FAMILY RESOURCE GUIDE

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.

VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS

Welcome Back and Be Brave

Welcome to the Fall 2019 semester! I hope that your family enjoyed the summer and found some time to relax and recharge. Our fall semester is filled with excitement and energy, moving at a pace that will fly by. Our students will be able to cheer on the Hurricanes, engage with their faculty, have fun with their friends, get involved with something they are passionate about, and most importantly, learn something new.

With so much activity, I value my few moments of summer relaxation where I can reflect on my experiences and prepare for the new ones. As one of my summer reads, I highly recommend Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead in conjunction with her Netflix special. This brought to my mind the true value of resilience and support networks, particularly when facing challenges, but even before those appear. A new semester often presents a fresh start - an opportunity to try something new, excel in a different way, or a continuation of success. I look forward to a successful and enriching fall semester for our students. My staff and I are always here to provide support and guidance.

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, 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.

STUDENT HEALTH SERVICE

Student Health Insurance Checklist

With the new academic year quickly approaching, we know there's a number of things to do to make sure your student is set up for success. One of those mandatory preparations is providing health insurance information to the University to ensure your student has access to the care that they may need. Here are a few necessary steps to make sure your student can stay healthy and thrive in the coming year:

• Waive the University-sponsored health insurance if your student already has adequate coverage. Students are NOT required to have the University-sponsored insurance in order to utilize the services of the Student Health Service (SHS). Submit a waiver request using the online portal as soon as possible. Insurance cancellation requests must be made each academic year. 
• If you waive the University-sponsored insurance, review your insurance plan with your student and provide them with copies of their medical, prescription drug, dental, and/or vision insurance cards.
• If your student chooses the University-sponsored insurance, learn more about what it covers. To get the best value, students should utilize the SHS first, where treatment will be administered or referral issued, except in the case of a medical emergency, maternity, when away from campus, or when the SHS is closed.
• Learn about the services offered at the SHS, including emergency or after-hours care options.
• Review the SHS website for more information. Email SHS if you have additional questions!

STUDY ABROAD

Study Abroad Information for You and Your Student

Studying abroad takes students beyond the classroom and offers a unique style of experiential learning. Family members of UM students who are considering studying abroad while at UM should start discussing and planning early. Whether your student’s goal is to complete a cognate abroad, learn a language, or pursue study in a different culture, encouraging them to work with their academic advisor will ensure they select the right program at the right time in their career. UM study abroad programs are offered in 35 countries, and they are open to all academic majors. UM aims to keep costs affordable for students and offer flexibility so students graduate on time.

Students who study abroad learn leadership skills and gain confidence. Their experience abroad encourages strategic thinking skills, global awareness, and intercultural competencies.

If your student is interested in studying abroad, encourage them to:

• Meet with their academic advisor
• Meet with the appropriate Study Abroad advisor
• Review the Study Aboard Guide and Workbook
• Attend a Study Abroad 101 Session

To maximize their time abroad, students should research the location, consider a language class, and make an effort to get involved and meet locals in the community.  We look forward to sending your #canesabroad!