August 2009, Issue 1

During the new student orientation program, students will finalize their fall course schedules. On Friday, August 21 from 10:30 - 11:30am parents may meet with school and college deans to learn how students' course schedules are developed and how the school's academic advising works.

Students completed a course preference form over the summer that was used by the registrar to construct individual preliminary course schedules for the fall semester. These preliminary schedules reflect numerous factors, including students' interests, test scores, and departmental and University-wide curricular requirements.

The Department of Orientation has developed an orientation program that serves as the foundation of the UM experience for undergraduates and as a resource for parents and families. The new student and parent orientation program is the beginning of a process through which the newest members of the 'Cane Family obtain the information needed to have a successful transition to the UM community.

Please join us for New Student Convocation with George Will on Friday, August 21 from 9:00am to 10:00am in the BankUnited Center. (Doors open at 8:15am). Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist George Will speaks on "Liberals, Conservatives and Hurricanes" for our 2009 New Student Convocation.  Will, columnist for The Washington Post and Newsweek essayist, is America's foremost political commentator and provides a witty, trenchant glimpse into the current American political scene.

Like most changes or transitions that produce personal growth, moving away to college may bring pressures, stresses, and challenges-for both students and their parents. During this time, some of the most important life transitions occur. For students, effective adjustment to college requires coping with feelings of loss when moving away from home and finding new friends and relationships. Effective time management and caring for oneself can also be challenging for many students. Support from parents and family is critical to a student's successful transition to college.

The on-campus Student Health Service provides primary care, specialty care, and pharmacy services to eligible University of Miami students. It is conveniently located in the center of campus across the street from the Pavia garage and close to all of the residential colleges.