Getting ready for fall
Hello Parents!
As you and your student prepare for the start of the fall semester, set small goals for the fall that fit into larger goals for the year. For example, we know students who study in groups typically get better grades. Forming a small study group in each class could help your student's overall GPA for the year, possibly qualifying them for additional scholarships or academic honor societies.
Help your student have all of the necessary tools to succeed — such as books, supplies, 15-16 credit hours and more. Your student's academic advisor is ready to help with anything.
If you are helping move your students into a residence hall, be sure to snap photos throughout the day and post them to the Parents and Family Association Facebook page.
Also, the University is closed Monday, Sept. 1 in observance of Labor Day - classes are canceled. It's a good idea for you and your student to make a list of things they need to purchase or forgot at home and can pick up the next time.
In this issue:
- Tuition due dates and ways to pay
- Financial aid disbursement
- Surprise your student with a care package
- New Roo Weekend
- Sexual respect at UA
- Week of Welcome events
- Tutorial resources
- Serve on the Parent Council
- Save the Date - Friday, Oct. 17, is "Soctobefest"
Best wishes,
Nancy Roadruck
Assistant Vice President for Student Success
pfa@uakron.edu
uakron.edu/pfa
On Facebook
Tuition due dates and ways to pay
Fall semester payment is due-in-full Monday, Aug. 25. Billing information is available to your students online in My Akron. Learn more about due dates.
If unable to pay-in-full, the last day to sign up for the payment plan is Friday, Aug. 29, to avoid late fees and possible enrollment cancellation for nonpayment. Learn more about the payment plan.
Access to billing
Learn how your student can authorize you to make a payment with Parent Access, or grant UA permission to disclose information to specific individuals about them with the FERPA Release.
Financial Aid disbursement
Financial Aid disbursements (are applied to the student’s account) 10 days prior to the start of the fall term. The first disbursement date is set for Aug. 15, 2014. Aid disbursements will continue throughout the fall semester as students complete the application and/or verification process. Aid will only disburse to students who have completed all of the steps required to receive their federal student aid.
Surprise your student with a care package
A great way to remind your student that you’re thinking of them is with a care package. UA’s partner for care packages is Buckeye Baskets™ U Care Packages®, which provides assorted snacks, food and useful UA logo items. We recommend sending a care package a few weeks into the semester, before finals and as a mid-winter pick-me-up. Learn more about various options or order online, or order by phone at 330-379-3341. Peanut-free and gluten-free options are available upon request.
Your student will be notified by email to pick up his or her care package from the Barnes & Noble Bookstore in the Student Union. Please be sure to include your student’s UA email address when you order.
New Roo Weekend
New Roo Weekend, exclusively for new students, is the kick-off to the Akron Experience, taking place Friday, Aug. 22, through Sunday, Aug. 24.
These three days are mandatory and will give your student dozens of tips to help them get ahead, meet new friends, faculty members and staff. Some social events include a Movie on the Lawn, comedian Josh Blue, RooFest: Student Organization Fair, and more! See the New Roo Weekend website.
Sexual respect at UA
UA is further expanding its campus-awareness program of issues related to sexual respect.
One example: Incoming undergraduate students will be required to complete an online learning module called "Think About It."
The module provides students with additional tools they can use to make informed decisions about sex, drugs, alcohol, relationships and other college-age issues. For instance, the module provides pointers on bystander intervention — teaching and encouraging students to help keep other students out of trouble by intervening when they might be vulnerable to sexual misconduct.
We are committed to providing all students a safe learning environment that values sexual respect. Read more on this topic:
Week of Welcome events
The Week of Welcome is made up of dozens of free events open to all UA students. Help them discover new student organizations, exercise classes at the Student Rec and Wellness Center, comedians, magicians and so much more!
See the full schedule of events.
Tutorial Services
Students have access to support for their classes through the Office of Student Academic Success, which offers on-campus tutoring in two locations as well as online.
On the ground floor of Bierce Library, students can find math tutors, obtain feedback on a writing assignment, or meet one-on-one with a tutor with expertise in introductory-level courses. In some introductory-level math and science classes, your student may have an embedded tutor, or learning assistant, assigned to the class. The learning assistant holds regular study and exam preparation sessions.
The Polsky Building also houses both a math lab and writing lab, and has a special center targeted specifically for reading and study skills.
UA students have access to online tutoring through eTutoring, a program available to students at 40 colleges and universities across Ohio. eTutoring provides synchronous tutoring in math, biology, chemistry, accounting and statistics as well as an eWriting Lab.
Serve on the Parent Council
The University of Akron is establishing a Parents Council as an “executive/advisory board” of the Parents and Family Association.
We are looking for dedicated parent volunteers who would like to serve on the council.
Some possible member commitments would include:
· Assisting with hosting two events during this upcoming year for UA parents
· Engaging with other parents in person and throught the Parents and Family Association Facebook page to foster connections and help build partnerships with the University
· Represent the parent perspective on the Akron Experience
If you would like more information or are interested in serving on the Parent Council, please contact Cassandra Verardi at cjv8@uakron.edu or 330-972-8488.
Save the Date - Friday, Oct. 17
Celebrate Oktoberfest Akron style with Zips Men's Soccer! “Soctobefest” will take place Friday, Oct. 17, as the Zips face West Virginia. Join your student and experience Akron Soccer! See ticket information.
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