eConnection - March 2008

MARCH 2008
Volume 8, Number 5

From the Director
As members of the Maryland Parents Association, you are the first to receive this exciting news—the dates for Family Weekend have been selected! I am pleased to inform you that Family Weekend will take place on Friday, October 10 - Sunday, October 12, 2008. Family Weekend is the largest university-sponsored program devoted entirely to the family experience, and I sincerely hope that many of you will make plans to return to campus (or join us for the very first time) for this exciting weekend of events. Additional information will be posted on the Family Weekend Web site when available.

Area hotels fill quickly, so I encourage you to make reservations as soon as possible. For those who are interested in staying on campus, I am told rooms are currently available at the Inn & Conference Center (Marriott). Contact information for hotels in and near College Park is available on the Family Weekend Web site. Click here to view the Web site.

I also want to take this opportunity to remind you that the Terp Parent Web site contains helpful information about many resources on campus should your student need assistance. An especially useful resource for parents is the Quick Reference Guide, which includes a list of common student issues/challenges along with information regarding the appropriate university services related to these common issues. Click here to view the Guide.

I hope you and your families enjoy your time together during the upcoming break and/or holidays. Happy Spring!

Sincerely,

Brian L. Watkins

Director

Making the Most of Spring Break
This month on Terp Parent, learn more about how you can help your student make the most of his or her spring break experience. The article discusses several important safety issues for students traveling during the break as well as useful tips for students staying home. Click here to read the feature article.

Scholarship Award Opportunity
Applications are currently being accepted for the Maryland Parents Association Student Scholarship Award. The scholarship was established to provide assistance to students whose personal or family financial circumstances have challenged the ability to continue his or her education at the university. A scholarship of up to $1000 (per student) will be awarded for the 2008-2009 academic year. Applications for the Fall 2008 award are due by May 1. Click here for complete details, including eligibility criteria and an application form.

Room Selection 2008
The room selection process is underway. All students planning to participate in room selection must submit their online housing agreement by midnight on March 28, 2008. This is a firm deadline, so please work with your student to ensure he or she submits the housing agreement in a timely manner. Follow this link for additional information.

Parent Poll
How has your student changed most since entering the university? Click here to take the Parent Poll (the poll is located on the right side of the page).

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

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 9 a.m.
Mar. 28	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.

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