DEPARTMENT OF ORIENTATION AND COMMUTER STUDENT INVOLVEMENT
As you read this, it may be hard to imagine that it is already the beginning of November. Your student is in their twelfth week of courses. This semester we welcomed over 3,500 family members to campus for our Fall ’Cane Kickoff, another 2,500 last month for Family Weekend, and a few hundred more in January at our Spring ‘Cane Kickoff. This week marks our university’s Homecoming, packed full of events that showcase our Miami Hurricanes spirit and traditions – something your student surely does not want to miss. While we’re sure both you and your student are looking forward to the upcoming Thanksgiving Break, the semester will quickly come to a close upon their return.
Whether this is your student’s first year at the U or their last, our university is thankful to have a role in the growth and development of your student. While we are sure it has been an academically rigorous semester for them, at the same time we know the university has provided many new experiences to expand their horizons. Family members play an important role in the support and success of their student, and we look forward to our continued partnership throughout your student’s time at the University of Miami. We wish you the happiest of holiday seasons ahead.
The Department of Orientation & Commuter Student Involvement (OCSI) supports new students and families through their transition to the University of Miami. OCSI facilitates programs and resources to successfully and holistically acclimate all new undergraduate students to the academic and social fabric of the institution.
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VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS
Happy Homecoming! November marks an extremely exciting time for Miami Hurricanes as we welcome back alumni and friends to celebrate UM. Our students are able to participate in festivities that spread school spirit with their student organizations. Our homecoming events culminate with our annual boat burning and firework display where tradition states that we will win the homecoming game if the mast of the boat falls before the boat sinks in Lake Osceola. I hope that your student is able to participate and join our entire community as we celebrate.
Traditions play an important part in our lives in November, not only with homecoming for our students and alumni, but also with Thanksgiving. Whether your family has robust traditions surrounding this holiday or this is a simpler time for your family, the word alone reminds us to be grateful for who and what we have within our lives. Our students will be experiencing a different calendar around final exams this year. Since Thanksgiving is the absolute latest it can be, we will return from recess and run straight into final exams. This may result in different stress for students who have gone through finals before and for those who never have. It is important to remind them of the many resources available – from hammocks to relax in, to the Kornspan Study Lounge open 24 hours to study at the time they want to. There is much to be appreciative for, including this opportunity to receive an education and make the most of their UM experience.
I hope that you and your family are able to reflect on all the experiences, things, and people within your lives to be grateful for as you take a small break and come together. If you or your student ever need anything, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Dr. Patricia A. Whitely has been the Vice President for Student 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, diversity and inclusion initiatives, 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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UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI COUNSELING CENTER
Maintaining mental health is essential to optimal navigation of the challenges of college life. In addition to managing their time to keep up with the rigors of academic work (a skill that many college students are re-learning in this new environment), taking care of mental health includes time for breaks, spending time with supportive friends and family, and having things to look forward to outside of school and work. As the semester is underway and academic pressures ramp up, it is important for students to take extra care of their emotional well-being.
Family members may be wondering how they can help their college student child balance these various pressures. During the college years, it is common for family members’ roles to shift from a caregiver to a consultant to their child. In childhood and adolescence, family members often tell their children what they need to do, or do what they need for them. In contrast, in adulthood, the student’s task is often to be the “executive” of their life, deciding on appropriate goals and the ways to achieve them, and assuming responsibility for solving their problems. Family members can let their child know that they are there for support, while also encouraging them to take the first steps toward solving their problem. After doing this, the student can ask for help with what they still need or are not yet able to do. Working through challenges can be a learning experience in building a young adult’s sense of capability and agency, with the proper scaffolding and safety nets provided by caring family members.
The University of Miami Counseling Center (UMCC) provides a wide array of effective and quality multi-disciplinary psychological services. From individual counseling to online resources, the Counseling Center is here for your student.
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OFFICE OF ACADEMIC ENHANCEMENT
The university offers students various resources and opportunities to engage with faculty and staff. One resource is Empower Me First.
Empower Me First, an academic support and diversity and inclusion initiative in the Office of Academic Enhancement, supports first-generation students in their transition to college. Students are offered general advising, interactive programs, and connections with campus departments and opportunities. The university is nationally recognized for these efforts in supporting first-generation college students.
Support doesn’t stop there—students need their family community throughout their college experience! Consider checking on your student regularly, asking how they are progressing and what resources they have used. Sometimes, students feel like they don’t belong. You can help by encouraging them to build community with other students in their program or who share similar interests. No one makes it through college alone; encourage your student to seek help pursuing opportunities or advancing in their studies.
On November 8th, National First-Generation College Celebration Day, celebrate your student for their momentous achievement of being the first to attend college!
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DEPARTMENT OF ORIENTATION AND COMMUTER STUDENT INVOLVEMENT
The Department of Orientation and Commuter Student Involvement and Tau Sigma offer transfer students the opportunity to put down roots during National Transfer Student Week.
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STUDENT GOVERNMENT
Learn how Student Government is making a positive difference in the everyday lives of University of Miami students.
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UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
Undergraduate students reflect on leaving the nest, share their experiences with homesickness, and give advice to first year students on powering through their first year at UM.
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LGBTQ STUDENT CENTER
The National LGBTQ Task Force presented Gisela Vega, director of the University of Miami's LGBTQ Student Center, with the 2019 Eddy McIntyre Communicty Service Award at its annual Miami gala.
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UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
Craving a good deli sandwich, four students from New York launch NY Deli, a small business featured at the weekly farmers market.
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