CAMNER CENTER FOR ACADEMIC RESOURCES

Dealing with Finals Stress

Is your student experiencing heightened stress as finals and the end of the semester approach? Do you wish there was something you could do to help, even if you might be far away? There is!

Start by reminding your student how much they have already accomplished and how proud you are of everything they have achieved. Send them a care package with snacks and words of encouragement to help get to the finish line. Remind them that cramming is ineffective, sleep is important, and staying active can help with their physical and mental well-being during this time. 

You can also suggest to your student that they come get help from the Camner Center for Academic Resources. Students are able to meet with a Learning Specialist who can help students with time management, study techniques, and teach them tips on how to best prepare for finals. We also have trained Peer Tutors to help with content material. Both types of appointments are absolutely free! Schedule early as appointments book quickly! 

Best of luck to all your students and remember we are here to help them!

Importance of Student Employment

Did you know that students who work on-campus during their undergraduate years have been proved to have increased financial security, improved learning, and career readiness and typically also have higher average GPAs? That's what we see here at UM too! There are over 5,500 on-campus jobs that are most often supported by our undergraduate 'Canes. This engagement creates a community of fellow 'Canes, and help students acquire skills and apply practical knowledge that complements their academic life. 

So, what can you do as a parent? Encourage your student to consider student employment. All students are eligible for Student Assistant positions and students who have received a Federal Work Study award as part of their financial assistance are also eligible for jobs with that designation. 

Your student can learn more about becoming a student employee, and find jobs very easily. If you have any questions, contact us at 305-284-6641 or ose@miami.edu. 

THE SANDLER CENTER FOR ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG EDUCATION

Tips for Healthy Behaviors

Your student's health and well-being are strongly connected to success and academic performance. Parents and families can have significant impact on a student's choices related to their well-being. Here are some tips from The Sandler Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Education to help encourage your student to engage in healthy behaviors:   

• Check-in with your student regularly and ask questions such as "How are you feeling today, both physically and mentally?" or "When was the last time you took some time for self-care?"  
• Encourage your student to seek help when needed. Become familiar with the range of well-being resources available to students both on off campus, including the Counseling Center and the Dean of Students Office. Remind your student that these resources are not just for crisis situations but can also be utilized to maintain and grow well-being.
• Find a balance between offering assistance and empowering your student to make their own decisions. Building resiliency is key to well-being. 

For more family well-being resources, check out this page!

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS

A Note from Dr. Whitely

Welcome to April! Many of our students are beginning to celebrate the accomplishments of this academic year. Many of our student organizations will be hosting banquets and end of year celebrations. For our families of seniors, we too will come together in a few short weeks to celebrate with Commencement. Even with many pending celebrations, students still have much to get through with final exams, projects, or papers steadily approaching. It is important that they remain focused through the end. There are a variety of resources on campus that can help your student to prepare for exams, especially the Learning Commons in Richter Library.

This month can also be helpful to finalize summer plans, be that enrolling in a summer course or getting an internship. It is helpful at the end of each semester for our students to reflect on what they have enjoyed, excelled at, or challenged by. Through this knowledge, your student can better set themselves up for future success. Currently, returning students are or will be enrolling in their Fall 2023 courses. Reflection can helpful to select classes that work well for what they can manage or to identify if a deeper conservation with their academic advisor would be helpful when exploring their future. 

Thank you always for your continued partnership. I am grateful for all you do to support your student and their future success. If you or your student needs anything, please do not hesitate to email me at vspa@miami.edu.

End of the Semester

Spring break may have passed, but the best is yet to come! Though the spring semester is nearing its end, the different organizations and departments on campus are gearing up for their biggest events. Moving forward, students will continue to have great opportunities to hang out with friends, win incredible giveaways, meet new people, and experience the campus environment to its fullest extent. As a commuter, I arrive on campus quite early and leave rather late regularly to avoid heavy traffic. With graduation approaching rapidly, I want to arrive earlier or stay later than needed because I know I will not have these opportunities after my time at the U has ended. I encourage you to talk with your students about their experiences and urge them to continue to take advantage of the exciting season of events at the University.

Genesis Leiva Cerna, B.A. Global Health Studies, Class of ‘23