We Hope Your Student Is As Excited About the Spring Semester As We Are! with a Fresh Start

News

Welcome Back

We hope your student is as excited about the spring semester as we are! With a fresh start to the semester the possibilities are endless. Now is the time for your student to check out the Academic Success Center to request tutors, begin supplemental instruction, etc. For activities outside the classroom, encourage your student to check out ISU’s Calendar for (often free or low cost) upcoming events happening around campus!

ClubFest II

A new semester brings new opportunities! If your student wants to become involved and meet new people, encourage them to check out ClubFest II on Thursday, January 23rd, 2013. With over 250 clubs and organizations present, new connections are sure to be made!

Study Abroad Fair

Iowa State’s Study Abroad Fair is Thursday, January 24, 2013. Students who include a study abroad experience in their education will get a fresh look at their major, improve their language skills, and impress future employers.

University Closed

All Iowa State University offices will be closed January 21st, 2013 in observance of the university holiday for Martin Luther King Jr.

ISU Parents’ Association Board of Directors Meeting

On February 2, 2013 the ISUPA Board will meet to plan priorities for upcoming year. Agenda topics include: discussing the role of a paid ISU Parents’ Association membership as a part of the resources for parents and families at Iowa State University, reviewing the ISUPA scholarship finalists and selecting the five winners scholarship award. The Board is always open to your feedback and suggestions on how to better serve the needs of parents and families. Please contact us or consider submitting an application for Board membership.

Financial Aid

It is that time of year again for students to start thinking about the FAFSA, tax documents, and scholarships! Remind your student to be aware of upcoming deadlines to reduce last minute stresses.

·  Iowa State University’s FAFSA priority deadline is March 1st

·  2012 tax documents can now be accessed by your student online through AccessPlus

·  Scholarships can be found on ISU’s Financial Aid website

Winter Weather Policies

When winter winds bring their worst, announcements about class cancellations or university closings will be made at the university homepage (www.iastate.edu) and through local radio and TV news. Iowa State often remains open when public schools are closed because many of our students live in Ames (roughly 85 percent). Generally, when CyRide buses are operating and the streets and sidewalks are passable, the university remains in operation. Also, unlike public schools, Iowa State does not have built-in make-up days in the calendar and does not extend the school year when days are lost. That being said, students should put safety first when determining whether they should travel to campus in poor weather. Students should contact their instructors and employee supervisors about weather-related absences. Learn more about Iowa State’s winter weather policies.

The Student Perspective - January

Challenges

•  After winter break, transitioning back to college life may be difficult. Students could be affected by last semester’s grades or events that occurred over break.

•  Students may be reassessing aspects of their identity and values after reflecting on their experiences last semester.

•  The winter season is here: which means adjusting to the cold weather and cold and flu season. For some students, this time of year can also bring seasonal affective disorder.

•  For many students, finding an internship can be particularly stressful.

Opportunities

•  If your student has a question about resources on campus, but does not know how to find it, encourage them to contact Student Assistance and Outreach. This is an excellent resource on campus and they will be able to make referrals to other resources on campus as needed.

•  The Iowa State University Bookstore has ISU gear such as hats, gloves, and scarves for those who either forgot items at home or have not purchased any winter gear yet.

•  If your student finds themselves feeling depressed, anxious, or just stressed out, encourage your student to visit Student Counseling Services where they offer services such as biofeedback to quick start workshops to individual or group counseling and more to meet the needs of students.

•  Whether planning for internships, getting help with a resume, or just exploring career options, Iowa State has a variety of Career Services for your student.

We welcome your feedback

Relatively Speaking is published by the Iowa State University Parents’ Association and the Dean of Students Office. We welcome your suggestions to improve this publication. If you have a question you need answered or suggestions for content in future monthly editions, please contact us at any time at .

Relatively Speaking is a free newsletter for families of Iowa State University students. You may subscribe to our distribution list at http://www.dso.iastate.edu/pa/programs/relatively.html.

To change or remove your subscription to Relatively Speaking, please visit the list information page at https://mailman.iastate.edu/mailman/listinfo/relatively-speaking.

Relatively Speaking is a production of theISU Parents’ Association and theISU Dean of Students Office.

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