UW-Whitewater Family Newsletter
Volume 1- Issue 1
September- October 2015

September 18, 2015
Greetings from the FYE Director

Dear Warhawk Families,
 
It's hard to believe that we are already wrapping up the third  week of classes here at UW-Whitewater! The last few wee ks have been filled with the vibrancies of  campus life.  Warhawks have experienced Club U-Dub-Dub, TRANSFERm ation, Warhawk Welcome, Student Involvement  Fair, new campus traditions, athletic games, and much more!  This year we had a record breaking year in attendance!  We saw higher attendance at all of our orientation events, including a very successful first welcome concert featuring, Timeflies. See the UW-Whitewater Facebook  page to view the great photos from opening weekend!  
     
Although this is an exciting time of year for many, we also know that some students are finding the transition a bit more difficult.  The best way to support your Warhawk is to validate how they are feeling and help them understand that what they are experiencing is common.  Please continue to encourage your Warhawks to seek out resources and services.  This is a big transition, and sometimes our Warhawks minimize all of the changes that are taking place: living in a new place, eating different food, changing their routine, taking on new responsibilities, having high expectations, etc. We encourage you to contact our office with any questions or concerns:  fye@uww.edu  or (262) 472-3205 and we would be happy to assist.
 
We are counting down the days until 
Family Fest  on Saturday, October 3.  We hope that you will be able to join your Warhawk(s) for this fun-filled event.  Registration is due Friday, September 25!   Sign up today!  
 
Sincerely,
Beth John, Ed.D.
Director of First Year Experience 
 
News & Events

Fall Orientation Programs: Club U-Dub-Dub and TRANSFERmation

New students were able to participate in Club U-Dub-Dub (freshmen) and TRANSFERmation (transfer students) on Monday, August 31 and Tuesday, September 1.  We are excited to announce that this year many attendance records were broken.  Some highlights from the orientation programs include, building connections with their Peer Mentor or Team Transfer member and with other Warhawks, learning the importance of making good choices, and engaging in campus traditions.  Students participated in R U Purple, an event that concludes with students painting Warhawk Drive purple and leaving their mark upon the campus. Students were able to experience New Student Convocation, a ceremonial beginning to their college career as the Chancellor, Provost,  Faculty, and student speakers made remarks on what it means to 'Be Warhawk.'  Students were also able to connect socially and attend the Welcome Concert, featuring Timeflies.
 
 
Fall Orientation Spirit Award Winner
Each year students are encouraged to show their school spirit throughout the fall orientation programs.  Judges vote on which student group has shown the most school spirit it throughout the different activities.  This year, Club 58 was awarded the fall 2015 Orientation Spirit Award. 
 
Amberly Bell
Assistant Director of First Year Experience
Family Fest: Saturday, October 3
  
Family Fest: Saturday, October 3
  
Family Fest is a time for students, faculty and staff to host loved ones on campus and enjoy all that the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has to offer.
  
Family Fest events require tickets upon entry. See registration for Family Fest package and a la carte options available online  
 
Click here to view the schedule, read the FAQs, and register for Family Fest.  Registration closes on September 25th.
  
  
Mentor Programs

Introducing the largest student staff from the First Year Experience Office: the Mentor team!  This group of 94 Peer Mentors and 10 Team Transfer Leaders are undergra duate s tudents who are committed to helping new students make a successful transition to UW-Whitewater.  Your  Warhawk is assigned to a Peer Mentor or Team Transfer Leader whom they can turn to with any kind of question they might have. 
 
   @UW-Whitewater/Craig Schreiner
Mentors led new students through the two-day Club U-Dub-Dub or TRANSFERmation experience before classes began and, along with a faculty or academic staff member, help to facilitate the New Student Seminar course this semester.  
  
This team of students works throughout the fall semester to connect with new students outside of the classroom setting as well.  They plan different types of gatherings for their mentees such as group attendance to various campus events like movie nights, meals at the dining halls, and individual meetings like grabbing a coffee in the University Center.  Whether your student needs help navigating campus resources or finding social outlets, their Mentor is available to assist!

Marie Hornickel
Coordinator of Mentor Programs
Learning Communities

Learning Communities are up and running this year! Fall 2015 marks our 11th year on campus! This year, over 600 of our first year students are participating in 30 different Learning Communities. Now that the students are getting acclimated to campus, our faculty and staff coordinators are beginning to plan off-campus events for our students in October and November. Some of these off campus events include the Global Water Center in Milwaukee, Chazen Museum of Art in Madison, Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Skokie, IL.
 
Most recently, students in our Learning Communities were invited to attend our annual BBQ event! It was held at Warhawk Alley on campus. We had an wonderful time playing billiards, bowling, air hockey, lawn games, participating in team building activities and enjoying food from Chartwells.

 
As we move further into the semester, your student will have the opportunity to sign up for classes in the Spring semester with their Learning Community. Our coordinators are looking forward to having your students become active in their Learning Community. If you have any questions about the Learning Community Program, please call our office at (262) 472-3205.
 
Kelli Danielski
Coordinator of Academic Initiatives
Academic Advising and Exploration Center 
Warm greetings from the Academic Advising & Exploration Center!  
 
Our office is in the midst of advising our first round of appointments with your students (called "pre-advise") and will be beginning the second round next month.  If your student missed an appointment with their advisor, ask your student to call the appointment line at (262) 472-4646 as advisor schedules fill quickly.
 
Future registration can be stressful for some students. Please remind them to see their advisor with any questions or stop in to meet with a walk-in advisor in the Roseman Building, Room 2054.
 
The freshman class will begin registering for the spring 2016 semester near the end of November. However, students cannot enroll in future courses until they have their advising hold removed.
 
This is a great time to check in with your student and ask the following questions: 
  • Have you been on D2L to check assignments or talked with your professors during office hours?
  • Are you responding to your emails?
  • Have you seen your advisor?
  • Have you checked WINS for other holds?
 
Future dates to remember:
  • Thanksgiving Recess begins 5:00 PM on Wednesday, November 25
  • No classes on Thursday, November 26 & Friday, November 27
  • Last day to withdraw from all classes is December 2
  • Final Exams are December 14-December 18. Remember not to schedule any family vacations until after school is dismissed!
  • Spring 2016 semester begins January 19
 
Sincerely,
Pam Tanner
Director, Academic Advising & Exploration Center

University Health and Counseling Services 
 
Maintaining a h e althy lif est yle can  often be difficult for
students when tryi ng to balance the  deman ds of academic s,  work, a nd  having a  social life. Howe ver, engaging in healthy behaviors not only reduces the risk of developin g diseases, but it also improves ever yday quality of life.  Adopting healthy hab its as a young adult will ensure that those habits will continue on into adulthood. All of us shoul d try to incorporate components of the seven dimensions of wellness into our lives. Here are some tips for staying healt hy at UW Whitewater.

Spiritual Wellness  is the process of establishing peace and harmony in our lives. At UW-Whitewater, many students participate with volunteer activities and some find student organizations and clubs to help develop greater spiritual wellness. Check  here for more information. 

Physical Wellness  includes maintaining a good quality of life that enables us to accomplish our daily activities without undue fatigue or physical stress. Achieving optimal physical wellness includes adopting healthful habits (a balanced diet, exercise, routine check ups, etc.) and avoiding destructive habits (tobacco, drugs, alcohol, risky behaviors, etc.). Campus resources include: University Health and Counseling Services, Recreation Sports and Facilities, and  Campus Dining Services .

Emotional Wellness  is the process of creating and maintaining a positive and realistic self-concept and enthusiasm about life. It includes the capacity to talk about feelings of fear, hurt, anger, sadness and joy, and to manage related behaviors. On campus, students may visit counselors at University Health and Counseling Services  and at Winther Counseling Lab (262-472-2842) free of charge.

Occupational Wellness  is the ability to obtain fulfillment at work or in a chosen career field while still maintaining balance in life.  Career and Leadership Development   provides career advice and counseling as well as information about on-campus jobs.
  
Intellectual Wellness  is the process of using your mind to create a greater understanding of yourself and the universe. The intellectual dimension encourages creative, stimulating mental activities. Intellectual wellness can be achieved both in and outside of the classroom. Click here to visit the Liberal Education and America's Promise website. 
 
Environmental Wellness 
is the process of making choices to create sustainable human and ecological communities, improving qualities in air, water, land and space. The environmental dimension recognizes that we are accountable for the quality of air we breathe, nourishment we seek, water to quench our thirst and the space to grow.  UWW Sustainability  is integrated into academics and research, campus living and campus operations. Students can get involved with campus events, the campus garden and more. 

Social Wellness  is the process of relating to and connecting with others, including family, friends and co-workers. The transition to college life can strain current relationships and forming new connections is difficult. Getting involved with like-minded students can be really helpful. Click here to learn more about UW-W Student Organizations and Clubs.

If you want more information about staying healthy, or need to meet with a health or counseling professional, University Health and Counseling Services is here for you! Check out our  website, like us on  Facebook, stop by, or give us a call at (262) 472-1300. Stay well!

University Housing 
2016-17 HOUSING OPTIONS

It is hard to believe that while students have just started their freshman year, it is important for your students to start thinking about their housing arrangements for their sophomore year.  While the Board of Regents' Residency Requirement is for students to live on campus for their freshmen and sophomore year, UW-Whitewater has approved the release of a select number of current freshmen to live off campus their sophomore year.
  
This process is called Sophomore Exemption Release. Current freshmen will be sent an email explaining this process on September 17.  Freshman students, that wish to be eligible to live off campus (not the university operated apartments of Cambridge and Fox Meadows) for their sophomore year, would need to complete this process.  The process will begin on September 29. We encourage parents and families to discuss housing options with your student(s) for their sophomore year.  The university recognizes that this may seem very early to have these discussions, however the off campus landlords begin to have students sign leases very early for the upcoming year. 

To assist students in connecting with off campus landlords, Whitewater Student Government hosts an annual housing fair.  Students are welcome to come and find out more about living options provided by off campus landlords in Whitewater on 
October 7th in the University Center Hamilton Center from 10am-1pm . There is no cost to attend this event.  University Housing will also have a table at the fair to discuss the student's eligibility to live off campus for their sophomore year.

Again, your student should receive an email on September 17
with more details on the Sophomore Exemption Release process.  Contact University Housing with any questions you may have. 
Career and Leadership Development 
                                                    Getting Involved on Campus:
Students come to campus for an education that will lead to a fulfilling career and life. Those students who take advantage of opportunities both in and out of the classroom are exploring who they are and what they are passionate about.  Not only that -  engaging in co-curricular experiences sets them above their peers.  Involved students are more likely to succeed academically, enjoy their time at UW-Whitewater, increase their likeliness of graduating, and earn internships and jobs. There are many resources for students to find these co-curricular involvements, including the Student Involvement Office and connectUww .  Encourage them to connect to campus through involvement!

Career Counseling and Advising for Students:
Career Advisors and Counselors are available to help students decide upon their desired career path, learn about the various career industries, and prepare for the internship and job search process. Our goal is to help students learn how to conduct an effective self-directed search so they are fully prepared when they graduate.  Students are encouraged to meet with a career advisor by contacting Career & Leadership Development located in the University Center, or calling (262) 472-1498.
 
Warhawk Success Closet:
UW-Whitewater faculty and staff have donated clothing items to help students dress professionally for job fairs and interviews.  The Warhawk Success Closet will be open on Thursday, September 24 and Friday, September 25 from 11:00 a.m. until 5: 00 p.m.  Students in need of dressier clothing are encouraged to stop by the University Center to pick up items they may need.  Questions?  Contact Ron Buchholz, Director of Career & Leadership Development, BuchholR@uww.edu , 262-472-1498.
 
Careers in Business Week:
UW-Whitewater business student organizations and the Career & Leadership Development department have joined forces to sponsor a careers in business series for students exploring business majors.  The following events are scheduled:
  
Major                                         Date & Time                                               Location
Marketing                Monday, September 28th  6:00-7:00 pm              Hyland Hall 2102
Supply Chain Mgt   Tuesday, September 29th 5:15-6:15 pm               Hyland Hall 1319
Human Resources   Tuesday, September 29th 6:00-7:00 pm               Hyland Hall 2102
IT                             Wednesday, September 30th   5:00-6:00 pm       Hyland Hall 2308
Management            Wednesday, September 30th   6:00-7:00 pm       Hyland Hall 2302
UW-Foundation 
Please help us spread the word about our efforts!  The mission of the UW-Whitewater Foundation is to acquire, manage and distribute financial resources to support key University initiatives and priorities.  One of the ways funds are raised is through our annual Phonathon.  In addition to calling UW-Whitewater alumni, four years ago we began calling parents of current students and recent graduates.
 
The response has been fantastic!  Efforts from the last four years have brought in a total of $148,556.43 from parents to help fund scholarships for academically talented and economically disadvantaged students, student awards, faculty development initiatives and faculty and staff awards and incentives.  We would like to thank everyone who has answered the phone, taken the time to speak with our student callers and made a donation to the Parent Phonathon Fund. 

We understand not everyone can participate; however we want to provide the opportunity for those that can, as every gift, no matter the size, is greatly appreciated and needed.  We hope that you will answer when our student callers reach out to you.  Pick up the phone; you will put a smile on the caller's face and enjoy a conversation with a UW-Whitewater student who may even know your son or daughter.  The support parents give, which includes the time you spend on the phone with our students, will make a difference.

Thank you in advance and if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at millerla@uww.edu or (262) 472-6202.

Lauree Miller '88, Manager
UW-Whitewater Foundation, Inc.

Janesville Transit System
UW-W students looking for transportation to Milton or Janesville are encouraged to consider riding the Janesville-Milton-Whitewater Innovation Express (JMW). Students may pick up the JMW at the UW-W Visitor Center for convenient and safe transportation to downtown Milton, and several destinations in Janesville, including Pine Tree Plaza, Wildwood Movies 16, the Van Galder bus depot for transfers to Madison or Chicago or the Janesville Mall. Once JMW riders get to Janesville they can connect with the rest of the Janesville Transit System, including to Beloit! More information is available  here . You can also pick up a brochure at the UW-W Visitor Center and the University Center. For questions, call Janesville Transit at (608) 755-3150.
Important Dates
Second tuition installment due with credit agreement Due 11/6
Campus Events


First Year Experience | | fye@uww.edu | http://www.uww.edu/fye
University Center, 245 | (262)745-3205