JWU Family e-Newsletter
September 2022
|
|
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 bustling 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 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.
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) and Facebook (JWU Providence Student Engagement) pages continually promote 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 (for first and second-year students), First-Year Seminar, or various support services on campus.
Please encourage your student to explore all of our resources on jwuLink and to ask for help when they need it. We are all committed to your student’s success. Families of new students in particular may find helpful info in this article that speaks to general first semester experiences. If you have any questions or concerns, our Parent & Family Relations office is available to offer assistance.
I am grateful 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 8, as I share campus updates and answer any questions you may have.
Forever JWU,
Marie Bernardo Sousa
Marie Bernardo-Sousa, LP.D., ’92
President, Providence Campus
|
|
RESIDENCE HALLS WELCOME STUDENTS HOME
Now that move-in is complete and classes are under way, Residential Life is focused on helping students engage with their peers, start new friendships and make life-long memories. We are excited to have so many students living in our halls and have planned many large and small programs and events; please encourage your student to get involved.
The first few weeks of the semester affect students differently. Some are very excited and connect with others quickly, to the point where they may forget to check in with folks at home. If you find yourself in this situation and you want to make sure your student is okay, contact Campus Safety & Security or your student’s residence hall front desk so they can encourage a call home.
Other students may take a bit longer to adjust. They may call you more often and express feeling homesick. They may keep to themselves, express a desire to come home, or stay in their room when they are here. They might focus on virtual connections with friends from home and high school. While there is no "one size fits all" in terms of adjusting, encouraging your student to come out of their room, attend programs and events, and join student organizations can be a great way for them to acclimate to on-campus living. Attending in-hall programs also helps students meet their neighbors and start building a new network of friends and acquaintances.
For information on residence hall happenings, students should check in with their RA or the front desk. We also recommend they follow us on Instagram @jwupvdreslife.
Room Changes
In week 3 of the semester, our room change process opens. This will be a relatively short window for students to request a change to their room and/or building. If your student is interested in a room change, have them monitor their JWU email as all of our communication is sent to that address.
|
|
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 frozen yogurt at First Day Freeze.
Students who are returning this year will notice a change on the Harborside Campus. Harborside Café went through a complete renovation this summer: new décor, new menu and new equipment. We saw how much students loved the all you care to eat concept last year, and the changes reflect that. Students can enjoy burgers, grilled cheese, soup and a larger salad bar every day. There is a cooked to order station that will rotate its menu weekly. There is also a daily hot dinner entrée. We didn’t forget about breakfast – we are open at 6 am to accommodate students before labs with breakfast sandwiches and eggs or omelets to order.
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
Off-Campus Student Services (OCSS) is excited to work with commuters and off-campus residents during the 22-23 academic year. Students will find The Den, as always, to be a welcoming space on campus and a destination when they're not in class. The Den offers all the comforts and amenities of home and is a great place to connect with other commuting Wildcats.
The Den is open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Thursday. Check out this video to see all that it has to offer. Visit our website to learn more about OCSS.
Commuter Appreciation Day – 9/22
OCSS is celebrating commuters on Thursday, September 22. Commuter students should stop by The Den and join us for food, fun activities and giveaways. More information about this event will be posted on the Commuting Wildcats social media sites, Involvement Network and on the Off-Campus Student Services group in jwuLink.
|
|
COUNSELING SERVICES WELCOME
Congratulations on launching your student off to college! This is a big accomplishment likely filled with mixed emotions for you and your student. Whatever you may be feeling – pride, excitement, anxiety, sadness – it’s all okay. It’s part of the process!
As your student communicates with you over these first few weeks, check in with them to see how they are adjusting. Let your student know it's okay to express their emotions and challenge them to problem solve when things feels difficult. It will be helpful to remind them of the services available on campus and challenge them to use these supports when needed. Encourage your student to reach out on their own for support and then check back in with them to see how it went. Challenge your student to get involved and to get to know others, even if it is difficult. If things feel too overwhelming for your student, please encourage them to call Counseling Services. We are here as a support and look forward to helping!
– Stephanie Dixon, LICSW
Director of Counseling Services
|
|
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 several WOW activities:
- 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.
- Students packed the Wildcat Center Lounge for UIB's Trivia event.
And there's more to come! On Friday, Sept. 2, from 1 - 3 pm, student clubs & orgs take over Gaebe Commons for Involvement Fest (encourage your Wildcat to explore what's available and find a fit). Big Bucks Bingo, JWU @ the Zoo, a trip to The Big E . . . much more is scheduled.
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!
|
|
PART-TIME JOB FAIR
Calling all Wildcats! Is your student looking for a part-time job in the Providence area? Or perhaps they’re looking to gain experience as a student assistant in an on-campus role?
They won’t want to miss the Part-Time Job Fair!
Thursday, September 1, 12 – 3 pm
Gaebe Commons
30+ employers including:
- Alexandra’s Boutique
- Atwells Restaurant & Hospitality Group LLC.
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence
- Kaleidoscope Family Solutions
- JWU Student Employment
- Newport Hotel Group
- Ocean State Job Lot
- Panera Bread
- Providence Performing Arts Center
- Siena Restaurant
- The Kraft Group LLC (Gillette Stadium)
Students can visit jwuLink> Tools> Jobs & Internships> Handshake or download the Handshake app on their mobile device to view and research all employers attending. Help us spread the word that employers will be here to hire our Wildcats!
|
|
STUDY ABROAD FAIR
Is your student considering studying abroad at some point in their JWU career? Make sure they know about this opportunity. On Wednesday, September 7, we will host our Fall 2022 Study Abroad Fair in Pepsi Forum (located in Wales Hall on the Downcity campus). Students can join us from 11 am - 2 pm to learn about our program offerings and to meet representatives from all of our partners! JWU Global advisors and financial planners will be present to answer any questions students might have about studying abroad.
If you have any questions about how studying abroad might benefit your student, please contact Study Abroad via email or by phone at 401-598-1406.
|
|
ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES IS HERE TO SUPPORT YOUR STUDENT
Accessibility Services is available to provide support to any student who thinks they might be eligible for our services.
If your student received services in high school (504 plans, IEP, Health Plans, etc.) and has not yet connected with our department, please encourage them to come see us. If your student has not previously received accommodations and you think they might benefit from registering with our department, please encourage them to come see us. If you are unsure what we offer and would like to hear more about our services, please contact us.
Accessibility Services has two offices: Friedman Center (Harborside), first floor, and John Hazen White (Downcity), first floor. You can reach us by email or by phone (401-598-4660).
Please remind your returning student who has worked with Accessibility Services in the past, to contact their advisor to update their accommodation plan for Fall 2022; plans must be updated each semester.
For more information on JWU Accessibility Services, visit our website.
|
|
BRIDGE OFFERING VALUABLE SERVICES
Community Resources Groups
JWU Bridge for Diversity, Equity & Social Justice offers monthly Community Resources Groups (CRGs) throughout the fall semester. All members of the JWU community are welcome, inclusive of students, faculty and staff. All groups will be held at the Bridge in Xavier Complex (Downcity), entrance off the Courtyard. Light refreshments will be available. Drop-ins are welcome, though RSVP (via JWU Bridge jwuLink group events) is appreciated.
All Community Resource Groups run from 3:30 - 4:30 pm. Upcoming dates & topics include:
- LGBTQ, 9/12 and 11/14
- Veterans, 9/13, 10/22, 11/15
- BIPOC, 9/14, 10/12, 11/16
- Women’s, 9/15, 10/13, 11/17
In lieu of a LGBTQ October group, we will celebrate National Coming Out Day with Gaebe ChalkOUT on 10/11, 11 am - 2 pm.
Free STI Testing Clinics
In partnership with AIDS Project RI, free HIV/Hep C testing will be offered monthly on each campus, from 12 - 2 pm on designated dates:
Downcity, Bridge in Xavier Complex (Wednesday)
Harborside, Wildcat Center 2nd floor Conference Room (Friday)
|
|
INTRAMURALS READY TO GO
Registration for fall intramurals is now open. Students can choose from offerings in Soccer, Flag Football, Softball, Pickleball, 3-on-3 Basketball and Volleyball. Intramurals provide a great opportunity for camaraderie and fun. Students can sign up individually or as part of a team.
If your Wildcat is interested in participating, they should sign up and designate their sport via this link. Any questions about intramural offerings can be directed to Michelle Spreda by email.
|
|
COB INTRODUCES NEW MAJOR
A bachelor’s degree program in Supply Chain Management is launched in the College of Business (COB) this year. This timely major begins with the business foundation courses and showcases logistics, purchasing, procurement, quality and risk management. Students majoring in Operations & Supply Chain Management will learn through hands-on experiential methods delivered by industry-experienced faculty. Internships and careers are available in a wide variety of industries including retail, transportation and manufacturing. Given the relevancy of this major to our everyday lives, students can count on interesting dinner topics to bring home to their roommates and families.
If you would like to learn more about this program, contact department chair Nicole Amos. You can also chat with COB faculty during the Homecoming & Family Weekend Academics Showcase on Friday, Oct. 7.
|
|
COHM WELCOMES ALL TO CAMPUS
The College of Hospitality Management (COHM) demonstrated their hospitality service by welcoming ALL Hospitality students to campus and back to their “hospitality home” on Sunday, August 28. The mission of this event was to celebrate the beginning of the new academic year and welcome our new and returning students. It is important to build a community within our college, and provide a strong faculty welcome to our new incoming students.
The event was held in the Xavier Courtyard & Academic Complex. Fun was had by all with coffee from Down East Coffee Roasters, donut holes from Knead Doughnuts, a photo spot, COHM water bottle souvenirs, lawn games and music! Our Hospitality Spirit really shined for this event.
|
|
SAS ASSISTS WITH SCHEDULING
Student Academic Services (SAS) is excited to have our Wildcats back on campus! Academic Counselors have been busy meeting with students who need assistance making adjustments to their fall semester schedule. Drop-in appointments, held in-person and via telephone, are available during the 1st and 2nd weeks of the semester, and every Friday throughout the semester, 8:30 am - 4 pm, on both the Downcity and Harborside campuses. September 8 is the Add/Drop deadline for fall semester for all Providence Campus academic courses.
Beginning the week of September 12, Academic Counselors will start taking scheduled appointments. It’s never too early for students to start planning out classes for next semester, to be sure they are on track with their academic goals and graduation. However, please encourage your student that if they need to meet with an Academic Counselor on a pressing matter regarding their fall academics, that they check into the kiosk during our drop-in appointments times.
|
|
HOMECOMING & FAMILY WEEKEND IS COMING SOON!
Excitement is building for this year's Homecoming & Family Weekend (HFW)! From Oct. 7 - 9, 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 and lots of fun. Most events are complimentary/non-ticketed, but there are a few that do require tickets (limited space is left in two ticketed events: the Wine Tasting & Food Pairing, and Paint the Town, both on Saturday afternoon). New this year, the Friday night main event (Talent Show & Open Mic Night) and Saturday night's Family Bingo are non-ticketed, with open seating.
We hope everyone will plan to attend HFW and spend some time on campus with your student. Whether you're interested in ticketed events or not, we do ask every family to register (no charge), 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 ET 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).
Note the date change from info previously communicated about this panel!
Oct. 12 – PFAB Chat (conversation with members of the Parent & Family Advisory Board)
|
|
JWU CALENDAR
Sept. 5 / Labor Day: No classes/offices closed
Oct. 7 - 9 / Homecoming & Family Weekend
Oct. 10 / Indigenous Peoples Day: No classes/offices closed
Nov. 11 / Veterans Day: No classes/offices closed
Nov. 23 - 25 / 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.
|
|
OBSERVANCES & AWARENESS DAYS
JWU is firmly committed to nurturing and further strengthening an inclusive and equitable environment that embraces the broad range of diversity of all members of our community no matter their race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, age, physical ability or how and if they worship.
Throughout the year, there are a range of causes, observances or holidays that many in the Wildcat community connect or identify with. Students find details on jwuLink, and we are happy to share some of it with families, in this newsletter, monthly.
(In step with September's National Campus Safety Awareness Month, the photo below depicts Sgt. Jones from JWU Campus Safety & Security (CS&S), at Ignite the Night. The entire CS&S team was highly visible during move-in weekend and they continue to be throughout the year.)
|
|
September is:
September observance dates:
|
|
WELCOMING THE CLASS OF 2026
The unique JWU experience is defined by personalized attention, academic expertise and industry connections that inspire professional success and personal growth. This experience is made possible by generous donors who choose to support JWU year after year to ensure that today’s Wildcats are set up for success.
Over the course of the year, you will hear more from the Annual Giving team about how parents and families can help ensure the JWU experience is available to all current and future students. In the meantime, we are excited to welcome a new class of incoming first-year students to our JWU community! Best of luck to all Wildcats in the new academic year!
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
