...Schedule an appointment with your advisor.Keep in mind that some advisors may havevirtual advising procedures in placeIt’s already time for your student to startpreparing for their sophomore year of college!Advising for Summer and Fall 2022 takes placeMarch 14-25. During this time, your student isrequired to meet with their academic advisor whowill help them plan for the upcoming semesterand lift their advising hold. Your student can findtheir advisor’s contact information on the“Academics” tab in ULink.As your student prepares for advising, remindthem do the following:UL LAFAYETTEM A R C H 9 , 2 0 2 2ADVISING FORSUMMER & FALL 2022P A R E N T & F A M I L Y N E W S L E T T E RTHIS NEWSLETTER IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE OFFICE OF ORIENTATION AND THE OFFICE OF FIRST-YEAR EXPERIENCE.
...2Check your registration time ticket in ULink. Use the Schedule of Classes and Academic Catalogto plan your schedule. Check for holds and have them cleared from youraccount.(Subject to change)March 14-25Advising SessionMarch 31Last Day to Drop Class with "W"April 15-24Spring BreakApril 27 - May 1Dead DaysApril 29Last Day of ClassesMay 2-6Final ExamsMay 6 Semester EndsSPRING 2022ACADEMIC CALENDARSTUDY ABROADThere are, of course, financial and housingconsiderations to keep in mind as your student weighsthe pros and cons of summer classes. If your student isconsidering enrolling in summer classes, they shouldtalk to their academic advisor about their options. Aftertheir advising session, be sure to discuss the decision asa family as well.SHOULD MY STUDENT TAKE SUMMER CLASSES?Completing a pre-requisite for a course they plan totake in the FallRetaking a course that they received a poor grade inor withdraw fromGetting ahead with their degree plan requirementsThere are several reasons why students might considertaking summer classes:Having the opportunity to study abroad is a transformative experience! As our worldbecomes more globally connected, students with international experience and globalcompetence stand out to potential employers. Most students wait until later in theiracademic career to study abroad, but it’s never too early to discuss the locations, costs,and options with your first-year student. The UL Lafayette Study Abroad Program facilitates a variety of these unique experiences.Typically, students enroll in 3-9 credit hours while they live and study abroad during thesummer. UL Lafayette hosts summer programs in Costa Rica, France, England, Italy,Japan, and Morocco. Semester or year abroad programs are also available through ourpartner institutions around the world.Did you know that scholarships and financial aid packages may be available to offsetcosts? If your student is interested, have them fill out the “I’m Interested” form online oremail studyabroad@louisiana.edu.
See the on-campus swamp from a new perspective on Cypress Lake Pier. Enjoy student performances put on by the College of the Arts: Musical performancesTheatre and dance productions Cheer on the Ragin’ Cajuns at an athletic event: Ragin’ Cajuns Baseball Schedule Ragin’ Cajuns Softball Schedule Ragin’ Cajuns Men’s Tennis Schedule Ragin’ Cajuns Women’s Tennis ScheduleExplore new exhibits at the Hilliard Art Museum.Check out the University Events Calendar for other options.While there is no official “Family Weekend” for the Spring semester, we highlyencourage all parents and family members to visit their student on campus in theSpring. As the weather starts to warm up, UL Lafayette blooms with beauty and lots todo! Below are our suggestions for fun activities on and around campus in the Spring.3The city of Lafayette is the proud home of Festival International de Louisiane (April 27-May 1, 2022), the largest international music and arts festival in the United States. ThisFREE, five-day music festival takes place in Downtown Lafayette, just blocks fromcampus, and offers activities and events for the whole family! Lafayette truly comes to lifeduring Festival, making it a great time to visit your student.SPRING CAMPUS VISIT
4THE MARCH STUDENTDuring the month of March, students begin preparing for the upcoming Fall semester byscheduling classes and meeting with their advisor. Many students begin to feel thepressure and stress of mid-term exams during this time as well. Additionally, if yourstudent is dissatisfied with their major choice, they may consider changing it. Studentsmay also feel stressed about the summer as finding summer jobs or internships can oftenbe difficult. Here are some tips:PARENT-TO-PARENT ADVICEHere's what former freshman parents and guardians have to say:"Encourage your student to be proactive when it comes to scheduling. Press the student toconfidently reach out to their advisor.""Tell your student to take advantage of all the resources UL offers. The staff is alwayswilling to help.""Push your student to try new things and join organizations so they can betterunderstand their strengths and interests.""Have your student write down a plan that details their educational goals, the steps toachieve them, and a weekly schedule to allocate time for out-of-class work which includesreviewing past tests and notes related to them."Communicate- As always, be open to communication. If your studentexpresses their stress or worries to you, give advice and support. Remind themof the various student support services available to them on campus.Be open to change - Remember that change is a good thing! If your student isconsidering a major change, encourage them to explore their interests and to visitCareer Services. Share this “Major and Career Exploration” video with yourstudent!YO U R S TUD E NT IN M ARC HLee Hall - If your students asks for guidance, especially in academic-relatedareas, refer them to academic counselors. The Academic Success Center inLee Hall offers counseling to students who are unsure about their major, wantto see if they’re on track to graduate, or any other academic advice.