Here are January action items, campus resources, conversation starters for you and your student.

Return to campus

By now, you may be used to having your student at home for Winter Break, right about the time they are preparing to return to campus. For some families, this is another transition like when you dropped them off in August. Spring semester is also the time when some students experience homesickness, after (finally!) coming to appreciate everything they have at home with their family. Both of these are completely normal.

Spring semester involvement

While your student may have already joined clubs or organizations on campus, continuing to explore the activities Miami offers is a great strategy to stay connected to campus. Direct your student to the Student Activities Events page and Miami's Events Calendar for more events or activities.

Student just not quite sure about their options? Are they in a leadership position in an organization and need help with various campus processes? Or, do they want to start a new organization? Our SEAL (Student Engagement And Leadership) Ambassadors are here for all of those reasons!

Winter Term and Spring Semester Career Development

Winter Term is a great time for students to spend some time on their career development, yes, even if they are a first-year student. We know that success starts with a plan and students can accomplish tasks their first and second years that will help them down the line. Tasks include engaging with Career Center workshops, updating their Handshake profile, and attending a Career Fair or Expo as an observer. Learn more about the Career Center. 

Off-campus housing search

Often during the spring semester of their first year, students feel pressure to think about or even sign a lease for their third year at Miami. This is a great option for many students, however, being fully prepared for this new responsibility is equally important before students sign a lease. To ensure that your student is prepared, have them review our Off Campus Outreach site.

Upcoming FAFSA deadline for next year

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) allows students to receive needs-based financial support through the federal government. The priority deadline for current Miami students is February 1. Visit the One Stop FAFSA page for more information.

Conversation starters and questions to ask:

• How're you feeling about returning to campus for spring semester? What are you looking forward to most?
• What student organizations or other activities do you plan to explore this semester?
  • How do you plan to get more deeply involved in the organizations you've already joined?
• What will you do differently this semester, academically and/or socially?
• What conversations do you need to have with your roommate to make sure you're both set up for a successful living situation this semester?