May 2011 Parent E-Newsletter

  

May 2011 Parent E-Newsletter 

• Greetings from the Parent Council
• Important Dates
• How PLNU is Keeping your Student Involved
• Relax Awhile Study Break  – Wellness Center 
• Preparing for the Return Home – From an RD’s Perspective
• Important Student Financial Information
• Day in a Chair
• Offices of Strengths and Vocation – Remember to Check the Job Board During the Summer
• Report on Parent Fund
• Move  Out Information- How to Check Out and Avoid Fines 
• Transportation Schedule
• Sweet Celebration Treat- Remember Your Student on Finals Week

 

 

Hello Parents,

Here we are at the end of another school year. U-haul trucks and family vehicles will shortly begin to arrive on the PLNU campus with parents helping their students clean out their dorm rooms. Personally, I become excited when my students return home realizing that household activity level will increase along with the food bill.  Student Development has included instructions in this issue on closing the student dorms, which we are sure parents will find helpful.

May we encourage sending your "stressed" student a cake during this week with a note: “Good luck on finals!” Remember this will be the last week of finals for graduating students of PLNU. We trust you have found the parent newsletters during this past school year both informative and enjoyable.  The next issue will not be sent out until September 2, 2011 with the launching of a new school year. I pray all of you will have a safe and wonderful summer.

Sincerely,
Jeanne Cochran, Director of Parent Connection

 

Greeting from Parent Council

Hello Loma Parents,

Can you believe it? SUMMER is almost here; the time of year most parents (and let’s be honest, students too) have so many mixed emotions about.   Do you remember your childhood and young adult summers? Do you remember the song you used to chant on the last day of school?  “No more pencils, no more books, no more teachers…”  ooh, it really wasn’t a very nice song, was it?  Do you remember how excited you were for the “lazy days of summer…”?  Do you remember how tired you were after working, studying and admit it, playing hard all year long?  Do you remember the emotions you felt leaving the friendships you developed during the year? Do you remember how excited you were to go home, but at the same time feeling a bit apprehensive?  Do you remember the anxiety about knowing you needed to get a job, or go to summer school, but needing that precious down time too?   I sure do and my guess is your student is feeling all those same emotions right now also.

In just a few short weeks your student will be packing up their dorm room and stuffing everything s/he has accumulated in a car or a storage space and venturing either back home or on a mission trip or on a vacation with friends, maybe even a combination of all three.  Our freshman son will be coming home this summer while his older brother will be working in New York all summer long.  Not that we are experts or anything, (as a matter of fact the first summer our older son was home from college was somewhat challenging) but we would like to share some advice, or maybe it really is a lesson learned, for this transition time.   And yes, this is a time of transition not only for your student, but also for you as a parent.  

It really all boils down to one thing – communicating with your student.  The sooner the better too.  Before they even get home, make a “date” with them. Plan a time with them to take them out to their favorite restaurant, cook them their favorite meal, take a walk around the block together or go out for a cup of frozen yogurt.  Anything that lets them know they are important and that you are looking forward to a great summer with them.  

We would suggest you communicate with them the following things:
• First, let them know how proud you are of them.  PLNU has a great group of students that work hard at their studies and make the most of the opportunities given to them – let them know you are rooting for them too. 

• Second, let them know how much you respect them.  Your student has learned how to juggle all sorts of responsibilities this year.  They have learned how to take care of themselves physically, emotionally and spiritually.  They have gotten themselves out of bed each day in order to arrive at class or chapel or work.  They have gotten their homework done (or suffered the consequences if they didn’t).  They have learned how to live in close proximity with each other (even without hot showers sometimes)!  And they did all this without a parent hovering over them.  It may not have gotten done perfectly, or the way you would have done it, but they did it and you need to let them know you admire them for their hard work and perseverance.

• Next, clearly communicate your expectations for their behavior for the summer.  Each home is different and each family will need to approach this topic individually.  However, as you are coming up with your expectations, remember these students have been thriving on their own all year long.  Consider how much you love and respect them for their behavior while they were away this year and adjust your house rules accordingly.  For example, if you want them to spend a night at home each week as a family night, let them know that in advance and work with their schedules too.  They are more likely to respect your house rules if you respect their independence and self-sufficiency.

• Finally, pray with your student.  Ask God to protect your family and give your family patience for one another.  Ask for wisdom and guidance to parent as a follower of Christ.   Ask for this to be a summer to reconnect, re-energize and refocus.

Oh, one more thing, don’t forget to have fun!  Enjoy what little time you have together, because before you know it your house will be quiet and you will be wishing it were filled with commotion and activity again.

Blessings to each one of you!

Rob and Susan Brownlee
Parent Council Members

 

Important Dates

 

May 6          Classes End
May 9 – 13  Final Examinations
May 14         Undergraduate Convocation
May 15         Residence Halls Close
May 27         Final Grades Deadline

  

  

  

How PLNU is Keeping your Student Involved

May 1   The PLNU Choral Union and Orchestra presents Mendelssohn’s masterpiece, “Elijah”, 3:00 p.m. in Crill Performance Hall
May 3   Wonderfully Made Event, Colt Hall Forum from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Wonderfully Made is a Christian ministry dedicated to helping today's modern young women discover, strengthen, and reclaim their true value and worth.
May 3   ASB Concert, Recreation Room from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
May 4   MOSAIC Annual Graduation Dinner sponsored by Multicultural and Diversity Student Services, Cunningham from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
May 6   The PLNU Orchestra Spring Concerto Concert, Crill Performance Hall from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
May 6   ASB Dodge Ball, from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
May 7   The PLNU Jazz Band Finale Concert, Crill Performance Hall, at 7:30 p.m.
May 12  Senior Celebration & Sand Ceremony, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
May 13  The PLNU Spring Music Festival featuring the PLNU Music Ensembles, in Crill Performance Hall, at 7:30 p.m.

 

Relax Awhile Study Break – Wellness Center

For those who have pursued and endured higher education, it comes as no surprise that academic stressors, and examination stressors in particular, have some negative effects upon one’s overall health. Lack of adequate sleep, consumption of large amounts of caffeine, and a pervading sense of worry that emerges with the recognition of the impact specific exams, projects, presentations, or papers have upon one’s course grade (not to mention cumulative GPA and possible graduate school endeavors) are just a few of the common expressions of academic stress. “Academic stress often entails the student’s perception of extensive curriculum requirements and inadequate time to achieve them” at times resulting in negative physical, mental, emotional, and social health responses (Wilks & Spivey, 2010, 2) such as a decrease in cardiovascular and immune system functioning (Putwain, 2007, 3), “elevated levels of anxiety and depression” and “poorer academic performance” (Hystad, Eid, Laberg, & Johnsen, 2009, 1).

In an effort to encourage PLNU students to take a break between studying and tackling their final exams, the Wellness Center, the Peer Educators, the Office of Strengths and Vocation, Discipleship Ministries, and the Martial Arts Club are co-sponsoring a study break entitled, Relax Awhile. Relax Awhile was first initiated last semester during the week of final exams as an opportunity for students to pray, to de-stress, to stretch, to put their current circumstances into perspective, and to relax-even if for a short time-before heading back to the books to demonstrate their knowledge acquired over the course of the semester. This semester's Relax Awhile will be in the Rec Room located in Nicholson Commons on Monday, May 9th from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.  Students are encouraged to take advantage of the free activities, including five minute massages by certified massage therapists, use of massage chairs, guided relaxation sessions, prayer, Yoma (stretching exercises), and refreshments.

The Paws Awhile Study Break will also be held again this semester and will take place at the Ryan Library Plaza Deck (grassy area behind the library) on Tuesday, May 10th from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Students will have the opportunity to meet, greet, and spend some time with local therapy assisted certified dogs and Guide Dogs for the Blind in training.

Hystad, S.W., Eid, J., Laberg, J.C., Johnsen, B.H., & Bartone, P.T. (2009). Academic stress and health: exploring the moderating role of personality hardiness. Scandinavian Journal of Educational Research, 53, 5, October 2009, 421–429.
Putwain, D. (2007). Researching academic stress and anxiety in students: some methodological considerations. British Educational Research Journal 33, 2, April 2007, 207–219.
Wilks, S.E. & Spivey, C.A. (2010). Resilience in undergraduate social work students: social support and adjustment to academic stress. Social Work Education, 29, 3, April 2010, 276–288.

 

Preparing for the Return Home - From an RD’s Perspective

As a resident director, summer is my least favorite season.  This has nothing to do with San Diego weather, and everything to do with the absence of PLNU students.  Sunshine is no substitute for the vibrancy the student body brings to this campus and my life from September to May!  Yet, to my dismay, your student will soon leave campus—either temporarily (summer) or permanently (graduation).  As you prepare for her/his return home, here are some suggestions for the months ahead.

First, never underestimate the value of fully stocked refrigerators and food cupboards.  I’m sure, first and foremost, your student will be eager to see you and the rest of the family, but food only sweetens the deal.  Nothing says, “Welcome home” like a favorite home-cooked meal.

Second, try to keep in mind that finals week is often synonymous with sleep deprivation.  Don’t be surprised if she/he tries to catch up on all those forfeited hours of sleep.  Comments about your student’s laziness are rarely a good idea before June.  If possible, hold them accountable to summer rest.  Many students try to maximize the summer months and come back to school in August already burned-out.  We have a summer break for a reason!

Third, remember that more than clothes and books need unpacking.  Your student is trying to make sense of this college education and experience.  He or she is inevitably wrestling with big life questions.  Further than that, many current studies in higher education attest to the significance of parental support in these identity and vocational uncertainties.  Your student needs your support!  Try providing a safe and welcoming space for her/his reflection.  Ask questions about her/his experience and meaning-making over the past year.  As Ream, Herrmann and Trudeau suggest to parents of Christian college students: “develop a healthy balance of support and freedom in your involvement in your [student’s] education experience.  The key is to stay engaged to the point that you provide support and encouragement, but not so overly involved that you stifle [his/her] ability to develop independently” (96). 

Fourth, affirm the spiritual formation of your student.  As much as PLNU strives to “model and form” character and to provide a community where “grace is foundational, truth is pursued and holiness is a way of life”, your student needs more than just this learning community.  Encourage your student in church attendance, in service and in maintaining edifying relationships.  Ask about their spiritual formation and growth over the past year.  Better yet, walk alongside him/her in holiness.  If truly “holiness is a way of life” and “character is modeled”, then affirm your student as you see this manifestation of God’s gracious work.

Here are several resources I recommend to parents: Todd C. Ream, Timothy W. Herrmann, and C. Skip Trudeau, “A Parent’s Guide to the Christian College: Supporting Your Child’s Heart, Soul, and Mind during the College Years” (ACU Press, 2011), and James K.A. Smith, “Desiring the Kingdom: Worship, Worldview and Cultural Formation” (Baker Academic, 2009).

Important Student Financial Information

 

May 11  Cap & Gown Distribution begins
May 13  Last day for Financial Aid to originate a Spring 2011 loan
May 14  Commencement
May 16  Summer Charges and Financial Aid posted to student accounts
May 20  100% refund deadline for Summer 2011 classes
June 10  Summer Payment Due Date
June 15  Parents can begin applying for 2011 - 2012 loans

 

 

FINANCIAL HOLDS

Financial Holds have been placed on all delinquent accounts as of March 18th. With a hold on an account, your student will not be able to participate in Registration, Housing Draws, and/or Commencement.  It will also prevent students from obtaining graduation tickets, official transcripts and/or diplomas. All financial aid should have already posted to student accounts; therefore any pending aid will most likely need your attention at this point.

SUMMER SESSION

If your student’s summer plans include attending classes at PLNU, studying abroad, or working and living on campus, please encourage him/her to meet with an SFS (Student Financial Services) advisor as soon as possible.  If your student wants financial aid to pay for summer school, the advisor must complete a Summer 2011 Financial Aid Worksheet with the student to be considered for any type of summer aid, including tuition remission. Financial aid options for the summer session are limited, as most students will already have used up their financial aid eligibility for the year.  The SFS advisors will be happy to help your students navigate the available options.

GRADUATING SENIORS

University policy states that students cannot participate in commencement unless their account balance is paid in full.  Please check your student’s account online to make sure that no balance is owing.  You’ll want to continue to check periodically as the semester draws to a close, as some fines cannot be placed on accounts until the week of finals.  This is the same week that your student will be picking up his/her cap and gown, and all balances must be paid in order to do so.  Please contact SFS if you have any questions regarding this.  Please note that, at this point in the semester, checks will not be accepted to clear accounts.  Please remit payment via cash, cashier’s check or money order, or online by MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, or Discover.

TUITION MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Don’t wait to sign up for a TMS contract for 2011-12.  The sooner you sign up, the more payment options you have.  You can set up a contract based on estimated charges now, and update the amount when you receive your first bill. You can contact TMS directly at http://www.afford.com/ptloma   or (888) 285-3052.

DEWAR TUITION INSURANCE

PLNU offers a Tuition Refund Plan (TRP) through A.W.G. Dewar that reimburses families for tuition costs in the event that a student is unable to complete a semester due to accident or sickness. For more information regarding this plan, please visit www.collegerefund.com. In order to participate, you must sign up prior to the first day of each semester.

2011-12 FEDERAL LOANS

If you are planning on applying for a PLUS loan for the 2011-12 academic year or beyond, you will also do so at www.studentloans.gov, after June 15, 2011.  Through the Direct PLUS loan program, there is a reduced interest rate of 7.9%.  For more information, check out www.finaid.org/loans/parentloan.phtml

If you have any questions regarding your student’s statement of account, please feel free to contact the Student Financial Services Office at (619) 849-2538, Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. or by email at sfs@pointloma.edu.  We are here to serve you!

Day in the Chair

Delta Alpha Pi Honors Society partnered up with HeadNorth Foundation to raise awareness in the PLNU community of those affected by a spinal cord injury and those with physical disabilities. Students participating spent 2-3 hours of their day in a wheelchair to gain insight of what their day would be like without the ability of using their legs. At the end of the day, students who participated came together and shared their experiences with HeadNorth, fellow participants and Pat Curley, the director of Disability Services.   

Students with disabilities make up a small population at Point Loma, but these students are still a part of the Loma community. With this in mind, the event was brought to campus not to point out where Loma may fall short in accessibility, but to provide a space for us to consider how we could be better. The money raised from the event is going to be put to use in two ways: Half will go back to HeadNorth to assist in their efforts of helping those with spinal cord injuries, and the other half with be put into a fund created to help Point Loma in any work that needs to be done to make Point Loma more accessible. 

Delta Alpha Pi looks forward to applying the students’ feedback when the event will be held again next year!

 

Offices of Strengths and Vocation – Use the On-line Job Board this Summer

The OSV on-line job board has received close to 112,000 hits from students. This resource continues to be a vital part of the PLNU community and employers. Part-time and full-time employment as well as internships are posted during the entire 12 months of the year. OSV maintains an online job board posting on-campus and off-campus opportunities. If your student is searching for various employment opportunities before or after graduation, remember to check out the job board on the PLNU website. In order to receive job notifications, please consider joining our OSV Facebook page, or access the OSV Internship Blog.

Students who are now registered for an internship class this fall should begin checking out the job board in August. All internships that will serve as class credit need to be secured by the second week of school.

This Month’s OSV Event:

May 4  Networking with Nurses
The School of Nursing and OSV has partnered together to add a networking reception for the graduating nursing students. This event will include the presentation of senior portfolios. Professional nurses from the external community have been invited to interact with our students by sharing their workplace experiences which may furnish a prospective connection for possible future employment.

You can also join us on Facebook and get the latest updates and pictures from these events! All you need to do is say you like us!

OSV now has an Internship Blog featuring the hottest internships available to PLNU students! http://osvjobspot.blogspot.com/

  

Report on Parent Fund

Thank you for your gift to the Parent Fund at Point Loma Nazarene University; support that enhances important programs such as the Offices of Strengths and Vocation (OSV), Student Services and Spiritual Development. The Parent Fund is one of the many meaningful ways for you to be involved in your student’s education.

Last year, more than 200 parents of current and past students participated in annual giving to Point Loma Nazarene University. Parents give to the Parent Fund as well as gifts in support of the University Fund for student scholarships and the Campaign for the Sciences.

Offices of Strengths and Vocation

Funds from the Parent Fund were utilized for:
• Hosting seven Network 9 events for the various departments on campus. These receptions were attended by 85 professionals who interfaced with more than 400 PLNU students with no cost to the students.
• Sponsorship of a “Press Play” dinner where 15 former professional athletes shared vocational advice with more than 40 students.
• Sponsorship of author and speaker Duncan Mathison. “Unlock the Hidden Job Market” who spoke to students on how to find a job after graduation.
• Providing Career Assessment program for all undergrad students

Student Services

Funds impacted three programs for Student Services this year to support students.
• Tutorial Center and Disability Resource Center
• Delta Alpha Pi International Honor Society Initiation, established to recognize the academic achievements and leadership abilities of students who qualify for academic accommodations under the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
• Conversion of Multi-Purpose Proctoring and Conference Room the Parent Fund assisted with the conversion of the Academic Support Center conference room into a multi-purpose proctoring and conference room. Prior to the renovation, there were two rooms available for providing proctored exam to qualified students. The renovated space included 4 modular testing units and chairs, conference table and 6 chairs. The addition of the proctoring units significantly increases the number of disabled students that can be accommodated for proctored exams while preserving the conference feature of the original space.

Spiritual Development

In response to the request of many students who wanted to understand the traditional biblical texts on homosexuality, funds from the Parent Fund were used to provide the student body with the opportunity to hear well-known theologian Dr. Scot McKnight speak on “Homosexuality and the Bible.” The event was presented on April 29 under the sponsorship of the Spiritual Development Office. Dr. McKnight understands the undergraduate culture and is a widely recognized authority on the New Testament, early Christianity, and the historical Jesus.

Thank You To Our PLNU Parent Council! 

  

Move Out Information - How to Check-out and Avoid Fines 

Check-out will be during the week of finals. In order to prepare for check-out, students must follow these steps:

STEP 1: Sign up for a check out time at the Box by Wednesday, May 4th. 
• Students must check out at the time they signed up for at the Box
• If your student has an extended stay circumstance, they must be approved by their RD by May 4
• There is a $10/day fine for failure to make an appointment by Wednesday, May 4

STEP 2: Students must empty their rooms entirely.  Nothing should be in their rooms or in the building for check out.

STEP 3: Students must clean their rooms thoroughly.  It should look like it is ready to be moved into.

STEP 4: Students must check out with the RA at the appropriate time.
• Penalty for late checkout: 1-15 minutes is $25.00; after 15 minutes, the fee is $50.00.
• If they miss their appointment without notification or fail to check out, they will be fined $75.00 or $200 depending on the room condition.

Only the following individuals may stay past 12 noon on Saturday after notifying their RD:

• Student or their  sibling is graduating
• Student is participating or working in the graduation ceremony
• Student is living on campus this summer
• Any other circumstances deemed appropriate by the RD

*These inquiries must be approved by May 4 or you will be fined for late inquiries *

Quick tips for easy checkouts and avoiding fines:
1. Students should start talking with their roommate about shared cleaning responsibilities.
2. Students should not wait to make an appointment with their RA
3. Students should be realistic about the time they will be leaving  and make arrangements now.
4. We are limited on vacuums, so vacuum your room early to leave less work for over-worked vacuums during finals week as well as to avoid breaking them
5. Students should ask themselves if their room  is ready for someone else to move into it – clear and clean? If not, they are not ready to check out. 
6. All of your items must be OUT of the Residence Hall Building by your designated time.

  

Airport and Train Station Shuttle Schedule

Leaving Point Loma:
The Shuttle will leave outside the Prescott Prayer Chapel each hour, on the hour.
It will stop at the airport and then proceed to the train station before heading back to campus.

Shuttle Number: (619) 279-9810
Curtis Piatt, Driver: (619) 408-7796

May 13, Friday from 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
May 14, Saturday from 5:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 

*Halls close at 12:00 noon on Saturday, May 14

If you need a shuttle to the airport or train station outside of the above times, you will need to make your own arrangements. PLNU does not endorse the following companies, but provides them for your convenience:

San Diego MTS:  www.sdcommute.com
Super Shuttle:  (800)BLUEVAN
Cloud 9 Shuttle: (800)9SHUTTLE
Yellow Cab: (619)444-4444

  

Send a Celebration Treat!   Remember Your Student on Finals Week!

For a $25 donation, the Women’s Auxiliary of PLNU will lovingly bake homemade cakes, cookies or brownies and have them delivered right to your student’s residence hall! We have even added an option for gluten-free treats by Sweet Willo May’s Bakery. 

You can order and pay online at www.pointloma.edu/cake

Proceeds from this sweet fundraiser are being used to replace the remaining 150 aging library chairs. Two weeks advanced notice is appreciated.

Susan Brownlee,
President of PLNU San Diego Women’s Auxiliary