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It's That Time of Year

2014 Family WeekendThere is something special in these hills when fall presents itself. Clemson couldn’t be in a more unique location to embrace the clean crisp autumn air and see the leaves shift to fascinating colors. Autumn has officially arrived. As pretty as the area is in this time of year, it is important to remember that it is often a high stress time for students. Your student has likely dedicated the majority of their time to their classes. With the temperature change, students are more prone to sickness and begin spending more time indoors. Activities/clubs are in full force and exams, papers and project dues dates are quickly approaching. There is a lot going on! Students need some additional support and motivation during this time of year. Here are some things to think about as you support your students:
  • Encourage your student to meet with their professors to get an idea of their grades so far. This way they can plan accordingly for finishing out the semester.
  • Remind your student to take advantage of the Academic Success Center for tutoring, study groups, etc. The earlier they are prepared, the more confident they will feel.
  • Give realistic expectations and motivations about academics (when a student feels like they can not meet the expectations of their family, they have an added pressure in an already stressful time).
  • Provide encouragement and support (the more students feel supported, the more honest they will be with you).
  • Remind your student to eat well, drink water, get plenty of rest and be aware of their body (the moment they start to feel ill they should take advantage of the Redfern Health Center).
  • Cheer your student on! Your student is likely becoming anxious and stressed about many things; knowing they have their family on their side will be a source of comfort.
  • Prompt your student to make an appointment with their academic advisor. Registration for Spring is right around the corner. Be sure that your student makes the appointment with their advisor, so they will be able to register.
Here are some helpful services, particularly during this time of year!
PLANNING TRAVEL FOR THE HOLIDAYS?
Clemson University has partnered with RidePost, a transportation company based in Greenville, SC, to provide additional transportation options for parents and students. Through Clemson.RidePost.com, Clemson offers a free shuttle to Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP) and Charlotte (CLT) airports for holiday breaks. In addition, your student can find and share weekend rides home with other verified Clemson students via Clemson.RidePost.com.

As the costs of bringing a car to college continue to rise, Clemson University and RidePost are happy to offer alternatives to bringing a car to campus for you and your student. If you have any questions about RidePost at Clemson, please feel free to contact the Parking and Transportation Services office.

Promoting Health and Wellness

Redfern Health CenterFlu Shots Available Now
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend a yearly seasonal flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against the seasonal flu. Flu shots are available now at Redfern Health Center. The cost is $18 for fee-paid and $23 for non-fee-paid students, payable at the time of service. No appointment is necessary; students can walk in Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 8:30–11:30 a.m. and 1:30–4:15 p.m. and Wednesdays, 9–11:30 a.m. and 1:30–4:15 p.m. Unpaid balances will be added to the student’s account at Redfern Health Center. Check out our tips on flu prevention and treatment!

Encouraging Academic Success

LibraryAt this point in the semester, your student has likely taken exams in all their classes. Traditionally, students are starting to think about finals, projects and spring classes. The majority of classes in college tend to have fewer assignments, so the grades received account for a larger percentage of the final grade. This extra pressure has started to set in now that they have to make a certain percentage in order to receive the grade they have planned for. Additionally, the further into a student’s college career, the more difficult it is to boost their GPA. This is where your student needs your support more than ever. Take the time to have a conversation with your student about what realistic expectations may look like for this semester. Be sure to remind your student of the many options offered by our Academic Success Center (ASC).

Helpful Academic Success Center Links:
Tutoring Schedule
Workshop Schedule

IMPORTANT ACADEMIC DATE: Oct. 24 is the last day to drop a class or withdraw without changing the final grade.

Another service the ASC provides is Academic Counseling and Coaching. If something seems to be getting in the way of a student being successful (not a specific course, but life habits or events), this might be a good option to explore. One of the most popular things our counselor and coaches do is help students plan a study schedule around their other activities. They can also give good tips on test-taking and talking to professors. Any student can stop by the ASC to make an appointment.

How to Support Your College Student

Career FairOften a large misconception among students is that career development happens at one time of the year. In reality, career development should happen throughout the year. Here are some quick tips and things to consider for the October/November months:
  • In-Person Career Counseling and Upcoming Events
    • Spring University Professional Intern and Co-Op (UPIC) Internships
    • Positions will begin appearing in ClemsonJobLink starting in mid to late October.
  • Freshmen and transfer students are eligible to apply for spring UPIC positions. UPIC is our paid, on-campus internship program where students take what they have learned in the classroom and apply it in over 200 areas of campus. We invite students to come to the Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) on the third floor of the Hendrix Student Center during our drop-in hours to learn more about the UPIC program. Drop-in hours are Monday–Friday, 1:30–4:15 p.m.
  • Interested in advertising opportunities to Clemson students?
The CCPD believes in engaging students in career development and experiential learning activities that will empower them to successfully pursue their educational and professional goals.

Clemson Home Corner

Clemson HomeWhen you live on campus, the entire campus is your home away from home. The best part is you don’t have to leave your Clemson Home to experience some of the best things Clemson University has to offer. In addition to the many opportunities campus life has to offer, University Housing & Dining fosters an environment in the residential communities that supports learning both inside and outside the classroom. All of these resources and experiences make life on campus the best choice! Watch this space in future newsletter issues for information about meal plan and room sign-up for 2015-2016.

Family Resources

Parents' CalendarACADEMIC RELATED DATES
Oct. 22 — Test Taking Strategies
Oct. 23 — Be Smart with Your Finances Workshop
Oct. 24 — Last day to drop a class or withdraw
Oct. 27 — Study Skills Workshop
Oct. 28 — Using Body Language to Achieve Influence Webinar
Oct. 29 — Notetaking 101 Workshop
Oct. 29 — Quick Tips in a Flash Career Workshop
Oct. 29 — Procrastination Workshop
Oct. 30 — Raise your GPR from the Dead Workshop
Nov. 3–4 — FALL BREAK
Nov. 5 — Register for Spring and Summer Terms Begin
Nov. 5 — Countdown to Finals Workshop
Nov. 5 — Time Management Workshop
Nov. 7 — Skills for Improving Time Management Workshop
Nov. 10 — Winning the Procrastination Battle
Nov. 11 — Test Anxiety Workshop
Nov. 11 — Effective Communication with Professors
Nov. 12 — Retaining Scholarships; Life, Hope and Palmetto Fellows Workshop
Nov. 12 — Stress Workshop
Nov. 13 — Learning from the Inside Out Workshop
Nov. 13 — This is an Exam, It is Only a Final Exam Workshop
Nov. 14 — Communicating with Your Manager or Advisor Workshop

OTHER ON CAMPUS IMPORTANT DATES
Oct. 21 — A Midsummer Night's Dream
Oct. 22 — Flu Shots for Students
Oct. 23 — Clemson University Singers
Oct. 24 — Clemson University Tiger Band Association (CUTBA) Homecoming BBQ
Oct. 24 — Fall Concert in the Garden featuring: Ella Mae Bowen
Oct. 24 — Tigerama
Oct. 25 — Clemson vs. Syracuse Football Game
Oct. 28 — Understanding and Managing Differences in the Workplace
Oct. 29 — Flu Shots for Students
Oct. 30 — Creating a Spending Plan Workshop
Oct. 31 — Clemson Zombie Run
Oct. 31 — Clemson Men's Soccer vs NC State
Oct. 31 — Clemson Volleyball vs Virginia
Nov. 1 — Surfing the Outer Banks CORE Trip
Nov. 1 — Clemson Women's Soccer vs NC State
Nov. 2 — Volleyball vs Florida State

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS or CONCERNS? Have things you would like to see in future issues? Please contact the New Student and Family Programs office at 864-656-0515 or by email at cufamilies@clemson.edu.
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