New Student Transitions - Helpful Resources

December

By Carmen M. Vazquez

Vice President, Student Affairs

Holiday Greetings Torero Parents,

As the fall semester comes to a close, I hope that you celebrate the transitions that both you and your student have achieved this semester.  In the next several weeks, the campus will quiet as students prepare for finals.  I am certain your student is ready for an extended break filled with quality time at home, rest, relaxation, and connections with loved ones.

Sleep is one of the most overlooked (and valuable) resources when it comes to functioning at one’s full potential.  Thank you for partnering with us (faculty, staff and administrators) to remind your student to factor sleep into his/her finals study schedule.  (http://www.sandiego.edu/vista/documents/feature43023.pdf)

A balanced diet and exercise will help them manage their health and sleep habits as well. Our Health Center launched a Cold and Flu campaign to encourage healthy decisions earlier this fall. (http://www.sandiego.edu/healthcenter/prevention/pdf)

Encourage your student to seek medical attention early if they begin to feel ill heading into finals.  You may also want to consider sending a healthy care package to your student.  The combination of snacks and the physical reminder of the support of loved ones at home will be welcomed and appreciated.

Your student may also be working to prepare their schedule for the upcoming semester.  If they missed the final FYE Workshop on preparing a schedule for the Spring term, encourage your student to seek guidance from their preceptor.  The last day to make adjustments to spring schedules will be on Wednesday, February 7, 2007.  (http://www.sandiego.edu/registrar/)  If your student is taking a course through Intersession, classes will run from Wednesday, January 3 through Tuesday, January 23, 2007.

Students moving out of the residence halls over the intersession should make certain that they follow the check-out procedures facilitated by the Office of Residential Life.  Visit the Residential Life website at (http://www.sandiego.edu/residentiallife/special/intersession_leave.php) for more information.

The past sixteen weeks have passed quickly.  I congratulate you on supporting your student through their first (or yet another) semester at USD.  I hope this holiday season brings your family joy and peace.

I look forward to welcoming your student back to the University of San Diego in 2007!

Sincerely,
Carmen Vazquez
Vice President, Student Affairs