Dear UMSL Parent and Family Members,

This is the first of many monthly UMSL Parent and Family newsletters and we're happy to have you join our family! The UMSL Family Connections E-Newsletter is the best way to stay up-to-date on all things going on at UMSL.

New Student Programs hopes you're seeing your student get into a healthy routine of balancing work, life and their new courseload. During this time, especially starting courses during a pandemic, adjusting to college can be challenging.

Enjoy this month's newsletter that include a few topics to assist your student this month.

New Student Programs is here to help your student and their parent and family members have a successful first year! If you have any questions or would like to see specific information provided in our monthly newsletters, or have personal questions and looking for assistance, please email us at newstudentprograms@umsl.edu.

Join our UMSL Parent and Family Facebook group for articles, reminders and more!

Best wishes and may you continue to stay safe and healthy,

Megan Green Simonds, Director of New Student Programs

Adjusting to Remote Learning at UMSL

The University of Missouri–St. Louis continues to monitor the COVID-19 global pandemic and we encourage all members of the Triton community to take health and safety precautions. Stay informed of important university updates by visiting our Start Safe. Stay Safe. webpage, and learn more at Missouri Dept. of Health & Senior Services and CDC.

Your student has been provided safety guidelines and an online COVID training that was required to complete prior to their first day of classes and traveling to campus. If this has not been completed yet, they should be receiving reminder emails and it will be listed as a to-do item in their MyView self service section.

Students have also been directed to review the Keep Learning webpage to find helpful resources for a successful remote learning experience. If your student is struggling, please encourage them to visit this website and setup an appointment with their professor to discuss how they can assist further.

Helpful Tips

Transition to College - Monthly Tip

August

Issue: Anxiety related to fitting in and making new friends are typical during this time, whether your student is about to leave for college or has already arrived.
Solution: Talk with your student about getting involved in an activity or organization that interests them. This is the easiest way to meet people that your student will connect with. Additionally, encourage your student to think about the qualities that they would like in a friend.

Issue: Students that are unsure of their major or career path may experience some anxiety about classes beginning.
Solution: Suggest that your student talk with an academic advisor and/or contact the Career Services Center to take an interest assessment. Often times, freshmen students can take a few basic classes while trying to figure out exactly what they want to do. Remember, changing a major will hopefully ensure that your student is happy in their upcoming career.

Issue: Living with a new person can be difficult, especially if your student is not used to sharing a space. This might cause some stress for your student.
Solution: Encourage your student and his/her roommate to discuss their living situation. Some important things to discuss might be cleaning responsibilities, study hours and visitors. Housing has some great resources concerning roommate discussions, including a roommate contract, which might help with a smooth transition.

September

Issue: Leaving home is a big change and transition, especially emotionally. Your student may experience some homesickness or stress about being away from family and friends.
Solution: Check in on your student periodically (not excessively) to make sure they are doing ok and adjusting. Consider sending them a care package (we have some information on our website about this service) or dropping them a card.

Issue: At this time in the semester, students may become overwhelmed with trying to balance their studies and social commitments. Additionally, assignments and tests are coming up.
Solution: Suggest that your student purchase a planner from the bookstore to keep assignments and activities organized. Encourage them to assign time to the most important things first, so they will have time for other activities.

3-Part New Parent and Family Webinar Series

If you were not able to join us during our live webinar series, please find three helpful webinars to assist our new parents and family members navigate and assist their student.The following three webinars were presented:

General Welcome and NSP Resources to Keep You Engaged, along with your Student
Fostering an Inclusive Environment and From College Career to a Successful Career
Fall Opening and Safety Measure during COVID-19

Visit our webpage for these recordings.

How to Add or Drop a Class:

Students may need to drop or withdraw from a class, or even add a new one for a variety of reasons. . . from courses overload, to a major change.

To add or drop a class, you should visit MyView > Self-Service > Enrollment

From there you can select add, drop, or swap classes.

Keep in mind that some classes may have filled up. You may also need special permission from the professor to enter the class late. This decision should not be made lightly and you are encouraged to speak with you academic advisor before taking any actions.

Getting Involved at UMSL

MyENGAGE is the new home to our 100+ student organizations! Encourage your student to log in to create a profile and begin exploring new opportunities to get involved. Studies show that when students are involved in at least one organization or on-campus job, they are more successful in college! They can also get Involved at UMSL by downloading the UMSL Mobile App or visiting the Office of Student Involvement!

Important Dates

Sept 10 Second Fees Due (Minimum payment: 33% of Adjusted Amount)

Sept 16 Withdrawal/Drop Reassesment Schedule 50% Fee Due

Sept 10 State of the University Address

Sept 25 Fall Internship and Job Fair

Oct 1 FASFA Application Opens, prepare your materials to apply

Check out important academic and financial deadlines and other events on the UMSL Calendar.

UMSL Daily Articles

Visit UMSLDaily to read featured articles about current students, faculty, staff or alumni that highlight the UMSL experience.

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University of Missouri St-Louis | Office of New Student Programs
1 Universty Blvd. | 366 Millennium Student Center | St. Louis, MO | 63121 US

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