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The end of your freshman’s rst semester of college is almost here. Your student is likely feeling exhausted at this point in the semester. They’ve experienced large adjustments from high school and a variety of lifestyle changes. They have endured many weeks of lectures, quizzes, assignments, presentations, and group projects, and still have nals to face. When your student returns home for winter break, they might be quite different from the person they were just 4 months ago in August. They will need and appreciate sleep after a busy week of nal exams and projects. Give your student time to relax and rejuvenate for a couple of days. Be sure to inform them of any family plans in advance so that no surprises interrupt their time to unwind. After nals week, instructors will submit students’ nal course grades. Students will access their nal grades through ULink. While some students may be ecstatic to receive their grades, others may feel nervous or uneasy. It is common for students to explore the idea of changing their major after nishing their rst semester. Encourage and support your student as they explore their interests and strengths so they can choose a major that they are passionate about. Enjoy your time with your student during the winter break! Happy holidays! November & December 2019 NewsletterONE SEMESTER DOWN!UL Lafayette Parents & FamilyThe UL Lafayette Parent & Family Newsletter is brought to you by the Ofce of Orientation and the Ofce of First-Year Experience.INSIDE THIS ISSUEPreparing for Finals 2Major Changes 3Spring 2020 FYI’s 4Academic Reminders 5End of Semester Student 6Parent Advice 6
FALL 2019November 28-29Thanksgiving HolidayDecember 4-8Dead DaysDecember 6Last Day of Fall ClassesDecember 9-13Final ExamsDecember 13Semester Ends2Your student, if at risk, has already received their second Grade Check of the semester. e next grade they receive will be the nal grade that will count towards their GPA. With just a few weeks le of the semester, it is more important than ever for your student to be diligent in their studies. Aer anksgiving break, students have only one week of classes le before nal exams. If your student is struggling in any of their classes, now is the time for them to ask for help. During these last few weeks, encourage your student to manage their time well, seek assistance from a tutor at e Learning Center, and meet with their professors during oce hours. If your student has any nal projects, they will be due soon and oen make up a large portion of the grade for that class. Final exams week (December 9-13) is also approaching quickly. Keep in mind that your student’s nal exam schedule is oen dierent from their standard class schedule. Click here to see the Fall 2019 Examination Schedule.In planning for Final Exams, it is important for your student to remember to eat healthy, exercise, and get enough sleep. Encourage your student to get ahead with their studies so they can avoid those dreaded “all-nighters.” Stability and health are key to a successful nals week. Here are twelve tips to help your student prepare for nal exams. PREPARING FOR FINALSACADEMIC CALENDAR SPRING 2020January 8Deadline to Pay Tuition & FeesJanuary 15Classes BeginJanuary 20MLK Day HolidayJanuary 22Last Day to Add/Drop ClassesFebruary 24-26Mardi Gras HolidayMarch 16-27Advising Session for Summer/FallApril 8Last Day to Drop with a “W”April 10-19Spring BreakApril 29-May 3Dead DaysMay 1Last Day of Spring ClassesMay 4-8Final ExamsMay 8Semester Ends
QUICK TIPS FOR PARENTS OF UNDECIDED STUDENTS - The career development process is brand new to most freshman students. The options and pressure can feel overwhelming. As your student begins to explore and establish their major goals and career interests, here are a few ways you can help support them:MAJOR CHANGES312Encourage them to visit the Major & Career Exploration Center in Career Services which provides: • Career assessments• Major & career individual meetings• Career planning guidance• Major fairs• Career fairs• Workshops and seminarsBe there for them:• Talk to them about their interests, skills, and values.• Listen to what your student might be considering and be receptive to what makes their considerations compelling.• Help them recognize their strengths and career possibilities without letting your personal biases carry much weight.3Foster connections:• If you know someone in a eld related to their interests, mutually facilitate an informal interview or “shadow day.”• Inspire them to investigate majors and careers based on their strengths.CAREER SERVICES MAJOR & CAREER EXPLORATION CENTER 337-482-1444 EXPLORE@LOUISIANA.EDUMAJORS OFFERED AT UL - With over 70 undergraduate majors, UL Lafayette provides as much educational diversity as possible to provide our students with the skills they need to enter the work force while following their passions.WHAT CAN I DO WITH MY MAJOR? - Whether your student is exploring multiple majors or searching for information about their chosen eld, this site will help them connect majors to careers. Learn about the typical career areas and the types of employers that hire people with each major, as well as strategies to help make students more marketable. Click here to see what your student can do with his/her major.• Majors by alphabetical order• Majors by college• Majors by interest
PARKING PERMITS - Both residential and commuter students who park on campus must obtain a new parking permit each semester. Parking permits for the Spring 2020 semester will be available through ULink in December. For parking-related questions, contact the Oce of Transportation Services at 337-482-6858 or parking@louisiana.edu. Click here for parking zone listings and maps.4SPRING 2020 FYI’SHOUSING APPLICATION - e online Housing Application for the 2020-2021 school year is now available! Share these helpful reminders with your student: • Students will access the 2020-2021 Housing Application through ULink. Specic instructions are available in the portal guide on the housing website.• Roommate Groups give students the exibility to pick their roommates and select a room preference.• e sooner a student signs up for housing, the better their chances are of selecting their desired room type.• Please note that housing on campus requires entering a 10-month legally binding contract with UL Lafayette Housing that runs continuously from August through May. Students are not required to move out over winter break. DINING - Meal plans for students who live on campus will auto-default onto their fee bill for the Spring 2020 semester. Commuter students who wish to purchase a meal plan may do so by logging into ULink and following the commuter meal plan links found in the Housing Portal. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Campus Food Services directly at 337-482-2871 or by email at campusfoodservices@louisiana.edu.Campus ResourcesAcademic Success CenterLee Hall, 115 337-482-6818 asc@louisiana.eduStudent Health ServicesO.K. Allen Hall337-482-1328shs@louisiana.eduCounseling & Testing CenterO.K. Allen Hall 337-482-6480counseling@louisiana.eduThe Writing CenterH.L. Griffin Hall, 107337-482-5224ulwritingcenter@louisiana.eduOffice of Disability Services (ODS)Agnes Edwards, 126337-482-5252 ods@louisiana.eduDean of StudentsStudent Union, 169337-482-6276deanofstudents@louisiana.edu
GRADE POINT AVERAGE - GPA is calculated every semester as well as cumulatively after a student has more than one semester of academic history. Students have access to an easy-to-use GPA calculator through ULink. Click here to read more about calculating GPA.ACADEMIC REMINDERSACADEMIC PROBATION - Academic Probation occurs when a student’s cumulative GPA is below a 2.0. A student may attend the University while on academic probation but must earn at least a 2.0 semester GPA the following semester. This means that a student who is placed on probation at the end of the Fall 2019 semester must earn a 2.0 GPA for the Spring 2020 semester. If a freshman student is on academic probation after this fall semester, they are required to enroll in ACSK 100: Fundamentals of College Learning. If your student is put on academic probation, they will be contacted through their University email. For more information contact the Academic Success Center, or email asc@louisiana.edu. Read more about academic status in the Catalog.MAJOR CHANGES - It is common for freshman students to realize that they aren’t in the major that is best for them. Don’t worry, your student is not alone! Freshmen can change their major in the Academic Success Center (ASC) in Lee Hall, room 115. If your student is unsure, they should visit ASC to schedule a meeting with an academic advisor to review possible options.5THE LIBRARY- If your student hasn’t already found their perfect “study spot,” encourage them to visit Edith Garland Dupre Library (pictured above), located right in the heart of campus on St. Mary Boulevard. The library is bustling every day with students who take advantage of the many services offered. Library services include:• Knowledgeable librarians• Computer labs• Printers• Large tables for groups• Private study tables• Free Wi• Jazzman’s Coffee Shop• Copy machines• Charging lockers/stations• Audio/video equipment• Individual & group study rooms• Extended library hours during nalsHave a question? Ask a librarianLearn More at https://library.louisiana.edu/.SCHEDULE ADJUSTMENT PERIOD- If your student wants to make changes to their Spring 2020 schedule, they can do so throughout the Schedule Adjustment (Drop/Add) Period. Students can add and drop classes on their schedule through the 5th day of class (3rd day for summer session). After that time, students may not drop or add classes through ULink. Encourage your student to keep the academic plan that they developed with their academic advisor in mind when adding and dropping classes.
6PARENT ADVICE“The rst semester will be a wake-up call to students. No one will make sure they get to class on time, or tell them they need to study. They will gure it out as they become more responsible and self-condent.”“It is difcult to let go, but in the end it is worth it. Students at UL Lafayette get amazing support!”“Help your student de-stress. Don’t add to their stress. Give them opportunities over the break to do fun, relaxing things with you.”“Give them space, listen (let them talk) and encourage, encourage, encourage!”Happy Holidays!END OF SEMESTER STUDENTYOUR STUDENT IN NOVEMBER & DECEMBER - During the months of November and December, students will be anticipating the holidays and may get caught up with excitement. It is important to encourage your student to keep an eye on their academic nish line! Academically, students will begin to understand nal exam expectations and they should begin nalizing nal projects.As parents, here are a few things you can do to help them:132FINAL EXAM PLANNING - Encourage your student to make a nal exam study schedule. This will help them to plan ahead and avoid cramming at the last minute. Time management is something that students - especially freshmen - struggle with. Encourage your student to take note of deadlines and nal exam schedules for each scheduled class.PERSONAL HEALTH - Students must take care of their personal needs during this busy time. Returning from Thanksgiving break brings the start of nals. They may lose sleep, neglect nutrition needs, and fail to exercise, which does not lead to productivity. Click here to read an article on how to help your student with their personal health.FAMILY TIME AGAIN - Your student may go home for the holidays. This might cause unexpected stress for you and your student as she/he is used to being independent. Keep this in mind over the holidays to allow your student to maintain their new independence. Click here to read an article with conversation starters for the Thanksgiving table!Here’s what last year’s freshmen parents have to say: