JWU Family e-Newsletter
September 2021
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WELCOME, FAMILIES!
The 2021-22 academic year is underway, and you can feel the excitement on campus. Residence halls are bustling with activity. Classrooms and labs are home to in-person learning. Athletic teams are practicing and competing. Students are enjoying fun on-campus events with their peers. Even the parking garage is filling up!
While it's wonderful to have so many people and so much activity back at JWU, we recognize students and families may be facing challenges – some typical of any new academic year and others related to the ongoing pandemic. Take advantage of all available JWU resources that are here to help support you and your student (continue reading to learn more about them). And, please know that we are continually monitoring, evaluating and taking steps to ensure the health and safety of our community. When necessary, we will communicate updates via email and/or the COVID-19 Center website.
Thank you for entrusting JWU with your student's education and well-being. We enter this year with hope for the best, dedication to helping all our students succeed and appreciation for our families' support.
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RESIDENCE HALLS OPEN THEIR DOORS
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.
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CAMPUS DINING OPTIONS
Campus Dining is thrilled to say "welcome back, Wildcats!" It's great having students on campus again.
Families, as you talk with your students on the subject of dining, please encourage them to try all options. Here's a summary of what we offer.
Downcity
- Snowden is our “all you care to eat” dining location with a home-style station, grill station, "Better for You," and new this year, a vegan section, offered daily.
- ClockTower Deli and Market, neighboring Snowden, serves popular Boar’s Head Deli sandwiches and several grab and go meals, including sushi. The Market has snacks, beverages and plenty of convenience items to choose from.
- Willie’s! is our newest spot Downcity and it offers flatbreads, salads and more.
Harborside
- At Harborside Café, students love the made-to-order options, oven-toasted sandwiches, assorted pizzas and more. Harborside Café also serves breakfast.
Not to be forgotten is Starbucks, with locations at both the Downcity and Harborside campuses.
All Campus Dining venues offer options for flex or swipes, and they take cash or credit cards. If students on a meal plan aren't sure what to use – swipe or flex – they should ask one of our team members for help. Menus and hours can always be found on the Campus Dining App, our social media outlets or on our website.
Be sure to follow us for the latest updates and event happenings in Campus Dining. Find us on Facebook at JWU Providence Campus Dining and on Instagram: @jwupvdcampusdining.
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THE DEN – A COMMUTER'S HOME AWAY FROM HOME
The Den is a dedicated lounge space for commuter students, located at 35 Richmond Street on the ground level of the Downcity Garage. The Den has many amenities such as a microwave, toaster oven, refrigerator, Keurig machine, comfortable couches, tables and chairs, TV’s and even Xbox. Commuter students can bring their own food and store it in the refrigerator to enjoy later in our kitchenette. They can use the conference room for a quiet place to study or to meet with classmates on a group project. They can also relax on one of the couches and watch TV or listen to music. The Den is open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Thursday.
Tell your student to keep an eye out for events and activities held in The Den throughout the year. Coming up soon, on Sept. 28 & 29, Off-Campus Student Services (OCSS) is hosting Commuter Appreciation Days. Commuters are invited to stop in and join us for food, fun activities and giveaways.
Check out this video to see all The Den has to offer and encourage your commuter to visit.
Annual Dodgeball Tournament – Call for commuters to join our team!
OCSS invites commuters to join our team for competition in the annual "Res Life Rumble" dodgeball tournament on Friday, Oct. 1, from 10 am - 4 pm. If your commuter is interested, please have them complete this registration form. This is a popular event so make sure your student registers early to reserve their spot on the team!
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COUNSELING SERVICES WELCOME
As the Director of Counseling Services, I welcome you to a new academic year. This is a big time of transition for you and your student. Transitions can be exciting; however, they can also be difficult. There is no single approach to managing transitions, but these tips might help you help your student navigate this process.
- Explain that it will take time for them to adjust to their new surroundings; emotions can be up and down, and that is okay.
- Encourage them to get involved by joining clubs or intramurals; try to get out and meet others on campus.
- Remain connected with them, but also encourage more independence. This is a time for them to grow.
- Encourage them to stay on campus. If they leave campus every weekend, they are missing out on making friends, and this can make the transition more difficult.
- If they are struggling, encourage them to reach out to supports available to them on and off campus.
Each month in the family newsletter, a member of the Counseling Services team will provide thoughts on a topic we often see when interacting with students. We are committed to helping every Wildcat achieve personal, emotional and academic success and look forward to the year ahead.
– Stephanie Dixon, LICSW
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WEEKS OF WELCOME CONTINUE
Student Engagement's Weeks of Welcome programming is designed to help all Wildcats connect with their peers, explore campus, and feel connected with the JWU community. Every day since move-in, there has been a Weeks of Welcome activity – most in-person and a few with virtual options. Attendance has been fantastic and student reviews have been overwhelmingly positive.
Weeks of Welcome continue all the way through October, culminating with Homecoming & Family Weekend. Please encourage your student to get involved. They can find info on the Involvement Network via jwuLink, on Instagram @jwupvdinvolved, and on fliers posted throughout campus. They are also welcome to visit Student Engagement at our locations Downcity (CBCSI Building) or on Harborside (Wildcat Center Lounge).
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PART-TIME JOB FAIR
Here's exciting news for Wildcats interested in earning some cash and gaining some skills. Experiential Education & Career Services (EE&CS) is hosting a Part-Time Job Fair on Thursday, Sept. 9, from 1-4 pm on Gaebe Commons. All students looking for Providence-local, part-time work should attend. The event will feature up to 40 employers who hope to hire JWU students.
To learn more about EE&CS and the resources we provide students at all levels of enrollment, join us for our upcoming "Getting Career Ready" family panel. We'll be live, via Zoom, on Sept. 29 starting at 7 pm ET. Register here.
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ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES KICKS OFF THE YEAR
Accessibility Services invited more than 100 new students to its recent Meet & Greet. At this annual event, accessibility advisors shared information about the department, reviewed the process for developing accommodation plans, and scheduled students for private appointments. Private one-on-one appointments are needed for students to develop individualized accommodation plans and better prepare for their JWU academic journey.
If you think your student might be eligible for our services and they were unable to attend our Aug. 29 event, please encourage them to visit our office as soon as possible. Students who received services in high school (504 plans, IEP, Health Plans, etc.) would especially benefit from meeting with an accessibility advisor.
Accessibility Services has two offices: Harborside, on the first floor of the Friedman Center, and Downcity, on the first floor of the John Hazen White Center. Students can also reach us by email or phone (401-598-4660) to schedule an appointment.
If your student is returning to JWU and has worked with Accessibility Services in the past, please remind them they must meet with their accessibility advisor each semester to update their accommodation plans. These plans do not automatically transfer.
For more information on JWU Accessibility Services, visit our website.
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STUDY ABROAD FAIR
On Wednesday, Sept. 8, students had an opportunity to visit a Study Abroad Fair in Pepsi Forum. While there, they talked with study abroad advisors, representatives from Student Financial Services, even JWU study abroad alumni.
Whether your student has their passport ready and dream study abroad destination picked out, or is just beginning to learn how study abroad can help them explore the world, JWU Study Abroad is ready to help. Questions can be sent to Study Abroad via email.
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COLLEGE OF BUSINESS WELCOMES NEW DEAN
Earlier this summer, Mary Meixell, Ph.D., started her tenure as dean of JWU's College of Business. In her role, Dean Meixell leads the College by creating an environment where students can succeed and where faculty contribute to the community through their teaching, scholarship and service.
We invite you to learn more about Dean Meixell, her past experience and her interests, in this short video. You'll have an opportunity to say hello to her in person during Homecoming & Family Weekend. Welcome to JWU, Dean Meixell!
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NEW CYBER DEFENSE LAB
In response to demand and building on the strength of its Computer Science program, JWU's College of Engineering & Design (COED) launched its Cyber Threat Intelligence & Defense bachelor's degree program in 2016 with 20 students. Since then, the program has grown to more than 80 students. Its faculty are cybersecurity experts who hold top government clearance, field experience in cyber operations and training, and industry-recognized certifications.
JWU's program focuses on threat intelligence and defense, which takes a more proactive approach to cyber education than general cybersecurity programs emerging in the academic marketplace. The new Cyber Defense Lab opened this month and is the hub of activity for students and faculty as they engage in secured operation scenarios, threat analysis, cyber research and project work. The center's goal is to be a bi-directional conduit for industry partners, local and state police, government agencies, local community, and secondary and post-secondary schools. These partnerships support students' learning through industry-sponsored and action research projects, giving them them experience and skills on real-world equipment and technology.
The next step for the COED's Computer Science department is to pursue the National Security Agency / Department of Homeland Security certification to be recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Security education.
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FALL SPORTS COMPETE FOR FIRST TIME SINCE NOVEMBER 2019
After the cancellation of the 2020 fall athletic season, our Wildcat teams were eager to play a regular season game and they were all able to do just that in the beginning of September.
On September 1, the field hockey team opened the day with a 5-2 win over Eastern Connecticut State with a pair of goals from senior Jillian Miele and sophomore Mya Bolk. The win marked the first time in program history that the Wildcats opened the regular season with a victory. The women’s soccer team followed suit with a 2-1 non-conference win over Babson (Mass.), courtesy of goals from sophomore Hayley Viebrock and first-year Emily DeRoehn. Senior Nick Gutekunst capped off a three-win day for JWU with a pair of goals in men’s soccer’s 3-1 victory over Bridgewater State (Mass.).
On Friday, September 3, women’s volleyball hosted the JWU Invitational with the likes of Babson, Clark (Mass.), Union (N.Y.) and SUNY New Paltz. JWU split the opening night against Clark (L, 3-0) and Union (W, 3-1) and saw sophomore Peyton Oliver and Masina Tupea combined for 57 kills over the span of the two matches. Tupea and Oliver led the attack for the Wildcats on day two of the tournament as JWU defeated New Paltz 3-0 and fell 3-0 to Babson.
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INTRAMURALS OFFERING MORE FOR STUDENTS ON CAMPUS
JWU Athletics is excited to offer five different intramural activities for all JWU students to participate in this fall. Seasons begin the week of September 12 with 3v3 Basketball starting that Monday, Sept. 13, in the Wildcat Center. On Tuesdays this semester, both Flag Football and Indoor Doubles Tennis will take place. Flag Football will be hosted at the Scotts Miracle-Gro Athletics Complex turf field while for the first time ever, Indoor Doubles Tennis will hit the court in Delaney Gym at the Wildcat Center. Indoor volleyball will begin on Wednesday, Sept. 15, and continue throughout the semester while Outdoor Soccer will start on Thursday, Sept. 16.
Students interested in participating should sign up and designate their sport via this link. Any questions about intramural offerings can be directed to Michelle Spreda by email.
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HOMECOMING & FAMILY WEEKEND IS COMING SOON!
Excitement is building for this year's Homecoming & Family Weekend! From Oct. 8 - 10, Wildcat families can come back to campus and enjoy a variety of activities designed for family fun.
If you haven't registered for Homecoming & Family Weekend yet, please do so today. Tickets are still available for most events that require them, but they're going fast. Don't miss out – reserve your tickets today!
Find complete Homecoming & Family Weekend information, including registration, on our website. Any questions can be directed to family.pvd@jwu.edu. We can't wait to see you at Homecoming & Family Weekend!
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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 info on new ones.
Note the date change from info previously communicated about this panel!
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JWU CALENDAR
Oct. 8 - 10 – Homecoming & Family Weekend
Nov. 11 – No classes; Veteran's Day
Nov. 24 - 26 – Thanksgiving break
Visit the official University calendar for important dates. Students should also pay attention to class-specific announcements shared by their faculty.
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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 recently received the first of monthly highlights newsletters, with details on September's observances and awareness days. Here's a sample of what it contained:
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Patriot Day is 9/11 – it's also the 20th anniversary of the September 11th attacks.
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Beginning the evening of 9/15 and ending the evening of 9/16 is Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement in the Jewish faith.
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Hispanic Heritage Month is 9/15 to 10/15.
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9/26 is World Contraception Day! JWU students can access free internal or external condoms at JWU Health Services, as well as get STI testing by appointment.
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JWU Parent & Family Community |
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PFAB PERSPECTIVES
Each month, a member of our Parent & Family Advisory Board (PFAB) reflects on a relevant topic for many college families.
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Family Adjustment
Welcome to all our new JWU parents and families, and welcome back to those who are returning. As we embark on a new year, there are so many things to think about. How will our students adjust? Will they be safe? Will they make friends? The question we don’t remember to ask ourselves is…What about us? We forget that while our students may face many challenges, we too are adjusting to a major life change. Some of us have dropped off our first child while others are now empty nesters. Regardless of what stage we find ourselves in, there are a lot of changes but also opportunities.
It can be hard to let go. We are used to taking care of most things for our students. We struggle to find the balance between teaching them independence, and still being there for whatever they need. Some students seem like they can take care of everything without us, while others are homesick and seem to need us more than ever. I seem to have had one of each. My JWU student struggled with problem solving in the past, but much to our surprise began to grow and become more independent right before our eyes. We guided her on where to seek help rather than fixing things for her. Trust me this was NOT easy! We just dropped off our youngest at a different school, and at first I felt hurt that she seemed like she couldn’t wait for us to leave, but then I realized how excited she was to start this new chapter of her life, and I could not help but be excited for her. Whichever situation you find yourself in, they will find their way.
It's time to embrace change. Our students will be ok, and so will we. Look at the positives. There is one less person at home to have an opinion about what we should have for dinner. We can choose what to watch on TV. There is also a lot less laundry (this is my favorite part). We have extra time to ourselves. We can read that book that has been sitting on our shelf for years untouched. We can perhaps take more walks or start a new exercise program to improve our own health. We could learn a new language, or take cooking classes. The possibilities are only limited by our imaginations. And don’t worry, by the time you get adjusted to your new normal, they will be back for winter break.
Good luck to all and have a great JWU year!
– Michelle Willey, from Burlington, Conn., is the 2021-22 PFAB Secretary. She is pictured with her daughter Michaela, a junior Baking & Pastry Arts major.
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GET YOUR LEGACY STUDENT INVOLVED WITH JWU ALUMNI
Now that the fall semester is in full swing, we’d like to recognize JWU Legacy students and their families. The Legacy title applies when you have a family member (parent, sibling, grandparent, aunt, uncle or cousin), who has graduated from JWU. Legacies are an integral part of our community. We thank you for making a JWU education part of your family tradition and invite you to stop by the JWU Alumni table during the Wildcat Homecoming Tailgate on Saturday, Oct. 9 from 12-6 pm.
One of the best ways for your Legacy student to get involved with the university is to join the Student Alumni Association (SAA). SAA provides students with exclusive networking opportunities with alumni, personal and professional development programs and volunteer opportunities. Although SAA may have a deeper meaning to Legacies, all students are welcome to participate. Have your student visit the Alumni Relations page on the Student Involvement Network.
We’re hosting a SAA Welcome Pizza Party on Tuesday, September 14 (rain date: September 15) from 5-7 pm in Xavier Courtyard. We hope your student can join us for pizza, games and information about SAA. To reserve their slices, please have them email Jasmin Pacheco, SAA President.
Even though we’ve already connected with your Legacy student and have provided them with more information about SAA and the pizza party, we encourage you to reach out to your student and reiterate the importance of taking advantage of these valuable learning and networking opportunities.
Please email Lauren Anderson, Manager of Alumni Relations, for more information.
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CELEBRATING JWU'S MOST LOYAL SUPPORTERS
Now in its second year, the Mary & Gertrude Society was established in the names of our founders, Gertrude Johnson and Mary T. Wales. We are proud to honor them by recognizing our university’s most loyal donors.
The 487 current members of the Mary & Gertrude Society represent alumni, parents & families, faculty & staff, and friends who have supported JWU for three or more consecutive years. Annual gifts from these dedicated donors help secure the future of our vibrant JWU community, creating opportunities for our students and faculty. Thank you!
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We Want To Hear From You! |
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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. |
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Stay connected from the Parent & Family Perspective
Parent & Family Relations Office
Mon-Fri, 8:30am-4:30pm
401-598-2895
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