Reflections from the Duke Parents Advisory Council (DPAC) Spring Meeting

During the final weekend of March, the Division of Student Affairs hosted our spring semester Duke Parents Advisory Council (DPAC) meeting. The weekend included a welcoming event with DPAC members and their students, discussion of the Student Experiences Survey and You@Duke (Resilience) Project, experiencing mindfulness techniques promoted on campus, and a tour of the new Hollows residence hall.

Clay Adams, Associate Dean of Students & Director of Parent and Family Programs, reflects in this blog post on the events of the meeting and how the theme of common humanity emerged throughout the weekend.

Important Dates

April 24 • Last Day of Classes (LDOC)
April 25-28 • Reading Period
April 29 - May 4 • Final Examination Period
May 6 • Residence Halls Close*
May 10-12 • Duke Commencement 2019

May 15 - June 27 • Summer Term I
July 1 - August 11 • Summer Term II

August 20 • Class of 2023 Move-In & Orientation Begins
August 23 • Upperclass Residence Halls Open
August 26 • Fall Semester Classes Begin

*For students participating in Commencement, halls close on May 13

Student Spotlight

Tatum Riley '22 sat down with Parent and Family Programs to reflect on her first year as a Duke student. From move-in day to the challenges she faced, Tatum discusses the trials and triumphs of a first-year student at Duke. Listen to the podcast here.

Quiet Spaces on Campus

Three quiet rooms exist across Duke’s campus, each called the Oasis. Two are managed by DuWell, located on West Campus in the Wellness Center and on East Campus in Bell Tower. The third is in Perkins Library on West Campus. Students can use any of the Oasis locations to help balance the stresses and worries of everyday life.

Just Released

New Vice Provost/Vice President for Campus Life Announced

President Vincent E. Price and Provost Sally Kornbluth announced Friday that Mary Pat McMahon will be the next vice provost/vice president for campus life. Mary Pat joins the Duke community from her current role as the dean of student affairs for Tufts University's School of Arts and Sciences and Engineering. She will succeed Larry Moneta who is retiring after serving as the vice president for student affairs for 18 years. Mary Pat will begin on July 7. Read the full announcement here.

Five Ways to Help Your Student Succeed on Study Away

The Office of Parent and Family Programs and the Global Engagement Office (GEO) partnered to create a video for parents and family members of students who are or will be studying away. The content focuses on helping students make the most of their time abroad, supporting them through adjustment challenges, and more! Learn about the five ways to support your student by clicking on the video below.

Last Day of Classes

The Last Day of Classes, affectionately known as LDOC, is a student-organized, day-long celebration. Programming ranges from silent disco to inflatables and art activities to an evening concert on Abele Quad. Staff from across campus come out to celebrate students' accomplishments and create a safe environment for all to celebrate. Campus is counting down the days until Wednesday, April 24!

Move-Out Reminders

A few weeks from now your children will be out of school, either back at home or in another city doing great things. Before your joyous reunion happens, we have a few notes for you and your student:

All campus residences close on Monday, May 6 at noon. *
Pack all belongings. Any items left in rooms after departure will be considered abandoned and therefore will be discarded.
If your student rented a microwave/fridge, leave it in the room. It will be picked up later in the week.
Return room furnishings to original positions. If a bed is lofted, leave it as is.
If there is damage to the room or trash left behind, students will be charged for the cost of cleaning and repairs.
Duke does not provide summer storage for personal belongings.

*Students participating in commencement, spring athletics, or DukeEngage Academy should check with coaches and advisors to learn if arrangements have been made on their behalf for a contract extension. Students waiting for summer school housing or students with extenuating circumstances should visit the Housing & Residence Life webpage to request a housing contract extension. The application is available until the end of April.

DPAC Spring Meeting in Pictures