Dear Tulane Family Member, 

Now that students are in the final exam period, remind them to get plenty of sleep, take restorative breaks, and support each other to minimize stress and maximize success. Campus departments and organizations offer study breaks to help students pace themselves through final exam week. Signature events are compiled on our Finals Favorites website.

As we wind down the fall semester, take note of these opportunities and reminders in the articles below:

If you have any questions, please email families@tulane.edu. Please note that Tulane University will close for Winter Recess beginning Wednesday, Dec. 24, and reopen Monday, Jan. 5.

I hope you enjoy spending time with your student over the break! 

Warm regards,

Penny Wyatt
Director of Family Programs and External Relations
Division of Student Affairs

The School of Liberal Arts is investing in classes that put critical thinking to the test: from boot camps to professional exploration to a healthy dose of team competition. This Spring, students can enroll in:

Startup Strategy Lab (from idea to venture in 15 weeks).

Faster 15 (juried projects focused on entertainment or politics in 15 hours).

No prerequisites necessary. Cash prizes. And career lessons for a lifetime.

If you missed one of our recent webinars on study abroad programs, access the videos or presentation slides for details on application procedures, location and academic options, and determining students' readiness.  

Freeman Study Abroad and Exchange (for A.B. Freeman School of Business students) - video and slides

Parenting a Study Abroad Student - Newcomb-Tulane College Study Abroad Programs - video and slides

NTC Undergrad Bundle textbooks are rentals and must be returned by Saturday, December 13, 2025 to avoid being billed for the full retail price. Students may stop by the Tulane Bookstore in the Lavin-Bernick Center or use this link to contact the Bookstore with questions. 

A few updates from College Advising as we wrap up the fall semester:

This week, First-Year Advising welcomes new team member Nicole Semmes. Nicole is already a College Advisor and a Tulane alumna with a background in education. Nicole enjoys teaching her students to navigate university systems and seeing them grow and thrive.  This is a huge win for our first-year students!

We encourage all students to ask for help, set up an introductory meeting with Nicole, or send an email (nsemmes@tulane.edu) with specifics about their situation or current questions. Our advising team shares notes and has continuity built into our work, but updates directly from students are invaluable to a strong advising partnership.

Registration for Spring 2026 has been completed, but College Advising work is ongoing. Students who need to regroup after registration or start planning for future semesters are welcome to schedule 1-1 appointments or attend advisor office hours. College Advising will remain open through Dec. 22, 2025. Staff will return after the University's Winter Recess on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. 

Reach out to Heather Cooper, Director of College Advising, hcooper2@tulane.edu, with questions or feedback about advising.

Tulane Hospitality would like to thank everyone who joined us for this year’s Family Weekend Jazz Brunch during Wave’25! We loved welcoming families back to campus for great food, live jazz, and the best part, time spent with the people you care about. 

If you attended the event, we’d appreciate a few minutes of your time to share your feedback. Your input helps us continue to make the Family Weekend Jazz Brunch a memorable part of the weekend each year.

The Unified Commencement Ceremony will take place Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 5 p.m. at the Caesars Superdome, and school graduation ceremonies will take place May 14-16. For more details, read the message from the Commencement Planning Team.

Tulane University Office of Family Programs
Email: families@tulane.edu | Web: families.tulane.edu
Toll Free: 877-887-9283