TU Dragon Family Newsletter Summer 2017

TIFFIN UNIVERSITY DRAGON FAMILY NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2017 WHAT TO EXPECT: THE FIRST WEEKS AT TIFFIN UNIVERSITY

Fall semester is JUST around the corner! We have a ton of exciting things planned for when your student arrives to Tiffin University in August. The FirstYear Experience (FYE) assists students’ transition to Tiffin University through programs, services and resources designed to prepare and support them socially, personally and academically.

Welcome Weekend: August 25 – 27 Residence hall move-in for all new students is Friday, August 25. Keys can be picked up in your student’s assigned residence hall between 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. After getting settled into their rooms, students must check in at the Gillmor Student Center between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Students will be given a schedule of events for Welcome Weekend. They will meet their Peer Mentors at 2:30 p.m. in the gymnasium of the Gillmor Student Center, while families are invited to attend the Dragon Family session in Marion Center at the same time. Welcome Weekend is packed with a variety of opportunities for new students to make connections while being led by their upper-class peer mentors.

Visit tiffin.edu/ newstudents/ for a full Welcome Weekend schedule of events.

Campus Convocation JOIN US FOR CONVOCATION ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 25 IN THE HEMINGER CENTER. Convocation is the opening ceremony to your student’s academic career at Tiffin University. Families and other guests are welcome and encouraged to attend. More details to follow shortly.

First-Year Seminar This required course is a continuation of Welcome Weekend and provides an in-depth introduction to college expectations and the realities of campus life, study skills and time management. Instructors and upper-class peer mentors are trained to guide and support new students during their transition to college while helping students build connections and identify resources on-campus and in the community. Don’t forget that “This I Believe” must be read before the start of the semester (book provided to all new students during F.I.R.E.).

FAMILY DAY OF FUN IS SEPTEMBER 23 We encourage you to come and enjoy the TU Dragon experience as a family. There will be family friendly entertainment on campus in the afternoon, followed by outdoor festivities prior to the football game vs. Wayne State University. Games, inflatables and snacks will be provided for your enjoyment at Frost-Kalnow stadium before the 7:00 pm kick-off. Be on the lookout for the full Family Day of Fun agenda soon!

RESIDENCE LIFE AND HOUSING OPERATIONS

We are very excited to welcome your students to the Dragon Family! We appreciate the very important role you have played in your student’s life. During the next few years, they may be living on campus which is exciting, but can be a bit intimidating. Below is some information regarding Residence Life and Housing Operations that may be helpful as you and your student prepare for move-in: »

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Move-in for new students is on Friday, August 25. Students involved with pre-season activities (athletics, music, etc.) might have earlier move-in dates, that will be communicated with your student’s housing placement.

During Welcome Weekend, your student will meet their Resident Assistant (RA). This is your student’s FIRST point of contact when it comes to living on campus. Maintenance concerns, general questions or even roommate conflicts are their specialties, so make sure your student knows their RA. Area Coordinators are professional staff members who oversee the neighborhoods on campus. These folks directly supervise the RAs and work hard to make your student’s living experience safe and enjoyable.

At the beginning of each semester, there is a two-week housing freeze. During this time, no room changes can be made. Once the freeze has passed, students may meet with their RA to talk about possibly moving. All room changes must be approved by the Area Coordinator for the neighborhood.

Each year, first-year students are required to read a book.

This year’s book, “This I Believe: Life Lessons,” written by Dan Gediman, Mary Jo Gediman, and John Gregory, explores the personal beliefs and guiding principles by which Americans live today. It brings together treasured life lessons of people from all walks of life. Whether it’s learning the power of saying hello or how courage comes with practice, the intimate reflections will inspire, move, and encourage you. No matter what your age or circumstances, this book will give valuable food for thought, and important new insights on how others have learned from life’s challenges.

HOMECOMING WEEKEND

BROUGHT TO YOU BY: Office of First-Year Experience 800.968.6446, x3357 / marinisjl@tiffin.edu

SAVE THE DATE! Homecoming is September 29, 30 and October 1.

Highlights include: Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony, Hall of Fame After-Party at The Wall Street Pub & Grille, volleyball matches, 6th Annual Aaron Ciak Memorial Golf Outing (open to all), 25+ Reunion Breakfast, Dragon 5K at the TU Nature Preserve, guided campus tours, Homecoming Tailgate and football game against Northwood at Frost-Kalnow Stadium, Greek Games, the Kyle Ryman Golf Tournament at Mohawk Country Club (hosted by TU Men’s Golf) and a Music and Performing Arts alumni event in the new Performing Arts Laboratory.

2017-2018 ACADEMIC CALENDAR Fall Semester 2017 Welcome Weekend: August 25-27 Classes Begin: August 28 Labor Day (No classes): September 4 Last Day to Add a Class to an Existing Schedule: August 30 Midterms: Week of October 9 Midterm Break (No classes): October 16-17 Midterm Grades Due: October 18 Last Day to Withdraw Without a Failing Grade: October 31 Registration for Spring 2018: Seniors & Juniors: October 30 Sophomores: November 6 Freshmen: November 13 Thanksgiving Recess: November 22-24 Last Day of Class: December 8 Final Examination Period: December 11-14 Final Grades Due: December 19 Spring Semester 2018 Classes Begin: January 15 Last Day to Add a Class to an Existing Schedule: January 17 Midterm: Week of February 26 Midterm Grades Due: March 12 Spring Break (No classes): March 5-9 Classes Resume: March 12 Last Day to Withdraw Without a Failing Grade: March 26 Good Friday (No classes): March 30 Registration for Summer and Fall 2018 Begins: Seniors & Juniors: March 26 Sophomores: April 2 Freshmen: April 9 Last Day of Class: April 27 Final Examination Period: April 30-May 3 Commencement: May 5, 2018 Final Grades Due: May 8

ONE-STOP SHOP FOR STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES Financial Aid and Billing

Academic Advising

To be eligible for financial aid for the 2017-2018 academic year, make sure to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible at fafsa.ed.gov. If you have submitted your FAFSA, please be sure you view and accept your award letter by following the instructions below: » Go to finaid.tiffin.edu, Tiffin University’s Online Financial Aid System » Enter your Student ID number (referenced in the email/letter notification) and password » Click on the tab “Your Awards by Semester” to review your Financial Aid Awards » Click on the tab “Accept Awards” to respond to your Financial Aid Awards » Click on the tab “Documents” to review and complete any outstanding items by August 1

All first-year students are advised by a FirstYear Advisor until the start of their second year.

Once a student becomes a sophomore, they will be assigned to a Faculty Advisor who will assist them with the advising process until they graduate.

Ways to cover the balance: » Ten month payment plan begins August 1, 2017 through May 1, 2018 - Enroll online at selfservice.tiffin.edu » Direct Parent Plus Loan the application is available at studentloans.gov » Preferred Lender List for Private Alternative

Loan at choice.fastproducts.org/ FastChoice/home/312100/1 Tuition Refund Policy for 2017-2018 Academic Year » Before the start of the course: 100% Refund » During the first calendar week of classes: 100% Refund » During the second calendar week of classes: 25% Refund » After the second calendar week of classes: No Refund

First- Year Advisors and Faculty Advisors provide quality student services throughout the student’s academic journey to accomplish the following: assist with major and career exploration opportunities, provide recommendations on course selection, class registration, confirm student’s schedules, assist in preparing required university paperwork, contact students if they have attendance issues, manage academic plans for individual students, and confirm students are prepared for graduation. They also promote student motivation and holistic campus engagement to help guide students towards graduation.

The First-Year Advising Office is located in Seitz Hall. Your student can reach her/his First-Year Advisor at firstyearstudentadvising@tiffin.edu

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY All complaints of sexual harassment/misconduct, domestic violence, dating violence, bullying, cyber-bullying, stalking, or discrimination should be reported to Dr. Perry-Fantini, Assistant Vice President for Equity, Access, & Opportunity/Title IX Coordinator, perryfantinis@tiffin.edu or 419.448.3504 or visit: tiffin.edu/institutionaldiversity/

Murphy Academic Support Center Tlhe Murphy Academic Support Center is a comprehensive academic facility where students are provided with the tools to help them attain their educational, social and professional goals. The Murphy Center empowers students to be self-sufficient, critical thinkers and life-long independent learners. These educational, professional and life skills are developed through the services we offer for students, which include: » Tutoring Services (individual and group) » Supplemental Instruction (Peer Assisted Learning) » Academic and Career-Readiness Workshops » Career Development » Individualized support from a Success Coach for students that need additional academic assistance Tutoring is offered for nearly all of the courses on-campus and will begin the second week of classes. These sessions are available both by appointment, made over the phone, through email, in person and by walk-in. The Murphy Academic Support Center also provides a quiet area for studying, rooms for small group work, athletic study tables and a computer lab with printing and scanning capabilities.