April 21, 2015
Greetings from the Office of Parent Services!
The spring semester is winding down and students are working hard to complete final papers, presentations, and other assignments. With only a few weeks remaining, we’re writing to share important deadlines, residence hall closing, commencement information, and some key summer 'to-dos' and tips.
Reminders from Financial Aid Services
Financial Aid Services will begin sending email award notifications for continuing students in mid-June. Make sure your student has checked the SPIRE Student Center to ensure all required paperwork has been submitted. Financial Aid Services must receive and review all requested documents before aid can be awarded; late submissions may jeopardize aid eligibility. If you have questions, visit the Financial Aid Services website or call (413) 545-0801.
Fall 2015 course registration reminder
By now, students returning for the fall semester should have registered for courses. Students can make changes to their schedules during the summer months and through the end of the Add/Drop period on September 21. Remember, they have to be registered for at least 12 credits to maintain full-time status.
Hall closing information
Residence halls close for the semester May 7 at 8 p.m. If your student will be coming home between now and then, encourage them to bring items with them, to make move-out easier.
Graduating seniors and Commencement volunteers automatically receive permission to stay until May 10 at 10 a.m. Other students needing to stay beyond May 7 can request permission online starting April 21.
Mail delivery to all halls ends May 6. Remind your student to update their mailing address to their summer address for subscriptions and regular mail, or if they're making new online purchases.
Final exam tips
As students prepare for final exams, they may experience additional stress. Here are some tips to help encourage your student and ease the pressure:
- Send a care package. Visit UMass Dining Gifts from Home for more information; make sure your gift arrives before May 6.
- Remind them that eating three healthy meals per day and having enough sleep can help them retain information and stay focused on important tasks.
- Encourage them to find quiet places to study, like the library.
- Hold back on unnecessary phone calls so that they can concentrate on studying, but if your student reaches out, make time to listen – especially when they express feeling stressed.
- Encourage them to attend the Paws Program therapeutic dog event, Monday, April 27, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Student Union ballroom and W.E.B. Du Bois Library.
- Remind them that you care, no matter what.
These resources can help with stress management, healthy living, and academic enhancement:
Commencement announcements
With Commencement around the corner, it's important that you and your graduating senior keep abreast of the latest news and information. We've gathered some highlights; for more details, visit the website.
- Neil deGrasse Tyson, internationally renowned astrophysicist and director of the Hayden Planetarium in New York City, is the featured speaker at this year's Commencement. Learn more here!
- Graduating veterans are eligible for a free stole from the Student Veterans Resource Center. They can reserve their stole by calling (413) 545-0939 or by stopping at the center, 19 Dickinson Hall.
- International students can sign up to carry their country's flag during the Commencement processional parade. They should email commencement@umass.edu by Friday, April 24.
- Encourage your graduating senior to attend the Commencement Fair, Wednesday, April 29, 1 to 5 p.m., Student Union ballroom to get their cap and gown, purchase grad gear, have a portrait taken and more.
- Graduates can pick up caps, gowns and tassels in the Campus Center, room 165-69 on the following dates and times: May 4, 11 a. m. to 4 p.m.; May 5-7, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; May 8, 9 a.m. to noon. Regalia can also be shipped; delivery charges apply.
- On Commencement day, Friday, May 8, graduates should arrive in lot 11 at McGuirk Stadium by 3:30 p.m. Ceremonies begin at 4:30 p.m. and end at approximately 6 p.m. Saturday, May 9, schools and colleges host individual celebrations; students should contact their school/college for specific information.
We look forward to seeing you during Commencement Weekend 2015!
Summer internships and community service
In this challenging and competitive job market, it's critical that students make the most of their college education by finding pre-professional experiences that can prepare them for the workplace. Summer is the perfect time for students to grow personally and add life experiences that will translate to their resumes and future careers.
Career Services hosts an internship information session April 27, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in Goodell, room 508. Students can also learn more about finding, applying for, and earning credit for internships through the Career Services website. One-on-one appointments are available to aid in their search.
Volunteering is equally as important as a summer job or internship. It builds confidence and helps students gain leadership and other skills integral to their development. Encourage your student to seek out volunteer opportunities during the summer.
Summer 'To-Do' preview
There are a number of 'to-do' items students and families should complete over the summer. Encourage your student to log in to their SPIRE account regularly to check for important updates from the university. Also, remind them to accept or decline financial aid awards and take care of other business throughout summer. Bills for the fall semester will post to SPIRE accounts in July and are due in August.
Later in July, once bills have posted, eligible students who already have health insurance and want to waive the Student Health Benefit Plan (SHBP) should complete the waiver through their SPIRE account. Students who do not wish to purchase SHBP must complete the waiver every year. Visit the University Health Services website for more information on SHBP and the insurance waiver.
Summer expectations and tips
The majority of our students will return home for summer to work, take summer classes, and enjoy some family time. As you're getting ready to welcome your student, it's important to realize that your student has changed to some extent and you both may have different expectations. You may also worry about their academic performance. Here are some insights:
- Talk to your student about your summer expectations and be willing to compromise.
- Keep the line of communication open.
- Engage in conversation over the dinner table, in the car, or while taking a walk to allow for uninterrupted time.
- Use the summer to reflect on the past school year, its successes, and challenges and establish realistic goals for the fall.
- Understand that grades alone do not provide a full picture of a student's academic progress.
- Most importantly, enjoy the summer with each other.
Hotel room blocks for Family Weekend 2015!
Family Weekend 2015 is October 2-4. Although registration isn't open until the end of summer, be sure to book your hotel soon, as they fill quickly. Check out our hotel room blocks and places to stay for more information.
Family recipes wanted
UMass Dining Services would love to include your family's favorite recipe in the Taste of Home event next fall. Your recipe will be featured for a particular meal and be published in the eighth edition "Taste of Home Cookbook." UMass Dining will send you a UMass cap (limited to two caps per family per year) when we receive your recipe. Email your special recipe to Ken Toong, Executive Director at ktoong@umass.edu or mail to:
UMass Dining, Worcester Dining Commons
University of Massachusetts
669 North Pleasant Street
Amherst, MA 01003-9301
Please include a short text detailing why your recipe is special, your complete mailing address, and the name of your student. The submission deadline is August 1, 2015.
Parents of the Class of 2015: Congratulations and thank you!
Congratulations on your student's upcoming graduation! You have reasons to feel extra proud. Your student reached a major milestone in their life and accomplished a very important goal. Your graduate can stay connected to fellow alumni and their school/college by becoming involved with the UMass Amherst Alumni Association.
As students transition to life away from campus, many parents like to stay connected with the university. One way to stay in touch is to follow our News Office website or subscribe to its RSS feed. If you wish to remain on our mailing list, you're welcome to do so. If you'd like to be removed, simply click the unsubscribe link at the bottom of this message.
It has been a pleasure working with you during your student's time at UMass Amherst, and we appreciate your participation with our office. We wish you and your student the best of luck going forward.
Important Dates
April 27: Internship information session, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Goodell, room 508
April 27: Paws Program, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Student Union ballroom and W.E.B. Du Bois Library
April 29: Founder's Day (classes meet)
April 30: Last day of classes
May 1: Finals begin
May 7: Last day of finals
May 8-9: Commencement Weekend
May 18: First day of classes (summer session)
Website Links
Commencement 2015
Financial Aid Services
Residential Life Student Services
UMass Amherst Alumni Association
University Health Services
Enjoy your summer!
This is our last scheduled e-newsletter of the spring semester. We'll resume in August, to help you get ready for the fall semester. We hope your student and you have a wonderful summer break!
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact the Office of Parent Services. Our office is open Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. We're 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
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