JWU Family e-Newsletter
October  2017
The Parent & Family Relations Office serves as a liaison to the parents and families of incoming and current students through on-going communication and programs. This monthly e-Newsletter helps you stay connected to your student as you journey with them through their JWU experience.
Dear Wildcat Parents & Families, 

The academic year is in full swing and the fall season is upon us. New England is famous for its crisp cool air and beautiful scenery as leaves change from green to a spectrum of yellows, oranges and reds. If you have been looking for a reason to visit your student or even an opportunity to explore the creative capital, now is the perfect time to visit Providence. 

While you are here, check out the 30th Annual Wildcat Family Weekend (10/13-15). All parents and families are welcome to join us for this exciting tradition. Held during the peak of our foliage, students and families can spend quality time together participating in complimentary and ticketed events, cheering on our athletic teams and eating delicious meals prepared by our very own culinary students. We hope to see you and your student there. 

Sincerely,

Parent & Family Relations Office
Campus Catch-Up
GOOD LIFE EXPO
Student Health 101 & Health Education’s 4 th annual JWU Good Life Expo was a success! Over 500 JWU community members participated in the event. Students, faculty and staff were able to sample healthy foods and learn more about on-campus and off-campus health resources.
WILDCAT WELCOME
Students had a great time during Wildcat Welcome! Events included a showing of "Guardians of the Galaxy 2", Paw Print Meet & Meet and a Student Involvement Fair. Students were able to learn more about campus opportunities and how to get involved.   
Supporting Your Wildcat
STUDY ABROAD
The Study Abroad Fair will take place Wednesday, October 25 from 1:00-4:00pm in the Pepsi Forum on the Downcity Campus. We encourage students to stop by to explore the dozens of different programs that JWU Abroad offers in more than 35 countries. If you or your student have any questions, please contact the Study Abroad office at (401) 598-1406 or visit their website at studyabroad.jwu.edu.
NOT JUST COFFEE HOUR
The BRIDGE hosts Not Just Coffee Hour every Thursday from 2:30-3:30pm. Students from around the world come together to engage in a different activity or topic of discussion. So far this term students have painted flower pots, participated in an interactive photography event and learned basic American Sign Language. Encourage your wildcat to stop by and meet new and old friends!
OFF-CAMPUS STUDENT SERVICES
Remind your commuter student about the Commuter Reward Program. When students attend activities and events sponsored by Off-Campus Student Services they will earn paw prints towards a chance to win a cool prize at the end of each term. Commuters can stop by The Den to learn more and pick up a Commuter Reward Card.
EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION & CAREER SERVICES

“I’m not graduating until May…I have plenty of time to apply for jobs!” 

While that may have been true years ago, many employers have shifted their recruitment of graduating seniors to the fall. While employers will continue to post rolling positions as their needs arise, the most competitive and highly sought after positions for management development programs are mainly recruited in fall with application deadlines that start as early as the beginning of October. 

By working with JWU Career Advisors in Experiential Education & Career Services (EE&CS) students can chart out what companies they are interested in, what programs they have to offer, and how to align their relevant skills and experiences for these opportunities.  

Early preparation can ease the stress seniors feel about finding their post-graduation job, and can help them feel more confident to meet the recruiting needs of the hundreds of employers we bring on JWU campus each fall.  

Students are encouraged to call EE&CS at 401-598-1070 today to make an appointment with a Career Advisor to discuss their job search strategy today.
JWU Parent & Family Community
      CONVERSATION CALENDAR
Each month we will provide suggested talking points to help you navigate timely conversations with your Wildcat. You know your student best, so use this guide as you see fit. Good luck!

"Would you like us to visit for Wildcat Family Weekend?" 
This is a popular weekend among families and students. Discuss with your student the date and events going on to establish when you and your family should visit. This is a great opportunity to reunite and experience a memorable weekend together. 

"Have you registered for winter term?" 
This is a perfect time to discuss your student's academic plans for the winter term. Have they registered for their classes? Did they meet with an academic counselor or faculty advisor to ensure they are in the right classes? Reviewing your student's Graduate Planning System (GPS) together can help ensure your Wildcat is on track for graduation. If your student has any questions about their schedule or GPS, encourage them to call Student Academic Services at 401-598-1088.
PARENT & FAMILY ADVISORY BOARD PERSPECTIVES

Heading to JWU for Family Weekend?
Perhaps your student will spend every moment with you, but more likely than not they’ll also do their own thing. I asked two JWU students what parents and families should expect, and they said, “Expect to spend money buying whatever your student now realizes they need, to bring home some items, and to go out for dinner.”

The first family weekend we attended our daughter worked most of Saturday. During the day my husband and I enjoyed walking around and participating in a couple of events. It was fun to see our daughter fully engaged in college life. When we met up with her we bought her a winter coat, went to dinner, and packed the car with some empty bins.

While visiting her room we silently marveled at how she and her roommate lived, with barely an inch of floor visible. I decided not to use their bathroom, resisted the urge to clean, and instead complimented her on how pretty her hanging lights and photos looked. Even though the day was nothing like we expected we had a lot of fun!

~Kay G., parent of a Sport, Entertainment, Events-Management student
SEPTEMBER FAMILY QUESTION OF THE MONTH RESULTS:
How often do you plan to communicate with your student this term?
OCTOBER FAMILY QUESTION OF THE MONTH:

Thanksgiving break is right around the corner. What is your student planning on doing during the break?
Health & Wellness
FAMILY HEALTH 101
Be sure to read this month's Student Health 101 for families. Since your student receives their own version of this, we encourage you to have open discussions about these monthly topics.
FLU SHOTS
Health Services is pleased to offer students flu vaccine clinics in October.
 
CLINICS:
10/23 from 11:00am-12:00pm, Pepsi Forum
 
Remind your student they must bring their insurance card as insurance is billed for this service.
 
Cost:  No charge - BCBS Medicare Part B, United Healthcare, Neighborhood Health, Tufts or Tufts/Carelink. Different or no insurance - $25.00

 To Register:  www.thewellcomp.com 
Scroll down to: Register Now
Click: Flu Click: College/University 
Login: jwuwild
COUNSELING SERVICES
Supporting Independence

College is a transitional period for most students. It is typically the first time living away from their families and experiencing a greater sense of freedom. In this way, they are practicing what it means to live independently. However, as young adults, there is still much for them to learn and they likely still need family support. The amount of support varies from person to person; though in general, students are mature enough to begin making decisions for themselves. However, mentorship and guidance remain important. As a parent or other loving family member, you may have the wisdom to see that the choices they make might be a mistake, though some of those mistakes they make may be learning lessons. Informing them of your perspectives and opinions is important, but empowering your student to make their own decisions may be just as important. Plus, you never know when their decisions turn out to be the right one for them.

Counseling Services are available to all enrolled students who may need additional support in learning to gain independence, as well as other developmental and mental health needs.
Mark Your Calendars
IMPORTANT DATES

Be sure to encourage your Wildcat to engage in some of these academic and social opportunities. To see more information on any of the dates listed below, please visit our events page .
10/9 Fall Holiday (no classes)
10/10 Monday Class Schedule
10/13 Academic course withdrawal deadline
10/13-15 Wildcat Family Weekend
10/19 Food Service & Hospitality Career Fair
10/19 SEEM Internship & Career Fair
10/26 Internship 101
11/3 Winter payment deadline
11/13-14 Reading days (no classes)
11/13 Final exams begin
11/17-27 Thanksgiving & term break

Visit the official University calendar for additional dates.
   
PROVIDENCE HAPPENINGS

Providence offers a variety of exciting events that your student can enjoy during their downtime. Encourage them to take advantage of living in this great city.
The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Presented by Citizens Bank, the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular returns to Roger Williams Park Zoo nightly from 10/5-11/5. This breathtaking display of thousands of illuminated jack-o-lanterns features over 125 of the gourds carved into works of art playing out this year’s theme “Travel Through Time.”






Apple and Pumpkin Picking
Fall is upon us and that means apple and pumpkin picking season is here. Your student can check out these locally owned farms for some fall fun!
We Want To Hear From You!
  QUESTIONS, COMMENTS or CONCERNS? Have topics you would like to see in future issues? Please contact the Office of Parent & Family Relations at 401-598-2895 or by email at family.pvd@jwu.edu