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Parent Advice

Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment

Growing Their Financial Life Skills as A `Cane

Many of us wish we learned more about personal finance when we were 18, that we had started investing earlier, and that we were in a financial situation to retire “right now.” As family members, we also want financial independence for our students. We all wish we knew “then” what we know “now,” so one way we can assist them is to share our positive (and negative) life experiences. 'Cane family members can also support 'Canes by encouraging them to participate in our Money Management Program. Whether they register for 1-1 Undergraduate Peer Coaching, attend some “Money Talks” seminars, or sign up for CashCourse: Your Real-Life Money Guide we will prepare them to achieve their Life Plan goals effectively. We work hard to advance their skills in areas like purposeful budgeting, avoiding emotional spending, investing, credit development, financial goal setting, navigating loan repayment, and so much more. Please continue to have the “adulting” conversations with your 'Canes and help them earn a distinct advantage in life with the Money Management Program.


Christopher Magnan, Director of the UM Money Management Program, and Senior Financial Aid Advisor for Financial Literacy Education and OSFAE Departmental Outreach

 

Important Dates

 

Academic Resources

Office of Academic Enhancement

Student Academics

As your student begins their academic journey at the University of Miami, family members play a vital role in fostering a successful college experience. Acknowledging the unique challenges of the first year, your support can significantly impact your student's academic and personal growth.

Encourage open communication by actively listening to your student's experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Maintaining a supportive dialogue helps them navigate the academic landscape effectively.

Familiarize yourself and your student with the university's resources, including support for academic planning, career guidance, and personal development. Encourage your student to utilize these resources to enhance their college experience.

Balancing academics with social life is crucial. Advocate for time management and a healthy work-life balance. Remind your student to engage in fulfilling extracurricular activities for a holistic college experience.

Lastly, be a pillar of emotional support. The transition to college life can be overwhelming, and your understanding and encouragement provide the stability your student needs. These tips aim to ensure your student thrives in their first year and lays the foundation for a successful college career.


Jordan Craft: OAE’s Program Manager for the Programs of Academic Excellence

 

Student Success

Housing & Residential Life

Employment Opportunities

The Department of Housing & Residential Life has opened hourly position applications for desk assistants, programming assistants, and security assistants for the Fall 2024 semester. Applications remain open year-round for these positions and are reviewed on a rolling basis, however for the Fall 2024 semester there is a priority application deadline of Friday, March 1.

Skyfactor Survey Weekly Programs

Your student may be receiving an invitation via email to complete our Skyfactor survey. The Skyfactor survey asks student various questions about their experience living on campus and is a great source of feedback for our residential experience. Please ask your student to complete the survey if they receive it.

Weekly Programs

Please see schedule of our weekly programs below and share with your students!

  1. Eaton: Wednesdays from 7-8 p.m. in Dr. Wang’s Apartment
  2. Lakeside: Tuesdays from 7-8 p.m. in Lakeside Lobby A
  3. Mahoney: Tuesdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in Dr. Harriell’s Apartment
  4. Pearson: Tuesdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in Dr. Beverly’s Apartment
  5. Stanford: Tuesdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in Dr. Knecht’s Apartment
  6. University Village: Tuesdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the UV Front Office

Spring Recess Break

Housing will remain open from March 9-17.

 

Health and Wellness

Sandler Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Education

As Spring Break approaches, the Sandler Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Education is here to ensure your student can enjoy this well-deserved break, while making healthy and responsible decisions. 

Whether they're traveling to a destination or staying closer to home, here are some tips to help support your student:

  • Have an open and honest conversation with your student about expectations you have during break. Emphasize that you trust their decision-making.
  • If your student is traveling, encourage them to share their itinerary with you, including accommodation details and transportation plans. Discuss potential risks associated with their travel destination.
  • Remind them of the importance of taking safety measures, such as pacing their drinks, avoiding mixing drugs and alcohol, and always sticking with friends.
  • Check with your student about their well-being during Break, especially if they are not returning home. If your student expresses any concerns, offer to help them find on-campus resources or support.
For more guidance on engaging in a successful dialogue with your student about their well-being, check out this page!

 

FROM DR. WHITELY'S DESK

Senior Vice President for Student Affairs and Alumni Engagement

A Note from the VPSA

Our students are a few short days away from spring break. This is the perfect time, as a family member, to check in on their summer plans. While this break is to help students prepare for the rest of the semester, this time is also well spent applying for internships, shadowing, or research opportunities. Students can take advantage of resources offered through our Toppel Career Center, including resume workshops, interview preparation, and career coaching.

Even though many resources are present across campus, sometimes our students get so used to their routine that they miss out. You, as a family member, can help to remind them to use their spring break time to look ahead for the semester. Start getting notes organized, plan out attending faculty office hours, and look for resources from the Writing Center, Camner Center, or Math Lab.

Spring break is also a time when I think about safe traveling and activities. Many students may travel and use spring break to explore somewhere near Miami. I always recommend that students travel in groups and keep track of one another. Our Sandler Center will be out across campus to educate students about safety related to alcohol and other drug prevention so students can experience hands-on learning. We will also send out safety reminders to our students both concerning spring break and the Ultra Music Festival, which takes place in Miami at the end of the month.

Rest is as important as enjoyment during breaks; it is helpful to remind our students to use their time wisely. I hope that you and your family are well. Please reach out if we can help in any way.


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, Greek life, the Dean of Students Office, the Camner Center for Academic Resources, and alumni engagement.

 

Student Voice

Student Note

At UM, the spring semester is truly a unique time on campus. The weather in Miami has cooled down most days, bringing a refreshing feel to students. Spring also brings a host of new events for students to attend. A recent notable event is our current Commuter Week. During this week, Orientation and Commuter Student Involvement collaborated with the student organization Association of Commuter Students for a series of events. The events centered around treating our students with appreciation and different social activities. One event was a pre-basketball tailgate and game. Basketball is one of my favorite events to attend on campus, and its accessibility, as well as its spirit, is truly amazing in bringing students together. It is almost hard to believe that the Spring semester is half over, and Spring Break is just on the horizon. I am looking forward to a week of relaxing and returning to excel in my classes and enjoy the events UM has to offer in the remaining couple of months before summer. Go 'Canes!


Eliza Lee is a junior majoring in Political Science and Religious Studies with a Pre-Law track. She is a commuter student from Miami, FL. On campus she serves as a Commuter Assistant and Copywriter for Student Government. Additionally, she shares her time and talents as a Staff Writer with The Miami Hurricane.

 

RESOURCE GUIDE FOR FAMILIES

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.

 

HELPFUL HOW-TO GUIDES

Proxy Account Guide


How to Pay Your Bill


How students make an appointment with Student Health Service


How students make an appointment with the Counseling Center


 

UNIVERSITY NEWS

Admissions and Enrollment

Miami Like a Local

What does a day in the life look like for a resident of Miami? We’re taking you on a day’s journey that will cover all the senses – it’s the best way to make the most of the Magic City.

Arts and Humanities

March guide to the arts at the U

Arts-related events for March include a juried student art exhibition and a family art workshop at the Lowe Art Museum; performances by the Frost Symphony Orchestra and Frost Opera Theater; and a traveling exhibition showcasing 19th century African American female physicians.

Faculty and Staff

Professor awarded prestigious honor for contributions to physiology

Professor Martin Grosell receives the 2024 Distinguished August Krogh Lectureship Award.

Grants and Funding

SONHS Soars in NIH Rankings

With over $6 million in funding, SONHS gains recognition as a Top 20 National Institutes of Health-supported nursing school.

Health and Medicine

US Surgeon General urges connection to combat mental health struggles

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy visited the University of Miami for a discussion with President Julio Frenk about how to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation among college students.

People and Community

All State Grant Boosts the Butler Center

The grant enhances current programming and provides an opportunity for new initiatives at the University of Miami.

Science and Technology

Professor wins prestigious NSF award for cutting-edge neural repair research

The implications of Courtney Dumont's research span a vast array of clinical scenarios, from acute emergency interventions, particularly in cases of neurotrauma to other inflammatory conditions like Bell's palsy and rheumatoid arthritis.

 

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