Communications

Date: May 06, 2009

To: Parents of current U.Va. students

From: Patricia M. Lampkin, U.Va. Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer

Subject: News and Updates for U.Va. Parents - May 2009

Dear Parents:

As students finish up exams and the academic year comes to a close, I write with information and reminders that may be helpful in your planning and in communicating with your sons and daughters.

H1N1 Flu

The University is closely monitoring the spread of H1N1 flu. While only three cases have been reported in Virginia as of May 6 (none in the Charlottesville area) the University has taken steps to be prepared should the flu become more widespread. Students have received two messages from Leonard W. Sandridge, executive vice president and chief operating officer.

Since large gatherings of people are a factor in the spread of germs, anyone who is at high risk of complications from the flu may want to avoid public events such as Finals Weekend. Those at high risk are considered to be anyone who is pregnant, under age 5, over age 65, or who has a chronic medical condition.

In addition, fourth- and fifth-year students who may be heading to the beach or elsewhere with friends prior to graduation have received a message from me with reminders about the importance of personal hygiene in preventing the spread of germs. These basic tips are being advocated by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and are good to exercise at any time. Given the tendency of young people to share close quarters and to interact with individuals from other geographic areas, please encourage your son or daughter to remember the importance of these simple steps for personal health.

Finals Weekend (May 16-17)

Congratulations if your son or daughter is graduating from the University this month. Complete details about Finals Weekend are available online. Whatever information you may need – schedules and details about parking, shuttle buses, diploma ceremonies, and other weekend activities – is available at this site and is kept current.

Graduation Housing

Do you still need a place to stay during Finals weekend? A few limited spaces remain right on the Grounds in the Alderman Road residence area. The cost is $180 per person for two nights (and an additional night free) with Sunday morning brunch included. Please go online for more information and to make reservations.

Closing of Residence Halls

Students who live in University housing are required to move out within 24 hours of their last exam or by noon on Saturday, May 9 (unless approved for Late Stay). Complete details about moving out are available on the Housing Web site.

Sofa Shuffle and Chuck It for Charity

If you are moving your student out of Charlottesville, the University offers two easy ways to get rid of unwanted furniture and household items. The Sofa Shuffle – primarily for students living in apartments – offers six drop-off points on May 9, 18 and 30 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Chuck It for Charity – primarily for students moving out of residence halls – is available through May 12 in nine locations around the Grounds.

New Student Information System (SIS)

“SIS” is the newest acronym to be added to the U.Va. lexicon. Students began using the new Student Information System in March to conduct University business for the fall 2009 term. Many self-service features, including academic planning and course enrollment, application for financial aid, online bill paying, and more, are now available to students.

ISIS, the former student system, will continue to be available for students attending Summer Session. Once the fall term begins, however, the SIS will become the official system of record for U.Va. students.

UVA Today Daily Report

One of the best ways to stay in touch with the University is by signing up for the UVA Today Daily Report. This daily e-mail, delivered to your inbox Monday through Friday, compiles highlights of U.Va. news, features, upcoming events, blogs, links and headlines from major media outlets.

Sign up now to stay in touch with everything U.Va.

Important Dates

* Finals Weekend: May 16-17

* Summer Session 1: May 11-June 5

* Summer Session 2: June 9-July 7

* Summer Session 3: July 9-August 6

* Summer Language Institute: June 8-August 7

* Summer Orientation Begins: June 22

* Move-In Day: August 22

* Fall Convocation: October 16

* Third-Year Ring Ceremony: October 16

* Family Weekend: October 16-19

Warm regards,

Patricia M. Lampkin

Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer