eConnection - January/February 2008

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2008
Volume 8, Number 4

Greek 101
Is your student considering joining a fraternity or sorority? If so, be sure to read this month's feature article on Terp Parent so you have all the information you need about the new member education process. Click here to read the feature article.

Parent Survey
The University Career Center would like to learn more about your involvement in your student's career selection process. Click here to participate in a brief (4 question) and anonymous survey. The survey will be available until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 22.

Terrapin Pride Day
Join together with other Maryland parents, alumni, students, faculty and staff for the 11th Annual Terrapin Pride Day in Annapolis on Tuesday, February 19, 2008. Governor O’Malley has proposed a budget that includes an increase for higher education. We need your support to meet with state legislators to encourage them to fully fund the governor's higher education budget. Together, we must continue to make higher education in Maryland a priority.
     Enjoy lunch and hear from Governor Martin O’Malley, University President C. D. Mote, Jr., and a few other special guests. Then take the opportunity to visit your legislator's office in support of this great university. Click here for more details and registration information.

Priority Deadline for FAFSA
The university's priority deadline for completing and submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is February 15, 2008. Click here to access the U.S. Department of Education's FAFSA web site. A FAFSA must be completed each year in order to receive aid for the upcoming academic year. For additional information about the FAFSA or financial aid, click here to be directed to the UM Office of Student Financial Aid web site.

Transportation to NYC for Spring Break
Does your student need a ride to the Big Apple? The university's Department of Transportation Services is providing one-way and round-trip transportation from campus to New York City for Spring Break. Click here for details.

For the Parents of Graduating Seniors
The university's Main Commencement Ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 22 at 7:00 p.m. in the Comcast Center. Individual College and School ceremonies will be held on Friday, May 23 at various times and locations. Graduating seniors are provided with one student ticket (for themselves) and up to six additional guest tickets for the Main Commencement. Students will be notified of the ticket distribution process as soon as distribution dates are determined. There are no tickets required for the individual ceremonies; however, some Colleges and Schools require guests to RSVP.
     Students can purchase caps, gowns and other graduation items at the University Book Center, located in the Stamp Student Union. The University Book Center is the official supplier of University of Maryland commencement regalia. The schedule for cap and gown purchases will be available at a later date.
     Use the following links to access Commencement-related information:
General Info
Individual College and School Ceremonies
Main Ceremony Tickets

Important Dates
2008

Feb. 15	Priority deadline for FAFSA
Feb. 19	Terrapin Pride Day
Feb. 20:	Tuition payment due for spring semester (if registered Dec. 22, 2007 and after)
Mar. 14	North Campus halls close at 7 p.m. for Spring Break
Mar. 17	Spring Break begins -- University closed through March 18
Mar. 21	Spring Break ends
Mar. 23	North Campus halls reopen at 10 a.m.
Mar. 30	Deadline (at midnight) for Room Selection 2008
Apr. 26	Maryland Day
May 13	Last day of classes
May 14	Study day
May 15	Final exams begin
May 21	Final exams end
May 22	Main Commencement Ceremony
May 23	College/School Ceremonies

Click here to access the university's academic and event calendars.

To Unsubscribe
If you no longer wish to receive eConnection or want to be removed from the UMParents listserv, simply click here and include the following in the message box: SIGNOFF UMPARENTS. Be sure to leave the subject line blank.