Denison
July 2017
A warm hello from “the Hill” to our Denison family!
Summertime on the Academic Quad
In anticipation of your student’s arrival in August, we have compiled some important information and reminders to help with the move-in and orientation process.
 
A message from Dr. Laurel Kennedy, Denison’s vice president for student development
Transitioning to college life is, for many students, an immersion in independence. The freedom to make certain decisions, such as whether to do homework, go out with friends, or go to bed, is fun. Other elements are more challenging and can lead to calls to home for help (“What do I do about a sore throat?”). As a parent, the call can be a great little endorphin boost: We feel expert and needed! But when it comes to money, you’ll want to arm your student with the best tools before they go to college — before your student is short of money, needs more, and isn't exactly sure where it all went.
If you haven’t gone over budgeting basics, it’s helpful to talk through how much your student should be spending (or saving) each month, and how to track expenses. Whether students have a campus job or some form of an allowance, most will use debit or credit cards, which are easy to overuse. I’m a huge fan of the Mint app, which assigns expenses to common budget categories, tells a user when funds are getting low, and has bill reminders that can prevent late fees. Any system that encourages a review of expenditures will help students spot fraudulent charges, another helpful skill for students to cultivate as they manage their own finances.
Budgeting skills also are helpful with tracking use of meal plans. Nearly all of Denison’s meal plans include some number of “Flex Dollars” that can be spent at different campus dining locations. The balance of Flex Dollars will decline as they are used, and students need to monitor and manage their use. (Students frequently ask the cashiers to check their balances, and they are happy to do so.)
Although budgeting isn’t one of the most exhilarating forms of independence, it is one that students recognize as a valuable form of “adulting.” There is satisfaction in being able to manage one’s own affairs, and the concept and the skill are transferable to other settings, such as student organization budgeting and, ultimately, their first job and life after college.
A reminder to students to complete “Think About It”
Your student recently received a letter and email from Mark Moller, the dean of first-year students, regarding an interactive online course called “Think About It” that promotes a healthy and safe campus and introduces students to campus policies related to substance abuse and sexual violence.
The information in the course will be of help to your student during the transition to college. All students are required to complete the course before they arrive on campus. Thank you for reminding your student to complete this module before August 24.
Students can access the course by clicking the link provided in their email or by following these steps:
  1. Go to campusclarity.com.
  2. Click or tap “Login to Training” at the top of the page.
  3. Students will enter their assigned Denison University e-mail address, click continue, and follow the prompts to begin.
  4. Students should complete the course by August 24, 2017. They are not required to print any proof of completion.
Move-In Day
We are looking forward to having your student join us in just a few short weeks! Move-In Day for the Class of 2021 is Thursday, August 24, 2017. Students should plan to arrive and move into their designated residence hall in the following order: Last names A-H, arrive from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.; last names I-O, arrive from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; last names P-Z, arrive from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Open check-in is from 11:30 a.m. to noon.
Assistance with Move-in is provided by the August Orientation (or “Aug-O”) student staff, resident assistants, and varsity athletes. A complete schedule of Move-in Day and a brief overview of August Orientation programming will be mailed to students the first week of August.
Move-in Day is exciting and busy. Here are a few tips for you and your student from David Villagomez ’19, a resident assistant in a first-year community:
  • Find out what is and is not allowed in the halls before Move-in Day
    Some residents had to return some of their belongings, like candles and microwaves, to their parents because they didn’t check the list of allowed items beforehand. More information regarding what items are allowed can be found in the student housing web section.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help
    Throughout Move-in Day Denison athletes and resident assistants will be on hand to help you find the room you are looking for and help you carry things in.
  • Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster
    For many families, the hardest part of Move-in is leaving. Be prepared for the excitement, frustration, and bittersweet moment of leaving. Just remember that your student is surrounded by many people who want them to succeed in every aspect of their college experience.
First-Year Induction Ceremony
Class of 2021 Induction Ceremony
At the end of Move-in Day, at 7 p.m., Denison officially will welcome the newest members of its student community at the Induction Ceremony. As part of this ceremony, President Adam Weinberg will formally induct the Class of 2021 and present the new students with a charge that will include the pursuit of academic inquiry and integrity; service in the community and beyond; and civility in their associations with other students, faculty, staff, and local residents. The chair of the faculty, the president of the student body, and others will address the students, as well.
Family members are encouraged to attend this very special ceremony. Directly after the ceremonial Induction of the Class 2021, family members will depart and the new students will begin their orientation schedule. If you’re unable to attend the Induction, stay tuned for information about our live online stream of the ceremony.
 
Aug-O Information
August Orientation is required for all new First-Year and transfer students and concentrates primarily on issues of adjustment and the development of skills, both of which are critical to success in college.
Aug-O for the incoming Class of 2021 will be held Thursday through Sunday, August 24-27, 2017. Detailed information is available here.
Stay Connected
You can stay connected with our office by visiting our Parent & Families web section, where you’ll find resources, upcoming events and how to get involved.
We look forward to having your student join us on campus in August!
Go Big Red!
Kristy Barngrover Clear '10
Associate Director
Alumni and Family Engagement
P.S. Shop Denison!
In honor of the Class of 2021, you and your student can use discount code DU2021 at checkout for a 21 percent savings on your online order at Shop Denison. This code can be used one time per email address, and it expires July 31, 2017, so hurry.
This promotion excludes textbook purchases.
Office of Alumni & Family Engagement | 740-587-6634 | denison.edu/parents
Denison University, 100 West College Street, Granville, OH 43023 | 740-587-0810 | denison.edu
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