Fall in Lancaster

Fall in Lancaster is one of my favorite seasons. 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 is wonderful to see students out and about on campus getting involved in activities or clubs, competing in sports, or just grabbing a favorite bagel in their House Great Room.  

Explore the best fall activities at F&M

“Midterms?”

With the semester underway, your students have already started submitting papers and taking tests and quizzes. I want to help shift the mindset around “midterms,” as it’s not an accurate description. Every class is different; some may have one or two exams, while others have three or four spread throughout the semester, and some may have no exams at all, relying instead on essays and other major assignments. This is why we hear from students that midterms start at the end of September and continue through November. There is no real “midterm” season at F&M; it’s just part of the overall experience.

For some, this may be stressful, while for others, it will feel like business as usual. Please encourage your students to connect with the resources available to them on campus — professors during office hours, your student’s academic adviser, the Student Support HUB, their College House Dean and Don and their First Year Advising Mentor (FAM) are all there to provide academic support, from time management to tutoring.

Taking care of their personal health and well-being is also important. F&M offers a wide array of health and wellness resources. These not only help when students are feeling unwell but also guide them in being proactive about self-care by teaching lifelong skills related to healthy living, stress management and more.

This is also a time when students who have been overly social may experience a rude awakening. I suggest doing regular check-ins to discuss how classes are going. In our experience, this is around the time some students start to feel overwhelmed academically, but they can still turn things around with the right support.

Explore Academic Support at F&M

Planning for Upcoming College Breaks

Fall Break: Oct. 12-15

There will be no classes on these days, but the campus will remain open. Students are not required to leave, but they are asked to register if remaining in College housing. Dining hours will be different, so please encourage your student to plan ahead for meals if they are staying on campus.

Thanksgiving Break: Nov. 27 - Dec. 1

The College will be closed during this period. Students may register to stay on campus, but there will be a required fee for dining.

Important Note

During all college breaks, dining hours and locations will vary, and additional fees may apply for students remaining on campus if F&M is closed. Please have your student plan ahead for meals. Details on registration will be sent from the Student Housing Office in advance of any deadlines at housing@fandm.edu.

Dates & Breaks

Many important dates are coming up; please check the list titled “Important Dates for Your Planning” near the end of every issue (including this one) of the F&Mily eNews!

View the academic calendar

Conversation Starters: Questions You Might Ask Your Student

1. What are your plans for Fall Break?
   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 prepared to sign up for your spring classes?
   I know, they just started 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 right here 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