Learn about the Tufts libraries, the Career Center, and summer programs
Learn about the Tufts libraries, the Career Center, and summer programs
Tufts Student Life
PARENTs and Families NEWSLETTER
February 18, 2022
Dear Parents and Families,
We hope you and your students have had a successful start to the semester. In this issue, we highlight the resources and offerings at the Tufts libraries.
Room with rows of desks, blue and white chairs, and Mac computers
Digital Design Studio at Tisch Library

Get to Know the Tufts Libraries

The Tisch Library, Lilly Music Library, and SMFA Library are full of student resources, some of which are lesser-known. For instance, students can borrow much more than just books; laptops, chargers, and camera/recording kits are also available at all three branches. Librarians are always available to assist students, as well. "We can help you with your research. You can ask us any question at any of our front desks. You can make an appointment with the librarian that is focused on the subject area that you're doing your work on," said Dorothy Meaney, director of Tisch Library.
Students can even get research help without connecting with a librarian by accessing the online subject guides. The libraries provide a vast array of digital resources—online journals, databases, streaming films, and more—that are available to anyone in the Tufts community from anywhere.
Tisch often has exhibits on view and sometimes displays student work. Their newest exhibit is Leading While Black, which examines the legacy of Black executive leadership at Tufts over the past 50 years by highlighting the stories of eight Black university leaders. This heavily researched and archival-based exhibit is part of a larger project that is the collaborative effort of multiple departments at Tufts, including Digital Collections and Archives, which is located inside Tisch. 
Tisch contains a wide variety of spaces for both independent studying and group collaboration, from the silent Hirsch Reading Room to group study rooms that can be reserved. The Digital Design Studio and Data Lab are both teaching spaces and self-serve work spaces where students can drop in and get assistance.
An alternative to the 1,200-seat Tisch Library is the Lilly Music Library in the Granoff Music Center. "It's a small space, but it's a lovely space. It's sunny and well-appointed and generally quiet. It's open to any member of the Tufts community," said Meaney. This library has over 80,000 books, scores, and recordings, as well as audiovisual equipment.
The SMFA Library is on the third floor of the SMFA building at 230 Fenway in Boston. "It's a hub for the school community. The library has served as a gathering place, a connection point, as well as a place to study and borrow books and other materials. Part of the library has a living room feel," Meaney said. Notable collections include zines and artist's books.
All Tufts libraries are open to members of the Tufts community with Tufts ID and to campus visitors with proof of vaccination.

Career Corner: Conversations with the Tufts Career Center

Our Answers to Frequently Asked Parent Questions

You ask, we answer! We've compiled more than a dozen of our most popular parent questions into an FAQ resource featuring plenty of links to additional information. Here are a handful of the questions (along with expert answers!) that you'll find:
  • When should my student start using the Career Center's services and resources?
  • My student is interested in "everything" and is having a difficult time choosing a major. What do you recommend?
  • Does major determine or limit career choice?
  • Should students have internships after their first year at Tufts?
  • What resources does the Career Center offer to help students with finding jobs and internships?
  • How can I best assist my student with career readiness?

What's Happening Academically?

Introducing Our New Liberal Arts Advising Dean, Last Names S to Z

On February 14, a new Associate Dean of Undergraduate Advising joined the Advising Team at Tufts. Dean Caitlin Casey will take on oversight of all Liberal Arts BA/BS students with last names S to Z on Monday, February 28.
  • If your Liberal Arts BA/BS student has a last name S to T, they may reach out to Dean Carmen Lowe until February 27; Liberal Arts BA/BS students with last names U to Z may reach out to Dean Bellof until February 27. Dean Lowe and Dean Bellof can address questions about academic policies, extended leaves/absences, academic difficulty, or graduation requirements. We also invite the parents and family members to contact Dean Lowe or Dean Bellof until Dean Casey assumes oversight for students with last names S to Z on Monday, February 28.
  • First-years and sophomores may also continue to reach out to their Senior Academic Advisor, as well as their Pre-Major/Major Advisor.

Approaching Academic Deadlines

Students should review the Academic Calendar for deadlines at the start of every semester.
  • The deadline for AS&E undergraduate students to drop individual courses without record of enrollment is Wednesday, February 23. This deadline also applies to all first-year students.
  • The major declaration deadline for sophomores in Liberal Arts or the combined degree program with the SMFA, as well as first-years in Engineering, is Tuesday, March 1.
  • Students with unresolved Incompletes from the fall term should submit all outstanding coursework by Wednesday, March 2. After March 2, all Incomplete grades will automatically convert to a Permanent Incomplete.
If your student would benefit from some guidance about dropping a course, finalizing their major declaration paperwork, or any other advising concern, 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.

Registration Now Open for Summer Courses

Registration for Summer at Tufts is open! If your student could benefit from tackling a challenging class outside the pressures of the regular school year or needs to catch up on credits, there are courses available for them. With a large offering of flexible course schedules, as well as virtual campus options, summer courses at Tufts are accessible to any students. View available courses and register now at go.tufts.edu/SummerAtTufts.

Pre-College Programs Available for High School Students

Do you have a high school student at home who wants to preview the college experience, grow a skill set, or discover their future major or career path? This summer, we're excited to be welcoming high school students back to Tufts campus with our Pre-College Programs! We offer a wide variety of engaging programs ranging from one to six weeks taught by renowned Tufts faculty. Students can explore their passions and find a field that best fits them. Explore our Pre-College Programs and help your high school students apply today!

Dates to Remember

February 21 – Presidents' Day Observed (University Holiday) No Classes
February 23 – Last day for AS&E students to DROP courses without record of enrollment
February 24 – Substitute Monday's schedule on Thursday
March 2 – Last day for AS&E students to make up incomplete grades from Fall 2021
View the Student Life Calendar

COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Requirement

All eligible students, faculty, and staff are required to have submitted proof of a COVID-19 booster.

2022 Senior Memory Book

Class of 2022 parents and families: order your copy of the 2022 Senior Memory Book now. The book will include 64 color pages in a coffee table book format celebrating the Tufts Class of 2022. The book will include the traditional senior portrait section and other campus and community highlights from this special year. Books will be completed following commencement weekend and will be mailed to the addresses provided during the ordering process in mid- to late July 2022.
Medford Campus in the summer

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