A letter from the Director of Health Promotion and Prevention
A letter from the Director of Health Promotion and Prevention
Tufts Student Life
PARENT NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY 2017
Ian Wong
Ian Wong, Director, Department of Health Promotion and Prevention

Dear Parents and Families,

Welcome to a new year and a new semester. As the Director of Health Promotion and Prevention, my role is to assist students in achieving their health potential. This can include everything from sleep, stress management, and nutrition to physical activity and substance use.  
One of Health Promotion’s recent projects has been to help our students understand the recent change in Massachusetts law legalizing recreational marijuana, and how that change intersects with federal guidelines followed by Tufts and other universities in the commonwealth. While recreational marijuana is now legal in Massachusetts, it's still not allowed on college campuses. We’re helping students understand that Tufts' Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy and Medical Marijuana Policy remain in full effect and prohibit the use and/or possession of marijuana on campus. Our office continues to invite your student’s questions, and I’d also like to invite you to ask questions or express a concern. Both my office and the Dean of Student Affairs Office are happy to hear from students, parents, and families who would like more information or guidance about our efforts to address substance use at Tufts. I’d be happy to help you think about how you might approach a conversation with your student regarding this recent change in Massachusetts law.
Continue Reading Ian Wong's Letter

Counseling and Mental Health

Tufts' Counseling and Mental Health Service (CMHS) is offering a variety of Group Workshops for students this spring. If you have questions or would like additional information about the following, please don't hesitate to contact us: 617-627-3360.
  • Coping with Loss
  • Group for Students Impacted by Undocumented Status
  • Returning Students Group
  • Connections: International Student Discussion Group
  • Positive Procrastination with Dr. Christopher Willard
 For more information about CMHS and their services, please visit our website.

Housing and Lottery Information

The Housing Lottery for the 2017-18 academic year is about to get underway. Students have received full information by class year about their housing options and resources. We'd also like to share information with parents and families about several improvements that have recently been made to the residential system. We expect these changes to enhance your student's residential experience at Tufts.
  • More housing designated by class year. Studies have repeatedly shown that students benefit from living with their classmates and peers. We're creating more spaces for both first-year and returning students.
  • There are 2 new roles in the Residential Life program: First Year Assistants (FYA) and Community Development Advisors (CDA). FYAs will be helping our newest Jumbos transition to college, and CDAs will support returning students with programs and opportunities for engagement. Is your student looking for a leadership opportunity? Encourage them to apply!
  • Starting with the Class of 2020, lottery numbers will be drawn annually for the following academic year, instead of all at once for 3 years. We are taking up this best practice, used by the majority of peer institutions, to help students focus on each year of their Tufts experience
  • Improved off-campus housing support. Our website is about to be updated and will include resources to assist those trying to secure an apartment off campus. 
Questions or concerns? Contact the Office of Residential Life and Learning: reslife@tufts.edu or 617-627-3248. (Office hours: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

Dates to Remember

February 1 - Tufts Programs Abroad applications due
Febraury 2 - Last day for AS&E students to ADD classes
February 6 and 7 - Dr. Jason Kilmer Presents The Science of Alcohol and Marijuana9 p.m. on February 6 and 2 p.m. on February 7, Cohen Auditorium
February 13 - Positive Procrastination: Becoming a Mindful Student; 7:30 p.m., Asean Auditorium
February 20 - Presidents' Day (University Holiday): No Classes
February 23
Last day for AS&E students (except first-year undergraduates) to DROP courses without Record of Enrollment
Last Day for AS&E students to make up Incomplete grades from Fall 2016
View the Student Life Calendar
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