October 28, 2014
Greetings from the Office of Parent Services!
What a remarkable time we had at Family Weekend! We want to thank everyone who participated in the events. A special thank you to all the families who participated in our Family Weekend Food Drive. We collected over 1000 lbs. of food for the Amherst Survival Center. If you were unable to attend, we hope you will be able to join us next year.
Now that October is almost behind us, here comes November, one of the busiest months at UMass. Spring course registration, Thanksgiving Break and eventually final exams are quickly approaching. This email is full of information on important things for students to do before the semester ends.
Preparing for Spring Registration
November 12 is the first day of Spring Registration. Students will be able to see their specific registration period, or enrollment appointment, on SPIRE. An enrollment appointment is the date a student can actually sign up for classes. To get ready for Spring Registration your student should do the following:
- Make an appointment with an advisor before the enrollment appointment begins. Stress to your student the importance of showing up and being on time for the scheduled appointment.
- View Spring courses online and come prepared for an advising appointment by mapping out a tentative spring schedule.
- Clear up any To-Dos or Holds listed on SPIRE that may restrict registration for next semester.
Note: On the Hold Item page in SPIRE, your student can find out why the hold was placed (parking ticket, library books, advising, etc.), contact information for the office that placed the Hold on the record, and a list of steps to take to have it removed. To-Do items do not have associated restrictions, but if they are not completed, To-Dos can become Holds.
Financial Aid Services Reminder
Financial Aid Services would like to remind you to have your students check their SPIRE To-Do List and submit any outstanding documents as soon as possible. Outstanding financial aid To-Do items will impact students' ability to receive financial aid or keep aid already awarded. Your student may contact Financial Aid Services at 413-545-0801 for any questions or concerns.
Staying Healthy
As it starts to get colder and darker during the day, your student may find it harder to get out of bed and make it to classes. Encourage your student to get enough rest at night and get moving. An ample amount of sleep every day and routine exercise can produce long-term health benefits for your student. Campus Recreation offers group exercise classes, personal fitness programs, intramural sports team, and much more. Encourage your student to join an intramural sports team and/or enroll in a group exercise course. If your student has not yet had a flu shot, find out about upcoming walk-in flu clinics hosted by University Health Services (UHS).
Care Package and Residential Life Student Services
While you cannot be by your student's side 24/7, a care package is a nice way to remind your student that you are thinking about them. If you are planning to send a care package or any other package to your student, keep in mind that Residential Service Desks can only accept packages under 40 lbs. For more information on sending and receiving mail, check out the Desk Services website. You may also visit UMass Dining's "Gifts from Home" page for great care package items for any occasion. It is quick, convenient and best of all, affordable.
Hosting Thanksgiving Dinner
The International Programs Office invites families in the Amherst area to host our international students for a Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday 11/27. Far away from home, these students really appreciate a taste of American home life during the Thanksgiving holiday. Please contact International Student Advisor Richard Yam if you would like to host our international students for a Thanksgiving Dinner, including the maximum number of students you can host. Thank you for your consideration and hospitality!
Thanksgiving & Winter Break
Thanksgiving Break and Winter Break are on the horizon! The residence halls will close for Thanksgiving on Wednesday, November 26 at 6 p.m. and re-open on Sunday, November 30 at 10 a.m. Residence halls will close for Winter Break on Saturday, December 13 at 12 noon and will re-open Sunday, January 18 at 9 a.m. Note: It is imperative that all students vacate the Residence Hall by the published closing time. If a resident does not vacate their room and check out by the published closing time, they will be charged a $150 Improper Check-Out fee. Avoid the check-out fee by talking to your student and planning accordingly. For more information, please review our Closing website.
On a different note, you may notice a few changes in your student when they come home for Thanksgiving. They may seem a bit different from the person who went away to school last September. This is a very normal and healthy change. Your student has become more independent, and it may be useful to have a conversation about expectations at home. You may want to try talking to them over the dinner table, driving in the car, or taking a walk, to allow for uninterrupted time. It is important to keep the line of communication open. For support in navigating these changes, the Center for Counseling and Psychological Health can help.
Transportation for the Holidays
During Thanksgiving Break the demand increases for public transportation to and from the University. With research papers and group projects in students' minds, planning for Thanksgiving can get pushed to the side. Please encourage your student to make travel reservations early and to arrive at the departing location 30 minutes to one hour (depending on the mode of transportation) prior to scheduled departure time. Peter Pan Bus Lines provides College Express non-stop services to New York and Boston from UMass Amherst. It is never too early to book a reservation for holiday travel. Therefore, encourage your student to buy their tickets as early as possible. For more information, visit the Office of Parent Services page Visiting Amherst.
Spring Room Change
Students will be receiving information about Spring Online Room Selection soon! On October 31, you and your student can review the spring room change process online, and you will also find helpful tips on the Residential Life website.
Important Dates
Sunday, November 2: Daylight Saving Time ends
Tuesday, November 11: Veteran’s Day (No Classes)
Wednesday, November 12: Tuesday Class Schedule
Wednesday, November 12: Spring Class Registration begins
Wednesday, November 26: Residence Halls close for Thanksgiving Break at 6 p.m.
Sunday, November 30: Residence Halls re-open at 10 a.m.
Helpful Links
Office of the Registrar
Visiting Amherst – Planes, Trains and Buses
As always, feel free to contact the Office of Parent Services if you have any questions or concerns. Our office is open Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We are more than happy to assist you.
Sincerely,
Jeanne Horrigan, Director
Office of Parent Services
Treating Our Parents as Partners
5 Arnold House
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
Email: umassparents@umass.edu
Phone: 413-577-4444
Fax: 413-545-9631
Office of Parent Services Website
UMass Amherst Parents on Facebook
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