Pictured above: Student leaders attend the October Board of Trustees meeting. (from left to right) Mwai Nyamu, Gizzelle Abanador, Slandie Dieujuste, David Henke, and Mason Preble

Dear Parents and Families:

I can’t believe we’re nearing the end of the fall semester. Our students have faced many challenges through the course of the semester and have grown in countless ways as a result. We celebrate their successes both in and out of the classroom. As we prepare to close the door on 2023, we look forward to 2024 and the opportunities that it will bring.

This final newsletter of the semester contains important information and deadlines for you and your student. As always, we are a phone call or email away: studentaffairs@springfield.edu or (413) 748-3100.

Sincerely,

Slandie Dieujuste, PhD

Follow me on Instagram @Dr.Slandie.

Winter break is quickly approaching! All residence halls will close for winter break at 5 p.m. on Thursday, December 21 and re-open at noon on Tuesday, January 16, 2024.

If your student needs to stay on campus during any part of winter break (whether staying late or requesting to return early), they must submit a break housing application (via their PrideNET account) by 4 p.m. on Friday, December 15. The break housing fee is $200/week and cannot be prorated per day. No guests or alcohol is permitted during the break (regardless of age). Dining services are not available during the break.

Please let your student know that they are responsible for closing and locking all windows, removing garbage/recycling, turning off the lights, unplugging all electronic items, and all other items listed in the break closing checklist that is placed on the outside of each student’s room/suite door. Please encourage your student to bring all necessary items (passports, medications, phone chargers, laptops, etc.) back home with them when they leave for break. Card access will only be granted to students who have submitted the break housing application on time.

The Residence Life central office is open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Feel free to reach out to their staff at reslife@springfield.edu or at (413) 748-3102. 

Weathering Cold and Flu Season

As the seasons change, we often see an increase in viral illnesses among students and staff. During this time, it is especially important for your student to take care of their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.



Tips for Your Student to Stay Healthy

• Get a flu vaccine and stay up to date on the COVID-19 booster. Vaccines are readily available at local pharmacies. Students can schedule an appointment and utilize the weekend shuttle (December 2 and December 16), to the Walmart plaza or Stop & Shop plaza
• Frequently wash your hands and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
• Stay home if you are sick and avoid being around others who are sick
• Practice good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious foods
• Avoid sharing food and drink
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow

Despite following all the above measures, your student may still get sick. Mild symptoms and illnesses can often be self-managed with over-the-counter (OTC) medications and supplies.

Important Medications and Supplies to Have on Hand

• OTC cold and decongestant medications
• OTC pain and fever relievers
• Throat and cough lozenges
• Tissues and saline nasal spray
• Comfort foods such as tea, soups, and electrolyte drinks (Gatorade, Powerade, etc.)



The Health Center staff is available, by appointment, to evaluate and offer guidance and treatment for any student feeling ill. Students can call (413) 748-3175 to schedule an appointment. Onsite flu, COVID, and strep testing is available.

Stress is very common among students—in fact, both Springfield College and national data suggest that stress is the number one issue affecting students’ success in college. As we approach finals, you may notice that your student is even more stressed than normal.

Encourage your student to better manage stress by:

• Prioritizing sleeping
• Moving their body
• Fueling up with healthy meals and snacks
• Taking time to decompress
• Talking to someone supportive

Here are ways you can actively support your student:

• Have your student go for a walk while you chat with them on the phone
• Text them to say goodnight and remind them to turn off their laptop and get some sleep
• Send a care package with some of their favorite healthy snacks and an activity that might cheer them up and allow them some distraction time
• If stress becomes more than your student can handle, always encourage them to reach out to all their campus resources

Follow the Springfield College Office of Health Promotion on Instagram for more tips and tricks.

For many of you, Thanksgiving break gave you a small glimpse into how your student has developed/changed/grown the last few months while they were here at Springfield College. For some, you are looking for more connection. For others, you are hoping the few weeks during the upcoming break goes better.

Here are some tips we have found to be helpful for the time in between semesters.

When your student first returns home, they will likely be tired, maybe even exhausted, and may need more time than usual to catch up on sleep. Also know that students are often eager to reconnect with their high school and hometown friends, sometimes more than with their families. In addition, understand that your student has been operating largely independently—sleeping, eating, and coming and going as they want. For many students, reentering the family dynamic may feel restrictive.

Know that your student may not be ready to discuss all aspects of school. Some students just want to be home, taking a break, and not thinking about school. Understand that your student may struggle with feeling like they don’t belong fully at school and don't belong fully at home. Your student may want to be embraced by their old family life yet may also long for the independence of school. This break is part of the process of your student negotiating who they are and who they want to be. While there may be some bumps in the proverbial road, be patient, be kind, and assume good intent—your student will find their way and your family will be better for it!