, initiatives and more, checkout the
Apply for Preview Staff and First Year Florida Peer Leaders! Your students can apply to help transition the next class of Gators. 
are now open and due September 13.
open September 11  and are due October 16.
 

Gator Growl is the largest student-run pep rally in the entire nation, and this year, country music artists Chase Rice and LANCO will be performing on Flavet Field! YouTube sensation Scooter Magruder will be hosting the show, and Gator athletics, the UF Cheerleaders, the Dazzlers and Pride of the Sunshine Marching Band will be accompanying the fun. Click here to purchase tickets!
How can you support your Gator?

Knowing when and how to support your Gator as they start the busy fall semester can be difficult to manage. Lynn O'Sicky is the UF Associate Director in the Academic Advising Center, as well as a proud Gator parent. Lynn wrote a blog post for all Gator  parents that  addresses  ways to support your Gator in these first several weeks of the semester, as well as throughout their time at UF. 

"While we are all enjoying those first day of classes posts, I wanted share my thoughts and advice with you as your students begin this transition..."