VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS

Maintaining Focus in a "New Normal"

This year has been a challenging one to be a parent. Not only are we supporting our students as they go through college, but we are also worried and concerned about something that we have never experienced before. This is a stressful time and we know that this "new normal," as we manage COVID-19, does not have a decisive end in sight. As the parent of a University of Miami student myself, I am paying constant attention to the health and well-being of our students. Many of the initiatives that you have seen, like our public health ambassadors, additional on-campus study spaces, or the addition of a COVID-19 dashboard, arose from listening, watching, and thinking ahead for our students.

I am not alone in paying close attention to our reopening progress. All of the leadership at University of Miami is doing their part to ensure that we maintain focus, and that we are making operational adjustments whenever necessary. President Julio Frenk has even recently given his personal assessment of our progress so far.

As we enter the third week in the semester, our students have settled into their schedules and are finding a rhythm. It is important that they do not become complacent and continue to be thoughtful while making choices that prioritize their own health and that of their peers. We have, unfortunately, had to send students home who chose to put themselves and their peers in danger because of their behavior. You are critical in ensuring our students make good choices to keep themselves and others safe. Please help us to encourage positive behaviors. If your student is concerned about the behavior of others, students can—anonymously if they choose—share behavior of fellow students that they are concerned about via our 'Canes Care for 'Canes reporting form.

I hope that you and your family are doing well throughout this time. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me at vpsa@miami.edu.

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, the Dean of Students Office, and the Camner Center for Academic Resources.

ORIENTATION AND COMMUTER STUDENT INVOLVEMENT

Peer Mentorship Program

At the U, there is an array of peer mentorship programs that are in place and well underway. Peer mentorship programs are powerful tools to aid your student in their transition into their new community. Their peers are excited to help them and want to see them thrive at the U.
Here are six tips when it comes to discussing peer mentorship resources with your student:

1. Ask them if they have had a chance to connect with a peer mentor.
   • If living on campus, a Resident Assistant or Community Assistant or First-Year Fellow
   • If living off-campus or remotely, a Commuter Assistant or Transfer Assistant or Remote Assistant
2. Ask them if they understand the role of their peer mentor.
   • Peer mentors help students become familiar with campus resources, assist with community building and bonding, role model community expectations and guidelines, and encourage the development of academic and life skills.
3. Ask them if they know which department oversees their peer mentor.
   • Faculty and staff oversee peer mentorship programs. These University employees are also readily available to provide the support your student may need.
4. Remind them that their peer mentor wants to help them.
5. Encourage them to seek out mentorship for aspects of their identity that they are interested in exploring.  
6. Encourage them to check their e-mail often to find out about both in-person and virtual programming opportunities.

EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION NETWORK

Emergency Preparedness Information at the Peak of Hurricane Season

This past week we have seen the impacts of Hurricanes Isaias, Laura, and Marco upon our neighboring states. As our hurricane season runs through November 30, storms like these demonstrate why being prepared is so important. In light of challenges and changes due to COVID-19, now more than ever, students and their families should review and update their readiness plans.

We are asking 'Canes families to continue to help with ensuring students on- and off- campus have taken the necessary steps to prepare for hurricanes and other emergencies. Encourage students to enter their mobile numbers in CaneLink to receive emergency alerts and regularly check their UM email for Storm Advisories. Students and families can also follow @UMiamiENN on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more detailed updates.

Additionally, families are encouraged to help students develop a hurricane evacuation plan. Students living on-campus will be directed to self-evacuate if a category 3 or greater storm is forecast to directly impact Miami. Students living off-campus can find out if they live in an evacuation zone.

Lastly, please ensure your child has saved the number for UM Police (305-284-6666) in their mobile phones and encourage them to report suspicious or unusual activity.

September is National Preparedness Month and during this time we are reminded that preparedness works.

CANELINK

Canelink Access for Families

While enrolled in high school, legal guardians had access to all educational records of their student. However, once a student enrolls in a post-secondary institution like UM, all rights revert to the student only.

Since we know that students generally work with their families to navigate the various aspects of UM, students can share their protected information with a family member/designee via proxy/delegate access.

Contact 'Canes Central for more information.

FAMILY RESOURCES

Stay Informed About Campus Resources

Produced by Orientation and Commuter Student Involvement, the Family Resource Guide is designed specifically for families of current undergraduate students and includes a variety of resources for academics, student life, campus safety and other critical resources.

GET OUT THE VOTE

Encourage Students to Register to Vote

The 'Canes Vote Network and Get Out The Vote encourages all students to Register To Vote regardless of their physical location. If your student is living on campus or living in Florida, they are eligible to vote in Florida and considered a resident. However, students may Register to Vote in their home state as well.

The final day to Register to Vote in Florida is Monday, October 5th, so be sure your student has all the information they need to actively participate in the upcoming election. For more information, visit miami.edu/vote.

ORIENTATION AND COMMUTER STUDENT INVOLVEMENT

Welcome Home

Welcome new and returning 'Canes to the 2020-2021 academic year! I hope you and your family are remaining safe and healthy throughout this year. As we continue this journey, whether you live locally or across the world, we are so excited to have you!

As eager as I am with this new year, my family kept their mind at ease knowing the University has implemented protocols for everyone’s safety around campus.  This is a new norm, however, once the University received the green light for reopening, I was so excited to be back in the place I call my second home. 

Every night I talk to my family about my day and share exciting new opportunities I am offered, but also leaving room to ask for advice. Keeping that close contact with both family and friends has helped me stay positive and continue pushing towards my end goal even with the current situation at hand.

As I continue to pursue these goals, I reflect upon when I first started at the University of Miami last fall. A motto that is commonly used among our community is 'Canes Care for 'Canes. Since my first day here, this quote stuck to me and I always think "What can I do for a fellow 'Cane." I look forward to sharing my student insights with all families as the year continues.

Nathalia Torres is a junior majoring in Sociology and Criminology, and minoring in Health Management and Policy & Public Health. She is a transfer student from Miami Dade College, and currently serves as a Remote Assistant. Nathalia is an active member of the President's 100, Category 5, Homecoming Executive Committee, HP Concerts, and the Pre-Physician Assistant Club.