Happy new year to you all! The campus is alive with the return of students reconnecting with friends and meeting at the Student Life Pavilion for lunch or grabbing a cup of java at Aromas. Classes are back in session and the San Diego weather is just lovely. USD also welcomes over 170 new spring transfer students and their families.

For parents of first year students, you may be amazed that your student has already completed half of their first year at USD. Meanwhile, parents of graduating seniors are marveling at how fast the last two or four years have gone. For these two reasons, we encourage you to review the wall calendar to re-familiarize yourself with key suggestions that will assist your first-year student to successfully complete their freshmen year. Parents whose students are graduating in May should acquaint themselves with the Commencement Guide to prepare for your student’s graduation. Either way, the Office of Parent Relations joins you in celebrating your student’s accomplishments.

We’re excited about the upcoming Grandparents’ Weekend, February 24–25. Visit www.sandiego.edu/parents to read a full description of the weekend activities and to register. Finally, we conclude with the following: Did you know…

• You can view past Parent Newsletters
• The Parent Ambassador Program has 39 active members in its first semester of operation. Learn about the Parent Ambassador Program and sign up.
• There are 361 Parent Facebook fans. Help us reach 500 fans by May. “Like Us” today at www.facebook.com/USDParents
• The band, Van-Halen has a new song called “Tattoo”.
• Parent Career Network is designed to help USD students secure an internship or a summer job to gain practical skills.

Renda Quinn '86 Director	Karina Viaud '02 Assistant Director	Louis Vargas '09 Executive Assistant

Dear Torero Families,

I hope your holiday season was filled with great joy and many blessings.  We are excited to have our student community back on campus.  As the spring semester begins, I am reminded of the significant impact families have on their students and how greatly we depend on your partnership.  As our mutual commitment to supporting your students’ academic and personal growth continues, I would like to encourage you to engage in dialogue with your student about his or her current academic status and level of active involvement in the USD community.

When students intentionally reflect on their previous academic experience, they are able to identify what behaviors allowed for success and those which inhibited success.  Your guidance and support can help students maintain achievement and make needed changes. If your student is struggling and needs additional support, the Center for Student Success can help your student with referrals to various USD resources designed to support academic success (http://www.sandiego.edu/usdcss/  or (619) 260-5995).

Being an active participant and member of a caring, nurturing community is an essential component for personal growth and integrated learning.  Additionally, students who participate in USD sponsored groups, organizations and events are often more knowledgeable about the many campus resources available to support them in their academic, social and spiritual development.  Our Student Leadership and Involvement Center (SLIC) can serve as a one stop student center for those looking to actively engage in the university.  Your son or daughter can visit the SLIC or stop by the Involvement Desk located in the Student Life Pavilion to speak with an Involvement Consultant who will help guide this process for your student (http://www.sandiego.edu/studentactivities/ or (619) 260-7909).

Finally, I encourage you to strongly consider your student’s involvement in the Second Year Experience (SYE) Study Abroad Program.   This year I had the pleasure of engaging in this experience first-hand with the Class of 2013.  During one of our reflection evenings in Barcelona, students shared how the SYE experience has opened their minds, enhanced their sense of curiosity, and allowed them to learn more about themselves and the global world.  I was particularly struck by one student’s comments as she shared how the SYE Study Abroad Program has enhanced her sense of self-confidence, her desire to embrace personal growth, self-discovery, and international learning, without the apprehension she felt prior to studying abroad with her class.  Studying abroad is a vital component of actively engaging in a liberal arts education, allowing students to study in a different environment and embrace other cultures.  Again, I urge you to consider this amazing opportunity.  The registration deadline for the Class of 2015 is February 17, 2012.  (http://gointernational.sandiego.edu/ or (619) 260-4598).  Program locations for SYE include: Sevilla, Spain; Florence, Italy; and Hong Kong, China.

An inclusive and caring environment is foundational to the academic and social success of our students.  Engaged students are vital to our San Diego USD community, as well as our global community.  Please encourage your student to take full advantage of many USD resources and service opportunities available in 2012.

In Torero Spirit,

Carmen M. Vazquez
Vice President for Student Affairs

University Ministry has a number of exciting programs and events for your student this semester.  Click here for detailed information about what University Ministry offers.

Celebrate and join us for USD’s eighth annual Grandparents’ Weekend, February 24-25 at USD. Highlights include Grandparents’ Breakfast featuring Dr. Galvan, assistant professor for Psychology who will discuss “Making Your Memory Work for You”. Provost Julie Sullivan, Ph.D and Former Provost Sister Sally Furay ’72 and Law School Honorary Alumnae ’78, unite to recount the history and insight in the future of USD. Enjoy a tour of San Diego, Pre-basketball Game Party and watch the Torero Men’s basketball take on Gonzaga. Grandparents’ Weekend schedule is available and registration is open. Registration has been extended to February 16.

Ask James Vincent Miller about his days as a business student at the University of San Diego College for Men and the 1965 graduate reflects fondly on his classes with memorable professors and classmates. Click here for more about the story.

The 2012/13 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available online. If students and/or their parents need to file a 2011 income tax return with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), it is recommended that they complete it before submitting the FAFSA. If they do not, they can submit the FAFSA using estimated tax information, and correct the information after they file their tax return. However, that can delay the results of the FAFSA. The easiest way to correct the FAFSA with accurate tax information is by using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool through www.fafsa.gov. In a few simple steps, the student and/or parents(s) may be able to view tax return information and transfer it directly into the FAFSA. USD undergraduate applicants are advised to submit the FAFSA for 2012/13 before the Priority deadline of March 2, 2012.

The USD Parent Board established the Parent Partnership Fund to help students who are within a few semesters of completing their USD education bridge the financial gap between the awarded financial aid and their unmet need. Read more.

For more information on Commencement, including ticket, webcast, and guest accommodation information, please review the Commencement website.

• “Like” University of San Diego Commencement on Facebook to view current updates and reminders.
• Access and read the Commencement Guide.
• Parents and families will receive an information packet in the mail from the Office of Parent Relations in February.
• Encourage your student to attend Grad Fest March 14 and 15 at the USD Torero Store for one-stop Commencement information and shopping. Go to www.usdtorerostores.com for information on ordering caps and gowns, class rings, announcements and many more Commencement-related items.
• Consider lodging at Bartell Hotels. USD employees, families, alumni and friends are eligible to receive special discounted rates on hotel reservations at any one of the seven Bartell Hotels. Learn more about this partnership as you plan for your travels to USD during Commencement Weekend at www.usdpartnership.com or call toll free 800-345-9995.

Fraternity life is a unique way for men to become immersed in the campus life and have a home away from home experience at USD. USD is currently home to six fraternities that pride themselves on the five core values of social justice and selfless service, high social standards, leadership, academic excellence, and brotherhood. This winter, Fraternity Recruitment will take place from February 14-21, 2012. For more information please visit our website: www.sandiego.edu/greeklife/interfraternity_council/

The Student Alumni Association (SAA) is a student organization focused on connecting students with alumni to promote personal and career development, foster University tradition, and develop a culture of philanthropy. SAA members receive a number of benefits including networking and professional trainings, invitations to networking events with successful alumni, free tickets to key events, and more.

Is your student thinking about a career in education? Through USD's School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES), undergraduate students can earn a teaching credential with their bachelor's degree and still graduate in four years. We offer combined master's degree and credential programs, and our accelerated 1- or 2-year Master's Credential Cohort Program now features discounted tuition for all incoming students interested in becoming teachers at elementary, middle or high school. Your student can learn more at our upcoming event, Toreros Teach, on Tuesday February 28 from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. in front of the Hahn University Center. More information can be found online at www.sandiego.edu/soles/apply.

The USD Alumni Association invites parents and family members to attend these upcoming events. Please click the name of the event for more information including registration details. Connect with the USD community in your hometown area!

Check out the latest news on our Torero athletes. For more information about all Torero teams, season tickets, Torero gear, and more go to www.usdtoreros.com

Posa Selected by LA Galaxy in MLS Supplemental Draft Ochs Selected No. 3 in the WPS Draft Woodrow's Double-Double Paces USD to Victory over SCU Conners Tabbed WCC Player of the Week

Office of Parent Relations
parents@sandiego.edu
(619) 260-4808
www.facebook.com/USDParents

www.usdpartnership