 Helpful Resources
October 2007
Carmen M. Vazquez
Vice President for Student Affairs
Dear Torero Parents,
Greetings! As the cool weather of fall settles over our campus, I hope this message finds you well and enjoying being a Torero Parent. This marks the second year I have had the privilege of communicating with you. Building on last year’s work and your feedback, this year, I will occasionally feature a member of my Student Affairs Team and activities which we have designed to enhance, augment and support your student’s experience at USD.
For those of you who are Freshmen & First Time Torero Parents, please know that for students living in our residence halls our Student Affairs Team has done a “third week check-in” with your student to see how she/he is adjusting to campus life and to ensure she/he is aware of campus resources. A safety tip that we suggest is to make sure your student has programmed into their cell phone important phone numbers such as Health Services (619-260-4595), the Counseling Center (619-260-4655), Public Safety (619-260-2222 for emergencies and 619-260-7777 for non-emergencies), their Residence Hall Advisor, their Preceptor advisor and Preceptorial Assistant, College Cab our safe ride program (619-291-3333), a good friend, and of course home. Also, there has been a lot written about how parents may partner with their college students. Since I have found the following resources helpful I decided to share them with you:
Don’t Tell Me What to Do, Just Send Money:
The Essential Parenting Guide to College Years
By Helen E. Johnson & Christine Schellhas Miller
Letting Go: A Parents Guide to Understanding the College Years
By Karen Levin Coburn & Madge Lawrence Treeger
“The Parent as Coach Academy”
http://www.familycoachtraining.com/
For ALL Torero Parents, USD is a place where there are numerous opportunities for students to get involved. Assistant Dean of Students, Residential Life, Dayanne Izmirian, reports, “Upper class students have shared that becoming involved in extracurricular activities has enhanced their overall USD experience. Through various academic, service clubs and organizations they have found mentors—other students, faculty, or staff who have helped them during their time at USD.” Encourage your student to choose wisely and add activities that will enhance their experience. Students can begin their involvement at the Associated Students.
As your student gets into the swing of the semester, “Managing Time Effectively” may become an important issue. We have developed the following academic performance tips and strategies to support your student in his/her efforts to be a successful student.
We all know that “Promoting Healthy Relationships” is sometimes difficult. Data from our Counseling Center, as well as the National College Health Assessment Survey, indicates that everyone at one time or another may struggle with relationships. Our Wellness area has taken proactive steps to assist our students in learning skills, information and techniques necessary for healthy relationships with this new interactive program.
September 20, 2007 marked the beginning of the Cold and Flu Season. The Center for Disease Control reported that over 200,000 Americans end up in the hospital as a result of not being inoculated. The CDC further indicated that their goal is for over 130 million Americans to receive a flu shot. According to Dr. Regina Fleming, Director of the Student Health Center, “Colds and the flu can be more than a nuisance. They can impact academic performance and overall quality of life. Last year, our Health Center provided flu shots for over 400 students and this year we hope to increase this by at least 20%. Students can receive a flu shot or intranasal flu mist for $20, with no appointment necessary. Flu vaccine will be available in the Student Health Center beginning on October 15th. Click here for more information about vaccinations and find cold and flu prevention tips.
I am vitally interested in your student’s welfare and am always ready to listen to their ideas and concerns. To accomplish this, I hold monthly “Conversations with Carmen”. These are informal gatherings at Aromas coffee shop during which I treat students to a beverage of their choice and together we serve up interesting conversation. The first one was held on September 20, 2007. My next Conversation with Carmen will be at Aromas Coffee Shop on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007 from 3 - 4 p.m. Perhaps your student will join me!
For those of you who are able to be on campus for Family Weekend, I hope you will be able to join us at the Block Party in the Valley on Oct. 19, 2007. This event celebrates the new Missions Café and Fitness Center, an important addition to our residence halls and way of serving students.
Until next month, may joy and peace be with you. I look forward to seeing you when you visit our beautiful campus.
In Torero Spirit,
Carmen M. Vazquez
Vice President for Student Affairs
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