Volume 10, Number 1 ▪ Summer 2017
The Summer Sponge Experience Zuri White – Parent and Family Programs Manager
Stay Connected
The Illini Union Parent and Family Programs Office works with the Moms and Dads Associations to keep you informed. Check out our website to sign up for newsletters, e-updates, and crime alerts. You can also learn about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities! After the fall issue, you will not receive any mailed issues, so sign up today!
union.illinois.edu/PFPO
Inside This Issue
The Summer Sponge Experience .......................... 1- 2 Welcome from UI Police Department ............................ 3 Moving Off Campus ............... 4 Scholarship Resources............ 5 Self-care for Parents............... 6 Dads Weekend 2017.............. 7
Happy summer! Many students at the University of Illinois take advantage of summer internship opportunities. If your student is working, interning, or volunteering this summer, he or she has the opportunity to benefit from these months of “out of classroom” experience. Here is a helpful article by Russell J. Bunio to ensure your student is getting the most out of their summer experience by encouraging your student to be a “sponge.” “A person having a sponge-like capacity, as for drink, knowledge, etc.” (Webster’s New World Dictionary) A summer job can be more than an entry on the resume or a boost for the bank account. It’s also a chance to connect with people across various age groups that have different skills, backgrounds, ideas, and opinions. This is also a great opportunity to practice a skill many successful people employ: look, listen, and learn from others while having fun. Here are four tips to help your student get the most out of the summer sponging experience.
union.illinois.edu/PFPO
Never eat alone If your student spends her lunch break playing games on her phone, she’s missing a chance to get to know a coworker (or two or three) and to discover what’s important to someone whose background and perspective might be very different from her own, as well as find out more about the organization she is a part of for the summer. Many years ago, when I was just starting out on my first real job at General Motors, I quickly learned the value of lunch with my coworkers. We had 45 minutes to spend any way we wanted and could have peeled off in 10 different directions, but instead we met every day to eat, connect, discuss, analyze, and joke. Some of us were college educated, some not. Some of us were on salary, some paid hourly. There were part-time farmers and entrepreneurs. The point is, we valued our time together. “Never eating alone” helped us work better together, and reduced our stress levels, too. I could ask questions and never feel out of place. Study the boss One of the most important people for your student to practice his or her look, listen, and learn
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Web Addresses
The Summer Sponge Experience
Illini Union
Continued from page 1
union.illinois.edu
skills on is the boss. He or she must have done something right to reach that position — encourage your student to ask for tips and advice.
• Illini Union Parent and Family Programs Office union.illinois.edu/PFPO • Illini Union Board union.illinois.edu/iub • Illini Union Office of Volunteer Programs union.illinois.edu/ovp
• Illinois Union Tech Zone techzone.illinois.edu • Illini Union Hotel union.illinois.edu/hotel • Illini Union Bookstore bookstore.illinois.edu Campus Recreation campusrec.illinois.edu The Career Center careercenter.illinois.edu Counseling Center counselingcenter.illinois.edu Dean of Students odos.illinois.edu Disability Resources & Educational Services disability.illinois.edu Division of Public Safety - UI Police dps.illinois.edu Financial Aid osfa.illinois.edu Housing housing.illinois.edu Inclusion and Intercultural Relations oiir.illinois.edu • 0Asian American Cultural Center • 0African American Cultural Center • 0Diversity and Social Justice Education • 0La Casa Cultural Latina • Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Resource Center • Native American House • Women’s Resources Center McKinley Health Center mckinley.illinois.edu Student Health Insurance si.illinois.edu Study Abroad Office studyabroad.illinois.edu Student Affairs studentaffairs.illinois.edu Tenant Union tenantunion.illinois.edu
Coworkers may talk about the boss, and there is value in listening, but it’s most important for your student to develop his own opinion. What does the boss do well? Does the boss just issue orders or provide leadership, coaching, and training? What does your student admire about the boss that might be worth emulating? Does the boss have shortcomings? If so, what are they and what seems to be the source (not enough people, insufficient training, time constraints, work environment)? What would your student do differently in a similar situation? Bosses and summer interns have something in common — they’re both people, trying to get a job done. Each boss I had was different and most were inspiring and helpful. They were worth getting to know. Learn how things are made We all see the finished products we buy packaged and displayed to catch our attention. But how often do we know where they come from or how they were produced? When we actually see something being made, quite often we’re amazed at what goes into the creation of everyday items we take for granted. Watching raw materials come together, run through equipment, be processed, inspected, and packaged reveals the importance of key processes. Having this experience makes the processes come to life and mean something.
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Watching how things are made — whether it’s coffee or cars, books or buildings — will give your student a better understanding of what she buys, and how to buy the best. The same goes for services — legal, financial, medical, educational. Maybe your student is working for a sports or political organization or on a theater production or at an architectural firm. Their summer job is a chance to see the world in a new way. This opportunity will also give them a chance to imagine the roles he or she might play in creating or building something. Keep an eye out for intriguing careers During these summer months, in addition to getting the most out of his or her job or internship, your student should be on the lookout for other careers that might be of interest. They may or may not be in his or her general field of study. There are many possibilities that could be a good fit for his or her personal goals and objectives. A friend once advised me to “Look at the career, but also focus on what you might like to do every day. Find something that excites you. Do watch the person in the role, but remember the job/career is what is the most important, not the person.” About the Author
Russell J. Bunio began his career with an entrylevel position at General Motors and later became vice president of The Boeing Co. and vice president of supply management and procurement at Cummins Engine Co. Bunio shares 50 best work practices that he picked up from successful leaders and adapted to his own successful work ethic in his new book, The Graduate: You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know.
Stay Involved!
Welcome from the UIPD Patrick Wade – Communications Specialist, University of Illinois Police Department
With the university in its hiatus and many students off campus, those who stay during the break should take precautions to make sure they stay safe.
less natural surveillance, so students will need to be extra aware of who and what is around them.
Fewer people in the area provides criminals with better opportunities to commit their crimes. But there are a few things students can do to significantly reduce their risk of being targeted by an offender.
Campus bus schedules are reduced. Travelers should plan their route on the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District website at cumtd.com.
“We have a very safe campus, but no community of our size will ever be entirely crime free,” says Lt. Joan Fiesta. “While no one can ever completely guarantee they won’t be targeted for crime, there are a few very simple things our community members can do to greatly reduce their risk.” The police department never closes. There are always officers standing by and happy to assist whenever needed. If something does not feel right, it probably isn’t. Call police immediately if you feel your safety or someone else’s safety is in danger. Always call 911 in an emergency or (217) 3331216 in a non-emergency situation. Walk with friends, and without distractions like music devices or texting. Fewer people and traffic also means
Lock your doors. Criminals know summer means fewer people, and therefore, fewer witnesses. They will take advantage and burglarize homes and vehicles, but the easiest way to deter them is by locking doors.
Those walking on campus at night should use SafeWalks by calling (217) 333-1216 or by downloading the mobile app. Otherwise, make arrangements to walk with a friend. Self-defense presentations by University Police are still available during the summer. If a student is interested in arranging a safety or self-defense presentation for a group, they should contact Detective Becky Lauher by calling (217) 333-1216 or emailing rllauher@illinois.edu. “These are things we want our campus community members to be doing year-round, but the campus environment during the break makes these tips particularly helpful,” states Lt. Fiesta. “We’re happy to help in any way possible if anyone wants to talk, and students should feel encouraged to say ‘hi’ when they see us passing by this summer.”
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The Moms and Dads Associations are two separate, non-profit entities that strive to serve all students at the University of Illinois. There are many ways to get involved in the Associations. The Associations rely on volunteers for the success of their programs. Some volunteer opportunities include Summer Registration, Moms Weekend, Dads Weekend, and Admitted Student Days. If you’re looking to get even more involved, each Association has a volunteer Board of Directors. You can find nomination forms for each board at their respective website: illinimoms.com or illinidads.com To volunteer, email the Illini Union Parent and Family Programs Office at iuparentfamilyprograms@illinois. edu, call (217) 333- 7063, or visit our website.
Campus Phone Numbers (area code 217) Asian American Cultural Center............................................ 333-9300 Bruce D Nesbitt African American Cultural Center........................... 333-2092 Billing............................................. 333-2184 Career Center................................ 333-0820 CITES Help Desk......................... 244-7000 CITES Help Desk............... (800) 531-2531 Counseling Center....................... 333-3704 Dial-A-Nurse................................. 333-2700 Disability Resources and Education Service ...................... 333-1970 Emergency Dean.......................... 333-0050 Financial Aid................................. 333-0100 Health Insurance, Student........... 333-0165 Housing Residence Halls........................... 333-7111 Private Certified Housing.......... 333-1420 University Apartments............... 333-5656 Illini Union.................................... 333-4666 Illini Union Hotel...................... 333-1241 La Casa Cultural Latina............... 333-4950 LGBT Resource Center................ 244-8863 Library........................................... 333-2290 McKinley Health Center.............. 333-2700 MTD Safe Rides............................ 265-7433 Parent and Family Programs..................................... 333-7063 Police, University.......................... 333-1216 Records Service Center................ 333-0210 Registration Assistance ............... 333-6565 Student Employment .................. 333-0600 Student Patrol/SafeWalks............ 333-1216 Student Programs and Activities...................................... 333-3660 Study Abroad................................ 333-6322 Tenant Union................................ 333-0112 Women’s Resources Center......... 333-3137 University Directory.................... 333-1000
Moving Off Campus
What to consider when leaving residence hall life A lot of students decide to live off campus after the second or third year in college, and with that excitement, there are some important considerations for both parents and students to reflect on. • If the landlord wants a co-signer (parent) on the lease, READ THE FINE PRINT. Read every single line in that lease agreement. If the other roommates break the lease, are you responsible for paying their portion of the rent? Is it your responsibility to find a replacement to sublet until the lease runs out? Will you be charged beyond the deposit fee if certain things in the apartment are not left as they were when your student moved in? • Talk with your student about their responsibility to live up to their commitment. A lease is a contract. Make them understand that they are making a commitment for the term of the lease to pay the rent on time, keep the property in good condition, and take responsibility for getting along with the roommates. • Be prepared to pay a hefty deposit. Most landlords know that college students aren’t the best tenants. They tend to be messy, break things, and throw parties. Because of this, most landlords will charge a hefty deposit, plus first and last month’s rent in advance. These required deposits protect them from having to pay for damages once the tenants move out. • Walk through the apartment WITH your student BEFORE they rent it and before they move in. The primary thought in your student’s mind is this: “I’m moving off campus and won’t this be cool.” They don’t see
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the size of the rooms, the condition of the apartment itself, or think about location, parking, or amenities. It’s up to you to help them evaluate their first place and make a logical decision based on price, location, and amenities. On move-in day, mark every single blemish that you might see on the checklist – this will protect you when they move out. If you can’t be there with them, at least talk to them about what they should be thinking about and looking for in an apartment. • Encourage ALL the roommates to establish some RULES before they move in together. They all need to talk about their expectations and how they see the living arrangement. Are roommates allowed to have their significant others sleep over? What happens if someone isn’t pulling their weight (dishes, cleaning, etc.)? What are the rules for guests, especially if visiting from out of town? Ask every question that might arise and agree to the rules as a group. • Don’t assume that the “friends” they move in with will remain friends. There are countless stories of best friends moving in together and not remaining best friends. Living together (off campus) can cause added stress and pressure. When roommates are living together on campus, there are Resident Assistants (RAs) to settle disputes. If that doesn’t work, they can switch rooms. But when disputes arise for students living off campus (and they will), RA mediation and switching rooms is not an option. When a student is living with a roommate, that was once their best friend, these problems can be magnified. For this reason, encourage your student to consider this before moving in with their best friend.
Parent and Family Events The University of Illinois Tenant Union is a great resource for your student who is living or planning on living off campus. The Tenant Union’s mission is to stimulate fairness in landlord-tenant relationships and to
serve as a resource for students residing in privately owned housing. Their goal is to prevent rental problems, empower students, teach transferable life skills, and be an advocate for students.
Scholarship Resources
Making a game plan for scouting out scholarships pays off Looking for college scholarships can be confusing and overwhelming. And with college costs on the rise, the competition can be stiff. Scouting out scholarships is something parents can do to help their overwhelmed or time-crunched students, who will then need to pick it up from there and complete the application. There are scholarships out there if parents and students know where to look. Here are some places you may not have considered: Work: As a parent, ask your employer if they offer college scholarships for the children of employees. Many do, especially if it is a large organization. If not, ask if your employer would consider starting one. It may be something they hadn’t considered before. Campus organizations: Even current college students can find new scholarships. Many on-campus organizations offer scholarships to their most dedicated members, including the Moms Association and Dads Association. Community organizations: For example, a church, local rotary club, and sporting leagues. Several smaller scholarships from community organizations will quickly add up to the equivalent of one large award and may be easier to obtain.
Field of Study/Major: The pool for major-specific scholarships at your university of choice may not be very large, especially since most students coming into college haven’t decided on a major. You may get some extra scholarship dollars just by proving that you are deserving and passionate about your course of study. The University Of Illinois Office of Student Financial Aid also has resources on scholarships. They are divided into three categories: University of Illinois Scholarships Our university awards over 1,500 scholarships annually based on a variety of factors, including academic achievement, talent, leadership, geographical location, field of study, and financial need. Federal and State Scholarships The university has a list of federal and state scholarships available to Illinois students. The site is updated frequently so be sure to check back. Outside Scholarships Outside scholarships are private grants or scholarships. Check as many sources as possible as stated earlier. These scholarships are not associated with the university, but are worth looking into.
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Dads Weekend
Make plans now for Dads Weekend, November 10-12, 2017. Be sure to check the Parent and Family Programs Office website for complete information about Dads Association events and purchasing tickets.
Moms Weekend
Scheduled for April 13-15, 2018. Bring the whole family to campus for this fun-filled weekend celebrating mom! Check the Parent and Family Programs website for more info. And don’t forget to book your hotel room today!
Admitted Students Days
A wonderful opportunity to meet with future Illini parents. Share what your experience has been like, as they help their students make that final decision to attend the University of Illinois. Admitted Students Days are scheduled during the spring. Check the Parent and Family Programs website for complete details.
Self-care for parents
Let’s Face It: Parenting is Not for the Faint of Heart! Amanda Taylor – University of Illinois Parent It’s hard work peppered with successes and failures. It’s having your heart walking around outside of you. It’s a never-ending practice of loving and letting go. I remember when my second child was about to start kindergarten, I thought, “This is going to be amazing. A whole four hours of ME time!” But as I watched her crying, looking back at me as she was led away by her teacher, my heart broke into a million pieces. I wanted to whisk her away and save her from her sadness (or maybe save myself from my own sadness). Next week I get to practice letting go once again as my college-aged son leaves the country for eight months. I’m not sure it ever gets easier even though I’ve done it many times. I do know, however, that while our kids are embarking on their lives — whether at six years old or at 21 — we must take care of ourselves if we want to be able to care for them; as they say before the plane takes off, “Secure your own oxygen mask before helping others.” Often, it doesn’t seem like there is enough time for self-care. We have forgotten how important it is or we end up putting our own needs on the back burner until there’s a fire, a health concern, an addiction, an unhealthy relationship, a personal crisis, or just an overall sense of feeling unwell emotionally, physically, or spiritually. It’s so easy to distract ourselves and numb out, a couple of beers or glasses of wine, a few hours of TV, or busying ourselves with work
until we collapse; just to wake up and do it all over again. What does self-care really look like for parents? I polled a few friends who have students in high school or college. The answers were thoughtful, humorous, and relatable. “I take long hikes or mountain bike with friends.” “Have a good strong marriage and a sense of humor.” “My favorite cup of coffee.” “Taking 30 minutes in the morning to stretch and meditate.” “I go to concerts with friends.” “I have regular date nights with my partner.” “Therapy!” “I call a friend and go cry.” “Learning to sit with difficult emotions — meditate, pray, let it all come out.” “Having great girlfriends is KEY!” “Letting our kiddos know how difficult this transition is for us.” “I dance. It’s art and exercise combined, and connection with other people which is important for my soul.” Conceptualizing Self-care The point of self-care is to nurture our whole selves toward greater wellbeing and health. This will look different for each of us according to our backgrounds, current situations, and interests. There are easy ways to fit self-care into our lives! Here are some examples: Physical Self-care • Exercise and fresh air • Regular check-ups with your health care provider
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• A diet full of fruits and veggies • A healthy amount of sleep • Bubble baths or hot showers • Massage or bodywork • Make love or snuggle with someone you care about • Turn off the screens Emotional/Social Self-care • Allow yourself to cry • Laugh often • Spend quality time with a supportive friend or family member • Join a support group • Schedule regular dates with your partner • Make love or snuggle with someone you care about (it’s not just physical…) • Eat foods that nourish your mind • Take time to be alone • Prioritize and organize • Establish healthy boundaries (say “no” when you need to) • Let go of negativity and negative people in your life • Pets make great companions Spiritual Self-care • Be in nature • Keep a journal • Have a practice of meditation or prayer • Attend a religious service • Read inspirational literature • Spend time with people who support you in your spiritual life
When we make a habit of taking care of ourselves, we model healthy behavior for our students. This may help them to practice self-care in their own lives. Your routine of self-care will become even more important as you become an empty nester and move into another phase of life. In the meantime, daily self-care will enhance your ability to be present in all your relationships and to feel your best. You’re worth it!
Important Dates
Dads Weekend: November 10-12, 2017
Fall 2017
Each fall, the Illini Union Parent and Family Programs Office and the Dads Association co-sponsor the Dads Weekend events, with a variety of programming for families. Major events for Dads Weekend 2017 include:
Move-In Day Welcome Week
Instruction Begins
Aug. 28
Labor Day (no classes) Sept. 4
Fall 2017 Tuition Due Sept. 28 Homecoming Week Begins
Oct. 22 Dads Weekend
Nov. 10 -12
Thanksgiving Break Begins Nov. 18
• Friday night basketball game (opponent TBA)
• Saturday pre-game BBQ at the ARC (limited tickets available)
• Saturday Night Concert (TBA)
Aug. 21-
Sept. 2
• Friday night club hockey game (opponent TBA)
Aug. 24
• Saturday football game vs. Indiana University and crowning of King Dad • Sunday morning Dads and Students Brunch at the Illini Union
• And a large variety of university-approved events, such as men’s and women’s sports, campus events, theatrical productions, music concerts, and many others. Additional information will be added when confirmed. Dads Association event tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and all events usually sell out. Please note that all attendees at events, regardless of age, must have a ticket to enter, including Illinois students and all children. Students with their own season or individual football tickets will need to purchase a new ticket if they wish to be seated in the Dads Association section.
Instruction Resumes
Nov. 27
Reading Day
Dec. 14
Instruction Ends Final Exams
Dec. 13
Dec. 15 - 21
Spring 2018
Undergrad Residence Halls Open Jan. 14 Moms/Dads Board Meetings
Jan. 14 Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Jan. 15 Instruction Begins
Jan. 16
Spring 2018 Tuition Due Feb. 28
Ticket Purchase: All tickets are to be purchased online. Tickets are tentatively scheduled to go on sale July 1 (date subject to change). Complete information about Dads Weekend and ticket purchasing will be available online at union.illinois.edu/PFPO.
Spring Break Begins
Mar. 17
Moms Weekend
Apr. 13 - 15
Football Ticket Pick-Up: Tickets may be picked up during designated pick-up times that are yet to be announced. Be sure to regularly check the Parent and Family Programs website for ticket pick-up information. Tickets WILL NOT be mailed in advance!
Reading Day
Deadline for purchasing tickets: September 24, 2017. Look for more updates about Dads Weekend events this summer at union.illinois.edu/PFPO
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Instruction Resumes Instruction Ends Final Exams
Commencement
Mar. 26 May 2 May 3
May 4 - 11 May 12
Illini Families Quarterly
NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT # 75 CHAMPAIGN, IL
Illini Union Parent and Family Programs Office 1401 W. Green Street 227 Illini Union Urbana, IL 61801
Jamie Singson Director, Illini Union singson@illinois.edu
Becki Salzman Assistant to the Director, Illini Union rsalzman@illinois.edu
Zuri White Manager, Illini Union Parent and Family Programs zuri@illinois.edu
Consider a Gift to the Parent Fund
Your unrestricted gift to the Parent Fund helps Student Affairs augment existing and new programs and supports the overall operation of the Illini Union Parent and Family Programs Office. You can help provide the services and resources that are vital to the overall learning experience of our students. To learn more on how you can give to the Parent Fund visit
go.illinois.edu/PFPOgiving