Logo
Suffolk Scoop: 
An e-Newsletter for Families
In This Issue
Quick Links
Student Affairs
Suffolk Family
Important Dates
DECEMBER
  
For the full December calendar, visit our Suffolk Online Calendar

Thur., 12/5:
Last Day of Fall 2013
Classes

Sat., 12/7-Sat., 12/14:
Final Exam Week

Sat., 12/14:
Residence Halls Close for Winter Break at 10 a.m.

Sun., 12/15:
Spring 2014 Tuition Due Date

Mon., 12/16:
Winter Session Courses Begin

Mon., 12/23:
Suffolk Offices Close for Winter Break

JANUARY
  
Thur., 1/2:
Suffolk Offices Re-Open from Winter Break

Sun., 1/12:
Residence Halls Re-Open for Spring 2014 at 10 a.m.

Mon., 1/13:
First Day of Spring 2014 Classes

Mon., 1/20:
Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Suffolk Closed

Thur., 1/23:
Winter Involvement Fair
12:00-2:00 p.m. on the 9th floor of 73 Tremont
  
For the complete Fall 2013 & Spring 2014 calendar, please visit our Academic Calendar
Suffolk to Host MLK Jr. Luncheon on Jan. 21
Suffolk University will honor the life & legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Tues., Jan. 21 with a special luncheon featuring Rev. Dr. Jamie Washington. Tickets & RSVP Required. Click Here to Learn More.
FAMILY MATTERS!

We asked students how their family keeps them motivated while in college.

Here is what a few said:

 

"My parents send me letters and care packages."

 

"They support me and encourage me to do well when I talk to them on the phone every night."

 

"My parents listen to me when I talk about my school work."

 

"They help me with any issues I'm having with classes."

 

"My parents tell me how proud they are of me every time I tell them about good grades."

 

"I try to get A's so my parents can be proud of me and brag about me."

 

 

What has students most excited about during Winter Break?

 

"I'm excited to have time to travel and go on vacation."

 

"I can't wait to spend time with my family and friends."

 

"I'll be able to relax and prepare for the semester ahead."

 

"Recharging the batteries."

 

"Having time to unwind without worrying about my studies."

 

"Spending Christmas and New Years with my family!"

 

"Setting New Year resolutions for 2014."

 

"Having almost an entire month to relax and hang out with everyone from home."

CAS & SBS: What Do These Letters Mean!?

The College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) has as its credo that liberal learning prepares students of all ages and backgrounds to live more fulfilling lives, to appreciate and contribute to the communities of which they are members and to reach their ethical, personal, intellectual, and financial goals. To helps its students maximize their potential, the College emphasizes critical and analytical thinking through a rigorous "success skills" undergraduate core program in written and oral communication, computing, analyzing and integrating.

If your student is a part of the College of Arts & Sciences take a look at their website: 

College of Arts & Sciences

 

The Sawyer Business School (SBS) recognizes the potential in their students and prepares successful leaders in global business and public service. They value excellence in education and research and work with students, alumni and business partners to achieve it.

If your student is a part of the Sawyer Business School take a look at their website: 

Sawyer Business School

Also, if your student is a part of the Sawyer business school, inform them of the BSBA Council. The BSBA Council comprises students from each business major and minor. Council members are liaisons with their respective department and  gather critical information, network amongst the faculty and related student organizations, and disseminate relevant information to the Sawyer Business School student body. If your student wants to learn more about their major and related opportunities, be sure to let them know to contact their BSBA Council member.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

At Suffolk University, we're immensely proud of our alumni.

They've gone on to find success in Boston, across the country, and around the world, all while staying connected to Suffolk.

 

Here are some of their stories:

 

Todd Finklestone

BS '06, MS '10

 

Finklestone is the cofounder of CameroonONE, which provides homes and educational opportunities to orphaned children in West Africa.  As a nonprofit organization, CameroonOne relies on donations.  To help meet his fundraising needs, Finklestone also formed Service Bar Books, a children's book publisher.  All proceeds go toward supporting CameroonOne.  Plus, Finklestone lends his illustration talents to Service Bar's titles.

 

Jill Garzik

BFA '06

 

Garzik is an interior designer in the Boston office of Perkins Eastman, an international planning, design, and consulting firm.  She also participates in alumni panels and studio critiques at Suffolk as a member of the New England School of Art & Design's Interior Design Advisory Board.

 

Annika Khan

BSBA '09

Khan is the managing partner of Custom Stitch, a company specializing in embroidery, screen printing, and tailoring.  She is also president of Suffolk Ventures, an alumni organization that connects students and alumni to fellow entrepreneurs around Boston.  Khan is also on the advisory board for the Business School's Management Department.

 

Mark Mackin

BS '08 

Mackin is a lead radiation therapist at the world-renowned Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston.  He is his department's clinical liaison to Suffolk's radiation science and therapy academic program, and he mentors our students who intern at "the Brigham."

 

Brother and Sister:

Jonathan Mendez

BA '08

Olivia Chamberland

BS '99, MS '01

Mendez and Chamberland first sketched out the idea for their t-shirt company, ZAMFORIA, on a cocktail napkin.  Since 2010, it has grown from a whimsical notion into a fashion and retail brand with a positive, adventurous, and global outlook on life.  The siblings are now exploring expansion opportunities, as well as ProjectZAM, a charity that supports student travel abroad.

 

Jonathan Orsini

BS '07

  

Orsini made his Broadway debut in The Nance, starring opposite Tony Award-winner Nathan Lane.  Orsini says his experience at Suffolk, particularly working with Theater Professor Wesley Savick, had a great deal to do with his success.  "I started out as a journalism major, but I found the Theatre Department, both teachers and students, so welcoming, I switched my major," he says.

 

For more alumni success stories, visit Suffolk Magazine

Spring Semester Housing Needed?

Is your student

planning to stay

on-campus for the spring 2014 semester?

 

We anticipate having vacancies in all 4 of our residence halls. If your student is interested in on-campus housing they can add their name to the Spring 2014 Housing Waitlist online.

 

Visit the Residence Life & Housing page: ResLife underneath the Waitlist tab to find additional information and the form.

 

We are contacting students now to offer housing and will continue through January. Depending on the timing of their housing offer, full payment may be required up front. Additionally, they must register for spring 2014 courses as a full-time student (at least 12 credits or more).

 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact ResLife at 617-305-2500 x0 or via email at [email protected]

Publications

Suffolk University, its departments, faculty, and students publish many newsletters and magazines. Information about most of the publications can be found on the Suffolk University News page. Check out Suffolk University's Publications website for more links!

Encourage Your Student to Get Involved!

Getting involved at Suffolk University can mean a variety of things to students. It could mean joining a student group, participating in Performing Arts show, serving at a community organization, or helping students during Orientation. It could also mean connecting to the campus by attending a campus program, participating in leadership training, participating in an intramural sport, or just hanging out in the Activities Center.

 

With many offices and students committed to providing a great experience for individuals to get involved, there is something for everyone.

 

If your student is interested they should contact the Office of Student Leadership and Involvement (SLI). Phone: 617-573-8320

Email: [email protected]

Check out Campus Life for more information!

Innovative Ideas

Does your student have an innovative idea that could potentially be the next big thing?

 

Tell them to submit their new product idea online, and they'll be competing for $100,000 in awards and in-kind services.

 

Submission Deadline: December 31

More Information

Six Student-Athletes Earn Conference Honors for Fall Season- GO RAMS!
Congratulations to the following Rams!

Savannah Carpenter, Volleyball 

Tori Brillaud, 
Volleyball  

Tyler Parmelee, 
Soccer
 
Taylor Miranda, 
Soccer
 
Meghan McHale, 
Soccer 
 
Aidiana Sagyndykova, Tennis  
Faculty & Staff Directory

Trying to contact a staff member?  Find phone numbers and addresses via our online directory.

Search Directory

Stay Connected

Like us on Facebook   Follow us on Twitter    View our videos on YouTube
Join Our Mailing List
December 6, 2013 
Greetings!

Welcome to the December edition of Suffolk Scoop, the free monthly e-newsletter for families of current Suffolk University students. December is a busy time for students as they complete final projects and exams, prepare to travel over winter break, and celebrate holidays with friends and family. 

Remember that students are excited for the approaching break, but also under a good amount of stress. Take time to offer words of encouragement, set expectations for time spent together or rule of the house before they arrive home, help them plan in advance for how to have a safe and relaxing Winter Break, and of course the setting of New Year's goals or resolutions for when they return to Suffolk University in January. 
Suffolk Family! www.suffolk.edu/family

Like Suffolk Family on Facebook www.facebook.com/suffolkfamily
Join Our Mailing List
Journey Leadership Program

The Journey is a four-year comprehensive leadership experience built on the cornerstones of Involvement, Service, Career Exploration and Leadership. The program is designed to develop your leadership skills throughout your collegiate career at Suffolk University.

 

Students are required to experience all aspects of the cornerstones as they begin the "Journey" in their first year. In the years that follow, they are encouraged to focus on the activities in which they are more passionate. At the end of the academic year, The Journey Recognition Dinner highlights the year's leadership programs, honors the students who participated in The Journey and recognizes the offices that contributed to the program. Recently Suffolk University's Journey Program was recognized as best student program in Massachusetts and New England region at the National Association of Student Personal Administrators Region I Conference. 

 

Each Journey cornerstone has a variety of experiences:

 

Leadership Training:

SGA Fall Retreat, Emerging Leaders Program, Leadership Through Sailing Program

Involvement:

Student Organization Member, Performing Arts Production Cast/Crew, Teaching Assistant, Resident Assistant

Career Exploration:

Independent Study, Career Services Event/Workshop, Internship

Service:

Service Project Leaders, Community Service, Alternative Spring Break

 

Students wanting to learn more about how they can become a participant in The Journey should contact Student Leadership & Involvement ([email protected] or  617-573-8320) or just stop by their office in Donahue 430.

Suffolk University Celebrates Groundbreaking for New Academic Building at 20 Somerset St.
Bringing Life to 
Historic Beacon Hill

Suffolk University broke ground on a new academic building at 20 Somerset Street on Thursday, November 14, 2013.

 

The building, designed by NBBJ architects, will provide a new academic home for Suffolk students and provide technology-enhanced instructional space for science and general study. Eight floors of the 10-story building will hold flexible classrooms designed to support active learning.

 

Electronic whiteboards and active learning pods will enable students to work in teams and project collaborative efforts onto screens around the classrooms. Learn more about the new Academic Building being constructed at Suffolk.

WE'RE MAKING AN IMPACT

In Boston and Around the World

 

Leading the way toward the 

future in education technology

Boston Globe Editorial Focuses on University's Vision for Online Learning

 

In January, a Boston Sunday Globe editorial highlighted the University's innovative approach to adapting to dramatic changes in higher education, including our commitment to incorporating online and hybrid courses into our curricula.

 

The editorial lauds President James McCarthy's leadership, stating that the University can serve as a role model for other institutions.

 

"McCarthy is moving away from an all-things-to-everyone approach.  Instead, the University's new strategic plan focuses on academic areas where the school has been strongest and those that lead most directly to careers.  It also vows to use more online instruction, in part to keep tuition costs down," the editorial states.

 

The Globe editorial also points to a Babson Survey Research Group report that found students in online courses now make up a third of total college enrollment.

 

"Suffolk is wise to try to get ahead of the changes.  Other institutions must consider how to follow suit," the Globe states.

Influencing the future of our home city

Suffolk Students Shined with Questions for Boston Mayoral Candidates

 

November brought change to Boston, as the city's voters elected its first new mayor in 20 years.  Voters got a firsthand look at the 12 candidates as Suffolk University hosted the only televised and webcast forum preceding the September 24 preliminary election.

 

Suffolk students posed some of the most intriguing questions of the evening, addressing issues of job creation, balancing security and privacy in fighting crime, drugs, public transportation, and climate change.  One student was even offered an internship on the spot.

 

Rose Garcia, who hopes to work in Boston after graduation, asked about job creation for young people and whether the candidates would support a ban on unpaid internships.

 

When District Attorney Dan Conley learned that Garcia is majoring in political science with a philosophy minor, he said: "I have an unpaid internship for you right now." Conley then repeated his offer, adding, "Many of our unpaid interns go on to be hired either in our office or in other branches of government."

 

Shane Berry quizzed the candidates about the prospects of round-the-clock public transportation in Boston; Elainy Mata asked candidates how they would reduce drug use among young people in Boston; Kelly Lyons requested to hear candidates' plans to protect our city against climate change; and Donald Desroser questioned the city's leaders on how to most effectively balance the need for increased public safety with the need to protect privacy.

Continuing our tradition of service learning

University Featured Again on Community Service Honor Roll

 

The Corporation for National and Community Service has named Suffolk University to the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for the fourth straight year.

 

Our students spend more than 9,000 hours serving the community annually in activities ranging from tutoring and mentoring schoolchildren to representing indigent tenants through one of the Law School's many clinics.

 

The University's cornerstone service program is Alternative Spring Break (ASB), which has conducted community service trips for 13 years.  This past March, more than 150 students and staff fanned out across the country to engage in activities at 12 locations.  And since 2007, students have traveled to El Salvador for Alternative Winter Break.

 

Through the efforts of the Center for Community Engagement and the Rappaport Center for Law and Public Service, the University encourages an ethos of service among its students by offering hands-on community experiences that enhance classroom learning.  These activities help students develop a greater understanding of social justice and advocacy, achieve personal growth, and hone their leadership skills.

 

Suffolk students cleaned up Beacon Hill, helped out at sites around Boston on Service Day, and volunteered in communities nationwide during Alternative Spring Break.

WINTER BREAK SUFFOLK OFFICE CLOSURE
Suffolk University Closed December 23 - January 1

Suffolk University's offices will be closed in observance of a winter break starting December 23, 2013 through January 1, 2014. Offices will reopen for business on January 2, 2014.

If you need to contact Suffolk University regarding a student emergency during the winter break closure, please contact the Suffolk University Police Department.

Dispatch Center (Staffed 24-hours/day)
41 Temple Street
Donahue Building, 1st floor
Non-Emergency: 617-573-8113 or 617-573-8333

On-Campus Emergency (Police, Fire, Medical)
 
617-573-8111
TDD Line 617-557-4874   

Preparing for WinterBreak?
THINK SAFETY!

The end of the semester is approaching and it's almost time for winter break! Whether your student is returning home or taking a trip with friends, here are some reminders for how they should secure their apartment before leaving Boston.

 

CHECKLIST REMINDERS FOR STUDENTS

  1. Lock up - Make sure all your windows and doors are locked.
  2. Pay your bills - Avoid any late fees by paying your bills before you leave or bring them home with you to pay by mail while you're away.
  3. Empty perishables from refrigerator - No one likes the smell of sour milk!
  4. Empty all trash cans - Make sure all of the trash is taken out of the apartment to discourage household pests from taking up residence.
  5. Don't let your mail pile up - Ask someone to grab your mail or stop delivery for the time that you are away .
  6. Unplug electronics/ appliances - Make sure lights are off and unplug all the items that do not need to be plugged in while you're away. This will save you money on your next electricity bill!
  7. Turn off the hot water heater - This helps to conserve energy.
  8. Turn heat down- Keep heat at a minimum of 60 degrees to keep pipes from freezing.
  9. Protect your valuables - Don't leave valuables in plain view. Store everything in a safe spot.
  10. Talk to your neighbors- Let them know you'll be away so they can keep an eye out for suspicious activity.
To be on the SAFE side, when returning from break, if there are any signs of a break-in such as an open door or window, call the police immediately. DO NOT enter the home but instead, wait until the police arrive and have them enter first.

 

The Center for Learning & Academic Success (CLAS)

 

Does your student need academic assistance?

 

CLAS connects students with important on-campus resources, faculty, administrators, and peers through facilitated classes and individual academic coaching sessions. CLAS provides tutors, coaches, study groups, drop-in math & stats support, study and time management workshops, and more. Your students has access to valuable academic and personal skill support right here on the Suffolk campus. CLAS will encourage and support your student's academic success as they apply learned skills to everyday life at Suffolk.

 

For more information, along with study tips and specific student resources, visit the Center for Learning & Academic Success website.

Living Off-Campus

 

The Off-Campus Housing Office (OCHO) is a resource for the entire Suffolk University community- all current or future undergraduate and graduate students, staff, and faculty.  Commuter students at Suffolk University live off-campus in an apartment or at home.  The commuter student programs and services are designed for anyone no matter where they live.  OCHO is here to help with all aspects of off-campus living including getting involved with campus life, finding roommates, signing a lease, and much more.

 

OCHO offers programs and services that advocate for commuter needs, educate on off-campus living and increase the commuter involvement within the university and Boston, providing a variety of resources free of charge.

 

OCHO also offers advice and counseling on the housing process to students and parents.  The office can discuss anything from roommate issues, to general lease questions, to what you can expect to pay.  They also have contact information for assistance with more serious issues.

 

Check out their off-campus Resources!

 

Walk-ins:

73 Tremont Street, 6th floor

Open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm

 

Phone: (617)573-8647

Email: [email protected]

 

For more information please visit their website:

Living Off-Campus

Student Tips for Applying Abroad from Kelly!

 

Name: Kelly

Year: Junior

Major: Psychology 

Previous Study Abroad: Prague, Chez Republic & Istanbul, Turkey 

New Study Abroad Location: Cork, Ireland 

 

Is it realistic?

There are not many people that would say, "I don't want to study abroad", but the truth is that it is not a realistic opportunity for everyone. Asking, "Is it realistic for me to study abroad?" is such an important question. There are a lot of factors that go into answering this question such as money, time, and classes. Making sure this is the right decision for you is imperative.

 

How did you do your research?

I spent a lot of time on my University's website looking up housing, finances, student activities, layout of the school, and classes available to international students. I think researching where you are planning on studying is so crucial to ensure you are going to the right place, and that they offer all of the things you are looking for.

 

When should you start the  process?

In order to study abroad you have to start planning the semester before. This might seem like a lot of time, but there are so many things you have to do that it can be overwhelming. Deadlines are about a month and a half through the semester, and starting the steps to study abroad early will make life so much easier. This is especially true if you are studying at another campus besides Madrid. There are more applications and a lot more things other countries need for their applications that can slow down the process.

 

What else should people know?

Not only are the applications for every institution different, but some countries have different regulations for studying abroad. For example, some countries require immigration cards that are obtained in that country once you are there. Other countries require a visa that you have to apply for before you leave. Applying for a visa can take a while so it is important to research what documents you need and any deadline for them.

10 Ways Your Student Can Stay Warm Inside

 

1. Pull down blinds at night or hang up heavy curtains: Windows don't provide nearly as much insulation as walls do, so add an extra layer of protection when the sun isn't out

2. Keep furniture away from heaters: Furniture pushed up against heaters make the heat go straight up the ceiling, so pulling the furniture away allows for better circulation

3. Dress warmly: Wear hats, slippers with socks and scarves indoors

4. Make tea: The cup will keep your hands warm while the caffeine will get your blood flowing

5. Put down a rug: Provides an extra layer of insulation

6. Go to the gym

7. Check door and window jams for leaks: A blanket or towel can stop the draft

8. Keep busy: You'll think less about the cold

9. Cook: Steam will raise the moisture level, making you feel warmer

10. Keep the door closed: Keep the cold out and the warmth in; avoid opening the door to outside frequently

The Winter Blues
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a disorder that includes depression through similar seasons each year, usually starting in the fall and lasting through the winter. Boston has extremely cold winters with a lot of snow and dark skies that usually trigger this disorder. Talk to your student. It is very common in students living in Boston, so if your student is experiencing the Winter Blues, they should consider talking to a counselor at the Health and Wellness Center of Suffolk University. Your student can walk-in or make an appointment by calling the office at (617)573-8260 or visiting the Health and Wellness Center Website for more information.
  
Advice for your students if they're feeling the Winter Blues:
  • Be sure to have them consult with a medical professional because sometimes symptoms of other health problems can mimic SAD/Winter Blues.
  • They can increase their exposure to light. Research suggests that increased light exposure before 10 am is particularly helpful.
  • Students should take regular walks outdoors.
  • They should try to stick to a daily routine, particularly when it comes to sleep habits.
  • Increasing aerobic exercise, particularly under bright lighting conditions helps.
  • If possible, they should take opportunities to travel south during the winter season.
  • They should consider counseling to help with self-esteem issues and stress management.
  • They should avoid using alcohol or caffeine because it can impact their sleep and wake cycle; this can disrupt the quality of sleep and lead to further problems.
The Health, Wellness and Counseling Center is located at 73 Tremont Street, 5th Floor.
  
The Interfaith Center

The Interfaith Center is a campus resource that unites the Suffolk community via: 
 
  • The University Chaplain
  • Seasonal celebrations--such as Easter, Chanukah, Advent, Kwanzaa, and Passover--and for ongoing activities like Eastern meditation, worship services, Christian Bible study, Islamic daily prayers, and lectures. Anyone is welcome to start a new religious group at Suffolk or join an existing one.
  • An interfaith room where individuals and student groups of any religious tradition may worship
  • A meditation room

The Reverend Amy L. Fisher, University Chaplain, serves as a counselor, spiritual guide, educational advocate, and ethical voice on campus. She is happy to speak with anyone who has questions or concerns about Spirituality, Religion, Racial issues, Ethics or Morality. Contact the Interfaith Center and Rev. Fisher at 617-573-8325 or [email protected]

 

Additional Information: Interfaith Center Website 

Places of Worship Near Suffolk University
Now Recruiting Student Leaders in Residence Life & Housing for 2014!
 
Is your student interested in being a leader in Res. Life!?


Now is the time to learn about and apply for 2014 Resident Assistant (RA) and Conference Assistant (CA) positions. 

For information about information sessions, requirements, benefits, and the application process please visit www.suffolk.edu/residentassistant and 
www.suffolk.edu/conferenceassistant!
 
Remaining Info. Sessions:
  • Thur., 1/16 - Donahue 403 - 1pm 
  • Wed., 1/22 - 150 Tremont St. - Boston Rm - 7pm 
  • Fri., 1/24 - 10 West St. Mezzanine - 1pm 
  • Tues., 1/28 - Miller Hall Function Rm - 1pm 
About This Month's Header Picture:
Make Way for (Winter and) Ducklings! A favorite Boston landmark, this sculpture by Nancy Sch�n was created in 1987 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Public Garden. It pays tribute to Robert McCloskey's popular children book, written in 1941, about a family of ducks who make their home here. To reach the lagoon in the Public Garden, Mrs. Mallard, the mother duck, leads her babies across a series of dangerous streets assisted by a friendly police officer. Here the bronze ducklings are pictured against the backdrop of a beautiful Boston snowfall.
Suffolk Family | 617-573-8321 | [email protected] | http://www.suffolk.edu/family
Suffolk University
Orientation & New Student Programs
41 Temple Street
Boston, MA 02114

Copyright � 2013. All Rights Reserved.