Introducing New Student & Family Programs

This summer, the office of Parent and Family Programs merged with the office of New Student Programs to form New Student and Family Programs. Associate Dean of Students, Jordan Hale, steps into the Director role, having previously served as Director for Duke's New Student Programs for the last 8 years. In this letter, Dean Hale writes about his priorities for families, the team supporting you, and a recap of the semester thus far, including Family Weekend and the fall Duke Parents Advisory Council (DPAC) meeting. He's pictured above with his family.

As we move toward Duke’s second century, a chance to step back, reflect, and reimagine the ways we connect are critical to our work. It is my hope that our team will do three things as we continue to help families learn, connect, and engage while connected to Duke.

- Jordan Hale, Associate Dean of Students and Director for New Student & Family Programs

Important Dates

Class Registration Begins for Spring Semester: October 27
Homecoming 2021: November 5-7
Class Registration Add/Drop Period Begins: November 9
Thanksgiving Break: November 24-28
Last Day of Classes: December 3
Reading Period: December 4-7
Final Examinations Period: December 8-13
Spring Semester begins on Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Check out Duke's Academic Calendar for more information.

Student Spotlight

Meet Duke's Peer Success Leaders! As a part of the newly created Division of Student Success in the Office of Undergraduate Education, the Peer Success Leader (PSL) Program utilizes peer support to provide a holistic approach to academic success. PSLs are a resource for all Duke students and can help their peers as they navigate academic-related decisions, develop learning strategies, embrace well-being, and pursue purpose. PSLs model vulnerability and help-seeking to the student community. Learn more about the Peer Success Leaders.

Duke Family Webinar Series

The Office of New Student and Family Programs is excited to announce a brand-new initiative we’ll be rolling out next month: Duke Family Webinar Series!

Each month, there will be a new webinar session featuring a variety of guest speakers and campus partners. The series will be kicking off with a session about QuadEx on Tuesday, November 16 at 6:30pm EST. Please save this date. Registration information will be emailed to families soon.

Watch this video here to learn more about QuadEx ahead of the webinar.

Upcoming Events

The Devil's Masquerade

This Friday, Duke Student Affairs will be hosting an all-campus semi-formal dance on the K-ville quad from 8–11pm. This exciting event will feature student DJ’s, festive beverages, hors d’oeuvres, and desserts. It’s the perfect way for students to kick off the weekend and make fun memories with friends. Tickets for the event can be reserved at tickets.duke.edu.

Spring Breakthrough is Back!

Spring Breakthrough offers Duke students a unique alternative spring break. Students can spend four days (Monday, March 7 - Thursday, March 10) in a mind-stimulating experience on campus with professors and fellow students. Duke professors are offering 11 mini-seminars on topics ranging from dolphin communication to racial healing and the science (or lack of) behind fantasy figures. Meals are provided. No grades. No fees. No applications. No stress. Students can register in Duke Hub under "POE" when they register for spring classes.

Duke Homecoming 2021

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…Homecoming! It’s time to welcome back our Blue Devil alumni, family, and friends as we take on the Pittsburgh Panthers on November 6 at 12pm. For more information, take a look at the full agenda.

Health and Safety Protocols Announced for Home Basketball Events

As basketball season quickly approaches, we know that students, parents, and fans are eager to flood Cameron Indoor Stadium to cheer on our Blue Devils. The University continues to prioritize the overall wellness of our community and wants to ensure these events can proceed, while abiding by proper COVID-19 precautions. Duke University Athletics has announced the health and safety protocols for men’s and women’s basketball events at Cameron Indoor Stadium this season. This details of the plan are highlighted in this article.

Career Everywhere

The Career Center team recently participated in the Duke Majors Fair. This was an opportunity for students to meet representatives from all majors, minors and certificate programs, and learn more about their programs.
Laura Coutts, Assistant Director in the Career Center, explains, "We really enjoy talking to students about the relationship between career and their choice of major. We encourage students to ask informed questions of their departments of interest. We also help them think of ways to deepen the knowledge and skills they're learning in class through extracurriculars, part-time jobs and internships."

Greg Victory, Executive Director of Duke Career Center, sheds some light on the relationship between career and choice of major in this video – Does My Major Really Matter?

Resource Highlight:

Academic Resource Center (ARC)

The Academic Resource Center (ARC) offers a variety of programs and services to support the academic work of all Duke undergraduates. The ARC works with students to create a comprehensive approach to their learning, so that students can reach their highest academic potential. Learn more about their services on the ARC website or by watching the video below.

In Case You Missed It

Thank you for Attending Family Weekend

If you have not already done so, please complete this survey about your experience at Family Weekend 2021. We thoroughly evaluate your feedback and make changes each year to improve the experience of our families. Your input is greatly appreciated!

For any families who participated in the Duke Gardens portraits, photos will be emailed directly to families in the next week or two.

If you would like to share any of your own photos you captured during the weekend, we would love to see them. Please email them to us at familyprograms@duke.edu!

Brodie Gym is Open and Other Rec Updates

Brodie Recreation Center is now open to Rec & P.E. members! The hours of operation are 4pm-8pm, Monday – Sunday. As a gentle reminder, masks are required in all university buildings. Please note that Rec & P. E. facilities and programs may have modified hours and offerings throughout November and December. Check the facility hours webpage for details.

Swim Lessons Are Back

Students can visit MyRec Portal to view various private, semi-private and group lessons available! Duke Recreation is currently hosting a Swim Challenge from October 1– December 31.

MyRec Mobile App

The official Duke Recreation & Physical Education app is now available for download on the App Store and Google Play. Register for your favorite programs, view facility hours and traffic in the facility, and more!

Latinx Heritage Month!

Latinx Heritage Month took place from September 15-October 15. This month served to provide a platform for our Duke Latinx community to share their culture, traditions, music, crafts, dance, and ways of life with each other and the larger Duke community. Students celebrated with several events centered around dialogue, food, movie screenings, performances, and so much more. You can read more here.