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 2023

Hi Duke 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 break is around the corner, spring weather is among us, 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. Monday, February 274:00 pm EST we will continue our Parent & Family Webinar series with Gender Violence Prevention & Intervention. 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
Join us on February 27 at 4:00 pm EST for our February Parent & Family Webinar: Gender Violence Prevention & Intervention. 
Families are invited to learn more about Gender Violence Prevention & Intervention initiatives on campus. Hear from new leadership about recent shifts in the organization of services and student support. Click here to register.
*If you are unable to join us live, this webinar will be recorded and  available 48 hours after the event. All webinars can be found here.*

SAVE THE DATE!

We are excited to announce that Family Weekend 2023 will be from Friday, November 3 – Sunday, November 5.
More Family Weekend details, a full schedule, and registration will be posted to the Duke Family webpage in late Summer.
Applications are now live for your student to be an Orientation Leader for Experiential Orientation 2023!
Orientation Leaders play an essential role in welcoming new-to-Duke students to campus and creating an inclusive and welcoming environment in each of the 22 Experiential Orientation Projects.
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 10 at 5:00 pm. Click here for more information on the Orientation Leader role. 

Important Dates

February- Parent & Family Webinar: February 27
Spring Break: March 11-19                                                                      Last Day of Classes (LDOC): April 26                                               Reading Period: April 27-30                                                                    Final Examinations: May 1-6                                          Commencement: May 12-14
Check out Duke's Academic Calendar for more information. 

Upcoming Events

Below you will find upcoming events from various departments across campus for your student to engage with!

Safety Fair

Duke Recreation & Physical Education

February 25 | Brodie Recreation Center | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Students are welcome to attend the first-ever Safety Fair! Students will learn how to take precautions and eliminate risks for a safer running/walking/hiking experience.
The fair will feature vendors from campus and the surrounding community. There will also be a FREE self-defense class.

Connection Project Mini Retreat

Student Involvement and Leadership

March 4 |Duke Coffeehouse (East Campus)|10:00 am- 2:00 pm
The Connection Project is designed to facilitate first-year student connection with each other. If your student is interested in connecting with new people or strengthening their existing relationships, The Connection Project wants to invite them to a half-day retreat. The half-day retreat will be at the East Campus Coffeehouse on Saturday, March 4, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Students can join for student-led games and other connection-themed activities, to reflect on the year so far, and to look toward the future!
Students can register here for this event.

Duke Reproductive Justice Conference

Women's Center 

March 8 |Penn Pavilion (West Campus)|8:30 am- 1:00 pm
Is your student passionate about reproductive justice? Concerned about the direction our country is heading in after the repeal of Roe v. Wade? Want to share their opinion and learn more about what other students are saying about reproductive rights and access? Students can join the Duke Women’s Center on Wednesday, March 8 for the 2023 Reproductive Justice Symposium.
This event will feature several student-moderated panels of content-matter experts on reproductive justice topics, like the intersections of faith, identity, and reproductive rights as well as biomedical advancements in reproductive health care and access. The keynote speaker is Dr. Megan Huchko of the Duke Global Health Institute with welcoming remarks from Prof. Neil Siegel of Duke Law. Breakfast/lunch provided to registered participants.
Students can register here for this event.

Yearbook time is upon us!

Senior Families: Be sure to purchase a yearbook while supplies last! Families, yearbooks are shipped directly to your home! 
Follow this link to purchase a recognition ad for your graduating senior - memories for a lifetime!

Duke Resources

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

Ramadan 2023

Ramadan is one of the most sacred months in the Islamic calendar. Muslims observe Ramadan as a month of fasting, reflection, and prayer. Many Muslims will fast from food & drink (including water) from dawn until sometime around sunset. 
When does Ramadan begin?
Some Muslims calculate Ramadan ahead of time while others wait until the new moon is sighted the night before. Therefore, to respect the diversity of our community, our office avoids using decisive language about the start of Ramadan. Nonetheless, many Muslims will begin observing Ramadan on or around the evening of March 22. As a result, the first day of fasting will likely be March 23.

Students can follow @dukecml on Instagram and join the Center for Muslim Life newsletter for the most updated information about Ramadan at Duke.
Safety Courses with Duke Recreation & Physical Education
Your student can train to save a life! All information on CPR/AED/First Aid, Lifeguarding, and Water Safety Instructor courses is available for the Spring Semester on MyRec for your student to access. 

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)

Duke CAPS is committed to supporting the psychological and emotional well-being of the campus community. All services at CAPS are CONFIDENTIAL and covered under your students' health fee.

CAPS is located on the 3rd floor of the Student Wellness Center. The office number is (919)-660-1000. Walk-In and Call-In Hours:
  • Monday: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 9:00 am- 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday-Friday: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
During your students' first visit, they can expect-
  • Before: Complete initial paperwork (approximately 15 minutes)
  • During: Meet with a counselor for a brief assessment of their concerns (approximately 15-20 minutes)
  • End: The counselor will provide recommendations and best care options based on your students' needs
*Please note: During high traffic times, there may be a wait to see a counselor.*
Click here for more information.
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