JWU Family e-Newsletter September 2023

GREETINGS FROM PRESIDENT BERNARDO-SOUSA, LP.D., '92 Each fall, as we welcome new and returning Wildcats to campus, we are energized by the excitement and possibilities a new academic year brings. It is wonderful to see our community come to life again with students and activity. The first few weeks of the semester are a critical time in a student’s academic journey – particularly for our new students who are experiencing college for the first time. At JWU, we are focused on a student experience that extends beyond the classroom, prioritizing care for the whole student, including mental and physical health. We not only want our students to be committed to their studies but also mindful of their well-being. Please encourage your student to take advantage of the services and programs offered by our counseling and health services teams throughout the year. They are here to help. As a community (students, faculty, and staff), we are committed to supporting one another.   We also know that students acclimate to college better when they are meaningfully engaged. There are countless ways for students to be involved. JWU’s Involvement Network allows students to learn about clubs and organizations, upcoming events and more; and our Student Engagement Instagram (@JWUPVDInvolved) continually promotes what is happening on campus. In addition, our faculty and staff are available to provide whatever support students may need, whether through the Faculty Mentor Program, First-Year Seminar, or various support services on campus.

This past spring, we were pleased to welcome Melanie V. Tucker, Ed.D., LMHC, NCC, vice president of student affairs and dean of students. Melanie brings nearly 20 years of higher education experience to JWU, with a strong background in mental health, student success, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Her passion for DEI work fuels her dedication to “fostering inclusive campus climates committed to student success.” Dr. Tucker’s office is located in the Student Affairs suite in the Friedman Center on the Harborside Campus. She is a knowledgeable resource for both students and families.   Finally, please encourage your student to explore our wealth of resources on jwuLink and to ask for help when they need it. We are all committed to your student’s success.   It is a privilege to be a part of this vibrant, supportive Wildcat community dedicated to delivering an exceptional experience for our students, and I thank you for entrusting your student’s education to JWU.   I hope you will join me for my Wildcat Chat during Homecoming & Family Weekend, Saturday, October 7, as I share campus updates and answer any questions you may have.  Forever JWU, Marie Bernardo-Sousa President, Providence Campus

WELCOMING OUR RESIDENTS With the help of lots of move-in volunteers, Residential Life welcomed new and returning students to their on-campus homes late last month. Our halls are filled with activity and it’s great to have everyone back! To ensure a positive experience in residential living, students should consider these 5 tips (families, keep these in mind when talking with your students): Communicate with your roommate(s). Get to know each other, your likes and dislikes. While you may or may not become best friends, everyone deserves to be treated with courtesy and respect. Be honest when filling out your roommate agreements! Use your resources, starting with your resident assistant. These folks are great sources of info on all things JWU and can help if issues come up. Res Life will share a monthly newsletter with residents – students should read it to keep up with what's happening in the halls! Get out of your room. Meet other residents in your building; invite neighbors to join you for dinner; participate in a program that your RA is hosting! Maintain a healthy living environment. Empty your trash in proper receptacles; if you have a private bathroom, clean it! Try something new. Explore a club that matches your interests. Knock on that door to say hello and ask where someone is from.   We look forward to working with all of our residents and making the 2023-24 academic year the best one yet.   Underage Guests On Campus Some students will invite guests to visit them in their new space on campus. Residential Life requires that all guests sign in to the front desk, with a photo ID. Any guests under 18 (16 and 17) must be approved by the Area Coordinator/Resident Director/Graduate Assistants at least one week in advance. They must present a parent/guardian note with a signature, emergency contact name and phone number, and valid government issued ID, to spend the night or visit during the day. The Underage Guest Form is available on our website.

CAMPUS DINING READY FOR NEW YEAR Campus Dining is excited to welcome students for the start of the academic year. We hope Wildcats enjoyed free s'mores at Ignite the Night and soft serve at First Day Freeze. Students who are returning this year will notice some improvements at our dining locations. Harborside Café had some upgrades and an expansion! We’re ready to serve student favorites – our menus have been redesigned based on feedback right from Wildcats. While we still open at 6 am to accommodate students before labs with a hot meal (breakfast sandwiches, eggs and omelets to order, along with breakfast staples), we are now open later at night. Our Wildcats spoke and we listened! Snowden also has a new look. New colors, new furniture and new digital menu display screens at each station. The Plant Based Grill and Build Your Own (formerly Better4U) stations each have five weekly themes that will rotate and feature entrees from the newly launched JWU360 program. Campus Dining has seven locations throughout campus and each one accepts meal swipes, flex, cash or credit. For students with meal plans, the Get App is the best resource to track the swipe balance for the week and flex for the semester. Students or families can add additional funds directly through the app. We don’t want students to lose out on meals (they do not roll over). With all of our grab & go options, students are welcome to use multiple swipes, up to 5 a day, to take additional meals back to their dorms. To keep up with JWU Campus Dining, follow us on social media: Facebook: JWU Providence Campus Dining Instagram @jwupvdcampusdining

OCSS SERVES COMMUTERS & OFF-CAMPUS STUDENTS New and returning commuter students had a blast at Off-Campus Student Services' annual Commuting Wildcats Meet & Greet, held on Aug. 27, in The Den. Students enjoyed free food, games and music, and made new connections. After the event, students made their way to Ignite the Night, an annual tradition welcoming newest Wildcats to the JWU community. OCSS has more fun events planned for commuters this fall. Here's a preview: Cotton Candy Craze, Thursday, 9/7 Dame’s Farm, Friday, 9/22 Commuter Appreciation Day, Tuesday, 9/26 Providence Ghost Tour, Thursday, 10/5 Is your Wildcat an upperclass student who moved off campus? Note that OCSS and Campus Safety & Security visited students living in the Elmhurst neighborhood on Aug. 30 & 31. During these visits, tips for staying safe and being a good neighbor were shared. Please remind your off-campus student to always engage in behavior that reflects the Wildcat Way, and to comply with the Good Neighbor Policy.

WEEKS OF WELCOME OFF TO A GREAT START Student Engagement's Weeks of Welcome (WOW) programming is designed to help all Wildcats connect with their peers, explore campus, and feel at home in the JWU community. Since move-in, there have been nine WOW activities, attended by more than 2,400 Wildcats. Some highlights: Wildcat Welcome featured inflatables and food truck vouchers. At Ignite the Night, we welcomed our newest class and treated students to s'mores. Free ice cream was up for grabs at First Day Freeze. Involvement Fest saw nearly 100 clubs & orgs on Gaebe Commons, all eager to recruit new members. And there's more to come! JWU's going to the zoo on Sept. 9. Paint Night is on Sept. 14. UIB is hosting outdoor movies the next two Fridays, plus sponsoring trips to Block Island and The Big E . . . there's so much to do at JWU! Weeks of Welcome continue all the way through October, culminating with Homecoming & Family Weekend. If your student has questions about clubs & orgs or WOW events, they should check the Involvement Network often. We also invite them to contact Student Engagement or stop by our offices on the Downcity (CBCSI) or Harborside (Wildcat Center Lounge) campuses. We're super excited for this year!

ADJUSTING TO COLLEGE The start of a new academic year, especially for first-year students, can be filled with mixed emotions. Whatever your student may be feeling: pride, excitement, anxiety, sadness, homesickness – it’s all okay. It’s part of the process! As the semester progresses, make sure to check in with your student and ask them about how they are adjusting. Encourage them to get involved in campus activities, even if it feels difficult for them to put themselves out there with others. Connections are key in the adjustment process. If your student is struggling with this process remind them of all the support services available on campus, and challenge them to use these supports when needed. Sometimes struggles with adjustment can become more pervasive, and start to impact overall mental health and well-being. If this appears to be the case for your student encourage them to call Counseling Services. Our team of clinicians is here to provide support. – Stephanie Dixon, LICSW Director of Counseling Services

JWU ECO'S BIG IMPACT ON CAMPUS JWU's Energy Conservation Office kicked off our first sustainability project of the year by participating in Move-in on Saturday, Aug. 26. Our team set up two stations: one at Harborside and another Downcity. As students and families arrived for the new school year, especially first-year students who had lots of newer items and packaging materials, JWU ECO prepared to collect, separate, and dispose of move-in waste properly. With the help of seven volunteers, we collected four huge bags each of plastics and Styrofoam. We also nearly filled two massive recycling dumpsters for cardboard boxes and paper materials. JWU ECO strives to minimize trash waste as much as possible, and to maintain a sustainable campus. By sifting through and sorting waste properly, JWU ECO minimized trash waste exponentially, only gathering a few small bags of trash in comparison to the massive amount of waste generated during the move-in process. Thank you to everyone who supported this effort.

JWU Leads Read how JWU is a leader in promoting sustainability on college campuses in this article, penned by Matt Fannon, JWU's director of sustainability and resource management. If your student has a passion for sustainability, they should explore SASS (Student Activists Supporting Sustainability) – a student club that works closely with Matt and JWU ECO. They can learn more about SASS and club activities through the Involvement Network.

DISCOVER JWU'S BRIDGE Quoted from the university's website, "JWU’s Bridge for Diversity, Equity & Social Justice advances a universitywide campus culture of inclusion, safety and discovery. The Bridge supports all members of the JWU community, with a focus on social identities that have been historically underrepresented in higher education." The Bridge is led by Korina Ramsland Short and Mike Waugh. Both veteran JWU staff members, Korina and Mike are passionate about their work and committed to helping students. By working with clubs and organizations, presenting at student employee training, organizing on-campus events to promote awareness, and much more, they help students explore and discuss topics related to DEI. Over the summer, DEI info on JWU's website was updated to celebrate accomplishments of the past year. The Bridge was also instrumental in efforts to update the university's central student information system. With a self-serve feature, students can now make real-time updates to fields including Preferred Name, Gender Identification and Personal Pronouns. And Korina recorded a podcast with the R.I. Department of Health on sexual assault prevention. Students can find info about activities happening in The Bridge's physical space in Xavier Courtyard, on the Involvement Network. They can also contact Korina or Mike to schedule one-on-one conversations. We look forward to highlighting Bridge efforts and activities throughout the year, in this newsletter.

EE&CS EAGER TO WORK WITH STUDENTS Experiential Education & Career Services is excited to welcome Wildcats back to campus for the fall semester. We are located on the first floor of the Yena Center and are ready to support students with resume workshopping, interview preparation, internship advising, job searching, and more. Did your student miss our Part-Time Job Fair? Are they still looking for a part-time job, or thinking ahead to internships for the spring? Have them set up a meeting with one of our Experiential Education & Career Advisors for support in their search. Appointments can be made by visiting link.jwu.edu > Jobs & Internships > Handshake > Career Services > Schedule Your Appointment. We look forward to seeing them soon!

STUDY ABROAD FAIRS Is your student thinking about studying abroad during their time at JWU? Make sure they know that JWU Study Abroad will be hosting TWO Study Abroad Fairs this September! Students are invited to stop by on Wednesday, Sept.13, from 11 am – 2 pm in Pepsi Forum (Downcity) or or on Wednesday, Sept. 20, from 11 am – 2 pm in the Cuisinart Center for Culinary Excellence Lobby (Harborside).JWU Study Abroad will be joined by international partners, faculty-leaders, a financial planner, and current exchange students to share all about our Study Abroad offerings. If you have any questions about how JWU Study Abroad can fit into your student’s degree program, please contact JWU Study Abroad via email at studyabroad@jwu.edu or by phone at 401-598-1406.

ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES IS HERE TO SUPPORT YOUR STUDENT Accessibility Services is excited to meet with returning and new students. Our advisors are currently working with students to create accommodation plans that give them the opportunity to succeed. This semester, we introduced new software – Accessibility Services Accommodation Portal. This portal is an efficient and user-friendly tool for students, faculty and staff to manage accommodations for students with disabilities.     If your student had a 504 Plan or IEP in high school and wants to receive accommodations at JWU, please direct them to our offices: John Hazen White, first floor (Downcity) and/or Friedman Center, first floor (Harborside). For more information, please feel free to email us at accessibility.pvd@jwu.edu, or call 401-598-4660. We are more than happy to help.

News from Academics

VALUING FACULTY Faculty members play an integral role in the student experience at JWU. Inside the classroom and out, they share their talents, expertise, and networks to ensure student success. Learn more about the value and impact JWU faculty have in the areas of research, mentorship, and industry expertise.

COB KEPT BUSY THIS SUMMER This summer, College of Business (COB) faculty weren’t simply waiting for all their favorite Wildcats to return to campus – they were staying active as ever, leading Career Explorations programs for high school juniors and seniors (and potential future Wildcats?). Over two days, Professor Fisher (Fashion Merchandising & Retailing) and Professor Carey (Advertising & Marketing Communications) led these future-media planners and fashion buyers through lessons and activities that put them in the shoes of these potential careers. From a trip to Providence Place Mall to research fashion brands and identify seasonal trends, to meeting with recent grads and hearing about their exciting new jobs in the industry, to trying to think up the next viral Tik Tok brand idea – students were given a taste of their future careers, and how a JWU COB degree will help them get there. See more on our Instagram account.

COHM WELCOMES ALL TO CAMPUS On Sunday, Aug. 27, the College of Hospitality Management (COHM) invited all students to their College Welcome Day event. They opened the Xavier Courtyard to new and returning Hospitality students, and kicked off the school year with live music, games, the chance to make new friends and more. COHM Dean Jennifer Galipeau, Ed.D., department chairs and faculty attended, to meet and reconnect with students, and welcome them to JWU’s home for hospitality.   While enjoying yard games and a mocktail bar run by the college’s Food & Beverage professors, participants learned about COHM's many student clubs. Local businesses were also in attendance such as Downeast Coffee Roasters, Coffee Connection and Mocktail Beverages Inc. There was even JWU alumni influence from Kristi Dukoff '04, as her company, Kristi Kraftails, offered zero-proof drinks to attendees. The event was a great opportunity for students to get a taste of the hospitality spirit COHM and its staff brings, as well as the success that comes with being a student at Johnson & Wales.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS CENTER EXPANDS JWU's Academic Success Center is pleased to welcome four new academic success coaches to our staff team. These coaches provide support in the areas of time management, goal setting, study skills, learning strategies, self-advocacy and self-efficacy. They are available to meet with students one-on-one or in small groups, to help them develop individualized success plans. Furthermore, the coaches have been assigned to specific colleges in an effort to facilitate connections between course content and concepts as well as between students themselves. Sarah Bardsley: College of Arts & Sciences Aliya Neptune: College of Business and College of Hospitality Management Tii Boyer: College of Engineering & Design and College of Health & Wellness Seayoung Yim: College of Food Innovation & Technology If your student could use some support in the aforementioned areas or isn’t really sure what support they need, but they know they need something, remind them about the academic success coaches. Students can make an appointment with a coach via jwuLink or call the Academic Success Center at 401-598-1485.

Parent & Family Community

PFAB READY FOR NEW YEAR JWU's Parent & Family Advisory Board (PFAB) is excited to start the 2023-24 academic year with expanded membership. The Board welcomed seven new members over the summer. They were visible at Move-in, with six members greeting students and families, and offering a free raffle, at locations throughout campus. In fact, pictured is Pat Kennedy, this year's PFAB chair, with Cameron – a first-year student and winner of the PFAB raffle on Harborside. PFAB will next meet in person during Homecoming & Family Weekend. In November, they'll hold a day-long meeting on campus where invited guests include Melanie Tucker, Ed.D., LMHC, NCC, JWU's new vice president of student affairs and dean of students. Especially helpful to members who are not close to campus, PFAB does hold virtual meetings on occasion. If you are interested in joining PFAB, it's not too late. Find and submit an interest application from our website. All families are welcome, and we are eager to have representation from those whose students are majoring in Business, Hospitality, Health & Wellness or Engineering & Design programs, to ensure all JWU colleges are represented. PFAB serves the valuable role of providing an opportunity for Wildcat family members to be involved in our community while sharing their JWU perspective with current and future families. The university is grateful for their involvement. Watch for write-ups from PFAB members monthly, in the family newsletter.

Mark Your Calendars

HOMECOMING & FAMILY WEEKEND IS COMING SOON! Excitement is building for this year's Homecoming & Family Weekend (HFW)! From Oct. 6 - 8, students, families, faculty, staff and alumni will gather to celebrate the JWU community. Homecoming & Family Weekend features a variety of activities that are family-friendly, free of charge, and lots of fun. You don't want to miss the Culinary Showcase, Wildcat Wahoo, Spirit Zone, Wildcat Chat with President Marie Bernardo-Sousa, LP.D., '92, and more. We hope everyone will plan to attend HFW and spend some time on campus with your student. Every family is asked to register, so we'll have an idea of how many guests to expect. If you haven't already, please submit your family's registration today. Find complete details, including the schedule of events, on our website. Any questions can be directed to Parent & Family Relations. We can't wait to see you at Homecoming & Family Weekend!

FAMILY PANELS JWU's Parent & Family Relations office is pleased to offer family panels through our Wildcat Family Support Series. These virtual events provide an opportunity for all Wildcat families to hear from specific departments and ask questions. All panels begin at 7 pm EST and are hosted on Zoom. Click on registration links to join the following, and watch for recordings on our JWU Parents & Families Providence Campus Facebook page (available for a limited time following each session). Sept. 13 – Residential Life (on-campus housing) Sept. 20 – Campus Dining (meal plans & on-campus dining options) Oct. 4 – Experiential Education & Career Services (internships, career fairs, job search) Oct. 11 – Student Academic Services (registration & course scheduling)

JWU CALENDAR Oct. 6 – 8 / Homecoming & Family Weekend Oct. 9 / Indigenous Peoples Day: No classes/offices closed Nov. 10 / Veterans Day: No classes/offices closed Nov. 22 – 24 / Thanksgiving break/offices closed This info is provided for planning purposes; please visit the official University calendar for more information. Students should also pay attention to class-specific announcements shared by their faculty.

We Want To Hear From You!

JWU Parent & Family Relations serves as a liaison to parents and family members of incoming and current students through communication and programs. This monthly e-Newsletter helps you stay connected to your student as you journey with them through their JWU experience.

Stay connected from the Parent & Family Perspective Parent & Family Relations Office Mon-Fri, 8:30am-4:30pm 401-598-2895 family.pvd@jwu.edu ‌ ‌ ‌