Spring Break (March 14–22) experience he had in New Orleans,” she recalls. To learn more about service-oriented trips visit Although it seems like the semester just began, Spring www.union.wisc.edu/Altbreaks/. Break is just around the corner. Many students are already making plans—and not all are jetting off to sun- If your student is planning to travel, here are some soaked beach destinations. Many will head home, work, safety tips to consider: or take a volunteer or service trip. • Make sure that you (or other friends or family mem- A Newsletter for Parents & Families of UW–Madison Students February 2009 Especially during these economic times, most students bers) know details about where your student will be are planning an inexpensive, relaxing week away from vacationing, including departure and return times. Did you know? campus, according to Susan Crowley, director of preven- Ask that your student call upon arrival and return. tion services at University Health Services (UHS). “Spring Winter To-Do List Offers Plenty of Options • Carry the minimum amount of cash and credit cards Five Great Library Services for Your Student many campus libraries. Some libraries willl also Break can be a period of renewal,” she says. “It can be a or bank cards. • The E-Resource Gateway takes students to 500 lend out other technical equipment, such as digi- It is no secret that Madison has a well-deserved able to motivate yourself to leave home.” great opportunity to read, catch up on sleep, or exercise. • Have an honest conversation about alcohol. Recom- online databases that index journal articles on tal cameras, video cameras, and voice recorders. reputation for a “lively” winter weather environ- No discussion of “things to do” on campus would You don’t have to travel far away to do those things, and mend that your student learn about the alcohol laws every subject. The gateway, in fact, provides • The Open Book Café in College Library is the ment. During 2008, this “lively” weather produced be complete without a mention of the Wisconsin most students don’t.” of his or her destination. Encourage responsibility and more access than Google. Students can use the place to grab a quick cup of coffee or snack. It has a whopping 100 inches of snow, and this year has Union. Through the Wisconsin If they are not home working or relaxing, many stu- moderation. gateway from home (with their NetIDs) or from comfortable group-study areas, computers, and already brought Arctic-style snow and ice, along with Union Directorate, more than dents choose to participate in service-oriented trips. • Travel together and stay together; always use the campus. even a collection of new DVDs and video games frigid temperatures and wind chills. 1,000 activities, ranging from Badger Parent surveyed parents about how their student buddy system. • UW System Search, available from the MadCat for checkout. But the snow and cold need not trap students in art shows to films and outdoor has spent past spring breaks. “My daughter spent her • Remind your student to remain aware of surroundings library catalog, allows a student to search and • Students can chat online in real time with a their classrooms, residence halls, and apartments programming to volunteer- first spring break in Virginia building a Home for Habitat,” and use common sense. Emphasize safety on balco- request books from any other UW library research expert by using the Ask-a-Librarian chat during the early weeks of spring semester. Although ism, are held each year. For an says one parent. “I was very proud of her decision, and it nies, being careful about sun exposure and dehydra- (UW–Milwaukee, UW–Oshkosh, etc.). The books service, which is available most days of the week video game consoles and hanging out with friends events list, visit www.union. proved to be a great learning experience for her.” tion, locking the hotel room door, and not swimming are then delivered free to any UW–Madison from 8 a.m. to midnight. remain popular forms of entertainment, the close wisc.edu/events. Another parent said that her son participated in a alone. library the student chooses. connection between the campus and the city ensure UW–Madison frequently service-learning trip to New Orleans. “I got over not For more information, visit www.library.wisc.edu. opportunities ranging from low-priced sporting ranks highly on lists as diverse To learn more about spring break safety visit • Free three-day laptop checkouts are available from being able to see him for the week of Spring Break events and live music, to engaging speakers and as the most CEOs listed among www.safeu.wisc.edu/protect/spring-break.html. relatively quickly after he told me what a life-altering theater performances. Those who are hearty enough S&P 500 companies and Produced by the Parent Program and University Communications. to venture outside can also enjoy the beauty of a number of volunteers to the Funding provided by the UW Foundation. Students build a snowman Photos by University Communications. Wisconsin winter. Peace Corps. Berquam says that on Bascom Hill dring a winter “This campus, along with the surrounding com- students begin the journey to snowstorm. munity, is one of the most active and dynamic places leadership or service by partici- in the country,” says Dean of Students Lori Berquam. pating in one of hundreds of student organizations, “There is no better place to be a college student. At running the gamut from Action in Sudan to the Zero Spring-Semester Transitions any given time, there are literally thousands of things Gravity Team. For a full list of these organizations, Your student will face a new set of transitions and information for students who are undecided or consid- to do and ways to get involved. visit soo.studentorg.wisc.edu. Additionally, students challenges during the spring semester. The tips outlined ering changing majors. Parents play an important role “I’d urge every student to use this semester to do can learn more about opportunities in volunteerism below will help you respond to these transitions in a in helping students self-explore. Wren Singer, director something they’ve never done,” she adds. “Parents and community service through the Morgridge Cen- supportive way. of the Center for the First Year Experience, advises that can help encourage students to break out of their ter for Public Service at www.morgridge.wisc.edu. As your student continues to mature and evolve into the best questions you can ask your student are: “What comfort zones and make these connections.” Although many groups and programs kick off an adult, keep listening, encouraging, and coaching. classes do you like? What are you good at? What out-of- Badger Parent recently surveyed students and near the start of the semester, new members and If your student struggled with academics first semes- class learning experiences might give you clues about an staff about winter entertainment. While by no means volunteers are always welcome. ter, encourage him or her to access campus resources. interesting major?” all-inclusive, this list includes a variety of opportuni- An abundance of art and culture can be found House Fellows, in-hall tutors, study groups, and tutoring In March, students will receive an e-mail that includes ties your student may take advantage of during the both on campus and just a few blocks away. The services such as the Greater University Tutorial Services earliest summer and fall enrollment appointment times. The Parent Program winter months. Ask your student how he or she Chazen Museum of Art is UW–Madison’s flagship (GUTS) are all excellent resources that are easy to access. Encourage your student to plan ahead and make an is here for you. is handling the weather and getting involved this art museum, but Memorial Union and the School of Also, encourage your student to get to know his or her appointment with an academic advisor to discuss course www.parent.wisc.edu semester. If you sense that your student is getting Human Ecology, among others, house galleries. The teaching assistants and professors and to take advan- selection well before his or her assigned enrollment [email protected] “cabin fever,” sharing these ideas with him or her may School of Music offers many free performances for tage of office hours. If your student had trouble finding time. Even though some students are not required to 608-262-3977 spark an interest. students. his or her social niche last fall, encourage him or her see an advisor to register, it is always helpful to consult 877-262-3977 Theater also abounds, with University Theatre to continue reaching out and making friends in classes with advisors, either through group advising sessions or On campus. Students suggested picking up copies of offering student tickets for as low as $14. The Wis- or in the residence hall, join a student organization, or by meeting one-on-one, when making course decisions. Professional Staff: free newspapers such as the Badger Herald, Daily consin Union Theater also offers big-name entertain- participate in recreational sports. Parents are discouraged from contacting advisors and Nancy Sandhu Cardinal, Isthmus, and Onion to see listings of local ment on campus. Many students begin to consider a major at this point. actively selecting courses for their students. Patti Lux-Weber events. Keep in mind that only a few academic areas require It’s not too early to start asking your student about “Keep your eye out for different indoor activities, In Madison. Every student should take advantage Student Interns: a student to declare a major during freshman year in plans for the summer: will he or she return home, get like performances, music, or university-sponsored of the Overture Center for the Arts, located halfway Julie Bohl events to get enough variety in your recreation diet between campus and the Capitol.