Welcome!

Welcome to the new and improved UMparent E-news!  We hope the changes provide you with an even better tool to help YOU help your student as they work towards graduation.  We look forward to having your students return to campus next week and working with you throughout the year. In addition to the information in the E-news, below are a few resources that may help as well.  As always, please feel free to contact us at 901.678.2115 or at parents@memphis.edu  if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

Resources:

• Frequently Asked Questions
• I Want To...
• In the Now

Lindsey Bray, Meta Laabs, and Tara Martchek
Parent Services Team

Calendar and Dates

Below are a few of the important upcoming important dates and deadlines.  To stay up to date on all dates, deadlines, and University events, please check out our UMparents Calendar.  Below are a few other calendars that we think you might find helpful.

• Fall 2011 Semester Calendar
• 2011-2012 Academic Year Calendar
• Events Calendar

August 25-27: Residence Hall Move In

August 26: Fee Payment Deadline, 4:30 pm

August 26: Last Day of Regular Registration, Fall 2011

August 26-September 3: Opening Week Events

August 27-September 1: Late Registration Period

August 27: First Day of Classes (Most classes begin on Monday, August 29)

August 29: New Student Convocation, 2:15 pm in Rose Theatre

September 1: Last Day to Add or Change Sections

September 13: Study Abroad Fair

September 14-18: Panhellenic Recruitment

September 21: Fall Career & Intern Expo, 10:00 am-3:00 pm, UC Ballroom

September 21-24: Homecoming Celebration

Administrator Spotlight: Justin Lawhead

Justin Lawhead is the Associate Dean of Students for Student Leadership and Involvement where he oversees most co-curricular programs including the Emerging Leaders Program, student organizations, event programming, community service activities, Greek life and student leadership education. He has worked in higher education for over 19 years including stops at Delaware Valley College, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, and Kent State University before arriving in Memphis in September of 2004. He is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education studying the influence of Greek life participation on leadership identity development.

Justin's most extensive work with leadership training has been through the University of Memphis LEAD Program, which has five primary goals:

• To team with Memphis community to educate, develop and retain talented leaders.
• Create ethical and informed leaders in cultural, professional and civic communities.
• Grow citizen leaders who understand how to implement positive social change.
• Make connections between classroom knowledge and life experiences.
• Prepare students for a global world of increasing complexity, diversity and interdependence.

Justin and his staff accomplish these goals through program delivery that includes an extensive four year scholarship, cohort training for non-scholarship students, mentorships, a six day vision casting program, community leadership speakers and student officer training. Justin and his staff trained over 1,000 students this past academic year and look to continue to expand their efforts this year.

Student Spotlight: Natalie Turk

Natalie Turk is a native of Franklin, TN and graduated in the Class of 2011 from Ravenwood High School with honors. She is the daughter of Ron and Stacy Turk and the twin sister of Austin Turk. Natalie is a freshman and a member of the Lady Tiger golf team. She is also a part of the Emerging Leaders program. Natalie chose the University of Memphis because of the golf program, Coach Harrelson, the opportunity to be an Emerging Leader, and the opportunities she says she has to become a part of an unbelievably great community. Natalie feels that Memphis is an overall great fit for her and loves being a Tiger. The involvement she has had with the U of M thus far includes attending Frosh Camp, Freshman Orientation, the golf program, and different events pertaining to the Emerging Leader Program. She plans to get involved in the greater Memphis community during her time at the U of M.  Natalie is going in with an open mind about her major, but has a great interest in getting her undergraduate degree in Exercise and Sports Science. She would eventually like to go to physical therapy school with the ambition to open her own practice. She is beyond excited about the friendships with fellow Emerging Leaders and fellow golfers. Natalie feels most excited about making an immediate impact on the community with the Emerging Leader program, getting her teammates involved in different acts of community service outside of golf, and networking and developing lifelong relationships. Natalie feels so blessed to be a part of the University of Memphis and bleeds blue and gray!

General News

UMparents is now on Twitter

Along with our Facebook page, UMparents now has a presence on Twitter!  You can follow us to get updates from campus on dates, deadlines and events @UMparents. Follow us today by clicking here!

Parenting a First-Time College Student

You may have to do more than let go: You may have to give a gentle push.  To read the full article by our Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs/Student Development, Dr. Stephanie Blaisdell, click here.

New Student Convocation

Is your student new to the U of M? Please encourage your student to participate in New Student Convocation, held at the Rose Theatre on Monday, August 29 at 2:00 PM. In this fun and unique opportunity to kick off their college career at the U of M, your student will hear from the President of the University, the Provost, the Vice President of Student Affairs, and guest speakers about the value of engagement in academic and out of classroom activities. By attending your student can receive her/his True Blue t-shirt and be included in the picture taken of all new students! If you have questions contact Dan Bureau at dabureau@memphis.edu.  After the event, students have the opportunity to meet with student organizations at the Student Involvement Fair from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM on the UC Alumni Mall.

Study Abroad Fair

Is your student thinking about studying abroad?  Encourage them to attend the Study Abroad Fair on September 13 at 10:00 AM  to 2:00 PM. They can find out about study abroad options, speak with fellow students about their experiences abroad, meet International exchange students and learn about financial aid and scholarships for studying abroad.  For more information, click here.

Student Leadership

The Student Leadership and Involvement Office will host the Tiger Leadership Institute, the Student Leadership Summit and the Professional Mentor Program this fall.  The Student Leadership Summit will be held on September 10.  For more information, please click here.

The Fall 2011 session of the Tiger Leadership Institute will begin with the kick-offs in the University Center on Tuesday, September 27th (Level I- First Cohort and Level III) and on Wednesday, September 28th (Level I- Second Cohort and Level II). The session will end with a shared graduation ceremony on Friday, December 2nd at 12:30 pm in the University Center. For more information and to apply, please click here.

The Professional Mentor Program matches a select group of highly motivated students with community leaders and provides an opportunity for both the student and community leader to explore leadership education. The goal of the Professional Mentor Program is to prepare students to be future leaders through leadership development, to build community within the city of Memphis, and to facilitate the development of a support network with community leaders. The Fall session will begin Friday, September 23, 2011 in the University Center. For more information, click here.

Adult and Commuter Student Services

For students who live off campus, Adult and Commuter Student Services (ACSS) is here to support your student. The University provides a special place for commuter students, with a lounge area and new flat screen cable TV, study area, computer lab with printer, full –size refrigerator and microwave, and tons of campus and community information. The office offers training sessions each semester for students and will be hosting a variety of Opening Week Events especially for adult and commuter students.  If you or your son/daughter needs assistance or information, don’t hesitate to contact them at 901-678-2644, acss@memphis.edu, visit them in UC 243 or visit their website at http://www.memphis.edu/acss/

Registrar Office

The last day of regular registration for Fall 2011 is Friday, August 26. Students who register after this date will be subject to late registration and late payment fees. The late registration period is from Saturday, August 27 to Thursday, September 1.

Please remind your students that they must be advised before they can register; the registration system will not allow a degree-seeking student to register if he or she has not been cleared by an advisor.

Encourage your students to print and review their class schedules before their first day of classes. Building and room assignments are sometimes changed at the last minute; let’s make sure that everyone is where he or she is supposed to be.

For a complete list of Fall 2011 Dates and Deadlines, please click here.

Bursar

The fee payment deadline is Friday, August 26, 2011, at 4:30 pm for students who registered between April 5 and August 26.

If your student registers during late registration (August 27– September 1), the fees will be due by 5:30 pm on September 1, 2011.  These students WILL have a $100 late registration fee.

A $100 late payment fee will assessed for any payments made after the appropriate deadlines above.

The extended fee payment deadline is September 6, 2011, by 5:30 pm.  All registered courses will be canceled if not paid by this date.    

Excess financial aid/scholarships are disbursed daily via eRefunds (direct deposit) beginning August 26, 2011 and every Friday beginning September 2, 2011, via mail for those not signed up for eRefunds.  For additional information on financial aid/scholarship disbursements please click here.  For earliest refund of excess aid, have your student sign up for eRefunds on TigerXpress through the Account $ tab on their myMemphis portal. (Heavy volume usually occurs during the final days of fee payment. Avoid delays by paying as early as possible.)

For additional information please visit their website by clicking here.

Financial Aid

Students can still apply for federal financial aid by completing the 2011-2012 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  The website is:  www.fafsa.gov.   Students who may qualify for the HOPE Lottery Scholarship must also complete the FAFSA by September 1, 2011 to receive the Fall award.

Incoming freshmen and continuing students who have already completed their 2011-2012 FAFSA may have already been awarded.  Check under Financial Aid Requirements for the Aid Year 2011-2012 to determine if additional forms/documents are needed.  To access award information, please click here for directions.

New Regulations

Beginning with the Fall 2011 semester, federal regulations require that students who are receiving federal financial aid (grants, loans and/or work-study) AND are registered for any classes as of the start of the semester (Saturday, August 27, Monday, August 22 for Law students) will be charged for those classes .  Therefore, to avoid owing money to the University, students must drop ALL classes prior to the beginning of the semester if they do not plan to attend. For more information, click here.

Residence Life

2011 Fall Check-In

To check-in your student WILL NEED their student ID or driver’s license.

• Thursday, August 25, 2011, 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM
  • Residents of Freshmen First Floors (Richardson Towers North and South 7th Floor)
  • Emerging Leaders and Honors Program Residents assigned to the Living Learning Complex.
• Friday, August 26, 2011, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
  • Residents of Rawls Hall
• Friday, August 26, 2011, 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM
  • All Residents
• Saturday, August 27, 2011, 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM
  • All Residents

If your student is unable to check-in by 4:30 PM on Saturday, August 27, 2011, they MUST contact the Residence Life Office at 901-678-2295 and request to be place on the Late Arrivals List TO AVOID FORFEITURE of their $200 rental prepayment and the LOSS of their housing assignment.

For more information on Fall 2011 residence hall check in, please click here.

Traffic During Move-in

In an effort to assist our student residents as they move into the residence halls and to ensure safe and orderly Warm Welcome events, minor adjustments will be necessary to some campus traffic patterns.  This temporary re-routing of vehicular traffic will only affect the west side of campus, primarily around the residence halls.

TRAFFIC ADJUSTMENTS:  Thursday, August 25th, and Friday, August 26th, 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. both days

• State Street, one-way south bound in front of Rawls Hall (from Veterans to DeSoto)
• DeSoto Avenue, one-way west bound from State Street to Patterson (between Smith and Rawls and the new Living Learning Residence Complex)
• Veterans Avenue, one-way west bound from Innovation Drive to Patterson (between the Panhellenic Building and Smith Hall)

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Deputy Director Derek Myers at 678-3848 or by E-mail at dmyers@memphis.edu.

Dining Services

Hungry? Let’s talk. Summer has come to an end and it is now time for some last minute preparation. Don’t worry, we’ve got the “eat” thing covered!

Meal plans are an outstanding way to meet fellow students and enjoy the amazing cuisine that the University of Memphis has to offer. Our Fresh Food Company has become the hub of student activity on campus. Our meal plans can grant students unlimited meals down to five meals per semester. Students are always excited to receive giveaways and participate in the various special events and contests week in and week out at the Fresh Food Company!

What if your student is commuting? No problem! We have commuter meal plans as well. Our plans meet every commuter’s lifestyle. Whether it is something quick and on the go or lunch with some friends, Tiger Dining covers all of our students’ options!

For more information or to sign up today, visit the meal plan tab on www.TigerDining.com or call the Tiger Dining office at 901-678-5202.

For a list of dining locations and operating times, please click here.

Never go Hungry. Always have a plan!  

Student Disability Services

Student Disability Services (SDS) likes to be proactive in assisting students with disabilities to be successful at the University of Memphis. If your son or daughter has a disability (learning disability, attention deficit disorder, mental health disorder, chronic health disorder, mobility impairment, hearing impairment, visual impairment) and  has not started or completed registration with SDS, please encourage them to do so. SDS provides disability-related accommodations to University of Memphis students and provides counseling, academic coaching and assistance with learning strategies, to promote student success and persistence in college.

To contact SDS, call 678-2880 or visit http://www.memphis.edu/sds/.

Internships

Internships are a great opportunity for your students.

Parents, encourage your junior and senior level students to explore internship opportunities in their major or through the University Community Internship program.  Each semester over 2,500 U of M students participate in academic internships or experiential learning opportunities such as student teaching or a field-related practicum.  Not only are internships a great way to gain knowledge and experience, they are invaluable networking opportunities for careers after graduation.

 For more information, contact the Office of Academic Internships 406B Manning Hall, 678-3105 or email K.Tuberville@memphis.edu.

Information Technology

 Beginning Friday, August 5^th, ITD started migrating all student email to the new “cloud-based” Microsoft Live@EDU.  Below you will find information about moving to the new email system, and what it means for your student and their email. 

•  When is the move going to happen? 
  • Beginning Friday, August 5 to Friday, August 19, student accounts will be moved to the new system. 
• How will students know when their email has been moved?
  • Students should go to http://ummail.memphis.edu and login.  If they are asked to click another link and need to login a second time, they have been moved.
• Will their email address change? 
  • NO, your student's email address will not change. 
• How does my student log in?
  • Your student will now log in with their entire email address (username@memphis.edu). Email is the ONLY area they will use their email address to log in.  All other programs (i.e. UMDrive, myMemphis) will continue to use their UUID/username; their password will not change. Specific login instructions can be found HERE.
• How can my student check email on their mobile device (iPhone, iPad, Droid, etc…) after they have been moved?
  • They will need to delete their account and re-add it on their mobile device.  Instructions can be found HERE.
• What’s new/different in the system?
  • Each person now has storage space of 10 GB, an increase from 100 MB
• What if my student already has a Microsoft Live ID?
  • If your student has a Microsoft Live ID, and it is associated or the same as your University of Memphis email address, click HERE
• Will my student's email still be forwarded (to Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo, etc…) if it was set up before the move?
  • YES, if mail forwarding was set up before the account was moved, the setting will be maintained.
• Where can my student go if they have questions?
  • Contact the Helpdesk by calling 678-8888 – available 24x7 or
  • Visit Administration Building, Room 124 or
  • Visit the knowledge base AskTOM

Fun Fact & Quote of the Month

Fun Fact:  The first history of the University of Memphis was published on August 3, 2011.  The 128-page, hardcover, 9'' x 12'' coffee table book examines the fascinating story of how the University evolved from a small teachers' college into a major metropolitan research university.  It includes a central narrative, interesting facts, a timeline of events and numerous photos chronicling the U of M's history.  The book can be purchased in the University Bookstore or online.

Quote: “I learned three important things in college - to use a library, to memorize quickly and visually, to drop asleep at any time given a horizontal surface and fifteen minutes.”  ~Agnes DeMille, Dance to the Piper, 1952