JWU Family e-Newsletter
December 2023
COMMENCEMENT WEBSITE AND SENIOR WEEK

Here's exciting news for anyone whose student will participate in Commencement in May: the University's Commencement website is live now. Check it out for details on the Commencement ceremony, including date, location, ticketing, and more. Visit the page often so you don't miss any updates.
In the days leading up to Commencement, seniors will celebrate Senior Week. This popular annual tradition serves as an opportunity for seniors to gather with their peers and reflect on all they have accomplished at JWU. This year's senior week agenda includes a hibachi dinner on the Harbor View patio, trips to Boston for a Red Sox game and a dinner cruise, and the Senior Toast activity. Senior Week is a ticketed activity, valued at more than $200 per participant, but seniors contribute just $80 each. You can purchase a ticket for your graduate, and be sure to include their info as the participant.
If you have questions and would like to learn more about Commencement and Senior Week, join us for a family panel webinar with Special Events and the Senior Week Committee, on Wednesday, Feb. 28, starting at 7 pm ET. Register now.
SAS REMINDS STUDENTS TO CLEAR HOLDS

Students are taking final exams December 11 through 14, and the fall semester concludes on the 15th. Student Academic Services (SAS), like all JWU offices, will close from December 21 through January 1. We reopen on Tuesday, January 2. Spring classes begin on Monday, January 8.

How can you support your student?
Check in with your student to ensure they have registered for the Spring 2024 semester. Also ask them to confirm they don't have any holds. If they do, they should reach out to SAS during office hours (M - F, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm) before we close for break, or once we return on January 2. Eliminating holds is the best way to ensure a smooth start to the next semester.

We wish you all a safe and healthy winter break!
ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES REMINDER

Accessibility Services is happy to share that we proctored more than 300 final exams at our sites in the John Hazen White Center and Friedman Center this semester. This is by far the highest number of exams we have proctored in one week. Congratulations to all students on completing the semester! 

A reminder for students who utilize Accessibility Services, or would like to in the future – Academic Accommodation Plans must be renewed every semester. This allows us to check in with students on their progress and ensure their approved accommodations are meeting their needs. Please encourage your student to schedule an appointment with their accessibility advisor early in the spring semester. Housing accommodations require updated medical documentation annually. Winter break is a great time for your student to meet with their medical provider and obtain updated documentation. 

Accessibility Services wishes everyone a peaceful and joyous holiday season!
UPDATES FROM RESIDENTIAL LIFE

Spring meal plan changes
Meal plan changes are now open for the Spring 2024 semester. If your student would like to change their meal plan for the upcoming semester, they should visit the Wildcat housing system and select an option. Please be aware that meal plans can be changed only before the beginning of the spring semester, or for each new year that students live on campus. Additionally, we recommend students considering a change connect with their JWU financial planner to learn how their account will be impacted. 

RA Applications Opening Soon
If your student is interested in applying for a 2024-25 academic year resident assistant (RA) position, they should note the application window. Applications open on January 22 and close on February 9. More information about the position can be found on our website.
OFF-CAMPUS LIFE SESSION

Off-Campus Student Services (OCSS), in conjunction with Community Standards & Conduct, has one more session of Off-Campus LIFE planned. It is happening on Monday, January 22, starting at 5 pm, in the Richmond Welcome Center (lower level of Downcity Garage). This interactive session gives students who are considering a move off campus next year an idea of what to expect when living off campus, information on how to start the process, and things to consider before moving off campus. Please remember that JWU has a mandatory two-year residency policy and students should check with Residential Life to confirm eligibility for off-campus living before signing a lease.

NOTE: OCSS will join Parent & Family Relations, and Residential Life, for a family panel focused on housing plans for next year, on Wednesday, Feb. 7, starting at 7 pm EST. Register now, to join the conversation.
ASC HELPS STUDENTS NAVIGATE SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH
 
Staff members in JWU's Academic Success Center (ASC) are aware that financial worries can negatively impact learning, so this semester, the Center hosted two external scholarship events. After a presentation about iGrad, the university’s online financial literacy platform, and an introduction to the JWU lib guide about external scholarships, students searched for scholarships while munching on pizza. Success coaches were available during the two sessions to give feedback regarding scholarship essays. 
 
Attendance was high and students left the sessions with ideas and resources to locate external scholarships. The ASC will hold similar events in the spring; please tell your student to check the ASC jwuLink group for details.
STUDENT CONTRIBUTIONS TO JWU ECO

JWU ECO wrapped up the fall semester with various cleaning and recycling projects in buildings around campus. These focused on the proper disposal of lightbulbs, batteries and other hazardous materials, as well as the disposal of recyclables in the proper waste streams. They also allowed us to collect reusable items, that would have otherwise been thrown out, for our upcoming Spring Surplus Sale. 

Chef Houghton's Exploring Mead & Honey class, pictured, spent time in the JWU Gardens, planting pollinators for Bee the Change's beehive, which is located nearby. Students drove this project with research and planning. Thanks to this initiative, there are more plants available for bees to pollinate, allowing for the production of more honey. Students can then use this honey to make mead. This is one of many ways the JWU Gardens is perfect not only as a food source, but also as a lesson outside the classroom.
EE&CS ASSISTANCE WITH GRAD SCHOOL APPLICATIONS

The fall semester is coming to a close and Wildcats are getting ready to spend time with family and friends, and ring in the New Year with some well-deserved rest and relaxation. For seniors who are considering graduate school, Experiential Education & Career Services (EE&CS) encourages them to use some of the break time to review the list of schools and programs they're interested in, making note of any upcoming deadlines. When they return to campus, if they have questions related to continuing their education, they can make a pre-professional advising appointment with EE&CS through Handshake. Our pre-professional advisor is always happy to help students get organized, identify items that would help on their applications, and review application materials like personal statements and resumes.
CARE PACKAGE GIVEAWAY

Campus Dining is prepared to make one lucky Wildcat's day when they return from Holiday Break. Send an email to pvdcampusdining@jwu.edu with your name and email address, along with your student's name and email address, and we will randomly select one recipient for a Winter Care Package.

Please note Campus Dining's revised schedule for break. Our entire team wishes all Wildcat families a happy and healthy holiday season. 

Don’t forget to follow us – we have some exciting plans for the New Year!
GET READY FOR WELCOME BACK WEEK

When students return to campus from the holiday break, they'll be treated to a variety of activities courtesy of Student Engagement and UIB (the University Involvement Board, our student programming group). Planned Welcome Back Week events include:
  • Hot Chocolate with UIB
  • Big Bucks Bingo
  • Stuff-a-Plush
  • UIB Comedian
  • UIB Movie

Students should visit the Involvement Network for more details on these activities and more, including the upcoming Winter Week, complete with its popular One Ton Sundae and Snoball.

Happy holidays to all!
WINTER BLUES

Feeling sad and experiencing mood changes are normal parts of life. However, during the fall and winter months, when there is less daylight, our bodies and minds can be greatly affected. ‘Winter Blues’ or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is more than just feeling blue. Be on the lookout if your student is experiencing increased irritability, lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed, difficulty concentrating, isolation, changes in appetite or sleep, persistent tiredness, or having suicidal thoughts. If you believe your student is struggling, you can encourage them to connect with JWU Counseling Services. A clinician can help your student manage their winter blues and look forward to a brighter spring.

It is important to remember that SAD is a treatable condition. With the right support your student can manage their symptoms and feel happier and more fulfilled. We can all be affected by SAD, so be sure to find your own support if you notice you may be struggling as well.

– Colleen Roche, LICSW
Mark Your Calendars
UPCOMING FAMILY PANELS

Parent & Family Relations is pleased to offer two family panel webinars in February. Both are designed to give family members an opportunity to hear from specific JWU areas, and to ask questions. If you'd like to participate in one or both of these webinars, register at the links provided.

2024-25 Living Plans (conversation with Residential Life and Off-Campus Student Services, focused on students' living plans for next year and steps they'll need to take)
Wed., Feb. 7 @ 7 pm ET

Special Events (conversation focused on Commencement and Senior Week activities)
Wed., Feb. 28 @ 7 pm ET
JWU CALENDAR

Dec. 11 - 14 / Final Exams
Dec. 15 / Res halls close @ noon
Dec. 16 - Jan. 7 / Winter Break: offices close 12/21 and reopen 1/2
Jan. 7 / Res halls open @ 10 am
Jan. 8 / Spring Semester classes begin

Visit the official University calendar for more important dates. 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.