SANDLER CENTER FOR ALCOHOL & OTHER DRUGS
As all universities approach the middle of the semester, an estimated 1.5 million students embark on spring break. This is a time filled with opportunities to vacation, participate in a service trip, or relax. No matter what they have planned, their health and safety are of the utmost importance. The William W. Sandler Jr. Center for Alcohol & Other Drug Education has tips on how you can support your student in making healthy and responsible decisions.
- Talk openly and honestly about pressures and expectations when it comes to alcohol consumption.
- Most UM students choose to party responsibly. In the past month, 48% of students chose not to consume alcohol. An additional 30% chose to only consume 1-3 drinks in a sitting. 82% of students choose not to use drugs recreationally.
- Use open-ended questions when checking in with your student.
- Call and check-in with your student, especially if they are not returning home for spring break.
- Ask clear and direct questions. If your question is vague, your student response will be vague. Share your perspective and honest concerns about their behavior.
You know your student best. If you notice warning signs or other concerning behaviors, the University has numerous resources. As we say at UM, ‘Canes Care for ‘Canes.
Whitney O’Regan serves as an Assistant Dean of Students & Director of The William W. Sandler Jr. Center for Alcohol & Other Drug Education. This area focuses on the comprehensive prevention, intervention, education, and referrals of alcohol and other drug use, misuse, and dependency.
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We're asking Hurricane Family Connection readers to give their advice to other Hurricane families. Your advice could be general advice as a family member of a UM student or focus on a specific area of interest for your family.
We will be selecting various topics in the coming issues of Hurricane Family Connection to feature your advice. We thank you in advance for sharing your advice and experience with the rest of our 'Canes community!
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VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS
Welcome to March! It’s hard to believe we have reached a halfway point in the semester. Many of our students are beginning midterms and assignments as we approach spring break.
Although spring break is a time for rest and relaxation after midterms, it also involves spreading awareness of safety. As much as we prepare our students to be academically successful for their papers, assignments, and exams, we also equip them with the information they need to enjoy this time off safely. We are planning a variety of outreach events with peer educators and campus organizations to emphasize responsible decision-making now and throughout the semester. This is one of my top priorities, so I always ensure we are involving students in this conversation. Ask them to check their inbox for six tips to keep in mind while enjoying a safe spring break.
The month of March also provides plenty of activities for students to participate in like our Whitely Women’s Leadership Symposium, Orange Festival, Commuter Week and Miami Hurricane basketball and baseball games. We are intentional in our activities to be sure we enrich our students' experiences and continuously support their development. Encouraging your student to take advantage of these activities and step outside their comfort zones this month is a great way to make this happen.
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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STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND EMPLOYMENT
It is never too soon or too often for families to discuss college finances and funding with their students, especially with deadlines for reviewing and completing required tasks approaching these next six weeks.
For those who submit their 2019-2020 FAFSA by the April 15 deadline and complete any outstanding CaneLink To-Do list items on time, financial aid awards for the upcoming academic year are expected to begin at the end of April at UM. The renewability of all aid is based on your student meeting the renewal eligibility requirements for each award.
As a reminder, 2018-2019 was the last year of the CSS Profile Application for currently enrolled financial aid filers. In the event that your family has special circumstances, such as a lesser income for 2018 (financial aid for 2019-2020 is based on 2017 income), you or your student should contact an Office of Student Financial Assistance & Employment financial advisor for guidance.
Through proactive conversations and planning, this financial aid process can remain a positive experience for you and your student in their academic pursuits. OFSAE looks forward to assisting you and your student to academic and financial success.
Christopher Magnan serves as a Sr. Advisor of the Office of Student Financial Assistance & Employment (OSFAE), and leads the new Financial Literacy Education initiative at UM.
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HERBERT WELLNESS CENTER
Encourage your student to live a healthy and active lifestyle this semester! Why? Because physical fitness is a vital component of overall well-being and, as research shows, the cognitive benefits of physical activity that can help your student be more successful in the classroom.
The Herbert Wellness Center is a great place for students to seek information and guidance on keeping their bodies and minds healthy during college, and taking advantage of the free CHAMP fitness assessment is the perfect first step in setting health and wellness goals.
For those who want to take their wellness journey one step further, we recommend personal training. Personal trainers at the Herbert Wellness Center are UM students, typically earning degrees in an exercise related field, such as exercise physiology, sports medicine, or physical therapy. Not only are our trainers certified through a nationally recognized organization, they exhibit practical and intellectual competency and leadership in fitness while also learning the newest and most up-to-date information in their respective education fields on a day-to-day basis.
Mitch Nienhuis serves as the Assistant Director of Fitness and Personal Training at the Herbert Wellness Center. He oversees the fitness room and supervises and coordinates the personal training services.
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TOPPEL CAREER CENTER
More students are taking advantage of career advising available at the Toppel Career Center without a wait.
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STUDENT GOVERNMENT
The renowned scientist and TV personality addressed students in an inaugural discussion series presented by Student Government.
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SCHOOL OF EDUCATION & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
Transformation is at the core of Dean Laura Kohn-Wood’s vision for the School.
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STUDENT GOVERNMENT
Members of the Freshman Leadership Council say the program gives them a chance to grow, build relationships, and make an impact during their time at UM.
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SCHOOL OF LAW
Renowned equal justice lawyer Bryan Stevenson is awarded an honorary degree for his work as "a true champion of human rights."
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DEAN OF STUDENTS OFFICE
Ryan C. Holmes shares his rich history with the game of dominoes, how it helped empower him, and his hopes of creating a welcoming environment in some friendly competition with UM students.
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