Communications

Date: Jun 2009

To: Parents of new students

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

Subject: Parents as partners

Dear Parents:

Greetings and welcome to the University of Virginia community. With the entry of your daughter or son into the University, the coming year promises change, excitement, and the start of a new chapter in your family life. Without question, your influence and guidance will remain strong as your student meets new academic challenges, grows academically and socially, and develops an expanding sense of independence.

Summer Orientation marks the beginning of this transition for you and your daughter or son. We look forward to introducing you to the many unique aspects of the University and answering any questions or concerns. Please plan to participate as fully as possible in the Parent Orientation session and to take advantage of the various ways in which you can become familiar with the U.Va. student experience.

We view parents as partners in the learning process and look forward to your involvement in programs planned especially for parents and family members. Family Weekend, programs and activities in your region sponsored by UVaFamilies, athletic events, travel programs, publications, and the University’s Web site all offer avenues for you to stay informed about the University of Virginia and become an active part of this community.

For your convenience, the parents’ Web site, www.virginia.edu/parents, and the accompanying “Parents as Partners” site, offer a means for you to stay informed. If you provide us with your e-mail address, we will add you to a list to receive e-mail notifications as well as any emergency communications that may be necessary. Severe weather or other critical incidents affecting the U.Va. community are examples of emergencies that would prompt communication with you. We also send e-mail notices about Family Weekend, Final Exercises, and other events of special interest.

You may register your e-mail address by going to www.hoosonline.virginia.edu/parentsaspartners and entering the requested information. Sign-up is easy and quick. Your information, which will be kept in the strictest confidence, will be used only for communication purposes. You will also have an opportunity to register your e-mail addresses with us during Orientation by stopping by the Hospitality and Resource Center in the main lounge of Newcomb Hall.

You also should visit the University’s main Web site at http://www.virginia.edu for the most up-to-date information on activities and events on the Grounds. If you would like to receive a daily e-mail with news updates from the University, please go to http://www.virginia.edu/uvatoday/ and click on the orange “Sign Up” link at the bottom of the page.

As a special reminder, please mark your calendar for Family Weekend this fall – October 16-18. We recommend that you make hotel reservations as soon as possible since local accommodations fill up quickly. The Web site, www.virginia.edu/familyweekend, provides more details and will be updated in September with the complete schedule.

Again, welcome. I hope to see you on the Grounds soon.

Sincerely,

Patricia M. Lampkin

Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer