SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS

Supporting holistic student success

In our last edition, I discussed how students can start preparing now for future successes by seeking summer internships and considering their health and well-being in their plans. Now, as students enter the mid-point in the semester and prepare for the upcoming Spring Break, I encourage students to consider other fundamental aspects of their success. To help me, I invited Maria Galli Stampino, dean of undergraduate affairs, to lend her perspective on this important topic. Read what she has to say below:

Success for students—whether in the classroom, at internships or jobs, with student organization involvement, or their futures—relies upon a strong foundation. As students gain knowledge and apply it in their involvements or experiential learning opportunities, they begin to strengthen this foundation as they look towards their future.  

Success can still occur even when faced with many challenges. Time management, test or assignment preparation, and personal responsibility all influence how resilient students are when faced with such obstacles. I want to assure you that it is okay if they stumble. 

We, with your support, are here to help them think deeply about the possibilities for their next steps and impending choices: 

• Students who may be studying something that does not really speak to them can connect with their advisor to talk about future courses or if changing their major may be the best action. 
• Students who have difficulty implementing good study habits can seek a tutor or determine if a new study method is needed. 
• Students who choose not to attend class may need a reminder from you about the value of engaging fully in their education is necessary. 
• Students who experience interpersonal conflicts with their peers that make it difficult to focus on academics might benefit from the University's Counseling Center or our other well-being resources. 

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.

Maria Galli Stampino has served as the dean of undergraduate affairs since 2020. Her time at the University of Miami, however, began in 1996 when she first served as an assistant professor before being promoted to associate professor in 2003 and a full professor in 2013. Dean Stampino oversees all aspects of undergraduate education collaborating with our faculty, school and college deans, and the Provost. In the classroom, she teaches both language and culture courses in Italian and English. 

DINING SERVICES

Notes about on-campus dining

Spring Break Hours: Students remaining on campus will have access to a variety of on-campus dining options. Find out what will be open during the break at dineoncampus.com/miami.  

Halal Offerings: UM Dining offers Halal chicken, hamburgers, and fish at both resident dining halls. All fish served in the dining halls is Halal, and fried fish is available to order every day at the grill station with additional fish options available at a second station on Fridays. Halal hamburgers are available every day at the grill station in both dining halls. Additionally, on Fridays, Hecht-Stanford offers Halal chicken for lunch. 

Meet with a Dietician: Encourage your student to meet UM Dining’s registered dietitian who will be sampling a recipe that can support mental clarity. 

• Mahoney-Pearson Dining Hall: Wednesday, March 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
• Hecht-Stanford Dining Hall: Thursday, March 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

OFFICE OF COMMENCEMENT

Stay informed about Commencement 2022

If your student is graduating in May 2022, you are encouraged to join the Commencement listserv. Doing so will enable you to receive information sent to graduates, including deadlines, and the most up-to-date information for Commencement.

OFFICE OF MULTICULTURAL STUDENT AFFAIRS 

Creating A Culture of Belonging: A student’s perspective

Arriving at a big school can feel a little overwhelming, but when you’re prepared, you know what to expect. 

Coming from a public school in Howard County, Maryland, I yearned for an environment where representation mattered. The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) has offered the perfect community for me to thrive, surrounded by people that look like me and have my best interests in mind. 

I am able to use my voice and express myself freely within our Unity Newsletter publication. I have made many new connections with a diverse group of people from several student organizations and by participating in events and programs. I have found a space where I can be comfortable within myself and my background, especially as a Black woman with ENOUGH (@enough.woc), an initiative for women of color that was created to provide a vulnerable safe space for us to evolve, elevate, and feel empowered. 

I am very grateful for this environment that I am a part of and cannot wait for the many more opportunities to come. 

Gabbie is a first-year student pursuing a bachelor's degree in business administration. She works as an undergraduate student assistant in the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.

ORIENTATION AND COMMUTER STUDENT INVOLVEMENT

Making the most of my time on campus

From the first day I got to the University of Miami, everyone mentioned staple events that students attend during their time here. One of those popular events finally returned to campus after a two-year break due to the pandemic: SportsFest!

SportsFest, which took place February 10-12 focused on building community among both residential and commuter students. Hosted in part by the Division of Student Affairs, the Department of Housing and Residential Life, and the Department of Wellness and Recreation, a committee of students and staff work throughout the year to plan this full weekend of fun. 

Learning to be more independent and always on the go, I sometimes don’t have the time to sit down and do the things I like. However, events like SportsFest bring a nostalgic feeling from my childhood when we would plan a field day to help relieve stress. 

As a senior, it’s a bittersweet moment experiencing all of these activities one last time with my friends. There are only about 75 more days until graduation, and time is flying by! The future is uncertain, but I know is that the University of Miami has given me so many opportunities to step out of my comfort zone, excel in and out of the classroom, and, most importantly, find what I want to do in the future that makes me happy. 

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.