November 2022 Newsletter

Home for the Holidays
Final Exam Information Fall 2022
Important Dates to Remember

Home for the Holidays

Many college students will return home for Thanksgiving or winter break soon. This can be a challenging time for newly independent students and their parents. For some students, it is the first time they have returned home since beginning college. Therefore, clear communication is essential. Because Christmas and other holidays can be a hectic time with many family events, it will be important to have clear expectations. As a parent, you can make the visit go more smoothly by following these tips:

Talk about everything beforehand. Long before your student walks in the front door, it is a good idea to talk about expectations, both yours and theirs. Ask questions like, “What do you want to do when you are home?” and “Are you willing to attend the following events with us?” It is also a good idea to discuss hot button issues like curfews, chores, money and other expectations before the break starts. Discussing, compromising and coming to an agreement beforehand can keep things from getting uncomfortable.

Post a family calendar. Let your student know ahead of time about any holiday events you would like them to attend. Between sleeping in and visiting with friends they haven’t seen, their schedule will be packed. Make sure they have family get-togethers on their calendar before their friends claim all of their time. Don’t assume your student knows they are expected to attend an event or even when events will take place, tell them. Create a holiday calendar where everyone can post their commitments.

Spend quality time together. Try not to focus on what is going wrong during the visit, instead try to let your student know you enjoy their company. If distractions keep you from talking, schedule one-on-one time such as a breakfast or lunch out. Try to include family traditions such as baking cookies to make your student feel comfortable and happy.

Be accepting. College students see themselves as adults. You should accept who they are now rather than trying to make them fit the mold of who you think they should be or have been in the past. College is a time when students are trying new things. Some of these are visual, such as hairstyles, but others are ideas that may be different from your own.

Treat them as adults. Overall, parents should remember that their roles have changed. In the past, they pretty much laid down the law. But now that your child is older, your role should transform into more of an advisor where there is more discussing and less dictating. Be respectful of their ideas and opinions. Listen to what they have to say. Even if you disagree, remember the benefit of having them think for themselves.

Following these suggestions can help everyone relax and enjoy time with family and friends. Realize that your student has worked hard during the fall semester and is ready to relax and enjoy time at home.

Happy holidays!

Final Examination Information Fall 2022

The final exam schedule is based on regularly scheduled class meeting times. All course syllabi must include the scheduled date and time for final exams.

• Hybrid courses’ final exam times will correlate to the class’s on-campus meetings.
• Flexible (synchronous) courses’ final exam times will correlate to scheduled class times.
• Online (synchronous or hybrid) courses’ final exam times will correlate to scheduled class times.
• Online (asynchronous) classes — consult the course syllabus or instructor.
• Classes scheduled at any time other than shown below — consult the course syllabus or instructor.

Petitioning to Reschedule a Final Exam

• Students may make a petition to their major college dean to reschedule exams if the following circumstances occur:

o    A student has three (3) or more exams scheduled on the same day.
o    A student has two (2) exams scheduled at the same time.

• Students wanting to reschedule one or more final exams due to the reasons above must submit documentation of their schedule to the dean of their major.
• The petition must be approved no later than the last regular day of classes. The rescheduled exam must be administered during one of the provisional exam times as listed in the schedule below.
• Exams for on-campus courses have higher priority than online exams regardless of level.
• For all instances not covered above, the dean of the student’s major will consult with professors/instructors and decide which final should be rescheduled.

Final Grade Submission Deadlines:
Grades for graduation candidates must be submitted via Banner Self-Service no later than 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7. Graduation candidates must be allowed to reschedule their final exams prior to this deadline.

Grades for all other students must be submitted via Banner Self-Service no later than 10 a.m., Monday, Dec. 12.

Important Dates to Remember

Nov. 8                      Pre-registration for spring and summer semesters begins for currently enrolled sophomores
Nov. 10                    Pre-registration for spring and summer semesters begins for currently enrolled freshmen
Nov. 23                    8 a.m. — residence halls close for Thanksgiving (except Brooke Hall, Lund Hall and Peck Hall)
Nov. 23-25               Thanksgiving holidays (University closed)
Nov. 27                    Residence halls re-open at 2 p.m.
Nov. 28                    Classes resume
Dec. 5-9                   Final exams
Dec. 9                      UM Commencement/residence halls close for Winter Break at 5 p.m. (7 p.m. for graduates)
Dec. 17-Jan. 2         Winter holidays (University closed)
Jan. 3                       University Opens
Jan. 6                       8 a.m. — residence halls open for spring semester
Jan. 9                       Classes begin for spring semester
Jan. 9-13                  Drop/Add period
Jan. 13                     Last day for refund for dropped spring courses
Jan. 16                     Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday (University closed)
Feb. 8-11                 College Night and Homecoming activities
Feb. 10                    No Classes
Feb. 27                    Mid-semester week begins
March 13                 Last day for course or semester withdrawal
March 24                 Spring Holidays for students and faculty begin at 5 p.m.
April 3                      Classes resume