DEPARTMENT OF ORIENTATION & COMMUTER STUDENT INVOLVEMENT

Families Get a Glimpse into Life as a ‘Cane

Family Weekend is an annual tradition at the University of Miami but has been canceled the last two years due to tropical storms and hurricanes that impacted South Florida. But this year, more than 2500 family members flocked to campus to reconnect with their students and experience the many academic and social aspects of student life at the University of Miami.

From model classes led by University faculty and a keynote speaker who spoke about America’s educational system to an evening dinner hosted by Provost Jeffrey Duerk and the UM vs. FSU football game, Family Weekend allowed students to show their families what it is like to be a Hurricane student.

“The weekend was a great chance for us to see how our daughter, Mhairi, is settling in at UM,” said Keith Webster, who flew from Pittsburgh with his wife for the weekend festivities. “We got to learn more about the great ‘Cane family, hear about the exciting research taking place at the RSMAS campus, and took a tour of the F. G. Walton Smith research vessel.”

You can read the full story on this year's Family Weekend on the Division of Student Affairs news site.

COURSE REGISTRATION

Helping Your Student Make the Most of Academic Advising

A major shift in students’ experiences from high school to college is the academic advising process. At the college level, a student’s education belongs to them. Academic advisors help guide students as it relates to requirements for their academic programs, however, students should develop educational goals and a tentative plan of study.

Families can help their student by starting conversations about what they want their educational goals to include. This may sometimes be at odds with what they shared when they left home, and that is normal. Families often ask about the resources available to students for academic advising, and what should their student do in order to prepare for their appointment.

Before their advising appointment, the Office of Academic Enhancement recommends all students should:

• Review their degree progress report available on CaneLink
• Review the University Academic Bulletin for academic program requirements
• Know their responsibilities for advising as outlined in the Advising Compact
• Visit the Undergraduate Advising website for advising resources

Residential Students:

• Can engage with the Sr. Advisor for the Residential Colleges in their area to help them identify their educational goals and interests.
• Should connect with one of the residential faculty, who can talk about what to expect as they delve deeper into particular academic programs.

Commuter & Transfer Students:

• Can arrange a 1:1 meeting for advising guidance with a Commuter Assistant or Transfer Assistant by emailing csi@miami.edu

International Students:

• Must be enrolled full-time each semester. Certain exceptions apply
• Should make normal progress towards their career and must apply for a program extension with ISSS if it appears that they will not

COUNSELING CENTER

Signs of Stress in Students

College life is filled with wonderful opportunities, personal growth and challenging oneself socially and academically. It is an exciting time to have new experiences. Navigating these experiences can also be stressful.  Keeping up with schoolwork, creating new friendships, managing relationships from afar, balancing responsibility with greater independence all can contribute to an increase in stress levels.

As a parent, you want to look for the following:

• Changes in stress levels
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Changes in eating habits
• Social isolation
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Expression of sadness/tearfulness

If you notice any of these changes, have a conversation with your student. Talking about their mental health is just critical as talking about their physical health. Let them know that self-care is important and where to go to on campus for emotional and academic support.

The UM Counseling Center is a resource on campus, and more information about emergency services can be located here. The After-Hours line 305-284-5511 (Press 1) is available to students and parents evenings and weekends.