A message for families from Director of Orientation, First Year Experience and Family & Parent Programs Douglas Adams in the Office of Student Affairs:

Here in Lancaster, leaves are starting to change and temperatures are beginning to cool, making Hartman Green and Buchanan Park beautiful for hanging out, studying and relaxing. A month into the semester, it’s inspiring to watch students dive into all that F&M offers – whether that’s leading a club, competing in athletics, or simply sharing a life story in their College House great room. These small and large moments of engagement are the foundation of belonging.
Allow me to introduce myself! My name is Douglas Adams, and I have the privilege of serving as the director of orientation, first year experience, and parent & family programs here at F&M. College is a journey not just for our students, but for their families as well. We want parents and families to feel equipped with resources and support so that their F&M experience is both successful and meaningful.

Each month or so, I’ll share helpful information and reflections about navigating the F&M experience. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by email,  families@fandm.edu.

“Midterms?”

The semester is underway; students are now in the rhythm of attending classes and are starting to take tests and submit papers for their courses. This time of year is often called “mid-terms” but that is not completely accurate. There is no required “midterm” block at the College. At F&M every class is different; some may have one or two exams, others have three or four throughout the semester, and some may have no exams at all, favoring essays or presentations.

Around this time some students may feel a little overwhelmed academically and with keeping up. As strange as this might feel, this is completely normal. The College has dedicated faculty and staff available to help. As parents and family, it is great to check in regularly with your students and to ask how their classes are going. Please encourage them to connect with the amazing resources available on campus. Professors’ office hours, their academic adviser, the Student Support Hub, and their House Don are all available to provide academic support, from time management to tutoring.  

Explore Academic Support at F&M

College Breaks

The College’s academic calendar is punctuated with a series of breaks, when classes are not in session. Information about staying on campus, transportation and dining options over breaks is sent to all students from the Student Housing Office in advance of any deadlines. Questions about staying on campus may be directed to housing@fandm.edu.

Details for Thanksgiving Break and Winter Break registration are currently being finalized. 

For longer breaks — Thanksgiving, Winter and Spring — Campus Services often offers transportation to the Philadelphia (PHL) and Baltimore International (BWI) airports to assist students who are departing campus. Information about dates, costs and sign ups will be sent to students via email. Amtrak, with a station near the campus, can also be a great option.

See the list of “Important Dates for Your Planning” later in this newsletter for the dates of each break. Special notes for each break are listed below:  

Fall Break: Students wishing to remain on campus are asked to register by Oct. 6. More information can be found on the Fall Break website.

Thanksgiving Recess: Please note, this break is significantly longer than in previous years.

Winter Recess: When planning for winter break, it is important for your student to review their final exam schedule before committing to purchasing any tickets that are earlier than Dec. 15. Students will not be able to change their exam dates based on travel arrangements. 

View the academic calendar

Conversation Starters: Questions You Might Ask Your Student

1.  What are your plans for Fall Break? Thanksgiving?
   It might seem a little late to have this conversation, but if you haven’t done so yet, there is still time. Make sure they feel confident about their plans and that they have taken care of travel, housing and other arrangements.
   
   
2. Are you starting to think about your spring classes?
   I know, they are just getting into this semester’s classes! Class registration begins in early November (not everyone will enroll on that day; it starts with seniors). It’s important for them to check in with their adviser beforehand to discuss options, obtain their registration PIN, and ensure they don’t have any holds that could prevent them from registering.
   
   
3. Do you know what to do if you get sick?
   If they are feeling unwell and need to see a medical provider, students can schedule an appointment with the Student Wellness Center on campus.

I hope your Diplomat is settling in this term and finding their rhythm and place on campus. We all know there will be ups and downs to navigate, and we are here to help you and them find their way.

Please contact me with any questions,

Doug

Douglas Adams, Ed.S.
Office of Student Affairs
dadams1@fandm.edu
717-358-4575