TUFTS PARENTS AND FAMILIES (TPF) NEWSLETTER | November 17, 2023

Dear Parents and Families,

The Fall Break is almost here, and students are preparing for a few days off from classes. Whether your student is traveling home or staying on campus, I hope you enjoy time reconnecting with them. Erica Schonman, who leads Mental Health Promotion on campus, offers tips on conversation starters to engage your student. In this month's "Student Spotlight" video, Kylie McNulty '25 asks fellow Jumbos what they are grateful for, and Career Center and Academic Advising provide timely information.

Best wishes,

Carole McFall
Family Engagement, AS&E 
carole.mcfall@tufts.edu
Direct: 617-627-2797

Tufts Counseling and Mental Health Services (CMHS) offers a variety of resources for students including Mental Health Promotion initiatives. Since joining Tufts three years ago in the newly created role of Mental Health Promotion Specialist in CMHS, Erica Schonman has developed a robust program that includes direct outreach to students as well as opportunities for students to get involved with mental health programming on campus.  

Schonman describes the work that she does as supporting mental and emotional wellbeing for all, regardless of whether they struggle with mental health issues. “It’s the intersection of public health and mental health,” she said. “For example, we know from research how important belonging is for our mental health and wellbeing. One of the programs we offer is Project Connect, where students meet in small groups and engage in peer-guided conversations for six weeks.” Schonman says the research-backed program works to transition the group when the sessions end so students stay connected. She helps to train the student peer leaders for Project Connect and highlights that “students receive a stipend, plus they gain direct experience in mental health promotion.”

Mental Health Promotion also offers training and stipends for students who are interested in being Mental Health Reps. Through tabling and other events around campus, they help raise awareness of the importance of mental health to overall wellness. “Our Mental Health Reps learn how to plan and implement public health-oriented events while providing important peer-to-peer engagement,” said Schonman.

Recognizing that for many parents and families their student’s transition to more independence during the college years can take time to adjust to, Schonman recommends the Jed Foundation as a resource and encourages families to connect with their student over the Fall Break, in person or virtually. She suggests that rather than ask about grades, appearances, and finances, which can be stressful for students, try conversation starters that can lead to a more engaged conversation; these include:

After the break, Mental Health Reps will be distributing stress management kits with wellness tips during finals. In the spring, CMHS will offer its four-week Koru Mindfulness and Student Athlete Mindfulness programs, Project Connect, and will recruit a new cohort of Mental Health Reps.

Asked about the Israel-Hamas war and how students can manage socio-political stress, Schonman highlights coping strategies on the CMHS website and a recent Instagram post. She also emphasizes myriad resources across campus that are always available to students. In addition to clinical and non-clinical mental health services that CMHS offers, students can reach out to Student Support, Ears for Peers, University Chaplaincy, Dean of Students Office, International Center, and Division of Student Diversity and Inclusion. “Students can access support in so many places on campus and find what works best for them.”  

While all of the seasons at Tufts are beautiful in their own way, autumn at Tufts has a special place in the heart of every Jumbo. With Fall Break coming up, we asked students what they are most thankful for...

Which do you take more seriously: obligations or optional activities? When students view career development as a required piece of a Tufts education, they are more likely to take the necessary steps to reach their career goals. Here are 3 strategies:

Speaking of courses, we have two 7-week, 1 credit courses available through the Tufts ExCollege for Spring 2024: Designing Your Career Journey (EXP-0068-S) and Financial Literacy: Understanding Personal Finances (EXP-0067-S). 

Registration dates for Spring 2024 can be found on the academic calendar but, for most students, registration is this week. Students must meet with their advisor before they select courses. To prepare for registering, students should confirm their registration time in SIS, put courses into their “shopping cart,” and validate their cart to check conflicts or prerequisites.

Students should also be thinking about their final exam schedules for wrapping up the semester. This period can be daunting for students, especially first-years, so please remind them of the many resources available to them. Also, take a moment to confirm that travel plans do not conflict with final exams as exams are not easily rescheduled.

EVENT: Career Center Webinar
We know that your student's internship and job prospects are top of mind for many of you. This a chance to meet members of the Career Center team who will share ways that you can support your student's career goals. Tues., Dec. 5 at 6:30 p.m. ET.

Registration is required and questions can be submitted in advance.

Communications Archive
Emails and other communications to parents, families, and students are archived online. 

Plan Ahead for Break Periods
Information about the upcoming Fall Break and all your student's breaks during the academic year is available online.

Dates to Remember
Nov. 22 – No Classes, Fall Break
Nov. 23 – No Classes, Thanksgiving (University Holiday)
Nov. 24 – No Classes (University Holiday)

Tufts Now
Creating a Safe Space for Difficult Conversations - Eileen Babbitt, who specializes in international conflict management, has been facilitating discussions on campus about the Israel-Hamas war.

TuftsAlert
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.

Parents and Families