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Where are you from? Henderson, Louisiana. (Originally from New Orleans, but Henderson mainly) Why did you chose UL? I chose UL due to the simple fact that it feels like home! With so many friends who attend here, I find it interesting that I can still go to school with them and keep those relationships. Orientation was really exciting, and showed me that UL was the university I wanted to choose and stay with. What has been your greatest memory so far this year? The greatest memory I've had so far this year would probably be the snow days! I remember coming back from Orientation Staff retreat and within the next few days it snowing! Me and my girlfriend walked around campus to see everything covered in white, it was an astonishing moment to see everything look so different but still majestic. What have you become involved in since arriving at UL? Since arriving at UL, I've gotten involved in several UPC meetings, SGA meetings recently, and joined Orientation Staff! Also last semester, tutoring those who needed help in math 103/104 and 105 when I had free time. How would you describe yourself? I would describe myself as spontaneous, energetic, ecstatic, helping, and outgoing. I'm very open, and love to establish new friendships! What is your major and what type of career are you looking to have? My major is Electrical Engineering, and I seek to have a career within the electrical field or possibly becoming a professor at the university with a PhD! Tell us a funny story that has happened this year. The funniest thing that has happened this year was homecoming week! I will never forget this moment, ever. Chris Jones came to showcase his special talent of hypnotism and it was really cool! Somehow he hypnotized a good deal of students, and had them playing the roles of zombies and as a president, secretary, and even a cheerleader. The highlight of it for me was the one guy who claimed he didn't believe in it, and was so set on it being fake, became hypnotized, and even acted like Michelle Obama. It was hilarious. What would you tell a senior looking to attend UL for Fall 2018? Don't look back, and go with the decision to attend UL. It's beyond worth it, and the atmosphere, energy, and students is like nowhere else; trust me I've made countless memories since I've ar-rived, and they just keep growing. As you embark on your adventure to UL, it's the best experi-ence you'll ever have. What else would you like me to know about you? I've moved over 20 times, and been to 13 different schools! Out of all the areas, schools, and places I've been, Lafayette is my favorite by far! Alongside my favorite city, my favorite University being UL! Geaux Cajuns! :-) Parent Newsletter Inside this Issue Freshman Spotlight 1 Encourage Students 2 Academic Advising 2 Spring 2018 Calendar 2 Part-Time Jobs 3 Advice from Parents 3 Campus Resources 3 Recommendaon Leers 4 Spring Semester Acon Items 5 Grades First Check 6 Be Aware, Be There 7 Your Student—February 7 UNIV 100 Showcase Awards 8 Contact Information Visit us at our office: 230 Hebrard Blvd. Lee Hall, Room 106 Monday-Thursday 7:30am-5:00pm Friday 7:30am-12:30pm firstyear.louisiana.edu (337) 482-6599 ofye@louisiana.edu Follow OFYE on Social Media Jase Mayorga

Spring 2018 Academic Calendar February 12 14 Mardi Gras Break March 1 Last Day to Drop with a W March 12 23 Academic Advising Period March 30 April 8 Spring Break Easter Break April 9 Class Resumes April 25 29 Dead Days April 27 Last Day of Classes April 30 May 1 Final Exams May 4 Semester Ends Academic Advising Advising for Summer Fall will take place from March 12 23 2018 All students at UL Lafayette are assigned a specific counselor from their academic college If your child does not know who his her counselor is the information can be located on Ulink Once logged in click on the Academic Profile tab Once on this page under the Academic Profile section select the Spring 2018 term Advisor s will be listed below Advisor information will include the advisor s name office location phone number and email Students can also view Transcripts and any Holds that might be on their accounts View Advisor location by college here Page 2 ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO PLAY TO THEIR STRENGTHS W hen children are students in middle school and high school they are taught that there are certain ways to study and learn Due to the uniformity schools try to teach at these ages they often dictate which ways to learn Once your child reaches college they tend to maintain the belief that they have to continue to study and learn in that fashion On the contrary college is a time for students to discover themselves socially and intellectually and they should choose the method that best works for them There are three main ways that students tend to compute information by sight by sound and by touch When a student is a visual learner he or she performs best when viewing pictures graphs and diagrams and demonstrations This type of student is best served by reading through a text notes etc Students who are auditory learners best attain and retain information through hearing it The biggest strength for this student is class lecture where a professor can vocally relay the information The Academic Success Center suggests all students practice the traits of LADDER Listening especially auditory learners And finally tactile learners are those students who best learn through physical contact whether that be writing information in the form of notes or partaking in role playing demonstrations It is likely that each student will want to engage in all of these at some time Another variable that can greatly effect how your child learns is his or her personality The standard method for characterizing personality is the MyersBriggs Personality Type Inventory MBTI This test will identify a student s predisposed personality characteristics in four groups social orientation extrovert vs introvert information processing sensor vs intuiter decision making thinker vs feeler and achieving goals judger vs perceiver Once determined the Myers Briggs test will assign a combination of four letters that are specific to the personality traits of each individual person College is the place for students to decide for themselves how best they learn and to apply those methods to their study habits yet the process is often hindered by lessons taught in primary and secondary education As a parent you have the influence over your children to nurture their creativity and individuality It falls to us their teachers and you their parents to promote the idea that they do not have to go about studying in the same way as the person to their left or the person to their right HOUSING NOW ACCEPTING CONTRACTS The Office of University Housing is accepting contracts for next academic year Have your student secure their spot today All room types and locations are still available Check the housing website for rates prior to signing the contract

THE FEASIBILITY OF PART TIME JOBS IN COLLEGE Y our child is now nearing completion of his or her second semester in college An important preparation for life after college that can easily be done now is gaining practical experience in the work force A large majority of students in college hold down part time student jobs that can range anywhere from 5 to 20 hours a week Whether it is to gain knowledge of the working world or simply to have some extra spending money having a job is an important part of life in college The Office of Career Services is a division of Student Affairs whose mission is to provide services to UL Lafayette students and alumni in developing and implementing their career goals by providing skill enhancement career and employer information and maintaining quality university employer relationships that provide a link between students and potential employers Career Services maintains an online database where university students can view openings for part time jobs internships and co ops for course credit These openings cater to students who live on campus with numerous university positions but also cater to commuter students by offering numerous positions in the Lafayette and surrounding areas Career Services also provides cover letter and resume writing tips as well as works with students on how to professionally approach the interview process Besides its online database Career Services also organizes career fairs throughout the year where they bring in anywhere from 80 to 100 businesses and post graduate organizations All UL Lafayette students and recent alumni are encouraged to attend ADVICE FROM PARENTS H Campus Resources Academic Success Center Lee Hall Rm 115 337 482 6818 asc louisiana edu Writing Center H L Griffin Hall Rm 107 108 337 482 6447 Counseling Testing Center Saucier Wellness Center O K Allen Hall 337 482 6480 counseling louisiana edu Office of Disability Services ODS Conference Center Rm 126 337 482 5252 ods louisiana edu Student Support Services DeClouet Hall Rm 106 337 482 6828 specialservices louisiana edu STEP Computer Labs on Campus Student Affairs Division Martin Hall Rm 211 337 482 6266 studentaffairs louisiana edu ere is some advice from parents to parents to help you and your student get through the month of February It is repeated over and over that your student is an adult now It is still important to stay very active in their life They still need a parent s guidance kind words and advice This will help in their success during their big transition in life Be prepare to allow your child to make decisions Also be prepare to help guide them and offer plenty of love and support throughout the year Patience Give your student space and always be there to allow them to vent on their own terms Read the newsletter Help your student to be independent even when it comes to finances studying grades etc Page 3

THE GENTLE ART OF ASKING FOR A RECOMMENDATION LETTER A t this time of the year when scholarships and internships are open for application I get about a dozen or so requests from students to write them letters Some of the emails like the one above come after I explicitly tell students from previous semesters to let me know if they need me to write one for them And I am honored to do so as I know many students struggle to find someone who can write about them in specific concrete ways that allow their strengths to shine I truly like writing them Really I do But there are ways to ask and then there are ways to ask for a letter Here is a typical response from me for an email request as the one above Dear Ed Of course I will be honored to write you a letter of recommendation but I need to know a few things first so I can write one that allows your true wonderful self to peek through Can you provide me with the following as soon as possible Name of Person Committee Organization that I will be addressing It always helps to craft a letter that specifically names the person or entity Where it will be sent and how Will I receive an email with a link to upload the letter Will I need to mail it myself Will you need to pick it up and submit it with other application materials This will help me be on the Page 4 Dear Dr Baldwin Can you write me a letter of recommendation for a scholarship that I want to apply for Thanks Excited Ed lookout for an email from an unknown party or to know that I need to buy some stamps more on that further down in the list Information about the type of scholarship you are applying for It is merit based need based or other This information will help me determine what kind details I will emphasize Due date This is perhaps the most important of all because it helps me manage my time If you need something quickly you can still ask but I will need to assess whether or not I am able to produce it on time Copy of your resume or brief list of your accomplishments and your long term goals In other words what else can I highlight about you that may have changed since we last talked I don t want to write about your dreams of being a veterinarian as you told me last semester when you are now interested in marketing Other materials In the event that the recommendation letter needs to be mailed can you provide me with addressed stamped envelope s to mail the letter This is a common courtesy and expedites the process As you can see the original email was rather thin on details that I needed to determine if I could write a letter This is why the due date is important and to determine the quality of a letter I could write I would also add that if the student had been one of mine from a few years ago a current photo would also have been helpful to jog my memory should I not totally remember specific details at first If the goal is to get a good letter of recommendation then a little time and attention to details will help the recommend er if that is even a word But wait There s more Once the agreement is secured and the information has been provided the recommendation process does not end when the letter is sent The student has two additional tasks that will forever solidify their place in the heart of anyone who writes them a recommendation letter A note of gratitude Yes I said it The student needs to must write a thank you note to the person who spent considerable time and energy making them look good to others A handwritten mailed note is always preferable but a sincere email may also suffice A mere thanks in person over the phone or in a text is nice but not the same Continued on page 5

Continued from page 4 A follow up on the outcome I like many who are excited by students endeavors want to know how it turned out Did they get the scholarship Were they chosen for the internship Following up with those who wrote letters of recommendation allows the student and them to create closure as well as prime them in the event that the student may need another letter This is where a note of gratitude can grease the wheels I know that I am much more excited to write another letter for a student who has genuinely expressed appreciation for what I did the last time And as if on cue just as I wrote the last sentence above I received an email thanking me for writing two letters for one student See I am so glad that I could help that student out and will remember that next time she asks Amy Baldwin writes for HigherEd Parent She and co author Brian Tietje have a new book A High School Parent s Guide to College Success 12 Essentials available on Amazon She is also the co author with Brian Tietje and Paul Stoltz of The College Experience The Community College Experience and The College Experience Compact all published by Pearson Education She and her husband are parents of a college freshman and a high school sophomore SPRING SEMESTER ACTION ITEMS FOR YOUR COLLEGE STUDENT By Suzanne Shaffer from Collegiateparent com S tudents are back on campus following a well deserved winter break Spring semester will soon be in full swing In addition to coursework and extracurricular commitments and of course their social life there are activities and tasks that are unique to the second semester This Top 5 should be on your student s radar 1 Meeting with an academic advisor Your student has already registered for spring courses and will meet with an advisor later in the semester to preregister for fall That makes NOW the perfect time for a big picture conversation with their academic or major advisor They can evaluate the previous semester s and if they are a couple of years in do an informal Academic Audit at some schools a formal Academic Audit will be required They should confirm that they are on track to graduate with no unpleasant surprises waiting for them senior year i e coming up a few credits short of what s required to graduate A meeting with an advisor can also help prepare your student for future course selections and provide a chance to ask questions about their major and electives 2 Visiting the financial aid office If your student receives financial aid need based or merit they should make an appointment at the financial aid office Students wishing to apply for or renew financial aid must complete paperwork due dates vary and may involve completing an online form for the school plus the FAFSA and possibly the CSS Any loans for the spring semester will need to be signed and this is a good time to verify the status of grants and scholarships especially those with academic requirements While there your student should get a list of all loans and take inventory of their college debt 3 Diving into study abroad tasks Does your student hope to study abroad next year Applications for Fall 18 programs are due this spring There is still time to meet with a study abroad advisor attend a study abroad fair and research programs but your student should not procrastinate Planning for study abroad requires a lot of work comparable to taking an extra class If your student has already been accepted to a summer or fall program they can follow this checklist and start completing the required tasks Waiting until the last minute is not an option It can take weeks or even months to get an appointment at the consulate to apply for a student visa and more time for the passport and visa to be returned Continued on page 6 Page 5

Continued from page 5 Is your student considering study abroad in Spring 19 They may think they have all the time in the world but they do not want to be rushing around like crazy next fall Encourage them to apply now and enjoy the extra breathing room 4 Preparing for on campus housing selection The on campus housing selection process typically gets rolling in late winter Most freshmen were matched with roommates by the college After the first year students usually choose their own roommates It s important to be informed and flexible during this process and to prepare ahead of time Before selection begins your student should look at residence hall options available to upperclassmen and rank their top choices Some residence halls will offer single rooms others suites multiple bedrooms sharing a common room and bathroom 5 Dropping by the career center It s time to polish up that resum and apply for summer jobs internships and research opportunities There are career prep workshops your student can attend how to write a cover letter and prepare for an interview for example Spring job fairs are a great chance to learn what s out there If the college has funding available for students accepting unpaid internships or staying on campus to do research applications will be due this spring GRADES FIRST CHECK Y our student will be getting feedback during the semester on attendance and grades through Grades First Students who have gr ades below a C and or excessive absences will receive an email from the Academic Success Center encouraging them to contact the instructor immediately seeking help The first grade checks for Spring 2018 will take place between Jan 31 Feb 7 March 7 14 and April 1 18 dropping classes and changing majors Tutoring is held in the Learning Center where students can get assistance with academic problems The Center offers free one on one tutoring study group tutoring supplemental instruction computer lab assistance and other services Tutoring is available for most all 100 and 200 level math and science courses as well as for accounting economics engineering French psychology Spanish and statistics Academic progress is an important focus of the University While your student s academic journey is their own you can support them by knowing about the various support resources on our campus that help students academically and encourage your student to take advantage of these resources The Academic Success Center also offers DIY Workshops These workshops have many different topics including Top 5 Ways to Master You Time What Happens if I Fail a Class Procrastination and many more The Academic Success Center located in Lee hall provides academic counseling career information and tutoring Counselors also assist students with Page 6 The DIY Workshops have already begun and will continue throughout the semester Encourage your student to take advantage of the workshops which are pertinent to their struggles The English Writing Center is also a great place to receive academic assistance particularly for any writing assignments The Center will assist students at any stage of the writing process including Enhancing writing skills and seeing strengths and weaknesses in their writing Focusing on writing processes and the value of creating multiple drafts Helping students learn to proofread their writing while empowering students to own their writing Nurturing creative ideas in students Studies have shown that students who seek academic assistance receive benefits such as higher academic achievement improved personal and social development and increased motivation If your student is struggling academically or expresses that he or she is overwhelmed encourage them to seek assistance

BE AWARE BE THERE A ccording to the CDC Center for Disease Control and Prevention suicide is the number one leading cause of death among college students The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is active in Suicide Prevention This means that the university spreads awareness to the student body to the community and to the parents Parents play an important role in suicide prevention by recognizing the symptoms and getting their student help It is important that you are communicating and speaking with your student conversing with them about their friends classes and weekend activities When conversing with your student you should watch for symptoms of depression anxiety stress or grief The number one cause of suicidal tendencies is depression however there are other mental disorders that may cause suicidal tendencies Visit Suicide org for more information Any combination of depression anxiety stress or grief may cause your student to experience suicidal thoughts and tendencies Symptoms of suicidal tendencies are withdrawal from friends drastic changes in behavior previous attempted suicide neglecting their personal appearance and mood shifts Symptoms of depression may include low motivation level avoiding friends changes in eating or sleeping patterns unpleasant negative thoughts or loss of energy And symptoms of stress anxiety and grief could be manifested physically emotionally or in behavior If you are concerned for your student or suspect they are experiencing grief stress or anxiety you should speak with your student about it and make them aware that there is assistance available both on and off campus For on campus resources the Counseling and Testing Center located on Hebrard Boulevard provides free and unlimited professional assistance to students Please be aware that many of these symptoms overlap If your student is experiencing any of these symptoms encourage them to seek assistance there are a number of resources on campus for you and your student If you are worried about your student s immediate health or safety we encourage you to drive them to any Emergency Room You may also call the Counseling Center for information and or the Dean of Students Office for assistance on how to get your student help The Crouch Foundation is a local suicide awareness foundation that seeks to establish suicide prevention awareness and educational programs in the Acadiana area The Counseling and Testing Center has provided information on various topics If you are concerned about your student or someone you know and may suspect or know they have suicidal tendencies you may direct them to Southwest Louisiana Education Referral Center 232 HELP 211 Monday Friday 8 00am 4 30pm with 24 hour on call services for emergencies Information Referral Line 337 232 4357 HELP Know the Warning Signs of Suicide Social Withdrawal Drastic behavior changes Loss of interests hobbies work school Drastic changes in personal appearance Use or increasing use of alcohol or drugs Expressions of hopelessness Expressions of a violent or hostile history Unwillingness to connect with those who can help Always Remember to A C T Acknowledge the person has a problem and need for help Care for the person and make sure they know it Treatment get them the help that they need YOUR STUDENT THROUGHOUT THE SEMESTER FEBRUARY Click here and scroll to February to see what your student can expect this month Contributed by the University of Michigan website Page 7

SHOWCASING STUDENT PROJECTS FROM THE FIRST YEAR SEMINAR UNIV100 A t the conclusion of each Fall semester participating UNIV 100 sections submit student projects for an annual UNIV 100 Showcase The showcase was implemented to display the best student work from our first year seminar The projects are displayed in the Edith Garland Dupr Library from January 22 2018 to February 21 2018 On February 6 2018 awards were presented to the winning projects in six categories as well as one overall winner Best in Show View all of the UNIV 100 Showcase award winners here BEST IN SHOW Best in Show for the Fall 2017 Showcase was awarded to Professor Chan Kiat Lim s class Project 35 Picture This CommUNITY Uniting Us Through Our Differences Struggles and Adversities The students who contributed to the project are Allison Boudreaux Megan Broussard Justin Cardon Adrian Courville Taylor Diodene Landon Douet Nicholas Drozda Michelle Foreman Brett Frederick Clay Gaille Shelby Heintz Joel Iler Eric Kennedy Justin Laviolette Colin Leblanc Tyrell Lentini James Mays Brenna Mickal Sean Moore Lily Perrett Emma Weiser Kendra Wilson and Kayla Wilson The students described their project as the best way to promote a message of unity was by forming a photo mosaic featuring an image of the Fleur de lis standing in the Quad that is composed of hundreds of pictures of UL students in order to show the university s diversity and how despite our differences we form a strong and inseparable community We also put together a slideshow accompanied by the music we studied in class which shows quotes our class gathered from students on campus on topics that we considered prominent in our society These topics include gender equality peace and tolerance political strife LGBTQ issues poverty cultural diversity ethnic racial issues and environmental preservation Project 35 photo mosaic Project 35 research poster Page 8