Greetings!

It has been a busy few weeks on campus as students continue to find new organizations to join and plenty of activities to participate in. We love watching our students in their element, whether that’s on the playing field, in the pool, on stage or just hanging out with friends. If your Diplomat is still looking to get more involved, events, workshops, community service and more opportunities are listed on the Ampersand student platform. We encourage any student who is still trying to find their place to look into the activities and groups listed. There is a place for everyone, and we are here to help.

Calendar Updates and a Suggestion

Spring Break starts at 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 7. For students who live on campus, the residence halls close at 10 a.m. Sunday, March 9, and reopen at 8 a.m. Sunday, March 16 (classes start the next day at 8 a.m.). If your student is coming home for this break, here’s a suggestion for them: Go by their old high school or middle school and visit some of their favorite teachers or administrators. My father spent his whole career as an eighth-grade science teacher. I can tell you that these visits mean the world to teachers, and it will make your student feel great. I hope your Diplomat will take a few minutes to stop by and thank those who helped them get to F&M. 

The fall academic calendar has been released. I want to make sure you have the important dates, so please be sure to check the link or the list provided in the F&Mily Newsletter. We invite families to attend True Blue Weekend (a great time to visit with your student), and please note that the Thanksgiving break has been extended.

Questions to Ask Your Student

We’re almost to the midpoint of the semester, so here are some suggested “starters” to conversations you may want to have with your Diplomat.

Conversation Starter #1

Whether they live on or off campus you want to make sure they are prepared for Spring Break. That means students leaving Lancaster should have what they need to travel safely and secure things until they return. For campus residents planning to stay,  students must register to remain in their residence. Ask what their plans are, then talk through those plans with them.

Reminders if your student is staying on campus:

• Be sure to register (students received info on this process earlier in the semester).
• Note there is no fee to stay but dining services will take a hiatus, so it is imperative to plan ahead for food. 

Reminders if your student is leaving campus:

• Secure their room, apartment or house before they leave, including any valuables, throw away any food that will spoil, don’t leave any dishes in the sink, etc.
• Share their travel plans with you.
• Fully charge their phone and don’t forget their charger and maybe a backup battery.
• Have a safety kit in their car that includes a phone charger, flashlight, first-aid kit, basic tool kit, a lighter or matches, knife, jumper cables, a blanket and extra clothes.
• Top off their gas tank (or get a full charge in their electric car).
• Get plenty of rest before driving.
• Be aware of their surroundings and travel in groups.

Conversation Starter #2

This is the time to start talking about summer plans, if you haven’t already. You may get some pushback for asking, but it’s important your student starts thinking about this now. If they are coming home for Spring Break, this is a perfect time to visit old jobs and see if they are hiring, research internships at local businesses and start making these plans.

Ask them about their plans — come home, travel or stay in Lancaster? If they plan to take summer classes at F&M, registration is open now, with the first registration deadline May 19. This is a great option for students who want to get ahead, retake a course or take a new one that really interests them, but isn’t a part of their major. Students can register by visiting the Registrar’s page on Inside F&M, the College’s internal website.

If they plan to have an internship or job, the Center for Career & Professional Development is a great place to start.

Career Center Resources, Seminars & Workshops

The Center for Career and Professional Development offers support and extensive resources to help your student in their search for an internship experience that will help them explore a professional aspiration, hone their skills and gain valuable work experience.

Learn more »