Reflections from Duke Kunshan University

This month's feature article is authored by Dr. Li-Chen Chin, Assistant Vice President for Intercultural Programs here at Duke University. Li-Chen oversees the operations of the Center for Multicultural Affairs, International House, and Muslim Life at Duke. Li-Chen recently returned to Duke after assisting with the launch of Duke Kunshan University (DKU) in China. In this article, Li-Chen reflects on her experiences and learning during her time at DKU.

Important Dates

March 9-17 • Spring Recess
April 3-11 • Fall 2019 Class Registration Period
April 24 • Last Day of Classes (LDOC)
April 25-28 • Reading Period
April 29 - May 4 • Final Examination Period
May 6 • Residence Halls Close*
May 10-12 • Duke Commencement 2019

* For students participating in Commencement, Halls close on May 13

Student Spotlight

This month’s student spotlight features an interview with Uwa Ihionkhan, Duke Student Government’s Vice President of Durham and Regional Affairs. Uwa sat down with Parent and Family Programs to discuss building relationships and fostering conversations within and outside of the community here at Duke. Listen to the podcast here.

POLIS

The Center for Political Leadership, Innovation, and Service (POLIS) at Duke has two missions: to seek solutions to the problems of contemporary politics and to prepare a new generation of political leaders and engaged citizens. Learn more about Duke POLIS and the important work they do through this video.

Upcoming Events

UNC Game & Bonfire

Tenting is in full swing, the basketball teams are practicing in overtime...this can only mean one thing: the UNC basketball games are right around the corner! On Wednesday, February 20 Duke Men's Basketball will host UNC at home in Cameron Indoor at 9:00pm, while Duke Women's Basketball will host UNC at home on Sunday, March 3. In the event of a win, the decades-old tradition of an on-campus bonfire will commence shortly after the game. In this community-building event, Duke staff and students fill specific roles to ensure that all students can celebrate safely. Go Duke!

Study Away and Application Deadlines

It's not too late for your student to study away this summer or fall! Students are eligible to study away starting the summer after their first year. Summer study away programs usually run 4-6 weeks and offer 1-2 Duke credits towards graduation in a variety of subjects. Fall program lengths vary but usually run for the full semester. Financial aid can be used to study away either term.

Application deadlines:

Summer 2019 Programs: Visit the GEO website for a list of programs accepting applicants
Fall 2019 Duke-In Programs: Apply by March 1
Fall 2019 Duke-Approved Programs (130+ programs): Deadlines vary, consult the program website

Welcome from Sorority and Fraternity Life

Did your student recently join an organization within Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL)? In this letter, Emilie Dye, Director of Student Engagement, welcomes families and friends to the FSL community and outlines some of the expectations of organizations.

In Case You Missed It

Save the Date for Family Weekend 2019

We hope you will join us Friday, October 25 – Sunday, October 27 for Family Weekend 2019! Programming will include academic lectures as well as cultural and art highlights. Additionally, there is a collective effort by the University to ensure that Family Weekend provides the opportunity for family members to connect with other Duke parents and students. Registration and the Family Weekend schedule will be available on August 1 through the Parent and Family Programs webpage. For planning purposes, please note that programming will begin Friday morning and continue through midday Sunday.

Post-Graduation Planning Webinar

Did you miss the post-graduation webinar? Watch the above recording to find practical examples of how the Career Center and its First Year Initiative support all students in their time at Duke. Aptly titled "Designing your Duke," this webinar with the Career Center explores the philosophical framework around post-graduate planning at Duke.

2019 Commencement Speaker Announced

On Friday, February 15, Duke announced that former Times Up President and CEO Lisa Borders will deliver the Duke Commencement Address for the class of 2019. Ms. Borders is a Duke graduate who currently serves on the University's Board of Trustees.

Wellness at Duke

Student wellness is a consistent focus of administrators and students alike here at Duke. Don’t forget that the Student Wellness Center and its services are available to all students! Student Health, Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS), DuWell, and DukeReach are all intentionally housed in one building to help students lead healthy, balanced, and mindful lives at Duke.