Many students think of January as a new beginning, a time to improve upon the previous semester.  Your student's new freedom will also require new responsibilities, especially when it comes to managing finances.

Talk with your student about these responsibilities often. Having a checking account or credit card may be a completely new experience for your student. You many want to have a conversation about budgeting expenses, spending habits and paying for their education.

What parents can do...

• Make sure your student knows what books he or she will need fo classes this semester.
• Talk with your student about his or her financial needs for the spring semester.
• Review the events of the past semester with your student.
• Evaluate the need and/or benefits of a part-time job.

Calendar and Dates

For a complete list of dates, deadlines, and events, please visit the UMparents Calendar.

January 10-January 11: Spring Semester Residence Hall Check-In

January 11: Last Day of Regular Registration

January 11: Fee payment deadline to avoid the assessment of $100 Late Payment Fee

January 12: First Day of Classes, Spring 2012

January 16: Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday (University Closed)

January 18: Last Day to Add or Change Sections

January 23: Extended Fee Payment Deadline 

January 26: Drops on or after this Date Receive "W" Grades

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Administrator Spotlight: Colton Cockrum

Colton Cockrum is the Assistant Director of the Helen Hardin Honors Program. He has worked in higher education for the past nine years and has held positions in Residence Life, Greek Life, Wellness, Student Activities and the Honors Program. Originally from Oklahoma, he graduated from the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma and earned a Masters and Doctorate from the University of Memphis. In his current job, he is responsible for the recruitment of potential honors students, overseeing undergraduate research conferences within the Honors Program, advising several student organizations, and teaching an ACAD 1100 (Introduction to the University) course.

"It is no secret that today's college students need a support system during their years in college. I fondly think back to my own experience as an undergraduate and the little things that my mom did to support me during this time. For instance, she would occasionally buy me gift cards to local fast food restaurants because she knew that college students are ALWAYS hungry. Also, she would write little notes here or there to encourage me. My mom and dad were very active in encouraging me during this time and as a first generation college student I really needed it. As parents, never underestimate just how important your role is during this time. While you may think that your college student wants complete independence, deep down many of them still want to make you proud. I encourage and challenge you to attempt the balance of offering support for your college student while being ever mindful that this is a time that they are attempting to gain independence. Thank you for all that you do for your student!!"

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Student Spotlight: Barrett Scott

Barrett Scott is a native of Munford, TN and graduated in the Class of 2011 from Faith Heritage Christian Academy. He is the son of Mark and Brenda Scott and an Eagle Scout. Barrett is a freshman Mathematical Science Major and a member of the Freshman Student Government. He is also a member of the University of Memphis' Helen Hardin Honors Program. Barrett chose the University of Memphis because it is close to home and because of his former math teacher Dr. Melody Smith of Dyersburg State Community College. Dr. Smith, an alumnus of the University of Memphis, advised Barrett that Memphis would be a good fit for him because of the University of Memphis' excellent math department. Barrett loves being at the University of Memphis. He has many brilliant professors teaching in all his classes. Barrett's involvement at the University of Memphis includes Freshman Orientation, Cantor Sect functions, Freshman Student Government meetings, volunteering his time to clean up McKellar Lake with the University's Honors Program and spending his down time at the Wesley Foundation. After college Barrett would like to become a high school or college level math teacher to help students develop a love, or at least an understanding, of mathematics. Barrett is an Honors student because of the one on one relationship with his professors that he is able to attain in the honors classes. Also, he appreciates using the Honors Hall as a quiet place to do research for his classes. Because Barrett is in the Honors Program, he has to study extra hard to graduate with honors. Barrett feels honored and blessed to be a part of the University of Memphis. Barrett bleeds tiger blue and he has the shirt to prove it!

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General News

For parents of students graduating Spring 2012.  Commencement is currently set for Saturday, May 5, but due to the possibility of a conflict in the FedEx Forum, an alterative date has been set for Sunday, May 6.  The commencement office will keep students abreast of any changes and the date will only be changed is absolutely necessary.  For more information, visit the Commencement Office website. 

University of Memphis Birthday Party.  In celebration of our centennial celebration, the University will be hosting a University Birthday Party in the University Center on Wednesday, January 18 at 12:30 pm.  

Flag-raising to Mark the Beginning of U of M's Lambuth Campus. An official flag-raising ceremony has been scheduled at the Lambuth Campus of the University of Memphis at noon January 12. The event will formalize last month's official recording of the deed, which transferred the property from the Lambuth University Board of Directors to the State of Tennessee, for the benefit of the University of Memphis. Read More....

Money Management for Students. Students are invited to attend the Money Management and Personal Finance seminar on Wednesday, January 25, 2012, from 12:40pm – 2:05pm in UC 342 (Shelby Room) hosted by the Adult and Commuter Student Services office. The facilitator is Mrs. Cynthia Hampton, Financial Counselor with Clearpoint Debt Solutions.

Soup's On! (and Chili, Too). It's cold outside, but your son or daughter can warm up with a free bowl of hot soup or chili! Adult & Commuter Student Services is partnering with the Commuter Student Association (CSA) for Soup's On (and Chili, Too) on Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 11:00 am in UC 243. If your son/daughter lives off-campus, membership in the CSA is a great opportunity to connect to campus life and build new friendships.

Student Leadership Program Opportunities. The Student Leadership and Involvement Office will host the Tiger Leadership Institute and Professional Mentor Program this spring. The Tiger Leadership Institute is a program aimed at students who want to increase and enhance their leadership skills. It will kickoff the week of February 14. 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 Spring session will begin Friday, February 17, 2012 in the University Center. For more information, click here.

Do you know a student looking at colleges and universities? U of M Will Host Recruitment Reception in DeSoto County Jan. 24. Students who are interested in attending the University of Memphis are invited to a reception on Tuesday, Jan. 24, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the DeSoto Civic Center. Interested students may register for the reception online at http://recruitment.memphis.edu or call 901-678-2169 for more information.

Save the Date for the University of Memphis Alumni Association Centennial Reunion Weekend Friday, April 20 - Sunday, April 22, 2012. Click here for more information.

Memphis Healthy U. Join the Resolution as Memphis Healthy U, the campus-wide health initiative, kicks-off the campaign for a healthier U of M campus on January 24 in the UC Atrium at 11:30 am.

Parent Giving. Fundraising efforts recently began for our 2011-12 Parent and Family Fund campaign, and – if you have not already – you will be receiving a phone call or mailing asking for your support. We hope you will make a gift in honor of your student to a meaningful area of the University. Your gifts provide increased opportunities for students and make our University greater, propelling us – and our entire U of M Community – to an ever brighter future! If you are interested in giving, please click here for more information.

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Registrar Office

Spring 2012 Registration

Spring registration has been open for all degree-seeking students since November 21. Click here to view the Spring 2012 calendar for important dates and deadlines for the semester.

The last day of regular registration is January 11. Students who register after this date will be subject to late registration and late payment fees.

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. Also, some students mistakenly sign up for course sections not realizing that they are being offered at remote locations (Millington, Collierville, Jackson, etc.) rather than the main campus. Let's make sure that everyone is where he or she is supposed to be.

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Bursar Office

Fees are due Wednesday, January 11 by 5:30 pm and are available for viewing on TigerXpress. Invoices have been available online on TigerXpress since December 14, 2011. Emails were sent to students and authorized users notifying them when invoices were available. Students can enroll you as an Authorized User so that you can receive email notification when invoices are available. You can also view and pay the outstanding balances on TigerXpress!

Students can still sign up for the installment payment plan for the Spring 2012 term through TigerXpress.

Please encourage your student to enroll in eRefunds (direct deposit) on TigerXpress for earliest refund of Spring excess financial aid and/or fee adjustment. Students should sign up for eRefunds before January 7, 2012, in order for funds to be disbursed by direct deposit. If a student does not sign up for eRefunds, excess financial aid will be distributed via check mailed to the student's address.

Students who have outstanding debts may have a hold on their student account, preventing them from registration or accessing grades. Students should check their accounts online on TigerXpress (through the Account$ tab on the myMemphis portal) to ensure that they do not have charges that would prevent them from registering

For important fee payment deadlines and other important information, please click here to view the Spring 2012 calendar. Students remain responsible for completing the fee payment process by the appropriate fee payment deadline, even if they do not receive or open the fee invoice.

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Financial Aid

Spring 2012 fee payment deadline is 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 11, 2012.

If your student plans to attend the Spring 2012 semester, you can still complete the 2011-2012 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available on-line at www.fafsa.gov. Listing The University of Memphis' 6-digit federal school code, 003509, will allow our office to receive an electronic copy of the FAFSA results. If you are just now completing the FAFSA, and using financial aid to pay for your student's tuition/fees, you will incur a $100 late payment fee. Be reminded that your student also needs to be admitted as degree-seeking to receive any type of federal financial aid, including student loans.

2012-2013
We encourage EARLY APPLICATION for the 2012-2013 year, as the deadline for priority financial aid for the 2012-2013 school year is February 15th, so please go on-line to renew your student's FAFSA using your 2011 income information. Students who qualify for the federal Pell Grant and who are a Tennessee resident may also qualify for the state grant. You can estimate your 2011 income for now, but it is highly recommended that you go back to your student's FAFSA later to update this information. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is now "linking" your income tax data with FAFSA.

There are a LOT of new federal regulation changes for 2012-2013. Stay informed by visiting our website at www.memphis.edu/financialaid.

If your student has any questions or concerns, please have him/her call the Financial Aid office at (901) 678-4825 or visit us at Room 103 in Wilder Tower.

If you have a scholarship inquiry, including the HOPE Lottery Scholarship, please contact the Scholarship Office directly at (901) 678-3213 or go to Room 107 in Wilder Tower.

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Residence Life

Spring 2012 Check-In Dates

Tuesday, January 10 and Wednesday, January 11, 1 PM – 4:30 PM

All assigned rooms must be claimed by 4:30 PM on Thursday, January 11, 2012. Residents failing to properly check into their rooms by the above stated deadline will forfeit their room assignment and their $200 rent prepayment. In order to prevent the room and rent prepayment from being forfeited, the student must contact the Residence Life and Dining Services Office, 011 Richardson Towers, 901-678-2295 and request to be placed on the Late Arrival's List if the student will be late checking into the room.

Spring 2012 Room Change

Thursday, January 19 and Friday, January 20

Meal Plan Information

Spring 2012 residents will have the opportunity to make adjustments to their meal plans until January 11, 2012.

Residents who have a meal plan and would like their $300 Dining Dollars applied to the cost of their meal plans, may request this until January 18, 2012. Residents may login to the Bursar's Office website and complete the form requesting the Dining Dollars be applied to the meal plan charge. After the request is submitted online, the amount will be credited to the account balance on TigerXpress.

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  Dining Services

Let's talk some food! Need a meal plan? Tiger Dining has your student covered!
Meal Plans add nothing but pure convenience to your student's daily routine on campus and we have a wide selection of plans for your choosing! Your student's meals are usable at the Fresh Food Company where we always have exciting events that include outstanding giveaways and prizes! A new year means a healthier lifestyle. Just 4 U, located in Richardson Towers, is the newest and healthiest lunch option on campus where freshly made meals are always at your student's fingertips. Each meal plan also comes with $200 DB Dollars which increases flexibility in their plan and easy access to the U.C. Food Court.

What if your student is a commuter or non-resident? No problem! We have a Commuter Meal Plan that is perfect for this particular lifestyle. Whether it's a quick snack on the go or dinner with some friends, this meal plan is very fitting for this fast-paced schedule.
To purchase a meal plan today, please visit www.tigerdining.com.

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Educational Support Program

Spring is the perfect time to do things differently from what we did during fall semester!
Looking back at fall and reflecting on what went well, helps students see where small changes would have resulted in more successful, and less stressful, academic semester. Starting spring classes with an attitude of "This semester, I will..." gives students direction and newly discovered purposes for what they do both in-class and out-of-class.

University of Memphis Tutoring at ESP will start January 23. ESP has excellent tutors who can assist with all courses that freshmen and sophomores will be taking. Students can determine soon what is required of them and with the assistance of someone who has already experienced the ups and downs can be encouraged to learn to enjoy the academic successes of the college experiences. ESP weekly seminars cover topics that are time-sensitive, including reading strategies, variety of note taking techniques, writing papers the professor will want to read, as well as predicting how they will be tested in each course.

For information on tutoring and seminars, click here. There are ten learning center locations (including residence halls) where students can study with tutors, plus meet other students who share their goal of greater academic achievements! FYI: Student computer log-ins at ESP Learning Center during fall 2011 just under 10,000 indicate that tutoring is utilized at University of Memphis.

Any questions or concerns, please contact Dr. Barbara Bekis, Coordinator, Educational Support Program, at bbekis@memphis.edu or 901.678.2704.

  Student Disability Services

If you are the parent of a U of M student with a disability who is not registered with Student Disability Services (SDS), now is a good time to discuss the idea of registering with your son or daughter.

It is easier for SDS staff to assist students who register with SDS early in the semester. To discuss the process of registration further, contact Susan Te Paske, Director of Student Disability Services at 678-2880.

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Athletics

Our student athletes are always doing great things on and off the field.  During the Fall 2011 semester, they completed over 1,300 hours of community service. 

Men's Basketball

For the full schedule of games, please click here.

Women's Basketball

 For the full schedule of games, please click here.

For tickets to any University of Memphis sporting event, please click here to purchase.

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   Fun Fact and Quote

Fun Fact: The University of Memphis offers 17 bachelor's degrees in more than 250 areas of study, Master's degrees in over 55 subjects, Doctoral degrees in 23 disciplines, a specialist degree in education, and a Juris Doctor (law degree).

Quote: The whole object of education is...to develop the mind. The mind should be a thing that works. Sherwood Anderson (1876–1941) American novelist and short story writer

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