Denison Everywhere: You’re Invited!

As members of the Denison Family, you are invited to attend the 14th annual edition of what has become one of Denison's most popular traditions: Denison Everywhere. On Wednesday, Jan. 30, from 6-8 p.m., alumni, family, and friends will gather in more than 70 cities across the nation and around the world to celebrate our college and our Denison family. We hope you will join us. Learn more and register here.

Another chance for students to get connected: The Winter Involvement Fair

If your student is looking for new ways to get involved on campus, encourage them to attend the Winter Involvement Fair from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 31, in Slayter Union. With more than 170 registered student organizations, Denison creates a space for student leaders of all passions and interests to connect with like-minded students. The annual Winter Involvement Fair, hosted by the Alford Community Leadership and Involvement Center, features student organizations ranging in interests from arts and club sports to service and social justice. Students will have an opportunity to meet fellow leaders shaping the Denison community by creating fun experiences to expand classroom knowledge into their student organizations.

A message from Hank Malin P'15, Executive Director, Knowlton Center for Career Exploration

I hope your student had a good fall semester at Denison and trust that you have enjoyed spending some time together over the past few weeks. We look forward to welcoming students back on campus after four weeks without them. And before you (and they) know it, the spring semester will fly by, and your student will be graduating. I am guessing that some of your students may have reported on fellow classmates who have already “landed” (perhaps your own student may be among those who have done so, and if so, congratulations). But I want to assure you that most seniors are still “in process.” Fear not! The Knowlton Center is here to help your student, regardless of where they are on that journey.

The vast majority of seniors have already spent some time talking with a career coach at the Knowlton Center or with a faculty or staff member who serves as a mentor/coach on their post-graduation pursuits. For some, however, the process of deciding “what’s next” is overwhelming and challenging. If your student fits in that category, please encourage them to set up a 1:1 coaching appointment upon their return to campus. We will reach out to every senior who has never had a coaching appointment or who has not met with anyone in our office during the fall semester, but we welcome your help in encouraging them to come see us.

Additionally, we will be offering “Jump Start your Job Search” programs on January 24 and January 29 at the Knowlton Center for seniors who are “stuck” or who haven’t truly started their “what’s next” process yet. If you think your student would benefit from attending those sessions, please encourage them to participate. Ultimately, however, each student’s journey in this process is different, and we take students where they are ... there is no judging!

We also suggest your student utilize the following resources:

Here’s to a great second semester for both you and your student!

A message from Jennifer Grube Vestal, associate dean of students and director of the Academic Resource Center

The “ME” in Mentoring

Recently, Denison was nationally recognized in the Chronicle of Higher Education for its commitment to mentorship, which is a key indicator of student success. Indeed, the powerful connection students form with faculty and staff is never more evident than at commencement or even sweeter reconnections during Reunion Weekend. And while both alumni and the college, in general, can celebrate the life-changing connections formed during these four years, they do not always form organically.

As your student prepares for another semester on the hill, ask who their mentors are or who they have a connection with on campus – “who gets them?” Hopefully, they will reference a few names and cite the different ways they seek support from or have a unique connection to those named. IF there is a lapse in a response, perhaps now is the time to suggest a “new year’s resolution/new semester’s goal” of being more intentional about forming connections with faculty and staff this term – hence the “ME” in mentoring. At a place like Denison, many are eager to connect, but students must take an active role in creating the opportunity to foster these connections.

Here are some suggestions you can pass along to your student:

Letters of recommendation for internships, graduate school, or employment references are enhanced by drawing from a rapport built over time and incorporating elements of both academic and co-curricular experiences into a broader reflection of the person. Whether your student is returning for their second semester or preparing for the final term before graduation, I hope the “ME” in their own investment in the mentoring relationships at Denison will be a priority for the new year.

A reminder to families of seniors graduating in May

As you make plans for Commencement Weekend 2019, we encourage you to consult the Commencement website for information about the weekend schedule and campus accommodations.

Please note that the Commencement exercises will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 18.

We’re here for you!

And we’re wishing you and your student a relaxing end to winter break and a healthy start to the spring semester.

Go Big Red!

Kristy Barngrover Clear ’10
Associate Director of Alumni & Family Engagement