A newsletter by Student Orientation and Family Programs         Volume 1, Issue 11
STAY CONNECTED
The Holidays are Approaching! 

No classes will be in session during Thanksgiving break from Wednesday, November 23rd to Sunday, November 27th. If your student resides on campus, please note that all residence halls will remain open during the break; however Campus Dining will have adjusted hours during this time. If your student will be staying on campus they should plan accordingly.

Please encourage your student to speak to their Resident Assistant should they have any questions and to continue checking the Campus Dining and Campus Residences websites for additional information. 

UNIVERSITY NEWS

Undergrads: Are You Using "Degree Works" to Stay on Track?
"Degree Works is a web-based advising tool and degree audit program that Stony Brook University undergraduates and their advisors can use to make sure students stay on track toward their degrees." Set your student up for success by encouraging them to read more here  

Stony Brook Shines in Recent College Rankings 
Click here to read more about Stony Brook University's academic excellence! 

December Grads: Attend Information Fair on November 16
Encourage your December graduate to attend the one-day Graduation Fair on November 16th.

Seawolves Take the Win After Weeklong Homecoming Extravaganza 
"Stony Brook welcomed a record number of Seawolves fans and university alumni back to campus for our annual homecoming tradition, Wolfstock — a week full of great events capped off with one big football win at Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium." Relive the Homecoming experience here.

*These excerpts originated from Stony Brook University's SBU Happenings newsletter.* 
OFFICE SPOTLIGHT
International Academic Programs 

International Academic Programs offers students the opportunity to earn academic credits abroad. Students take courses to fulfill major/minor and general education requirements while immersing themselves in another culture.

A variety of programs are available; students can select between an international exchange program at a partner university, a faculty-led study abroad program, or an international internship.

Programs are offered during the academic year or intersession, and many of the courses are taught in English. 
 
Check our website or stop by our office for more details about studying abroad!



Contact Information:
Melville Library, Room E-1340 
Stony Brook, NY 11794 - 3397 
Email us at:  studyabroad@stonybrook.edu
Phone: (631) 632-7030 
Fax: (631) 632-1396
TIPS

Helping Your Student Choose a Major 

The decision to declare a major can be an exciting and stressful time for your student. As a family member, your role is to provide support as your student begins to understand: who they are, what talents they possess, and where their passions lie. While family is seen to be the primary influence on their student’s self-concept, values, and belief system it is important to remember that the student’s major/career choice must be their own.

Supporting your student’s interests, encouraging academic and co-curricular exploration, and communicating with your student is key to being a strong partner in your student’s academic/career success.

Amber Gemperline, an Undergraduate College Advisor for Global Studies, and Tracey Iorio, an Assistant Director in the Academic and Transfer Advising Services Office, have provided tips on how you can help:

  1. Encourage your student to explore all major options and requirements here.

  2. Students should meet with their advisor to discuss major interests. Advisors can make suggestions, discuss any entry requirements, and make sure your student is on the right track for course registration.

  3. Encourage your student to not only meet with a general advisor, but also meet with a major advisor in the major department they are interested in. It is extremely important for the students to connect with the department.

  4. Utilize the Career Center! The Career Center can make helpful major to career suggestions as well as assist your student with exploring opportunities outside the major to make your student more marketable in the future.

  5. Always support your student's major exploration. Encourage them to focus on majors that they like, but also majors that like them back! 

  6. Encourage your student to make official major changes in a timely manner to ensure they receive accurate communication from the University. Students can change or declare majors for the spring 2017 semester from October 31, 2016 through January 13, 2017.



RESOURCE CORNER

Important Dates
Monday, October 31
Major/Minor Changes Begin
Wednesday, November  9
Alumni Career Services Webinar: 3 Mindset Shifts To Change Careers
Tuesday, November 15
Wednesday, November 16
Nassau County, NY Alumni Event: Alumni Networking Reception and Presentation
Wednesday, November 16
Caps, gowns, and hoods available for purchase at Shop Red West
Wednesday, November 16
December Graduation Fair at Shop Red West, 12pm-7pm
Wednesday, November 23-Sunday, November 27
Thanksgiving Break- no classes in session
Wednesday, November 23
Alumni Career Services Webinar:  Make Your Retirement Your Boom Years

Office of Student Orientation and Family Programs
W-3519 Melvillle Library
Stony Brook, NY 11794
(631) 632-6710