Dear Parents and Families,
The fall semester is well underway...leaves have changed colors, students are studying for midterms, and Thanksgiving break will be here before you know it. To help you and your Jumbo plan for Thanksgiving and other breaks this year, we have created a Break Information Website with key dates and details.
In this edition, I am excited to introduce student contributor, intern Kylie McNulty '25. In the inaugural "Student Spotlight" column, McNulty shares her experience in the Observing Theory in Action class.
Lastly, if you are attending Parents and Family Weekend (October 21 - 22), we look forward to seeing you on campus. Fall is a beautiful time of year in New England. Enjoy!
Best wishes,
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Meet New Director of Residential Life and Learning Christina AlchChristina Alch joined Tufts at the end of August as the director of the Office of Residential Life and Learning (ORLL). One of her first goals in her new role is to make sure that the student residential experience aligns with their expectations.
"That includes what we're offering in terms of community-building but also our processes and our procedures. Is our housing selection process working for them? Is it a clear and easy-to-understand process?" she said.
Alch wants to make sure that the University's residential communities are a place where students feel they belong, stressing a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. A focus on DEI is part of the new residential model developed by the ORLL team over the summer that includes resident assistant- and professional staff-led programming throughout the year. Each month has a different focus, from wellbeing to managing time. "We're assessing and making sure this new model meets student needs and also proactively addresses some of the things that we see, like roommate conflicts," said Alch.
Additionally, Residential Life has added a number of new staff to meet the needs of the Tufts community: Saja Davis and Sarah McDaniel, residential life coordinators; Max Taylor, assistant director of residential education; and Victoria Medeiros, residential life coordinator at the Beacon Street residence halls for SMFA first-year students. Residential Life is also hiring an assistant director of residential operations to assist with housing for graduate students (including Fletcher) and off-campus student housing.
Alch appreciates Tufts' student-centered approach. "It's really energized me to think about where it is that Residential Life should be going, what our vision is going to be moving forward, and what we can do to continue supporting that student experience," she said.
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Student Spotlight...on experiential learning
Hello, Readers of the Tufts Parents and Family Newsletter! I am Kylie McNulty, a sophomore, History and Education major at Tufts. The most valuable classes I have taken have been those that bring me beyond the classroom for hands-on experience in a new environment. This semester, I am taking Observing Theory in Action, taught by Steve Cohen, senior lecturer in the Education Department.
On Tuesdays, we are on campus, discussing assigned readings and aspects of high school education. On Thursdays, we are at Waltham High School (approx. 25 minutes from campus) from 7:30 – 11a.m., assisting teachers -- many of whom are Tufts alumni! Because I’m majoring in education, this class seems like it was made for me. However, there are Tufts students across all majors taking this class: Psychology majors shadow professionals in the school counseling office, Child Studies majors work in the Special Education department, and STEM majors fulfill humanities requirements with a unique experience as opposed to a sedentary class.
My message to Readers: Encourage your Jumbo to seek out these experiential classes during registration. Even if a class feels out of their comfort zone; broadening horizons and trying new things is the true essence of a Tufts education!
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Career Corner: Conversations with the Tufts Career CenterReducing the Stress of Choosing a Major
Selecting a major can be both exciting and intimidating. With 100+ majors and minors at Tufts, it’s easy for students to feel overwhelmed and wonder if they’re choosing (or have chosen!) the “right” path. We are ready to assist with:
- 1-on-1 Advising: Advisors help students assess interests, skills, and values and explore the variety of career options available.
- Majors Month: Events to help students understand the major declaration process, explore Tufts majors/minors, and think critically about the impact of their degrees.
- What Can I Do With This Major: Big-picture look at career areas pursued by different majors, including types of employers and next steps to take.
- Where Do Tufts Students Intern?: Get a sense of the variety of internships pursued by students with different majors.
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What's Happening AcademicallyMidterm season reminders for your students
This part of the year can be very stressful for students (especially first years experiencing collegiate exams for the first time). There are many resources on campus, including the advising deans, the StAAR Center, or Counseling and Mental Health services, that students can turn to if they are feeling overwhelmed by their academics.
Information about the illness policy was sent to students recently. To summarize, if a student is too ill to attend class, they should fill out the Short-Term Illness form found in SIS under Student Living and follow up with the instructor directly to strategize for making up missed work.
If your student is interested in Studying Abroad next academic year, they are required to complete an Intent Form no later than November 1. This form doesn't obligate students to study abroad, but they can't go abroad if they haven't filled it out. Read more from our Global Education team...
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Tufts Global Education: upcoming opportunities & deadlines to apply
Semester, year, and short-term programs abroad are an academically and personally enriching experience for students from all majors. Most choose semester-or year-long programs during their junior year but may also consider sophomore or senior year, or short-term options. Applying for semester- or year-long programs is a multi-step process that begins the academic year prior to your student’s intended term abroad. Planning early is essential (see the sidebar for deadlines to apply).
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Applications are open for the Tufts Campaign School
This week-long program offered by the Tisch College of Civic Life, returns to an in-person format this January 2023, giving students the opportunity to explore future careers in the exciting world of political and advocacy campaigns while networking with campaign leaders, reporters, former candidates, and talented Tufts alumni – all while earning academic credit. Students leave Campaign School with a digital portfolio of polling analysis, campaign talking points and social media strategies as well as skills in campaign messaging, speechwriting, and media relations. Students can apply now through October 31!
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Dates to Remember
Oct. 24 – Classes end for First Session courses
Oct. 24 – Last Day for Graduate AS&E Students to WITHDRAW from First Session courses and Receive a Grade of W
Oct. 25 – Classes begin for Second Session courses
Oct. 25 – Tufts in Beijing Info Session
Oct. 26 – First Steps Meeting
Oct. 26 – Global STEM Academic Planning Info Session
Oct. 31 – Advising Period Begins
Oct. 31 – Tufts in Hong Kong Info Session
Oct. 31 – Tufts in Paris Info Session
*THANKSGIVING BREAK
Nov. 23, 24, 25 – No classes
*Information about all the breaks during the 2022 - 2023 academic year is available online.
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Study Abroad Deadlines
Nov. 1 – Register Intent to Study Abroad – This is a mandatory step!
Dec. 1 – Submit Tufts in Oxford Application (Applicants must interview with TGE staff by Nov. 1 of sophomore year to be eligible.)
Feb. 1 – Submit all other 2023-2024 semester/full-year applications.
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Tufts Students Land Fulbright Scholarships
Five incoming Fulbright scholars from Tufts share why they chose to pursue a Fulbright, and what they are hoping to get out of their experiences. Read more.
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We look forward to welcoming parents and families this weekend October 21–22. The online registration is closed, but you can still register in person if you plan to attend.
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| TuftsAlert
We invite you to enroll in the TuftsAlert system to be notified directly by text, phone, and/or email in case of significant emergencies affecting the Tufts University community.
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| Student Email Archive
Announcements and messages sent to students are available on the Parents and Families Resources web page.
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