STUDENT ACTIVITIES AND STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Getting involved on campus

Studies show that students who engage in co-curricular activities such as student organizations are more likely to succeed academically and attain personal fulfillment. Joining a student organization can also be a meaningful way to connect with other students and create lifelong friendships. 

There are more than 300 student organizations at the University of Miami spanning interests like academic and professional, community outreach and social change, multicultural and identity-based, religion and spirituality, Greek life, and more. Here are three tips to share with your student:

• Browse organizations and their events on Engage, the University's student organization platform.
• Attend involvement fairs and other opportunities to meet with current organizational leaders and members.
• Maximize involvement opportunities that align with career aspirations, personal goals and interests, and leadership development opportunities.
• Keep a balanced schedule alongside academics and additional commitments.

Amrutha Chethikattil, a senior and chair of the Committee on Student Organizations (COSO) states, “Involvement in student organizations opens the door to possibilities unique to a university experience. By launching ideas and projects within the student organization community, students are empowered to take on multiple roles as a volunteer, innovator, programmer, and leader. Not only does this experience propel a student’s career after graduation, but it also sets the foundation for lifelong kinship and memories.” 

HOUSING AND RESIDENTIAL LIFE

On-campus housing for 2022-2023

The application for current students to apply for on-campus for the 2022-2023 academic year opened today at 9 a.m. in the On-Campus Housing Portal available via CaneLink.

You and your student are invited to attend an upcoming informational session on Tuesday, Jan. 18, and Friday, Jan. 21, to learn more about the application and room selection processes.  Complete details—as well as a recording of a previous information session—are available on Housing and Residential Life’s website.

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS

Preparing for future success

I hope that the start of the new year has provided your family with good health. Obviously, it is not the start to the semester that anyone had hoped. I am confident that the University community can follow our public health guidelines and that we can be back to in-person classes in early February. Your support as the semester begins virtually is critical to the success of our students.  

The start of the spring semester is the ideal time for students to consider and prepare for their future successes. They might think about applying for an on-campus job to build work experience and skills while preparing to apply for summer internships. Students should also reflect on how they can keep healthy this semester by engaging in our many programs and services aimed at supporting their well-being. Lastly, as touched in this newsletter already, it is always important and helpful to get involved with a student organization.

Small moments of encouragement from family members can make all the difference in the success of a student. As the semester gets started, please know that we are here to help. If you or your student need anything, do not hesitate to reach out to me at vpsa@miami.edu.

Dr. Patricia A. Whitely began her service as senior vice president for student affairs in 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

Soak it all in

Happy New Year! I hope you and your family stayed safe and healthy during this holiday season. To our new 'Canes families, welcome! I hope you and your student enjoyed ’Cane Kickoff. 

As we pursue those New Year’s resolutions, this is also the best time to think about the next steps to take in your college experience. As a senior, it's a bittersweet moment as I take a step back to reflect on my time at the University of Miami. One of my favorite resources on campus is the Toppel Career Center. Not only does Toppel’s staff help students with resumes and cover letters, but they also provide opportunities to apply for jobs, internships, or graduate schools. Students also receive weekly emails with networking opportunities, job or internship availabilities, and upcoming workshops.

As mentioned already, being involved on campus is an excellent way to meet people and make new connections, and students can view more than 300 student organizations by searching Engage. Students will have the chance to meet with student organization leaders at the upcoming Student Organization Involvement Fair soon.

These next few weeks will fly by as students are either experiencing their first semester or perhaps their last at the University of Miami. However, it's important to take it one day at a time and soak it all in because, before we know it, it will be summer again. 

Nathalia Torres is a senior majoring in sociology and criminology with minors in health management and policy and public health. She transferred to the University of Miami from Miami Dade College and currently serves as a student assistant. Nathalia is an active member of the President's 100, Category 5, Homecoming Executive Committee, HP Concerts, and the Pre-Physician Assistant Club.