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As Thanksgiving Break approaches, we want to acknowledge the transition for all students and family members. Your student is used to living independently at college and may expect to continue that lifestyle at home. Family members should understand, be patient, and respect that choice, and students should know that there are responsibilities at home as well. It is important to note that Monday, November 20 is remote/online class, so your student may need to attend class or have an assignment due. Communication and compromise are essential ingredients to the family home re-entry process. Have a family conversation prior to the break period to cover the expectations set for the visit. Discuss what each family member wants to do during the break and make a flexible schedule that accommodates everyone as much as possible. That being said, leave time blocks that are discretionary and unplanned to allow for elasticity and spontaneity. Have a great Thanksgiving break!
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Counseling Center
You may wonder how frequently you should check in with your young adult now that they are in college. Conversations that may have taken place at the dinner table or in the car are now less frequent or nonexistent. It is time to reassess your relationship as parent and child as you navigate this next chapter of independence. For some families, this may happen seamlessly, while others may need to be more intentional about the mode and frequency of communication. Oftentimes, family members worry about checking in too much or not enough. I encourage family members to ask their students what they need and to consider reassessing as the semester progresses. For example, a student who initially requests daily check-ins by phone may eventually prefer more casual text exchanges throughout the week. Communication needs will likely vary based on your student’s external stressors. You may have to balance their needs with your tolerance around separation, need to be needed, and desire for contact. In an era where you can “Facetime” anytime, it is more important than ever to discuss expectations around connection as you support your student’s transition to adulthood.
If your student needs mental health support, please encourage them to reach out to the Counseling Center at 305-284-5511.
Dr. Rebecca Schwartz, Staff Psychologist, UMCC
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Senior Vice President for Student Affairs and Alumni Engagement
As we enter November, I am reminded of my deep gratitude for you, our parents and family members. Your unwavering support of our students throughout their time at the University of Miami enables them to seek out learning, try new experiences, and grow throughout their time in college. Thank you for your consistent partnership.
Our students are nearing the closure of the semester. This is the perfect time for them to develop a plan for their final exams, projects, and assignments. Upon the conclusion of the Thanksgiving holiday, there is only one week of classes and final exams. They are able to develop strong time management when they have already developed a plan for all the tasks they have to complete their semester successfully. Students can make an appointment now with a learning specialist at the Camner Center just to develop this plan.
Our residential faculty will also hold review sessions for large courses, such as biology and chemistry. I highly recommend that you encourage your student attends the “Finish Strong” review sessions for courses they are enrolled in. Our data from last year, indicated that students who participated in this review session scored significantly higher on their final exams. Information about this program will be shared with your student’s UM email address and made available through digital signage around campus.
I want to be sure to highlight some important dates to consider for you and your student as we approach the spring semester. The full academic calendar is available. For those of you who have a student, particularly our first-years, interested in Greek Life, information may be found with our Dean of Students Office. Please be aware that those interested in participating in Panhellenic sorority recruitment, an application is due by November 27, 2023.
If your family celebrates Thanksgiving, I wish you a peaceful holiday. If you ever need anything, do not hesitate to reach out.
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.
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University of Miami Alumni Association
It is never too early to start planning for a career post-graduation. Having your student home for break gives you a perfect opportunity to have these conversations in person.
I encourage you to talk to your student(s) about the University of Miami’s Toppel Career Center early so they can begin taking advantage of the services offered.
Also, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the offerings of the UM Alumni Association. Students are always welcome to attend a local event hosted by one of our 30+ Regional 'Canes Communities. Events are great opportunities for your student to expand their ’Canes network. Alumni can provide students with tips on how to make connections, help launch their career, open doors to internships/informational interviews, or serve as a contact/mentor for career advice.
The UM Alumni Association is here for you every step of the way. Go ’Canes!
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Department of Orientation & Commuter Student Involvement
This past month, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends experienced one of my favorite university traditions – Homecoming! It was a time for all of us to celebrate our alma mater, and face one of our rivals – UVA – on the football field. I, like many students, always enjoy Hurricane Howl, where we experienced an extremely significant UMiami tradition: the burning of the boat and fireworks! A boat is released onto Lake Osceola, and the legend states that if the mast falls before the boat sinks, your Miami Hurricanes will be posed to win their Homecoming match at the Hard Rock Stadium. Each year, students bring family and friends to enjoy this spectacle, complete with fireworks, games, and local Miami food trucks! As a student, this event brings me so much joy, both to be a student at this school and to bring my little sister to experience UM culture. It was another great Homecoming and I enjoyed connecting with my ’Canes community!
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.
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RESOURCE GUIDE FOR FAMILIES
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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.
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Admissions and Enrollment
They've been in your shoes. Where are they now?
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Arts and Humanities
View a list of arts-related events for this month, including a landmark musical at the Jerry Herman Ring Theatre, an evening of jazz at the Maurice Gusman Concert Hall, and a family-friendly art workshop at the Lowe Art Museum.
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Faculty and Staff
Juan A. Villanueva serves in this role for the Manuscripts and Archives Management department.
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Grants and Funding
Researchers at The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis are investigating strategies to modify the interactions between the brain and the gut to help patients after a stroke as well as those with Alzheimer’s disease.
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Health and Medicine
The K23 grant will enable the SONHS assistant professor and her team to study interactions between cannabis and the immune system in Black sexual minority men with HIV.
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People and Community
A course offered as part of the Master of Professional Science program introduces students to the importance of data gathered through volunteer contributions.
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Science and Technology
Using a powerful wind-wave tank along with the field of physics, a team of University of Miami physical oceanographers has determined the significant role wind and currents play in transporting Sargassum seaweed around the ocean.
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