Family Calendar 2014-2015

SEASONS OF ADJUSTMENT CALENDAR 2014-2015

- FAMILIES’ GUIDE TO THE FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE -

WELCOME GATOR FAMILIES The next few years will be some of the most exciting periods in your student’s life. The staff in the Division of Student Affairs believes that parents and families play a significant role in helping students adjust to the challenges of their first year. This is a critical time for you as a family member. For years, you’ve supported your student, helping them make it to this point because of your guidance and encouragement. Now that your student is in college, you may wonder what your role will be.

You can continue to be there to advise your student on academic choices, career paths, ways to get involved in one of the many student organizations and how to take full advantage of the resources the university has to offer. The best way to do this is to stay informed by joining the Gator Parent & Family Association. Membership is free, simply activate your membership online at ufsa.ufl.edu/parents. The Association will provide you with a monthly electronic newsletter and invitations to special events during Family Weekend and throughout the year. I also encourage you to follow the Gator Parent & Family Association on Facebook for daily updates and news of interest.

The Family Chat program is a great way to stay connected and informed. These live online chat sessions are bi-monthly and designed to answer your specific questions and promote discussion about UF and common transition concerns you or your student may experience. To learn more, please visit dso.ufl.edu/nsp.

We are able to provide this calendar due to the generous contributions to the Family Fund from parents and family members.

Learn more about how you can support the Family Fund at floridafund.uff.ufl.edu/FamilyFund/ We hope the calendar will help you identify when your student may be having difficulty adjusting and may benefit from your extra support and/or from campus resources.

Best wishes for an exciting and enjoyable first-year experience at the University of Florida.

Go Gators!

Dave Kratzer Vice President for Student Affairs

FOR THE GATOR GOOD

Some people dream about making the world a better place. Gators are out there doing it. Every day. Through intellect and effort, Gators pull together, inspire each other and move the world forward.

The Division of Student Affairs is dedicated to your Gator’s success as well as the development of skills necessary for post-college success.

We believe that the unique UF out-of-class experience should include opportunities for leadership, service, engagement, and self-discovery.

We approach every day with a singular purpose. One that’s bigger than ourselves. Because we are Gators. Always.

This calendar highlights some of the Student Affairs initiatives around the UF campus.

AUGUST FIRST DAYS Your student’s first days at UF include moving away from home and adjusting to a significantly different social and academic environment. It is an exciting and challenging time in which your student will explore the campus and the Gainesville community, trying to find his/her place. Encourage your student to connect with available resources and meet others. Successful UF students get

involved with programs, activities and student groups.

Perhaps the biggest adjustment your student faces is adapting to a significantly different academic environment. Managing time, completing assignments, studying and preparing for tests on your student’s own initiative is essential.

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LAUNCHING – Students can start college on the right foot by taking SLS1102: First Year Florida course produced by New Student & Family Programs in the Dean of Students Office. Eighty-four percent of students who took the one-credit hour class agreed that First Year Florida provided them with encouragement of independent, creative, and critical thinking skills.

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• Rally in the Swamp • Soccer vs. USF

• Classes Begin • Drop/Add Begins

• Residence Halls Open • Panhellenic Recruitment Begins

31 Encourage your student to track financial aid on ISIS at isis.ufl.edu. Discuss money management and have your student become familiar with financial aid services.

Keep in mind that the Disability Resource Center assists students with a diagnosed disability, such as a learning disability or a physical impairment. Your student can contact the Disability Resource Center to schedule an initial appointment.

Encourage your student living in a residence hall to talk with a Resident Assistant (RA). Suggest exploring opportunities for involvement in a student organization or in the residence hall.

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on your student’s own

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• New Student Convocation • GatorNights!

• Soccer vs. Miami

• LGBTQA Welcome Assembly • Native American/American Indian Reception • TailGator Pep Rally Dining Hall Party (Gator Corner) • RecStravaganza

Communicate with your son or daughter to listen and provide assurance.

Reassure your student that adjustments are common and expected for first-year students. or tests

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• Summer B/C Classes End

• Soccer vs. Fla. International

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• Drop/Add Ends (11:59 p.m.)

• Deadline to Withdraw with No Fee Liability • GatorNights!

• Asian American Student Assembly • Volleyball vs. Georgia Southern and Idaho

Encourage your student to participate actively in class and meet with the instructors during office hours. Remind your student that regular class attendance is important, whether or not it is required.

• Soccer vs. Baylor • Florida Football & Volleyball Fan Day

• Football vs. Idaho • Volleyball vs. Oklahoma

Recommend participation in residence hall and Weeks of Welcome (WOW) activities. Learn more at dso.ufl.edu/nsfp/wow/

SEPTEMBER SETTLING IN The excitement of college should include a healthy, balanced routine of academics, work, social activities and rest. Self-care is vital to academic success. Diet, exercise and regular sleep help maximize concentration and memory which are essential to academic performance.

Often the first few weeks of college can feel like an enormous amount of free time. Encourage your student to stay on top of his/her coursework.

Many families find it helpful to spend some time talking about differing expectations with regard to communications. It is important to talk about your preferences and help your student find a balance that encourages appropriate independence for this stage in his/her life, while maintaining good family connections.

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• RecSports Small Group Training Open House • Reitz Union Open House • Black Student Assembly

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• Dining Hall Party (Fresh Food Company)

• Pre-Health Kick-Off College of Veterinary Medicine Information Session • Cultural Cafe (La Casita)

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• Interfraternity Council Recruitment Begins

• Tennis - SEC Fall Classic • Volleyball vs. UCF

• Soccer vs. Missouri • Volleyball vs. Ole Miss • RecSports Gator Open Climb

Ask your student about the GatorTimes, a news Website and weekly email that provides information on campus events and opportunities for involvement.

• Tennis - SEC Fall Classic

• RecSports Adventure Race Registration Opens • Asian Kaleidoscope Month Opening Ceremony

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• Career Showcase • Student Government Elections

Encourage your student to create a time management schedule and stick to it.

A good resource for time management is available at: counseling.ufl.edu (click on the self-help button).

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• Pre-Health Kick-Off Student and Community Organization Fair • RecSports Small Group Training Open House • Reitz Union Open House

• Women’s Welcome Assembly • Fall Student Organization Fair

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• Rosh Hashanah (sundown)

• RecSports Small Group Training Open House • Reitz Union Open House

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• Study Abroad Fair • Hispanic Heritage Month Opening Ceremony

• Autumnal Equinox

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• Residency Reclassification Deadline • Fee Payments Due (3:30 p.m., University Bursar) • Hispanic/Latino Student Assembly Mandatory Health Insurance Waiver Deadline for Fall Admits

• S-U Grade Option Deadline • GatorNights!

• RecSports Cornhole Tournament • Multicultural Greek Council Showcase

• Tennis - SEC Fall Classic • Volleyball vs. Marquette • Deadline to Withdraw from all Courses with 25% Refund • Free Flu Shots • GatorNights!

• Rosh Hashanah • Taste of the Keys Dining Hall Party (Gator Corner)

• Soccer vs. Georgia • Rosh Hashanah (sundown) • GatorNights!

• RecSports 4-Person Golf Scramble

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• Football vs. Eastern Michigan • Volleyball vs. Texas • Gator Guayabera Guateque Encore

• Football vs. Kentucky

• Cross Country Mountain Dew Invitational • Football at Alabama • Tennis - SEC Fall Classic • RecSports Weekend Warrior

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• Swimming & Diving (W) vs.

Arkansas • RecSports Gator Open Climb

ACCELERATING - Recreational Sports employs more than 700 students.

Personal training and intramural officiating are just some of the activities performed by student employees. More than 87 percent of the student body participate in RecSports.

Family Fund calling begins this month. Be on the lookout for a phone call from a UF student to learn more about contributing to the Family Fund which allows the Division of Student Affairs to provide programs and services for your Gator.

Talk honestly with your student about family problems, but avoid creating guilt because he/she is not home and available to help.

If your student experiences severe homesickness, encourage him/her to get involved with a campus organization, volunteer in the community, seek a part-time job or find some way to get involved on campus.

Encourage your student to attend a Multicultural & Diversity Affairs event to promote learning and fun, while broadening their college experience.

Learn more at multicultural. ufl.edu

OCTOBER GETTING SERIOUS Midterm exams occur this month. Most new students normally experience increased stress and anxiety before midterms, but adjust to the additional pressures of college academics after their first few exams. If your student is experiencing stress and anxiety, help is available at UF’s Counseling & Wellness Center. If your student does not

meet his/her own expectations on midterms, encourage them to seek academic assistance.

A variety of academic support services are available on campus including individual and group tutoring. Remind your students to make good use of campus resources.

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ENRICHING - Student Activities & Involvement has implemented a searchable, Web-based student organization management system called Gator Connect.

Gator Connect provides easy access for students to learn about the more than 975 registered student organizations at UF.

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• Columbus Day • RecSports Small Group Training Open House • Homecoming Talent Show

• RecSports Small Group Training Open House • Cultural Cafe (La Casita) • Homecoming Pageant

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• Swimming & Diving - All Florida Invitational

• Soccer vs. Mississippi State • Swimming & Diving vs. LSU • Volleyball vs. Texas A&M • Soulfest

• Volleyball vs. Arkansas

• Volleyball vs. Mississippi State

Be sympathetic but careful not to provide too many suggestions on how to “fix” your student’s problems.

Convey your confidence in his/her “own” ability to find his/her own way around this new environment.

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• Career Showcase • Student Government Elections

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Encourage your student to contact the Center for Leadership & Service to get involved in helping others while meeting new friends. Learn more at leadershipandservice.ufl.edu

initiative is essential.

• Sukkot

• Halloween Fright Fest (Gator Corner/Fresh Food Company) • RecSports Big Pink Volleyball

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Remind your student of previous successes in making friends. Making new friends takes time and initiative, so encourage your student to be patient and try new activities.

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• Swimming & Diving - All Florida Invitational • GatorNights!

• Football at Tennessee • Swimming & Diving - All Florida Invitational • Yom Kippur • RecSports Weekend Warrior • Eid-al-Adha

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• RecSports Small Group Training Open House

• Diwali • RecSports Big Pink Volleyball Registration Closes

• RecSports Thriller Night

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• Sukkot • Oktoberfeast Dining Hall Party (Fresh Food Company)

• RecSports Small Group Training Open House

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• Soccer vs. Vanderbilt

Encourage your student to meet with an academic adviser prior to advanced registration for spring semester which begins in late October.

• Soccer vs. Mississippi State • Swimming & Diving vs. LSU • Volleyball vs. Georgia • Sukkot • GatorNights!

• Homecoming (No Class) • Homecoming Parade • Gator Growl

• Soccer vs. Tennessee • Volleyball vs. Missouri • Fall Family Weekend • GatorNights!

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• Football vs. LSU • Sukkot

• Homecoming (No Class) • Football vs. Missouri

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• Fall Family Weekend • RecSports Adventure Race

• GatorNights!

• Halloween

Talk to younger children concerning how they are feeling about their siblings being away from home.

Encourage your student to visit the Department of Student Activities & Involvement in the Reitz Union to find an organization to join. Learn more at studentinvolvement.ufl.edu

NOVEMBER A LIGHT AT THE END Holidays like Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving add muchneeded distractions from the academic demands this month. The demands of November may be many, but the end of the semester is in sight.

Students frequently feel the time crunch this month. Keep

in mind your student may feel overwhelmed.

Encourage your student to continue to find balance between academics, recreation and social activities in pursuit of a healthy lifestyle.

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BOOSTING - Students who are first in their families to attend college can find additional support through First Generation Student Support initiatives. Those initiatives include a comprehensive peer mentoring program, lunch and learn series, and the First Generation Student Organization that works to build community among first generation students.

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• Volleyball vs. Auburn

• International Food Festival, Gator Dining

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• Tennis (M) - Florida Invitational

• Basketball (W) vs. North Florida

• Basketball (M) vs. Miami (Fla.) • International Education Week Begins

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• RecSports Bowling Tournament

30 Should you have concerns about alcohol and drug use, consult GatorWell Health Promotion Services at gatorwell.ufsa.ufl.edu

• Deadline to Drop or Withdraw from a Course without a Failing Grade • Thankgiving Feast (Gator Dining)

• Veterans Day (No Class)

Remind your student about tutoring services offered on campus. Encourage your student to visit professors during office hours to get help or discuss academic performance.

• Thanksgiving Break (No Class) • Basketball (W) vs. St. John’s (NY) • Volleyball vs. South Carolina

Even though this may be a time of increased academic pressure, encourage your student to try to achieve a balance of a healthy diet, adequate sleep and exercise.

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• Football vs. Georgia (Jacksonville)

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• Basketball (M) vs. Barry University • RecSports Track & Field Meet

• Greek Awards

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• Basketball (M) vs. William & Mary • GatorNights!

• RecSports 3-on-3 Soccer Tournament Starts

• Basketball (M) vs.

Louisiana-Monroe • Basketball (W) vs. Florida State • GatorNights!

• Thanksgiving Break (No Class)

As the semester comes to a close and holidays approach, there are many opportunities for service in the Gainesville community.

Encourage your student to learn how they can contribute by visiting the Center for Leadership & Service.

• Tennis (M) - Florida Invitational • Volleyball vs. Alabama • GatorNights!

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• Thanksgiving (No Class)

If your student seems depressed or anxious, encourage her/him to talk to a counselor in the Counseling & Wellness Center. Learn more at counseling.ufl.edu

• Basketball (W) vs. BethuneCookman • Football at Vanderbilt • Swimming & Diving vs.

Minnesota • RecSports Weekend Warrior

• Football vs. South Carolina

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• Football vs. Eastern Kentucky

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• Thanksgiving Break (No Class) • Football at Florida State

Remind your student to visit the Student Health Care Center to take care of any health needs.

DECEMBER FIRST FINALS December goes by in a flash. There is excitement about the holidays, but the focus of attention is on academic work - completing papers and class projects while preparing for final exams. Extracurricular activities also increase with the end of the semester.

Concerts, organization events and religious ceremonies vie for students’ time and energy. It may be difficult to choose whether or not to attend an event when there is so

much studying to do.

When your student comes home for the break, you will likely see some changes. They will have negotiated their first college semester successfully and learned to take responsibility for many things you used to do for them.

Talk about expectations you have for each other during the break.

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• RecSports Goalball Tournament

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• Final Exams • Hanukkah

• Final Exams • Basketball (W) vs. St. Francis • Hanukkah

• Final Exams • Hanukkah

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• Basketball (W) vs. FIU • Hanukkah • Winter Solstice

• Basketball (W) vs.

Georgetown • Kwanzaa

Looking for a holiday gift for your student? RecSports offers massage therapy gift certificates with massages ranging from deep tissue to sports massage. Learn more at recsports.ufl.edu/ massage-therapy/

• Hanukkah

• Kwanzaa

• Hanukkah

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• Kwanzaa

Remind your student about seeking academic/tutoring support services on campus if he/she expresses concerns about taking finals.

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• Christmas Eve • Final Grades Available on ISIS • Hanukkah

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• New Year’s Eve • Kwanzaa

Suggest your student take advantage of extended hours in the J. Wayne Reitz Union at the DeStress Study Fest. Get the whole calendar of activities, specials and tutoring at union.ufl.edu/studyfest/

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• Final Exams

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• GatorNights!

• Basketball (M) vs. Texas Southern • Reading Days (No Class) • Faculty Course Evaluations Due

• Holiday Feast Dining Hall Party (Gator Dining)

• Classess End

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• Basketball (M) vs. Yale

• Basketball (M) vs.

Jacksonville

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• Christmas

• Final Exams • Commencement • Hanukkah

• Kwanzaa

• Final Exams

• Commencement • Basketball (W) vs. Tenn.

State • Residence Halls Close • Hanukkah

• Kwanzaa

GROWING - The Counseling & Wellness Center created Therapist Assisted Online, or TAO, an online psychotherapy program. The program, designed for students experiencing anxiety, is the first program of its kind in the United States.

Consider sending a package with your student’s favorite snacks or goodies.

It doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive, but this “Coping with Finals” gesture is a real morale booster.

Establish plans for your student’s trip home for holidays and determine the method of travel.

Have your student check with the financial aid office about how final grades from fall semester may effect Bright Futures scholarship and other financial aid for spring semester.

JANUARY A NEW BEGINNING Starting a new semester can be exhilarating and challenging. Most students find they learned a great deal from their first semester experience with regard to scheduling, studying and interacting with professors. The new semester provides an opportunity to start fresh with all of their new understanding. During the spring and fall semesters, the Career Resource Center (CRC) coordinates

a large career fair known as Career Showcase. These fairs help students identify companies with which students can obtain internships and potential employment. They also provide other smaller, career-specific fairs throughout the year. It’s never too early to get prepared and see what opportunities are out there.

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REFINING - The Career Resource Center offers specific programming to serve diverse markets. Gator Launch is a program for students in STEM fields, who are selected through an application process and paired with mentors in related fields. The CRC also works with employers across the globe to provide employment connections for students who are interested in working locally and internationally.

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• New Year’s Day • Kwanzaa

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• Regular Registration Deadline

• Classes Begin • Drop/Add Begins

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Reassure your student that the second semester offers new possibilities and for many can be a fresh start.

• Drop/Add Ends (11:59 p.m.)

• Deadline to Withdraw with No Fee Liability

• Martin Luther King Day (No Class) • Basketball (W) vs. Georgia

• Basketball (W) vs. Auburn

Encourage your student to attend the Study Abroad Fair. Learn about all the UF opportunities abroad at ufic.ufl.edu

Begin to compile the necessary tax information to apply for financial aid.

Be aware of application deadlines. Visit Student Financial Affairs online for more information: sfa. ufl.edu

Encourage your student to take a new look at classes and potential classmates as opportunities for new connections and improving academic performance.

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• Fee Payment Deadline (3:30 p.m.

University Bursar) • Gymnastics vs. Auburn • Presidents’ Day • Mandatory Health Insurance Waiver Deadline for Spring Admits

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• Basketball (W) vs.

Mississippi State • Residence Halls Open

• Basketball (W) vs. Arkansas

• S-U Grade Option Deadline

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• Basketball (W) vs. Alabama • Gymnastics vs. Georgia • Deadline to Withdraw from all Courses with 25% Refund

Get more information about searching for apartments and houses at the Office of Off Campus Life. Learn more at offcampus.ufl.edu

• Basketball (M) vs.

Connecticut

• Tennis (M) vs. Ole Miss • Tennis (W) vs. Elon

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• Swimming & Diving vs.

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Help your student start off the New Year right with personal training sessions at Recreational Sports. Meet the trainers at recsports.ufl.edu/fitness/ personal-training/

FEBRUARY INTO THE SEMESTER In February, students who live on campus start to make decisions about future living arrangements. “Should I live on or off campus?” “Should I live in the same building?”

“Keep the same roommate?” Off Campus Life provides resources and information for students to assist them in making decisions on housing options.

It’s a good month to practice time-management skills, but some students may need encouragement and support to plan ahead.

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• Basketball (W) vs. Kentucky

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• Gymnastics vs. Missouri

• Valentine’s Day • Golf (M) - Gator Invitational

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• Study Abroad Fair

• Ash Wednesday (Lent Begins)

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• Chinese New Year

• Tennis (M) vs. Georgia

• Basketball (W) vs. Missouri • Tennis (W) vs. Duke

• Gymnastics vs. Kentucky • Swimming & Diving (M) Last Chance Meet • Tennis (W) vs. Alabama

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• Tennis (W) vs. Stanford

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• Spring Break (No Class) • Swimming & Diving - Last Chance Meet • Tennis (M) vs. South Carolina

RISING - The DHNet@Home Support Program, part of the department of Housing & Residence Education, manages computer help desks which provide walk-up computer help and Internet connection assistance for our more than 8,500 undergraduate and graduate residents that live on-campus.

Encourage your student to visit the Involvement Team for help with finding student organizations to join. Learn more at studentinvolvement.ufl. edu/ITeam

Relationships are a focus during this month and your student may need you to listen to his/her experiences with friends and significant others.

Discuss summer options with your student: summer enrollment, internships for credit and summer employment. Information about these opportunities is available at the Career Resource Center at: crc.ufl.edu

Be sure to apply for financial aid before the end of the month; discuss the process with your student.

Have your student address any questions to their financial aid adviser. A list of advisers can be found at sfa.ufl.edu

Communicate with your student the importance of balancing work and social activities.

Encourage your student to consider potential Spring Break activities. For creative alternatives, visit the Center for Leadership & Service at leadershipandservice.ufl. edu

MARCH A BREAK IS NEAR March is a hectic month where academic requirements and social activities can collide. Academic pressures increase as students face mid-term exams and realize the end of their first college year is near. Academic decisions about next year need to be made now. “Will I go home or stay at school over the summer?” “Take summer classes?” “Change my major?”

“Work?” Some students thrive on the sense of pressure as motivation to achieve. For others, academic challenges and

social expectations can be overwhelming. Remind your student to focus on academics and good self-care, while maintaining a balance among social activities. March also includes Spring Break. Students are excited about the prospect of spending a week away from the pressures of school and taking a muchneeded break. Encourage your student to make thoughtful choices about Spring Break activities.

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• Spring Break (No Class)

• Spring Break (No Class) • Purim

• Spring Break (No Class) • Purim

• Spring Break (No Class) • Golf (W) - SunTrust Invitational • Holi

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• Tennis (M) vs. Alabama

• Tennis (M) vs. Ole Miss • Tennis (W) vs. Mississippi State

• Palm Sunday

Suggest spring activities like those at Lake Wauburg: sailing, boating, wakeboarding or just relaxing on the dock.

Ask your student to speak to an advisor in preparation for advanced registration for summer and fall semesters.

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• Golf (W) - SunTrust Invitational • Tennis (W) vs. Texas A&M

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• Spring Break (No Class) • Swimming & Diving - Last Chance Meet • Tennis (W) vs. Auburn

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• Gymnastics vs. Texas Women • Tennis (M) vs. Mississippi State

• Tennis (W) vs. Ole Miss • Vernal Equinox

• Tennis (W) vs. South Carolina

• Spring Break (No Class) • Golf (W) - SunTrust Invitational

INFLUENCING - The Center for Leadership & Service coordinates opportunities for students to participate in service throughout the academic year, including mentoring in Alachua County schools, week-long Florida Alternative Break (FAB) trips, and Gator Plunge. Through the CLS, Gators annually contribute 115,963 hours of community service valued at more than $2.5 million.

Take the time to discuss living options with your student and listen to ideas about what he/she would like to do and what he/she thinks is feasible.

Encourage your student to think through choices regarding Spring Break activities.

Encourage you student to plan ahead for financial aid if attending summer school.

Have your student discuss summer work plans with a financial aid advisor to see how it may affect fall financial aid.

Remind your student that, while spring is time for much social activity, balance is important.

APRIL DEADLINES APPROACH The pace of the semester escalates academically, socially and personally after Spring Break and continues through finals week at the end of April. Remind your student, academic pressures are predictable, so making use of syllabi and class resources are helpful. Final projects and papers are due this month. Stress and fatigue may cause students to miss class, which is counterproductive to academic success.

Many organizations schedule end-of-semester banquets, picnics, formals and award ceremonies in April. First-year students seek to fit in and belong, and they want to attend these events, but often are naive about the costs in time, money and energy to attend all these events.

Again, seeking to find the balance between academics and involvement is the key to success.

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PROGRESSING - Intercultural Engagement as part of Multicultural & Diversity Affairs offers a cultural issues series, community programs, dialogue, and education. Some of the community programs include Intercultural Networks, cultural/ethnic studies fair, and the Holi Festival of Colors.

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• Good Friday • Passover • Tennis (M) vs. LSU

• Passover

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• Passover

• Passover

• Passover

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• Tennis (M) vs. Texas A&M • Easter • Passover

• Tennis (W) vs. Tennessee

Stress the wisdom of approaching finals with the attitude of doing the very best your student can, not worrying about what has or has not happened so far in the semester.

• Final Exams

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• Classes End

• Final Exams

Many areas on campus host special events to support students during exams. Encourage your student to read the GatorTimes and take advantage of extended services and events around finals.

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• Final Exams

If your student plans to attend summer school at another institution, make sure he/she completes a Transient Student Form at UF, available online at registrar.ufl.edu/currents/ transients.html

• Passover

• Tennis (W) vs. Georgia • Deadline to Drop or Withdraw from a Course without a Failing Grade • Passover

• Reading Days (No Class)

• Reading Days (No Class) • Faculty Course Evaluations Due

• Passover

• Final Exams

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• Final Exams

Encourage your student to schedule some exercise, healthy meals and sleep to prepare for finals.

completing assignments, studying and preparing for tests on your student’s own initiative is

Make plans for how your student will move home or to a new location with belongings at the end of the semester.

Reassure your student that it is normal to reconsider a major and career path. Help is available at the Career Resource Center: crc.ufl. edu

MAY THE TRANSITION Congratulations! You have made it through the first year of college. Now it is time to move forward with summer plans. Those who return home for the summer need to adjust to living at home again and working or attending summer school at local colleges. Others will enroll in summer school at UF and choose to continue to live on campus or have their first experience living off campus.

Students who return home during the summer to work, intern and/or take classes can find themselves in conflict with parents and family members about issues of independence and house rules. Expectations of social behaviors, home rules and responsibilities should be negotiated and communicated as soon as students return.

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BROADENING - Off Campus Life holds an annual College Park Rental Welcome, where they visit hundreds of off campus student apartments and houses with a welcome bag of information. OCL, in collaboration with Gainesville‘s Police Department, Code Enforcement and other city departments, partner to educate students on how to be greater Gator neighbors.

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• Final Exams • Commencement

• Commencement • Residence Halls Close

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• Final Grades Available on ISIS

• Residence Halls Open (Summer A/C)

• Regular Registration Deadline

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• Fee Payment Deadline (3:30 p.m. University Bursar) • Residency Reclassification Deadline

• Shavuot

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• Commencement

10

• Summer A/C Classes Begin • Drop/Add Begins

• Shavuot

• Memorial Day (No Class)

• Drop/Add Ends (11:59 p.m.)

• Deadline to Withdraw with No Fee Liability

• S-U Grade Option (Summer A) • Deadline to Withdraw from all Courses with 25% Refund (Summer A)

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31 If your student is attending summer school at UF or away from home, be sure to remain in contact and keep lines of communication open.

Discuss how initial academic interests and career plans may have been affected by final spring grades. This may be an opportunity to explore alternative plans and interests.

Talk with your returning student ahead of time about your expectations while he/she is living at home.

If your student is in need of legal advice, Student Legal Services have attorneys available, at no cost. Visit studentlegalservices.ufl. edu/

• S-U Grade Option (Summer C) • Deadline to Withdraw from all Courses with 25% Refund (Summer C)

This may be the first time your student has had time to reflect on the meaning of the academic experience.

Challenge your student to evaluate his/her first year.

23

Discuss spring grades and academic strategies and priorities related to next semester.

JUNE SUMMERTIME Summer serves as a well-needed break that helps students reenergize for fall and relax from the rigors of university life.

With time comes perspective. June is a great month to talk about the success and challenges of the first year of college while planning for the next. Confidence, positive thoughts and

good planning now will make the second year at college even more successful.

Encourage your student to stay connected to friends from college as he/she reconnects with friends from home.

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• Summer Solstice

Establish clear expectations about house rules if your student returns home for the summer to live with you again. Acknowledge the possible differences in your lifestyles after living apart for the past year.

• Summer Break Week

• Summer B Classes Begin • Drop/Add Begins

• Deadline to Drop or Withdraw from a Course without a Failing Grade (Summer A)

23

• Summer Break Week

30

• Drop/Add Ends (11:59 p.m.)

• Deadline to Withdraw with No Fee Liability

Help your student identify problem areas in their first year at college and encourage your student to consider possible solutions.

24

• Ramadan Begins

• Summer Break Week • Final Grades Available on ISIS • Residence Halls Open

25

• Summer Break Week

• Faculty Course Evaluation Deadline • Summer A Classes End

• Summer Break Week • Regular Registration Deadline (Summer B)

ADVANCING - Landlord-tenant issues comprise most of Student Legal Services’ case load. Common issues include maintenance and condition of the apartments, break lease situations, move-out charges and evictions. Student Legal Services provides full representation for tenants who are full-time UF students, including going to court for cases in Alachua County.

Discuss your thoughts about summer employment while your student is home or attending summer classes.

Discuss the value of your student having developed positive friendships through campus life and plans for involvement next year.

If your student doesn’t have living arrangements for the fall semester, encourage him/her to visit the Off Campus Life Website for helpful hints on signing leases and shopping for housing. Learn more at offcampus.ufl.edu

Encourage your student to visit GatorWell Health Promotion Services Web site or office to learn more about healthy life choices, such as nutrition, exercise and how to best deal with stress. Learn more at gatorwell.ufsa.ufl.edu

JULY LOOKING AHEAD Summer goes by faster than students expect. July brings preparation for the return to UF. Most students learned in the first year to adjust to the academic demands of college, to balance their lifestyles, and to sometimes say “no� to their peers as they set priorities for their own lives. Most students selectively

participated in activities and joined organizations and now look forward to expanding their involvement in these activities. Most importantly, they are now aware of support services and resources on campus and know where to go for help.

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ENLIGHTENING - GatorWell Health Promotion Services creates and implements comprehensive health communication campaigns throughout the year addressing multiple health behaviors. Health topics include: time and stress management, sleep, sexual health, alcohol, body image, nutrition, and spring break safety.

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• Independence Day Observed (No Class)

• Independence Day

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Review time-management skills with your student and discuss the time that should be devoted to school, work and recreation.

Encourage your student to establish a tentative academic plan for the full academic year.

• S-U Grade Option (Summer B) • Deadline to Withdraw from all Courses with 25% Refund (Summer B)

Review your student’s financial needs for the coming academic year, evaluate changes that may be needed for money management, and work together to establish a tentative budget.

Urge your student to research jobs and careers related to his/her major.

This will help your student further define his/her academic track.

• Fee Payment Deadline (3:30 p.m. University Bursar Summer B) • Residency Reclassification Deadline

• Eid-al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)

• Deadline to Drop or Withdraw from a Course without a Failing Grade (Summer B/C)

Take some time to discuss the needs and/or benefits of a part-time job.

Discuss how new living arrangements will impact the academic year.

EXPANDING - The J. Wayne Reitz Union $75 million expansion and renovation will create a state-of-the-art, multi-level student union that will be the hub of student activities at UF for decades to come. Completion is projected to be in December 2015.

IMPORTANT DATES FOR FALL 2015 Summer B/C 2015

Fall 2015 (more)

• Classes End - August 7 • Commencement - August 8 • Final Grades Available - August 12

• Deadline to Drop or Withdraw from a Course without a Failing Grade - November 23 • Thanksgiving Break - November 25-28 • Classes End - December 9 • Reading Days (No Class) - December 10-11 • Final Exams - December 12, 14-18 • Commencement - December 18-19 • Final Grades Available - December 23

Fall 2015 • Regular Registration - August 21 • Classes Begin - August 24 • Drop/Add Begins - August 24 • Drop/Add Ends (11:59 p.m.) - August 28 • Deadline to Withdraw with No Fee Liability - August 28 • Fee Payment Deadline (3:30 p.m. University Bursar) - September 4 • Residency Reclassification Deadline - September 4 • Labor Day - September 7 • S-U Grade Option Deadline - September 11 • Deadline to Withdraw from all Courses with 25% Refund - September 18 • Homecoming (Tentative) - October 9-10 • Veterans’ Day - November 11

NOTES:

EVERY GATOR COUNTS WHAT WE DO

CONTACT US

Being a Gator means caring

umatter@ufl.edu

about the Gator Nation! If you

352-294-CARE (2273)

or a fellow Gator is in distress,

umatter.ufl.edu

contact U Matter, We Care. In case of an emergency, contact the University of Florida Police Department at 352-392-1111.

@UMatterWeCare #UMatterUF

HELPFUL RESOURCES UF MAIN SWITCHBOARD/DIRECTORY ASSISTANCE | 352-392-3261 Academic Advising Center advising.ufl.edu/ Athletic Ticket Office (In-State) gatorzone.com/tickets Bookstore ufl.bkstr.com Career Resource Center crc.ufl.edu Counseling & Wellness Center counseling.ufl.edu/cwc/ Dean of Students Office dso.ufl.edu Disability Resource Center dso.ufl.edu/drc Financial Aid Office www.sfa.ufl.edu Financial Services fa.ufl.edu/bursar/ Gator Dining Services www.bsd.ufl.edu/Dining/

392-1521 800-344-2867 392-0194 392-1601 392-1575 392-1261 392-8565 392-1275 392-0181 392-2491

GatorWell Health Promotion Services gatorwell.ufsa.ufl.edu Housing & Residence Education www.housing.ufl.edu Honors Program

honors.ufl.edu J. Wayne Reitz Union

union.ufl.edu Lake Wauburg recsports.ufl.edu/lake-wauburg Libraries (General Information) uflib.ufl.edu New Student & Family Programs dso.ufl.edu/nsfp Office of Academic Support oas.aa.ufl.edu Reading & Writing Center writing.ufl.edu/writing-center Recreational Sports recsports.ufl.edu/

273-4450 392-2161 392-1519 392-1649 466-4112 273-2525 392-1261 392-0788 392-6420

Registrar registrar.ufl.edu Southwest Recreation Center recsports.ufl.edu/facilities Student Activities & Involvement studentinvolvement.ufl.edu Student Health Care Center shcc.ufl.edu Student Legal Services studentlegalservices.ufl.edu Transportation & Parking parking.ufl.edu University Ombuds ombuds.ufl.edu University Police Department police.ufl.edu Vice President for Student Affairs ufsa.ufl.edu

392-1374 846-1081 392-1671 392-1161 392-5297 392-7275 392-1308 392-1111 392-1265

846-1081

ACADEMIC ADVISING OFFICES Academic Advising Center | 352-392-1521 | advising.ufl.edu The Academic Advising Center provides academic advising to incoming students during Preview, UF’s orientation program. The Academic Advising Center also provides assistance to undecided students who have not chosen majors and to those students who are considering changing their majors. In addition, the Center works with Liberal Arts and Sciences students including Pre-Professional majors (law and health). Once a student starts at UF and selects a major, the individual department within each college advises students on requirements for their majors: Accounting Agricultural & Life Sciences Building and Construction

Business Administration

Design, Construction & Planning Education

273-0200 392-1963 273-1150 273-0165 392-4836 392-0726

Engineering Fine Arts Forest Resources and Conservation Health & Human Performance Public Health & Health Professions Honors Program

392-6000 392-0207 846-0850 392-0578 273-6400 392-1519

Journalism & Communication Liberal Arts & Sciences Natural Resources & Environment Nursing Pharmacy University Athletic Association

392-0500 392-0780 392-9230 373-6001 273-6217 800-344-2867

HELP ADD EVEN MORE VALUE TO YOUR GATOR’S EXPERIENCE WITH A CONTRIBUTION TO THE FAMILY FUND As the parent of new Gator, you may be wondering how you can continue to support your student as they begin their college career. Together with the Division of Student Affairs, you can impact your student’s experience at the University of Florida by supporting the Family Fund. Your contribution will enable us to continue providing a wide array of social and developmental programs to assist all new and returning students.

Your contribution can make it possible for students to explore career opportunities and gain valuable leadership skills. All contributions to the Family Fund help strengthen programs and services provided by the Division of Student Affairs.

This calendar is provided to you to assist you in guiding your student through his/her first year in college. Many of the photographs featured in the calendar were taken by students and staff members as part of the photo UF competition which asks our students how they see UF. We hope you enjoy their work and find the information provided useful.

To learn more about the Family Fund or make a contribution, please visit ufsa.ufl.edu/parents/ or contact: Myra F. Morgan 155 Tigert Hall PO Box 113250 Gainesville, FL. 32611 352-392-1265 myram@ufl.edu

Myra F. Morgan

A Special Thank You for all Your Support

BUY 1 MEAL, GET 1 MEAL FREE At Fresh Food Company or Gator Corner Dining Center Must present coupon Valid at UF locations only.

EXPIRES 5/1/15

GRAB-N-GO SPECIAL 16” Pepperoni Pizza $10.50

BUY 1 MEAL, GET 1 MEAL FREE

Reitz Union Food Court

At Fresh Food Company or Gator Corner Dining Center

Must present coupon Valid at UF locations only.

Must present coupon Valid at UF locations only.

EXPIRES 12/10/14

EXPIRES 5/1/15

GRAB-N-GO SPECIAL 16” Pepperoni Pizza $10.50

BUY 1 MEAL, GET 1 MEAL FREE

Reitz Union Food Court

At Fresh Food Company or Gator Corner Dining Center

Must present coupon Valid at UF locations only.

Must present coupon Valid at UF locations only.

EXPIRES 12/10/14

EXPIRES 5/1/15

FAMILY FUND A PARTNERSHIP IN ACTION The Division of Student Affairs with your support can impact your student’s experience at the University of Florida by: • Creating an enriching university environment • Providing campus services and innovative programs • Promoting discovery and awareness of global issue and opportunities • Guiding students in becoming outstanding citizens who excel in their career paths Support Student Affairs today by contributing to the Family Fund.

Learn more at ufsa.ufl.eduy/parents