FIRST-YEAR TRANSITIONS 2021 A GUIDE FOR FAMILIES OF Providence College Students Mission Statement
rovidence college is a Catholic, Dominican, liberal arts institution of higher education and a community committed to P academic excellence in pursuit of the truth, growth in virtue, and service of God and neighbor.
Providence College was founded in 1917 by the Dominican Friars at the invitation of Bishop Harkins to provide a Catholic education in the arts and sciences.
Faith and Reason Providence College is confident in the appeal of reason, believes that human beings are disposed to know the truth, and trusts in the power of grace to enlighten minds, open hearts, and transform lives. Providence College maintains that the pursuit of truth has intrinsic value, that faith and reason are compatible and complementary means to its discovery, and that the search for truth is the basis for dialogue with others and critical engagement with the world.
Academic Excellence Providence College is committed to academic excellence, and holds itself to the highest standards in teaching, learning, and scholarship. Its core curriculum addresses key questions of human existence, including life’s meaning and purpose, and stresses the importance of moral and ethical reasoning, aesthetic appreciation, and understanding the natural world, other cultures, and diverse traditions. Providence College honors academic freedom, promotes critical thinking and engaged learning, and encourages a pedagogy of disputed questions.
Community and Diversity Providence College seeks to reflect the rich diversity of the human family. Following the example of St. Dominic, who extended a loving embrace to all, it welcomes qualified men and women of every background and affirms the God-given dignity, freedom, and equality of each person. Providence College promotes the common good, the human flourishing of each member of the campus community, and service of neighbors near and far.
Veritas and Providence Providence College brings the 800-year-old Dominican ideal of Veritas (truth) to the issues and challenges of today. It seeks to share the fruits of contemplation in an increasingly global and diverse society, and to praise and bless all that is good and vital in human endeavors. Providence College supports the Dominican mission of preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to a new generation of students and helping them discover God’s providence in their lives.
2 ROVIDENCE IS SO MUCH MORE THAN A PLACE — it is a promise of God’s protection and the fulfill- ment of His loving plan. It’s a word we don’t Ptake lightly. The name Providence College reflects its deepest mission: to provide an environment where each person comes to understand his or her identity and role in that plan.
That promise is a source of comfort in these uncer- tain times. More than that, it’s a reminder of the great responsibility we share at Providence College. It is our life’s work and our mission to guide our stu- dents to make the best possible decisions for fulfill- ing their roles within God’s plan.
This is a great time of transition, both in your stu- dent’s personal life and in the world. We are com- mitted to helping your student navigate the com- plexities of college and the unprecedented demands of today’s world.
First-Year Transitions is designed to help you un- derstand and help your student get the most out of the academic and extracurricular opportunities at PC. Here, we educate the whole person — mind and body, heart and soul. I invite you to join with us in supporting your student’s own path to Providence.
— REV. KENNETH R. SICARD, O.P. ’78 & ’82G PRESIDENT
3 Introduction
OLLEGE STUDENTS MATURE at different rates and bring a variety of different coping skills to their situation. As with any C process, there are certain tendencies that occur for first-year students of which parents should be aware. The “ebbs and flows” of each semester tend to follow certain cycles.
College provides a unique opportunity for parents and the institution to collaborate as partners in the development of first-year students. Identifying issues, encouraging use of support systems, and recommending new strategies are appropriate roles for both a concerned parent and a caring institution. This collaborative effort requires all of us to review our expectations about personal responsibilities. Our common goal is to advance students’ problem-solving skills, not to solve their problems or to make decisions for them. Given the investment parents make today in higher education, this can be a particularly difficult challenge.
This parent guide contains two parts. Part one is comprised of Reference Sources information on resources and a for this Document: glossary of common terms. Part two is a calendar of typical student Let the Journey Begin: and family issues and important A Parent’s Monthly Guide deadlines. Some of the issues to the College Experience, identified in this guide may not J. MacKay and W. Ingram, occur at the times indicated here, Houghton-Mifflin, New York, 2002 may never occur, or may occur in entirely different ways than Residence Life Programs and described here. the First-Year Experience, This guide can provide a wealth Zeller, Fidler, Barefoot, 1991 of knowledge and a unique perspective of a student’s first year. This informational booklet was prepared Hopefully, it will assist parents with by Director of Parent & Family Program possible challenges their son or Jacqueline F. Kiernan MacKay. daughter might encounter.
4 Confidentiality of Student Educational Records The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, as amended, is a federal privacy law that, generally, prohibits disclosure of personally identifiable information from the educational records of students without prior written consent. Educational records are any records maintained by the College that are directly related to a student; they include financial aid, academic, and disciplinary records, and other personally identifiable information.
There are a number of exceptions that permit disclosure without consent, including one for health or safety emergencies. Specifically, a school may disclose personally identifiable information from an education record “to appropriate parties in connection with an emergency if knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals.” “Appropriate parties” may include parents, law enforcement authorities, emergency responders, and other members of the community.
Additionally, consent is not required for disclosure of information from education records to “school officials” who need the information to perform a professional, job- related task. A school official is a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (including Public Safety staff and Student Health Center staff); a person or company with whom the College has contracted as its agent to provide a service instead of using College employees or officials (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving as a trustee; or, a student serving on an official committee (such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks).
If a student wishes to authorize disclosure of confidential information to parents/ guardians or any other designated individual, institution, or entity, a student would complete and sign a specific authorization form; such authorization would remain in effect for as long as the student is enrolled at the College or until the student revokes consent in writing. Additional information, including the College’s full policy, is available at: https://registrar.providence.edu/policies/ferpa-guidelines/ .
Students may obtain more detailed information about FERPA, including the procedures for exercising their rights, from the Office of the Registrar, Harkins Hall, Room 310.
5 Glossary of Terms
Academic Advisor: faculty member administrative, disciplinary, and/or responsible for helping a student explore financial obligations to the College academic alternatives; assists in choosing have been fulfilled. Students who wish courses, goal-setting, and referrals. to receive a final grade mailer every semester or in any given semester must Academic Dismissal: disqualification complete a “Final Grade Mailer Request” from continued matriculation which form in the Office of the Registrar. can occur in several ways: academic probation for two successive semesters, Hall Director: professional who or cumulative quality grade point average coordinates services and staff of each (GPA) less than 1.58 at the end of the residence hall; serves as a resource second semester of the first year. person and referral source for students.
Academic Probation: a warning of Internships/Experiential Education: a severe academic danger: cumulative supervised work experience that exposes quality grade point average at the end students to professional responsibilities of the first semester of the first year is in a career field of interest. An intern- below 1.60 and/or between 1.58–1.799 ship can be paid, volunteer, or for cumulative at the end of the second academic credit. semester of the first year. Majors: area of specialization consisting AP Credits: course credit for AP exams of a cluster of related courses drawn with a score of four or greater. Students from one or more departments; usually are still expected to meet the College’s requires a minimum of 30 credit hours. requirement of eight full-time semesters. Minors: cluster of thematically related Dean’s Honor List: a 3.55 GPA or better courses drawn from one or more attained at the end of a semester with no departments; usually 15–18 credits. grade less than a “C,” full-time status, and in good standing. Promissory Note: written agreement to repay student loans. GPA: grade point average is obtained by dividing the total number of quality Proxy Access: Feature within grade points by the total number of credit CyberFriar that allows students the hours attempted. ability to grant access to their mid- term/final grades and financial aid Grade Reports: students may access information to their parents or guardians. mid-semester and final grades via Authorization to access this information Providence College’s online information must come directly from the student system, CyberFriar, provided all due to the protection of student rights
6 under the Family Educational Rights and Student Handbook: handbook for full- Privacy Act (FERPA). time students that provides information about student life at Providence College, Renewal FAFSA: Free Application for its activities, and the procedures and Federal Student Aid; returning students regulations which apply to it. receive renewal information in the months leading up to the renewal deadline. Undeclared: students who enter the College without a declared major and Resident Assistants (RAs): upperclass are assigned to a specially trained students who reside in the residence academic advisor to assist them in their halls and provide assistance and support decision-making process, leading to the to students on their floors. During the selection of a major. academic year, they coordinate special activities and programs for their students.
Frequently Contacted Offices & Services
Academic Services, Office of academic and career options, developing PHONE: 401.865.2494 career-related experiences, and discerning This office offers tutorial services for all who they want to be after graduation. undergraduate students. It also provides Students are assisted in all stages of the and facilitates academic services for internship and job search process. physical and learning-disabled students Chaplain’s Office/ as well as student-athletes. A Writing Campus Ministry Center is also housed in this complex. PHONE: 401.865.2216 Bursar/Student Accounts/ The chaplain’s office provides many Student Loans, Office of services and programs and strives to help students to integrate spiritual, PHONE: 401.865.2284 intellectual, and personal growth. The This office is responsible for tuition, chaplain and other campus ministers billings, and payment. are available to students of all faiths to Center for Career Education help and support them in times of crisis and Professional Development or difficult decision making. PHONE: 401.865.1290 Through individual and group sessions, students are assisted with exploring CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
7 Frequently Contacted Offices/Services
Dean of Undergraduate and Registrar, Office of Graduate Studies, Office of PHONE: 401.865.1033 PHONE: 401.865.2495 Services provided: Online and in- The dean’s office, which oversees the person course registration, paper and academic progress of all undergraduate e-transcripts, midterm and final grade and graduate students, is the office of mailers, enrollment verifications, academic referrals relative to interpreta- release of confidential information and tion of current policies and regulations. non-disclosure of directory information Class deans, the director of academic in accordance with FERPA, changes advising, and the director of multicul- in degree programs, changes in tural student success, are available on a name/addresses, coordination of full-time schedule in this office. transfer credit — including AP, IB, Dual Enrollment, study abroad credit The office is responsible for the review evaluation, veteran’s benefits. of all grades and degree-bearing programs, monitoring student academic Financial Aid, Office of status (probation, dismissals, graduation PHONE: 401.865.2286 year adjustments, etc.), development of The office oversees federal, state, and new academic programs, changes in institutional loans, grants/scholarships, curriculum, and conferral of all honors, student work opportunities, and other i.e. dean’s list, graduation honors, etc. forms of financial assistance.
Orientation, Transitions, and Leadership, Center for PHONE: 401.865.1085 The center is focused on the preparation, progression, and success of students from the moment they step onto campus. Annual programming includes New Student Orientation, the Transformation Leadership Retreat, the Leadership Fellows Program, and more.
Personal Counseling Center PHONE: 401.865.2343 Personal counselors are available to assist students in examining areas in their lives that range from everyday challenges to serious crises. All services,
8 WWW.PROVIDENCE.EDU including individual counseling and campus; and provides personal safety peer support groups, are confidential escorts as requested. The department within the limit of the law and ethics. also oversees emergency management When deemed appropriate, referrals are services. Providence College complies made to on- and off-campus resources. with the federal regulations relating to the Crime Awareness and Campus Providence College Security Act. That report is available at Parent & Family Program the Office of Public Safety. PHONE: 401.865.1550 This program provides comprehensive Student Activities and resources for parents and families Cultural Programming, that are designed to enhance Office of their understanding of the college PHONE: 401.865.2211 experience. Resources include a This office is responsible for comprehensive website and handbook coordinating a wide variety of student for parents, newsletters, a blog, activities/cultural programs, assisting and e-communications which are clubs and organizations with day-to- distributed to parents throughout the day tasks, and event planning. It is also academic year. A “Language Bank” responsible for the general coordination is also available to assist non-English- of Slavin Center, and programming speaking families. within the McPhail’s Entertainment Facility. Residence Life, Office of PHONE: 401.865.2392 Student Health Center The residence life office oversees those PHONE: 401.865.2422 aspects of student life that constitute on- The center provides comprehensive campus residence, room assignments, and confidential services for full-time meal plans, safety, and social growth. undergraduate students. Visits to the center are free — there is a charge for Office of Public Safety any testing or referrals off campus, as PHONE: 401.865.2391 well as prescriptions dispensed by the PHONE: 401.865.2222 (Emergency) providers. EMTs are available when This department is charged with the the clinic is closed weeknights and responsibility of protecting the College weekends. community and College property and facilities. The department provides highly visible, preventive motor, foot, and bike patrols on campus; responds quickly to the needs of individuals on
9 10 August
Student Issues Saying good-bye • Communicating feelings • Excitement and doubts • Questioning decision-making skills • Packing up and moving out • Living at home and commuting • Keeping long-distance friendships alive • Having second thoughts
Family Issues Saying good-bye • Communicating feelings • Anticipation • Assisting with packing up and moving out • Living at home with a commuter student
Tips and Resources • Dealing with many questions includ- ing, “How will you feel about not seeing your student on a daily basis?” • Check out “What to Bring List” from the Office of Residence Life. • Coping with separation anxiety (if you’re feeling doubts, they will too). • Discuss expectations about personal values, alcohol, coping with peer pressure. • Check out “Talking To Your Student About Campus Safety” on the PC Par- ent website at parents.providence.edu • Don’t rush to make physical changes right away (such as planning a den or workout room when your child moves out). • Plan ahead and be aware of move-in dates and times designated by the Office of Residence Life.
Important Events Email regarding student employment opportunities sent to all students awarded federal work study • Fall semester bill due, Aug. 15 • New student Move-In, Aug. 26 • Fall Orientation (all first-year and transfer students), Aug. 26–29 • Classes begin, Aug. 30
11 September
Student Issues Homesickness (adjustment) • Risk-taking • Self-discovery • Finding your way around campus, i.e. classes, mail • Communicating needs with friends, roommates, profes- sors • Dealing with loss — old friends, siblings, community base • Roommate adjust- ment • Time management and procrastination • First tests, papers, quizzes • Balancing work commitments and academics • Social pressures (alcohol, fitting in) • Adjustment to class schedules • Frustration over expectations vs. reality of introductory cours- es • Examining values — your own and others’ • High incidence of “poisons” (ivy, oak, sumac) • Negotiating new environment • Expectations vs. reality of college life • Managing money
Tips and Resources • Asking open-ended questions, such as Reactions to homesickness “How did that feel?” or “What do you may vary — sometimes you think?” encourages communication may not know what to say, but and avoids superficial answers. being an empathetic listener • Encourage your son/daughter to work can make all the difference. out situations to the best of their ability. A good way to communicate Parents and Families: your support and concern is by Check out the PC Parent web- recommending your child use campus site for helpful information for resources. Personal counseling, first-year parents at:https:// chaplain’s office, and residence life parents.providence.edu staff can provide special support at this critical time. See the Correspon- dence Directory to help you make an appropriate referral. Family Issues • Recommend that your son/daughter Feelings of separation and loss • attend the Involvement Fair hosted Changes in family routine/patterns • by the Office of Student Activities Financial concerns • Anxious about and Cultural Programming along son’s/daughter’s adjustment • Unsure with Student Congress. It is an easy, about how to respond to son’s/daughter’s non-threatening way to connect with ambivalence in response to new other students, sign up for clubs and environment • Adjustment to some organizations of interest, and to learn negative changes in son/daughter, i.e. about different activities on campus. impatience, short temper • Adjustment The Fall Involvement Fair is held dur- to some positive changes in son/daugh- ing Fall Orientation. ter, i.e. realizing and appreciating deeds of parents • Focus on strengths — encourage, affirm — even if your son/daughter 12 “Change can be exciting, but it gets a “C” or lower, and brainstorm can also be stressful. Students ways to improve. need to recognize that family and friends can be an impor- • To help with homesickness, meetings with RAs and residents on your son’s/ tant resource to help them daughter’s floor will occur. in adjusting to that change. They also need to remember • To encourage students to that although relationships communicate expectations, RAs and hall directors help with can take on new dimensions, “roommate agreements.” such things as family ritu- als, styles of communication, • Suggest that your son/daughter call value systems, and memories 401.865.2348 for information on how to get involved in fall intramural of good times are very much a sports. This can provide another way part of who they are.” to meet new people and continue an — JACQUELINE KIERNAN MACKAY interest in sports involvement. DIRECTOR OF PARENT & FAMILY PROGRAM • Encourage your son/daughter to get to know faculty and take advantage of office hours.
Important Events Fall Orientation, Sept. 3–5 • Fall Involvement Fair • Horizons and Connections retreats • Fall Career Expo & Major/Minor Fair, Sept. 29 • Disbursement of federal and institutional money and refunds (if applicable and requested through Student Account Office)
13 October
Student Issues Adjustment issues may continue, i.e. homesickness, loneliness • Long-distance relation- ships may begin to weaken • Stressing over mid-semester exams • Balancing academics and co-curricular activities • Social pressures (alcohol, fitting in) • Questioning their choices when grades don’t meet expectations
Family Issues Concern over mid-semester grades • Continued awareness of changes in family patterns • Homecoming Weekend anticipation/excitement regarding family time and campus events
Tips and Resources • Be aware that managing money may and/or hall director. These staff become an issue, i.e. anticipating members are trained to mediate different needs. conflicts and assist students in their • There are many ways to become transition to living on campus. Room involved in campus life, i.e. clubs, changes will not be considered until organizations, McPhail’s Entertain- October and/or when all other options ment Facility (open 7 days a week), for mediation have not been successful. lectures, films, etc. • A great “stress buster” is exercising at • If there are roommate conflicts, Concannon Fitness Center. students should talk with their RA • Now may be a good time to suggest an appointment with a professional at the Center for Career Education and “This can be an especially Professional Development to begin challenging time as students the process of self-assessment, i.e., experience their first semester interests, abilities, values, etc. of mid-term exams. Encour- Resources such as SIGI Plus can be valuable tools in this initial stage. age your student to try to achieve a balance of a healthy • Encourage your son/daughter to diet, adequate sleep, and exer- reconnect with their academic advisor. cise to help keep stress levels • If you have concerns about your son’s/ low. I know that my daughter daughter’s drinking behavior, share found the Office of Academic them honestly and directly. If you Services to be a great resource have serious concerns, you may want to learn some good time man- to recommend a visit to the Personal Counseling Center. agement strategies.” • Issues of time management and — PARENT OF A FIRST-YEAR STUDENT learning “when” to study, “what” to
14 read vs. skip over, and “how” to ap- proach each course can be frustrating. “We want to help parents to • Remind your son/daughter of help students to help them- academic support services — tutorials, Dean’s Office, Academic Services, selves. An important part faculty, etc. This can be especially of this process is to provide important during mid-semester time. parents with the necessary support so that they can Important Events encourage students to learn to Homecoming (Families and Alumni), identify and make Oct. 1–3 • Columbus Day, Oct. 11 (No use of campus resources.” classes) • FAFSA & CSS Profile open Oct. 1 for the 2022–2023 academic year — JACQUELINE KIERNAN MACKAY DIRECTOR OF PARENT & FAMILY PROGRAM
SEND CARE PACKAGES TO: Care Packages STUDENT NAME Early October might be a good time for a FRIAR BOX # “Care Package” from home including goodies, 1 CUNNINGHAM SQUARE PROVIDENCE COLLEGE hometown newspaper clippings, money, etc. PROVIDENCE, RI 02918-0001
15 November & December
Student Issues Holiday issues — missing being home to help prepare for the holidays • Health — colds, flu, “the blues” • Alcohol use may increase due to stress over exams, papers, Christmas parties • Worrying about plans for semester break • Course registration concerns • Papers due! Finals! Grades! Stress! • Returning home; connecting with old role models, i.e., teachers, coaches, etc., and comparing first-semester college experiences with friends who attend other colleges
Family Issues Dealing with son/daughter who is in process of change • Planning for the holidays • Providing support and encouraging responsibility and follow-through during stressful times • Adjusting to new behaviors during semester break (hair, dress, accent, food preferences, establishing boundaries, etc.)
Tips and Resources • Encourage your son/daughter, if over- “whirlwind” approach in connecting whelmed, to ask for help as soon as with old friends; some may need the possible, and emphasize that they are opportunity to reflect on successes not alone. and frustrations of the first-semester • Remind your son/daughter of the college experience. importance of exercise and good • Be mindful that studying for first-time eating to ward off illness. college finals can be overwhelming for • Be prepared for a range of reactions many students. They may need you on their part during the semester as a “sounding board.” Just listening break, i.e., student might need may be enough. Sometimes suggesting to “veg out”; others may take a resources like Tutorial Services (Academic Services) can both be reassuring and provide some much needed direction. The stress is on! Make sure • Be aware of the powerful impact of your son/daughter is aware of peer pressure, particularly the impact ways to deal with stress, e.g., on a student’s decision to drink. exercise, sleep, good nutrition, • Students receiving low mid-semester and checking with the grades can expect to be contacted by Personal Counseling Center the Dean’s Office to discuss academic for stress-management tips strategies. and to fine-tune coping skills. • Office of Financial Aid will also contact students whose GPA or course
16 “Parents often feel they have no
completion rates do not meet influence over their student’s minimum federal standards. drinking, but the research actually suggests otherwise. • Encourage early contact with We encourage parents to have academic advisor for registration. candid conversations with Important Events their students about alcohol Spring semester bill published — use, risks, and strategies to deal email notices sent to students and any with this issue in college. parent email addresses set up by the Students tend to overestimate student • Spring semester bill due, how much others are drinking Dec. 15 • Office of Financial Aid begins and underestimate the risks to communicate renewal deadlines of alcohol abuse. The College and required application materials to works very hard to raise returning students for the following awareness and teach strategies academic year (e-communication via to help our students stay safe.” e-mail and social media) • Thanksgiving
Recess, Nov. 24–28 • Last day of classes, — SUSAN ELLINGWOOD Dec. 10 • Reading Day, Dec. 12 • Final CLINICAL & SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR, exam period, Dec. 13–17 PERSONAL COUNSELING CENTER
17 January & February
Student Issues Returning semester issues — readjustment to new routines/renewing strategies that worked first semester • Weather — cabin fever, “the blues” • Decision-making stressors — add/drop, pass/fail, etc. • Missing those who did not return, family, home friends, etc. • Pressure to improve first-semester grades • Questioning choice of major/transferring to another college • Stress over Valentine’s Day when not dating • Loneliness • Health — flu, weight gain
Family Issues Health issues — not being able to care for sick son/daughter; concern over missed classes and grades • Worry about son/daughter who did poorly in the first semester • Missing your son/daughter and getting back into a routine that is still new to family
Tips and Resources • Support your son/daughter’s efforts in “My son’s first year journey setting new goals for second semester. was filled with both excitement and challenges. We celebrated • Peer support groups sponsored by the Personal Counseling Center can be his accomplishments and especially helpful at this time. supported him through stressful times. As a parent, it was • Regretting choices made last semester helpful to know that PC has requires a proactive response on the part of your son/daughter. Remind so many wonderful support them of the importance of meeting services and we certainly with their academic advisor and first- encouraged him to use them year dean to review first semester when needed.” academic performance.
— PARENT OF A FIRST-YEAR STUDENT • Office of Financial Aid will also contact students whose GPA or course completion rates do not meet Getting back into the “swing minimum standards. of things” can be challenging. • Urge your son/daughter who may be Surviving the first semester suffering with a cold or flu to make was a major accomplishment. contact with the Student Health Continue to encourage your Center. In cases of extended absences, son’s/daughter’s intellectual the dean’s office should be notified. risk-taking and self-discovery. • To help with cabin fever, remind your student to check his or her Morning
18 Mail to find out about campus activities and events. “Many students, after first semester, feel they are the only • Remind your son/daughter that this is ones having difficulty readjusting a good time to connect with the to college life and coping with Concannon Fitness Center, swimming in Peterson Recreation Center, and their first-semester grades. They free skating at Schneider Arena. need to settle down, re-evaluate their time management skills, Important Events and establish some strategies as Winter Break Shadowing Program • soon as possible.” Find a Friar Series • Classes begin, Jan. 18 • Disbursement of federal — DR. WANDA S. INGRAM ’75 SENIOR ASSOCIATE DEAN OF and institutional money and refunds UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES (if applicable and requested through Student Accounts Office) • Spring Career Expo • President’s Day, Feb. 21 (No classes)
19 March
Student Issues “Spring Fever” • Weather — cabin fever, “the blues” • Mid-semester stress • Money problems • Pre-registration concerns • Alcohol and drug issues may escalate • Summer jobs • Questioning choice of major • Spring Break plans — excitement vs. stress
Family Issues Concerned about decisions for next year • Providing extra support during mid-semester • Spring Break adjustment
Tips and Resources • Reinforce your son’s/daughter’s use of • Be aware that with the arrival of campus resources, i.e. Student Health, spring, the social pace picks up. This Personal Counseling, Chaplain, etc. might be a good opportunity to revisit values and expectations concerning peer pressure and alcohol issues. “March is replete with • If your son/daughter is undeclared, challenges: getting refocused remind them of importance of after Spring Break, perform- attending special undeclared student workshops. ing well on mid-term exams, dealing with pre-registration • Encourage your son/daughter to concerns, and gearing up reconnect with academic advisor for for final projects and papers. April registration. With so many competing • Mid-semester grades might indicate a demands and distractions, need to check with Academic Services students should make a con- for help with study skills, test-taking scious effort to prioritize their strategies, and time management. commitments and remember • Students receiving low mid-semester the lessons that they learned grades can expect to be contacted in the fall. They should ask by the Dean’s Office to discuss themselves, ‘What must I academic strategies. accomplish first?’ and ‘What • The period between Spring Break can I do now that will save and Easter might call for an extra me time later?’” care package or special words of encouragement. — DR. BRYAN D. MARINELLI DIRECTOR OF ACADEMIC SERVICES Important Events Spring Recess, March 5–13 (No classes)
20 21 April & May
Student Issues Registration jitters • Summer job anxieties • Money concerns • Not wanting to study due to good weather • Increase in outdoor activities means increase in injuries and sunburn incidents • “Spring Fever” explodes • Stress over finals, grades, report cards • Anxiety of leaving college friends • Money and summer jobs • Defining independence and autonomy with mom/dad • Anxiety/excitement re: connecting with high school friends • Packing up/moving out • Setting realistic summer goals, i.e., summer-school performance, weight loss, summer job, etc.
Family Issues Being supportive of son’s/daughter’s “As our students leave us in May, decisions (classes, roommates, etc.) • my hope is that they leave here Sharing son’s/daughter’s frustrations changed for the better. Of course around registration process • Packing I care whether or not they have up/moving out • Son’s/daughter’s coping grown in learning: that they with finals, grades, report cards • have learned the difference Anxiety of son/daughter returning or not between mitosis and meiosis, or for summer vacation • Expectations re: that they remember the lesson maturity, independence, and autonomy of Plato’s cave. But, I’m more interested in their growth as hu- Tips and Resources • Remind your son/daughter of safety man beings: that their horizons issues as outdoor activities increase. are now broader, that they’ve Suggest that they use campus escorts learned from their mistakes, that and the campus shuttle bus. they’ve tapped into resources • Remember that registration can be they had not known they pos- an easier process if your son/daughter sessed, and found interests in is well prepared. Reinforce the need things they hadn’t considered to seek out academic advisor well in before. I hope they’ve found a pro- advance of the process. fessor they’re excited about, that • One way to deal with summer job they’ve reached out as an active anxieties is to recommend to your son/ participant in this learning en- daughter that they attend workshops deavor, and that they’re excited sponsored by the Center for Career about coming back next year.” Education and Professional Develop- ment on how to obtain summer jobs — REV. MARK D. NOWEL, O.P., PH.D. ASSISTANT TO THE PROVOST and summer internships.
22 “Spring fever” explodes and • Life after Easter recess can be difficult brings with it lots of distractions. due to lack of motivation — encour- Since procrastination can be a age your son/daughter to get back into key problem, good time-manage- their routine and stay with it. ment skills are essential. • Encourage your son/daughter to make good use of the Reading Period in preparation for finals. Although this first academic • Remind your son/daughter if over- year has come to a close, your whelmed to ask for help as soon as pos- transitions throughout your sible and stress that they are not alone. son’s/daughter’s college experi- • Awaiting final grade reports can cause ence will continue to unfold. lots of anxiety during the early part of the summer. Be aware of how this will impact summer vacation. or needs to make arrangements to • Adjusting to your son’s/daughter’s finish an incomplete grade, this “newfound” independence may should be addressed immediately in require flexibility on both your the following order with: 1) the parts, i.e., setting priorities, lifestyle, professor, 2) the chairperson, and curfews, etc. 3) the Dean’s Office. • Office of Financial Aid will contact Important Events students whose GPA or course comple- Renewal FAFSA and CSS Profile tion rate does not meet minimum deadline, April 15 • Easter Recess , federal standards April 14–18 • Last day of classes, • If your son/daughter has a question May 6 • Reading Days, May 7–8 • about a grade on their final report card Final exam period, May 9–13
23 Correspondence Directory
Yvonne D. Arruda Jacqueline F. Kiernan Mackay Registrar Director of Parent & Family Program PHONE: 401.865.2396 PHONE: 401.865.2340 EMAIL: [email protected] EMAIL: [email protected]
Rev. Justin Bolger, O.P. Bryan D. Marinelli, Ph.D. Chaplain Executive Director of Academic Services/ PHONE: 401.865.2216 Writing Center EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 401.865.2494 EMAIL: [email protected] Eric Croce Deputy Chief of Public Safety Rosemary Mugan, Ph.D. ’98 PHONE: 401.865.2390 Director, Personal Counseling Center EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 401.865.2343 EMAIL: [email protected] Therese Delponte Bursar Sandra J. Oliveira PHONE: 401.865.2284 Executive Director of Financial Aid EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 401.865.2286 EMAIL: [email protected] Nedzer Erilus Director of Residence Life & Housing Steven A. Sears, Ed.D. PHONE: 401.865.2392 Vice President of Student Affairs EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 401.865.2425 EMAIL: [email protected] Jonathan Gomes Associate Director, Tutoring/Disability Services PHONE: 401.865.2470 EMAIL: [email protected]
Wanda S. Ingram, Ed.D. ’75 Senior Associate Dean (1st-year students) Snow & Weather-Related of Undergraduate Studies Emergencies PHONE: 401.865.2495 PHONE: 401.865.1012 EMAIL: [email protected] Parent & Family Program WEB: https://parents.providence.edu Catherine M. Kelleher, R.N. PHONE: 401.865.1550 Director of Student Health EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 401.865.2422 EMAIL: [email protected]
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