STUDENT LIFE - FROM THE DESK OF DR. CRAIG ULLOM
Returning home for a break is another transition event in the lives of all family members.
Your student is used to living independently at college and expects to continue that lifestyle at home. Family members need to understand, be patient and respect that choice and students need to know there are responsibilities that they may have as well. Communication and compromise are essential ingredients to the family home re-entry process.
Discuss what everyone in the family wants to do during the break period and develop a flexible schedule that accommodates everyone’s desires as much as possible. Family members may be eager to unpack the college experience but the student may need some time and space to do that in their own way and on their own schedule. Be ready to listen when the time is right and avoid over-questioning. Accept that your college student may choose to spend their time visiting friends, sleeping, or bingeing on Netflix. It is their break, but help them understand that the family needs some of their time as well.
Being mindful and communicative about everyone’s needs and expectations goes a long way toward ensuring your time together is enjoyable and rewarding. Expectations go a long way toward ensuring your time together is enjoyable and rewarding.
Dr. Craig E. Ullom has over 30 years of diverse experience in higher education, having previously served as a vice president and senior student affairs officer. Dr. Ullom served as the inaugural Director of Student Life at UM from 1984 to 1993, and has recently returned as Interim Executive Director of Student Life.
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CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Today is Midterm election day and UM is committed to making sure our students are informed and engaged citizens.
For the past two months, University of Miami Get Out the Vote has been helping students prepare to vote in the election, including registering students on campus and running shuttles to early voting locations.
Today, Get out The Vote is hosting their 'Canes Vote Election Day Extravaganza including a celebration on the SCC Lakeside Patio from 11 AM-3 PM, and an Election Watch Party at The Rathskeller from 6:45-10:00 PM. Encourage your student to make their voice heard.
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EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
At times, the University may need to contact a student's parent, guardian or other family member related to a specific incident or issue. We need your help in making sure your student's emergency contact information is up to date, so please review this information in CaneLink with your student.
The university has provided instructions for your student about how to review and update emergency contact information in CaneLink.
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CAMNER CENTER FOR ACADEMIC RESOURCES
It is very common that your student may experience difficulties understanding course material at some point during their collegiate journey. At this point in the semester, in particular, your student’s course load is likely increasing as major exams, major projects, and report due dates are swiftly approaching.
As parents and family members, understand that while your student may seek out guidance and assistance directly from their professors, many students find it beneficial to meet with other students that have previously taken the course.
The Camner Center for Academic Resources offers free peer tutoring for most undergraduate courses at UM. Students can receive up to two hours of tutorial assistance per week, per course. Peer tutors are on hand to help your student master concepts, gain confidence, and ultimately develop a deeper understanding of course material.
While peer tutors are available for a wide variety of subjects, encourage your student to schedule their appointments well in advance of any upcoming exams or in preparation for upcoming assignments. Tutoring appointments can be scheduled online during the fall and spring semesters.
Prior to Final Exam week, Camner Center tutors will collaborate with professors to host several large group review sessions on Wednesday, December 5th. A complete list of courses covered will be disseminated to enrolled students in late November. For more information regarding the peer tutoring program, please visit camnercenter.miami.edu.
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VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS
As we head into the final months of the semester, it can be a stressful time for students as they may be encountering some obstacles for the first time, like a bad grade, missing an assignment, or making a mistake. To do well and find success, I always recommend that students focus on being well – paying attention to their sleep, eating, and finding the balance of studying and having fun. In the hustle and bustle of college life, taking care of oneself can be a challenge.
As a parent myself, I pay close attention to trends impacting students. This article highlights how mental health problems impact our students. As the midterm season approaches, students may face challenges taking care of themselves and asking for help.
Advocate for your student by encouraging sleep, talking with mentors or friends, and promoting sticking to a schedule. It may be hard to know exactly what to recommend, as this article mentions, but we are keen to support our students to achieve all their goals.
Some resources for students through midterms include academic tutoring through the Camner Center and Math Lab or the Writing Center at Learning Commons at the Richter Library. Our Counseling Center is also available for students needing additional support.
Dr. Patricia A. Whitely has been the Vice President for Students Affairs since 1997 and is an adjunct faculty member in the School of Education and Human Development. Dr. Whitely is responsible for oversight of residential life, leadership development, service learning, orientation, student organizations, student activities, student facilities, student counseling and student health centers, Greek life, and the dean of students office.
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HEALTHY CANE NETWORK
This time of the year can become the “perfect storm” of stress for your student. The end of the semester and final exams mixed with holiday stress can become burdensome. However, understanding the stress mechanism as a family member can make supporting your student that much easier.
The stress mechanism is a biological survival response that was necessary for our ancestors to escape danger or physical threat. The common physiological signals such as elevated heart rate, elevated blood pressure, muscle tightness, and rapid breathing are a designed response to prepare the body for physical battle or escape commonly known as “fight or flight”.
A final exam or holiday shopping may not be physically threatening; however, we still have the same primal physiological response. When we feel these symptoms, we perceive that we are stressed which activate a milieu of thoughts and behaviors. What can you do to reduce the feeling of stress?
Given that the stress response is preparing our body for physical activity, one of the most effective ways to reduce stress is to provide the physical outlet your body is preparing for. The university offers a myriad of options for your students housed under our Healthy Cane Network initiative. This partnership offers resources including wellness activities, counseling, health services, and more. When your student begins to express signs of stress from the end of the semester, please direct them to these opportunities.
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THE BUTLER CENTER
Nearly 400 students participate in the National Gandhi Day of Service, the largest annual service day aimed at helping organizations across South Florida.
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2018 STUDENT CONVOCATION
Fareed Zakaria, a CNN host, journalist and author, tells UM students that globalization and technology have put pressure on the American dream, but those with drive can still succeed.
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CAMPUS SAFETY
The University of Miami’s emergency management team is working to create a disaster resilient University.
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STUDENT ACTIVITIES
Students on the Homecoming Executive Committee have been planning for the last year to bring 'Canes a week of fun, food and fireworks.
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MULTICULTURAL STUDENT AFFAIRS
MSA’s Renee Dickens Callan and Junior Pena offer a supportive environment for students of marginalized identities.
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