A letter from the Dean of Undergraduate Studies
A letter from the Dean of Undergraduate Studies
Tufts Student Life
PARENT NEWSLETTER
JANUARY 2018
Carmen Lowe
Carmen Lowe, Dean of  Undergraduate Studies
Dear Parents and Families,
I hope this finds you enjoying the first few weeks of 2018. My colleagues and I are all looking forward to welcoming your student back to campus next week for the spring semester. I’m writing today to provide you with information about an update to Tufts’ credit-hour system, which will be occurring in Summer 2018. We provided your student with this information at the end of last semester, and I want to make sure that you are also aware of this important and beneficial change at Tufts.  
In Summer 2018, Tufts will convert from its current course credit system to the standard system of academic credit used by most universities around the U.S. Most students have been aware of the coming changes for the past few years, and our communication to them in December provided more concrete information about what the change in the credit system will mean. Please keep in mind, we are not changing degree requirements; we are only changing the numeric formula we use to calculate credits. These changes will make it easier for students to anticipate their workload and choose a balanced schedule. I want to offer you a few details now to keep you informed. For full information, please review our Change to Credit Hour System webpages.
Continue Reading Dean Lowe's Letter

What's Happening Academically?

Help Your Student Get a Successful Start this Spring

After a winter break of family gatherings, travel, fun, and networking for summer or permanent jobs, students sometimes need a little help making the adjustment back to the classroom. As we approach the coming semester, encourage your student to take advantage of all the academic supports that Tufts has to offer. This includes connecting early with the many academic supports available through Undergraduate Advising, the Academic Resource Center, and the Office for Student Success and Advising.
At this time of year, students should be carefully considering their roster of classes for the coming semester based on their performance in the fall:
  • Is your student carrying over work from the fall semester due to Incompletes? Completing course work from the fall should be a top priority at the beginning of the semester for any student with an "I" on their transcript
  • Is your student planning to take a heavy course load this semester to try to "catch up" on a lighter course load from the fall? It's not usually advisable to try to "catch up" in a single semester. Your student should be looking to have a manageable list of courses that addresses their interests, along with major and general requirements
If your student would benefit from some guidance at the start of the semester, let them know that their Advising Team is here to help. We tackle individual questions and concerns, and we're happy to have a conversation about how your student can reach their academic goals.

Career Corner: Conversations with the Tufts Career Center

All About Advising

Our career advisors love meeting with your student. It energizes us to help them develop their goals and plans, answer their questions, and guide them to helpful resources. Here are a few answers to career advising FAQs:
  • How does appointment scheduling work? Students can schedule appointments online, 24/7, via Handshake, our career development platform. We also offer drop-ins (more about that below), with no appointment needed.
  • Do students have to know what they want to do after graduation to come to the Career Center? No! We help students of all class years and at all stages in the career-development process. From strengthening career competencies and researching majors and career paths to applying for internships, jobs, and graduate school, we’re committed to providing individualized assistance and top-notch resources.
  • What if my student needs help right away, e.g., application is due in a few days? Good news: We offer drop-in hours every weekday for resume/cover letter reviews and other quick questions. Students can stop by for 15-minute consults in Dowling Hall, the Tisch Fitness Center, the Engineering buildings, or the SMFA @ Tufts. A schedule is available on our See an Advisor page.
To learn more about the Tufts Career Center and the great resources available, visit our website.

Pre-College Program

Summer at Tufts 2018 Pre-College Program applications are open! Tufts offers multiple new residential and commuter opportunities for high school students to study and explore the university during the summer. Help your student use their summer months productively, test the college environment, and dive into exciting subjects not covered in high school. 
Find out more by joining one of our 30-minute Facebook Live info sessions, or visit us at the events below! Of course, you can always email us at summer@tufts.edu with any questions or to set-up a time to talk.

Facebook Live Info Sessions

  • February 5, 6 p.m., Pre-College Intensive: International Affairs
  • February 6, 6:30 p.m., Pre-College Intensive: Studio Art
  • February 9, 12 p.m., Tufts College Experience & Summer Session for High School Students
  • February 12, 6 p.m., Pre-College Intensive: Leadership for Social Change
Check our Facebook page for more sessions to be posted soon!
  • Phillips Andover Academy Summer Opportunities Fair (Andover, MA) - January 21, 12 - 3 p.m.
  • Lexington Summer Camp & Activities Fair, Lexington High School Cafeteria (Lexington, MA) - January 27, 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Teen Summer Expo, Newton South High School (Newton, MA) - January 29, 5:30 - 8 p.m.
  • Teen Summer Expo, Lexington High School (Lexington, MA) - January 30, 5:30 - 8 p.m.
  • Phillips Exeter Academy for the Gap Year and Summer Programs Fair (Exeter, NH) - February 9, 2:30 – 4 p.m.

Dates to Remember


January 15 Martin Luther King Day (University Holiday): No Classes

Residence Halls Open for Spring Semester, 12 p.m.

January 18 - Classes Begin

February 1Last Day for AS&E Students to ADD Classes by 5 p.m. EST


View the Student Life Calendar
Read Previous Parent Newsletters
Medford Campus in the summer

Senior Memory Books

Purchase the 2018 Senior Memory Book! Memory books will be hard covered and include highlights from the 2017-18 academic year, as well as portraits of the graduating senior class.
Order Your 2018 Senior Memory Book

3 Quick To Dos

View the Career Center's Calendar of Events
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