Duke's February Family Newsletter
Duke's February Family Newsletter
Duke news and updates from the Office of New Student & Family Programs
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Parent and Family Newsletter
February 2024
Parents and Families-
The end of February marks an exciting point in the semester. The last few weeks of this semester have flown by, and your student is acclimating to their new schedules and lifestyles. Spring weather and spring break is around the corner, midterms are in full bloom, and commencement is in the near future.
As we continue this new year, there are several resources at Duke, and we hope you and your student both take advantage of all that we have to offer. TONIGHT, February 27, at 7:00 pm ET we will continue our Parent & Family Webinar series with a Conversation with Coach Diaz. You can register here.
Thanks for all you do to support your student
Have a great day, and Go Duke
-New Student and Family Programs

Important Dates

NSFP February Parent and Family Webinar: February 27        
Spring Break: March 9-17
Last Day of Classes (LDOC): April 24
Reading Period: April 25-28
Final Examinations: April 29-May 4
Commencement: May 10-12
Check out Duke's Academic Calendar for more information. 
Join us TONIGHT, Tuesday, February 27 at 7:00 pm ET for our February Parent & Family Webinar: Conversation with Coach Diaz. Families are invited to a conversation with new head football Coach Manny Diaz about his transition to Duke, being a part of the Duke community, working with college students, and how he sees Duke football progressing in the ever-changing landscape of collegiate athletics. Vice Provost/Vice President for Student Affairs Mary Pat McMahon will moderate this discussion. 
Click here to register today. 

If you cannot attend or wish to revisit the content, we will record and post the webinar online. Please allow 48 hours after the webinar airs for us to post the content on the Parent and Family webpage.

University Updates

Provost’s Initiative on the Middle East
Provost Alec D. Gallimore announced the Provost's Initiative on the Middle East in a Feb. 12 email to students, faculty and staff at Duke. He wrote:
“The goal of the Provost’s Initiative on the Middle East is to foster constructive dialogues on these multifaceted and emotionally charged issues that will enhance understanding and build skills that lead to shared learning. The initiative will leverage the talent and expertise of the Duke community, judiciously supplemented with outside voices, and seek to nurture a sense of community, particularly among individuals from different backgrounds, experiences and points of view.”
The initiative will continue through the end of the academic year. All events are open to all students, and they are intended to challenge students’ perspectives. We hope families will encourage their students to engage in programming.
ONEbox: Opioid Overdose Emergency Box
At Duke, safeguarding the well-being of our students is a top priority. We are dedicated to continuously enhancing our efforts to address emerging health concerns and promote a safe environment for all.
There has been a nationwide increase in the presence of fentanyl in various substances, and it is possible students could come into contact with this substance unintentionally, exposing them to the risk of potential overdose, even without intentional opioid use. In an effort to prevent fatal overdoses, all residential facilities are now equipped with a ONEbox Opioid Overdose Emergency Box. There are 40 across campus. The ONEbox is an emergency kit for reversing opioid overdoses, ensuring that individuals have immediate access to life-saving treatment and training precisely when and where it's needed.
We recognize that parents and families are the first line of defense against many unhealthy decisions that students make.
It is important to have open and honest conversations with your student about their personal well-being.  Specifically, having non-judgmental discussions about alcohol and other drug use helps educate and guide them toward decisions that keep them happier and healthier while they are at Duke.
Click here to learn more about ONEbox.

Family Advice: 

From Academic Advising Center

Trinity College sophomores in their fourth semester at Duke are approaching a milestone deadline on Friday, March 8 – declaring their major! Families are valuable partners in promoting purposeful reflection through this moment, inviting their students to express their interests and aspirations without undue pressure. 
One constructive conversation you can have together is about what "big questions" your student wants to answer through their academic endeavors. This can open up further discussion about co-curricular and professional opportunities—such as research, internships, and civic engagement—that may guide them and help them make more informed decisions. Loved ones are essential collaborators in empowering students to follow their passions and pursue a major that aligns with their individual values and ambitions—especially when a student's path diverges from their initial expectations.
Ultimately, supporting your scholar's sense of purpose and self-determination will foster their independence and set a firmer foundation for their continued success at Duke and beyond.

Upcoming Events

Below you will find upcoming events from various departments across campus for your student to engage with!
Applications are now live for your student to be an Orientation Leader for Experiential Orientation 2024!
Orientation Leaders play an essential role in welcoming new-to-Duke students to campus and creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for each Experiential Orientation Project.
All Orientation Leaders can expect to grow and develop as a leader and lead a small cohort of new Duke students.
The application deadline is Friday, March 8 at 11:59 pmClick here for more information on the Orientation Leader role. 
The application period for the 2024 Internship Funding Program is now open.
The program aims to reduce the financial challenges associated with participating in low-paying or unpaid experiences and to encourage students’ participation in experiential career exploration. Through the generosity of corporate and private donors, the Career Center is able to offer $4,000 grants to undergraduates who are pursuing these types of summer experiences. Students eligible for funding include first years, sophomores, juniors, and first semester seniors from all undergraduate academic majors. Students do not need a confirmed internship offer at the time of application.
Your student can find additional information about the Career Center’s Internship Funding Program on Career Hub.

Duke Resources

Below you will find resources readily available to support your student throughout the semester!

Counseling & Psychological Services

Duke students have access to confidential counseling services, psychiatry services, and mental health crisis consultation. Our services are offered in-person or via telehealth and are provided to all enrolled students who pay the health fee
SAME-DAY BRIEF CONSULTATION SERVICES AVAILABLE:*
  • Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday from 9 am – 4 pm
  • Phone Number: 919-660-1000,
  • Location: Student Wellness Center (3rd Floor).
*Please note that our same-day services are not traditional counseling sessions.
These services include meeting with an intake counselor for a brief assessment, consultation, and referral to appropriate resources. For after-hours crisis assistance, please call 919-660-1000, and press option 2 to be connected to our after-hours counselor.
Click here to learn more about CAPS.

Trauma Brace

Trauma Brace is a full, end-to-end, self-help app for anyone struggling after a traumatic event. It is fully HIPAA compliant, can be used with or without a therapist, and is free for Duke students. The app is available for download on both iOS and Android platforms.

TimelyCare

TimelyCare offers virtual mental health and well-being services to Duke University students. These services include self-care content, scheduled counseling sessions, and 24/7 on-demand emotional support to talk about anything.
Students can download the TimelyCare app in the App Store or on Google Play to discover all the health and wellness resources available to them!
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