Communications
Date: October 30, 2006
To: U.Va. Parents (parents of students in the Classes of 2010, 2009, 2008, and 2007)
From: Patricia M. Lampkin, U.Va. Student Affairs <parentsaspartners@virginia.edu>
Subject: News and Reminders for Parents
Dear Parents:
As part of our efforts to keep you informed about student life at U.Va., we are providing the following news and reminders:
Immunization Clinic – Nov. 1
Student Health, in partnership with Intravene, will hold its Fall Immunization Clinic on Wednesday, Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the Newcomb Ballroom. Flu shots will be available, as well as other vaccines that are required for enrollment at the University. Students must pay at the time of service using cash, check or credit card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express, or Discover).
Students received two e-mail messages about the clinic. For further information, they can call Intravene at 1-800-272-3944, ext. 2171; visit the Intravene Web site; or call Student Health at 982-3915.
Mumps Cases
The Immunization Clinic on Nov. 1 will provide students with an additional opportunity to get the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccination. At this point, only a very small percentage of students has not received the vaccine. Those students who have not received the vaccine (and who have not been waived for religious or medical reasons) will be blocked from registration for spring classes.
Since Sept. 22 when the first case was reported, 24 undergraduate students have contracted the mumps. Several cases have been reported within the Charlottesville community as well. Those affected are fully recovering within the expected timeframe and are returning to their normal routines.
Because mumps is highly contagious and because flu season is almost here, the University is reminding students to be diligent about basic hygiene. Good precautionary steps to take at all times include: washing your hands for 20 seconds or more with soapy water; avoiding sharing glasses and other utensils when drinking and eating; and covering the mouth and nose, preferably with a tissue, when coughing or sneezing.
Students who do develop symptoms should stay home from class and call Student Health (982-3915) to determine the best steps to take. Most students who have come down with the mumps have returned to their parents’ home during the recovery period, but the University also has set aside separate housing for students who cannot return home.
More information is available on the Student Health Web site.
Safety on and near the Grounds
Student safety was a topic addressed several times during Family Weekend, including during President Casteen’s annual University Forum with parents and family members.
While we continue to tell students that the Charlottesville area is relatively safe, we also emphasize to them that serious crimes involving students do occur. This semester has been no exception. Students have been victims of crime, ranging from a shooting to thefts of electronic equipment from cars, in areas near the University. The community also was shaken by the murder of a U.Va. student on the Blue Ridge Parkway, where she had gone to study.
Students are urged to call 911 if they notice suspicious persons or activities. They should also be sure to lock their room or apartment doors, their cars, and to avoid walking alone at night. Several resources, including SafeRide, late-night buses, and blue-light telephones, are available to help students.
Prior to the change back to standard time this past weekend, students received an e-mail with safety reminders. Please help us reinforce these safety tips with your sons and daughters, so they become active partners in protecting themselves and in keeping the environment as safe as possible.
University Housing Deadlines
The University Housing Office has been in touch with students about applying for on-Grounds housing for the 2007-08 academic year. The first deadline, for students who want to live in a residential college or language house, is Nov. 15. The next deadline is Nov. 30; this is for rising second-year students (current first-year students) who want to live on Grounds in upperclass housing. Nov. 30 also is the contract deadline for current upperclass students who want to keep the same room next year.
Rising second-year students (current first-year students) receive priority in their on-Grounds assignments, and, after the second year, students are guaranteed assignments in University housing for their remaining undergraduate years if they choose to stay in the same room.
The Housing Web site contains information about the housing assignment process, the schedule for residential colleges and language houses, and information for upperclass students who are not currently residing in on-Grounds housing. The current Housing newsletter answers many questions commonly asked by students and parents.
January Term 2007
The upcoming J-Term will take place Jan. 2 through12, with classes meeting on Saturday, Jan. 6. Launched in 2005, J-Term has become increasingly popular with students who want to explore new topics or engage in a brief study abroad program, undergraduate research seminar or interdisciplinary course. Students participating in the 2007 program will be able to choose from more than 30 courses.
Registration for January Term 2007 non-study-abroad courses will take place Nov. 13 through 17. Students will need to register in person in the Office of Summer and Special Academic Programs, Garrett Hall B019.
J-Term courses are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Students enrolling in non-study-abroad courses pay by the credit hour; most J-Term courses are three credits. Full payment is due at the time of registration. Payment must be made in the form of a check payable to the University of Virginia. Cash, credit cards, and debit cards will not be accepted.
Financial aid is available for students who qualify, although the deadline for priority consideration was Oct. 13.
More information is available on the January Term Web site.
Last Home Football Game
Saturday, Nov. 18, will mark the last home football game of the season when U.Va. takes on Miami. School spirit is always high for the last home game. Some students, fourth-years in particular, will use this as an excuse to party and celebrate to excess. The University provides a number of educational programs aimed at helping students make healthy choices, especially at this time of the year.
This might be a good opportunity for you to have a conversation with your son or daughter about alcohol use, to make your expectations clear, and to emphasize the risks associated with alcohol use. The University’s Handbook for Parents (page 32) offers guidelines for having this conversation. (Further information about the handbook is below.)
Parents’ Handbook Available
An updated, enhanced Handbook for Parents has been published for 2006 and is available online at www.virginia.edu/vpsa/parentshandbook.pdf. A limited number of printed copies are available. If you would like a copy, please send an e-mail to parentsaspartners@virginia.edu. Please include your name and mailing address.
New Parents and Families Web Site
The University’s Web site for parents and families has been updated in an effort to make it more attractive and easier to navigate.
U.Va. Travel for Parents and Family Members
U.Va. parents and family are invited to travel alongside U.Va. alumni and friends and to explore the world through U.Va. eyes. The Cavalier Travels Program offers well-organized and well-supported travel experiences, whether you seek sightseeing on land or sea, wish to travel alone or with your family, want to explore beloved or new and unusual destinations, or want to volunteer as well as travel. U.Va. faculty provide relevant lectures and expert knowledge.
Next year’s destinations include Costa Rica, Panama, and the Canal; Hemingway's Africa-Sights and Safaris; Peru-Visit and Volunteer; The Greek Islands; From the Paris Air Show to the Wright Brothers in France; Colorado Family Dinosaur Excavation; The Italian Lake District; Scotland Golf Outing; The French Riviera; Danube River Cruise; China-Beijing, Shanghai, and the Yangzi River; The French Riviera, and more. Peruse the Cavalier Travels Web site for further details and links to additional U.Va. travel programs for parents and families.
Messages to Students
To read the messages referenced above that recently have been distributed to all students, please see “News and Announcements” under the Student Affairs home page.
Sincerely,
Patricia M. Lampkin
Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer
|
