Dear Parents and Families:

Happy New Year! We hope you had a chance to spend time and connect with your student during the winter break. The spring semester always seems to go by fast, especially for seniors who are getting ready to cross the commencement stage. I am excited about the new opportunities this new year will bring for our students, and the learning that will take place inside and outside of the classroom.

As always, we are only a phone call and email away: studentaffairs@springfield.edu or (413) 748-3100.

Sincerely,

Slandie Dieujuste, PhD

Follow me on Instagram @Dr.Slandie.

Pictured above at right: Student leaders joined President Mary-Beth Cooper and Slandie Dieujuste for the annual Pop-Up Pick-Me-Up at Dunkin’ leading into the fall semester finals. From left to right: Slandie Dieujuste, Mary-Beth Cooper, Mwai Nyamu, Carter Cochardo, and Mason Preble.

It’s time to think about housing selection for the 2024-25 academic year! As a reminder, Springfield College has a three-year residency requirement and students are required to live on campus for at least six academic semesters. Below are highlights of the housing selection process for students:



• Attend one of the optional (but highly encouraged) Housing Expo events on January 29 and 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Flynn Campus Union.
• Electronically sign the housing contract through the “My Housing” portal on PrideNET (available Monday, January 29).
• Form a group and participate in their eligible online selection processes. Groups will be assigned a selection time based on average earned credit hours and average GPA of group members.
• Regularly check their Springfield College email as this is how eligible and completely matched groups will receive detailed information on their selection date and time.

As always, please contact our office with any questions at reslife@springfield.edu or (413) 748-3102 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

In February, we highlight all forms of healthy relationships for students during “Love Better” week (week of February 5). Encourage your student to enhance their friendships, as we know that strong relationships with peers leads to success in college. It’s also common for students’ friend groups to change over time, and that can be difficult but rewarding as they “find their people.” Remind your student that it’s never too late for them to join a new club or organization, play intramurals, or create a study group with others in their classes.

During “Love Your Body” week (week of Feb 26), we help students develop a better relationship with themselves. Support your student by encouraging them to move in ways that make them feel good rather than exercising for weight loss or maintenance; refraining from commenting on their body, their weight, and their clothing choices; and encouraging them to consume a variety of foods or trying something new at Cheney Hall.

Students can learn more about all our events, by following our Instagram @sc_healthpromotion.

At the Counseling Center, we are often contacted by parents/guardians about how to approach mental health concerns with their student. We have some suggestions.

Use what you know: You are an expert on your student and what is typical for them. If you begin to notice changes (higher anxiety, low mood, isolating, etc.) ask them directly about your observations and wonder aloud with them about what might be happening or contributing to the changes.

Don’t be afraid to ask: Be direct about what you are noticing and put a name to it so that your student has permission to talk about it. Sometimes as parents/guardians we can feel hesitant to ask about mental health or use mental health language. Talking about it normalizes it.

Explore versus problem solve: Often our instinct as parents/guardians is to try to fix the problem. Unfortunately, this can result in oversimplifying your student’s feelings and the situation they are in. Ask your student what they need and remind them that you are here to listen and help.

Normalize and offer support: Remind your student that anxiety and depression are common. There is nothing wrong with them. Often, students can feel as though they are failing or a burden if and when they are struggling. Helping normalize their situation and offering support are some of the best ways you can support your student.

Identify and utilize skills that work: Explore with your student what they do to de-stress or cope. What brings them pleasure? How do they care for themselves in big and small ways? Consider sharing with them the following:

• Minimize time alone
• Talk honestly about your feelings with your support system
• Create structure for your day with a daily routine
• Get regular, consistent sleep and eat properly
• Focus on what you have control over
• Get outside at least once a day and consider exercising
• Engage in activities that feel restorative, fun, and pleasurable

Springfield College is a smoke free/tobacco free campus.

Employment Opportunities 

Copyright © 2024 Springfield College. All rights reserved.