University of Colorado at Boulder Parent Guide
Ready or Not, Spring Semester is Here!
Unpublished
Time flies when in college. The first semester is over and our students are sleeping through winter break and catching up with friends. Knowing how fast this first semester has gone makes us realize that spring semester is just around the corner. From a parent’s perspective, here are a few to-dos.
Dates to know:
Spring semester starts January 12. Tuition is due January 21. Spring break is March 23–27 — set up those travel arrangements soon. Recognition ceremonies are May 7th in the individual colleges and the large campus wide graduation ceremony is May 8th — make your hotel reservations now.
Housing:
For returning students, now is the time to start looking for next year’s accommodations. Off Campus Student Services will be conducting their Off Campus Housing Fairs on February 4 and March 3, 2009 in the UMC Ballroom. Your student will probably be on top of this, but for more information on the services that this office can provide your student, check the off-campus housing site at www.colorado.edu/OCSS. The University provides excellent sophomore and up living accommodations at Bear Creek Apartments located next to Williams Village. Their website is bearcreek.colorado.edu and they were rented out early 2008 for fall move-in. CU and Boulder housing is usually tighter each year so planning ahead will give your student their best choices.
Options for Spring Break:
CU loves volunteers! Students can check with their advisor to learn about spring break options, from building a home for Habitat for Humanity to assisting the Red Cross in New Orleans and more. Check out the Volunteer Resource Center for a variety of options as well at www.colorado.edu/vch/home1.html. The more we give, the more we receive.
Internships/Jobs:
Internships and jobs not only add depth to a college education, but are great resume builders. Early spring semester is the best time to start looking for summer internships or jobs. Each college on campus offers information on internships (search “internships” at www.colorado.edu). Advisors can assist with internships that would best promote career choices. The large Career Services spring career/internship fair will be held January 28 and 29, 2009. Go to careerservices.colorado.edu/student.cs?studentFairs for more information. Graduates should check out careerservices.colorado.edu for career placement.
Summer School Options:
CU’s summer schedule will come out around spring break. However, your student may need to be closer to home or want to take classes at a junior college. Make sure all credits will transfer toward their degree at CU before committing to another school. Often credits may transfer, but not where you want or need them, so make sure your student does his or her homework by checking with an advisor. Speaking from experience, it doesn’t hurt to get it in writing.
Summer or fall abroad:
Join the 19,000 CU Boulder students who have enjoyed study abroad. With few exceptions, March 2, 2009, is the deadline to apply for all 2009 summer and fall 2009 study abroad programs. See studyabroad.colorado.edu for more information.
Graduate Studies:
If your student is thinking about graduate school in two years or less, now may be the time to start the admission process. Contact the admissions office at the schools of interest to learn about the admissions requirements and procedures. CU-Boulder Career Services may be able to assist your student at their webpage careerservices.colorado.edu/family.cs?admission. Stress can be managed through planning. Your student may be on top of these opportunities, but an occasional question from their parents may be welcome and show them that not only do you care but maybe, just maybe, you know a thing or two.
Joyce Kinde is the Assistant Director of the Office Parent Relations and the mother of four children who are either recent college graduates or are currently in college.
