Tufts Parents and Families Newsletter - Oct. 2023

TUFTS PARENTS AND FAMILIES (TPF) NEWSLETTER | October 18, 2023

Dear Parents and Families,

If you attended Parents and Family Weekend this past weekend, I hope you enjoyed catching up with your Jumbo and attending various activities. In this edition, Kirsten Behling, associate dean of the StAAR Center shares some of the Center's vital academic resources; Career Center's Majors Month helps students select their path; and welcome back to our student contributor Kylie McNulty '25, whose "Student Spotlight" video highlights classes that students are excited about this semester.

Best wishes,

Carole McFall
Family Engagement, AS&E
carole.mcfall@tufts.edu
Direct: 617-627-2797

As we reach the mid-point of the fall semester and many students have taken midterms and are immersed in their courses, Associate Dean of Student Accessibility and Academic Resources (StAAR Center) Kirsten Behling says now is a great time for students to connect with the StAAR Center.

StAAR Center resources are free and open to all AS&E students; they include:

“Students can pick and choose what works best for them,” said Behling.

While its main location is in Dowling Hall, the StAAR Center’s services take place in various locations around campus. Students can log into their Tutor Finder platform online to view a schedule of upcoming tutoring, workshop, and coaching sessions. One-on-one tutoring and writing appointments fill up quickly, so students should book these online in advance. (Tip: One-on-one writing hours are released Sunday nights.)

Behling also emphasizes the StAAR Center’s online Canvas library that all students can opt in to through their Tufts Canvas login. The Center’s Canvas site materials are based on student feedback about academic areas they struggle with; it includes worksheets, videos, and other references to help.

The StAAR Center also reviews requests for a wide range of accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Academic accommodations might include extended testing times, distraction-reduced testing spaces, or assistance with note taking. “We work closely with individual students and their academic advisors based on their specific needs,” said Behling. “I highly recommend students come to see us early on if they think they may need an accommodation, particularly ahead of finals.”

Behling hopes parents and families will remind their students about the StAAR Center’s resources. “We are here for all students and encourage parents and families to direct their students to us for academic support to augment what they learn in the classroom and to develop best academic practices throughout their college career,” she said.

Behling has worked at Tufts for seven years. In 2020, she helped create the StAAR Center, merging Student Accessibility Services and the Academic Resource Center. She is the author of two books focusing on access in higher education: "Reach Everyone, Teach Everyone: Universal Design for Learning" and "Disability Services in Higher Education: An Insider's Guide."

With 100+ majors and minors at Tufts, it’s easy for students to feel overwhelmed and wonder if they’re choosing (or have chosen!) the “right” path. We are ready to assist your student with:

The fall 2023 semester is in full swing! A few Jumbos share the class they’ve been loving the most this semester and why.

EVENT: Webinar for Parents and Families

Will your student be studying abroad next semester, Spring 2024? If so, don't miss Tufts Global Education's webinar, specifically for parents and families, on Wed., Nov. 15 at
7 p.m. ET.

Registration is required and questions can be submitted in advance.

Dates to Remember

Oct. 23 – First session courses only: classes end

Oct. 24 – Second session courses only: classes begin

Oct. 31 – Second session courses only: last day for AS&E students to ADD classes

Plan Ahead for Break Periods

Information about your student's breaks during the academic year and related housing and operations details is available online.

Start Mapping Your Retirement Journey with Tufts

With so much research available, there has never been a better time to start planning for your retirement with the help of Tufts University College. Our award-winning faculty bring their research in healthy aging to this in-person, 3-workshop bundle, Mapping Your Retirement Journey: A Holistic Approach to Planning for Your Future. Join us this November to start planning for a fulfilling life in retirement.

Tufts Now

Celebrations across Tufts' four campuses culminated in the Inauguration of Sunil Kumar—Tufts' 14th President—on October 6.

TuftsAlert

Enroll in the TuftsAlert system to be notified directly by text, phone, and/or email in case of significant emergencies affecting the Tufts University community.