SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015
AUTUMN IS A TIME FOR NEW BEGINNINGS, AND AS CAMPUS COMES BACK TO LIFE,
WE ARE SO EXCITED TO SEE THE UNIQUE CONTRIBUTIONS THAT THIS YEAR’S
STUDENTS WILL MAKE TO OUR COMMUNITY. THERE’S A LOT TO BE EXCITED ABOUT,
WHETHER YOUR STUDENT IS A BRAND NEW EAGLE OR A CONTINUING STUDENT.
The office of Family Programs exists to assist and support families of Eastern Michigan University students as they make
connections to EMU. This newsletter, published twice per semester, is designed to keep you informed about events and
dates relevant to you, but we also hope it provides context that will help you support your student’s college experience,
and some talking points for conversations between you and your student. For example, right now, new students might be
feeling any number of emotions - in fact, they may be overwhelmed by a combination of excitement, uncertainty,
anxiety, and confidence. Returning students may feel some of the same things. A good first year can be empowering, but
at the same time it might make a student wonder how they can keep up a streak of good work. A first year that didn’t go
quite according to plan might leave a student wondering how they can do better.
This is a good time of year to check in with your student, whether over the phone or over the dinner table. Ask them if
there’s anything they’re nervous about - but also remember to ask them what they’re looking forward to! Ask if they
know their professors’ names - bonus points for the students that have visited their professors in Office Hours already!
Ask them about the connections they’re making with departments like Campus Life, and remind them that there’s more
to college than just going to class. Finally, while it’s normal to have what feels like a million questions for your student,
it’s always a good idea to build in some time to listen - to let them tell their story.
Remember that you may also have questions as the semester goes on, or things you aren’t sure about. We in the Family
Programs office are here to help along the way. Later in this issue, you’ll learn more about how to stay in touch with us.
These aren’t empty words - we encourage you to drop us an email, a phone call, or a Facebook message if you ever come
across a situation you’re not sure about.
TM
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015
EMU Family Programs is proud to invite you to Family Weekend 2015! Come enjoy a weekend at EMU
with your student, with a wide selection of events for the entire family! Some events included
in the cost of a ticket are: special showings of Minions, Bingo Night, stargazing, the Family
Weekend Luncheon, and our Fall Festival. All families will receive a gift for attending! We will also be
hosting an informational session about our new Family Council. We look forward to seeing you there!
To register for the event, browse the pricing options, and see our full
schedule in detail, visit emich.edu/familyday.
LOOKING AHEAD
Even though it seems like just yesterday that the new academic year began,
Winter 2016 class scheduling is right around the corner! Registration will
begin in mid-November; however, course listings will be available to peruse
soon. To ensure that your student is prepared, make sure that they see the
appropriate academic advisor before registration officially starts. If your
student has questions about General Education classes, or are undecided
in their major, they can contact the University Advising and Career
Development Center at (734) 487-0400 to make an appointment.
Otherwise, they can see an advisor in their major on the right:
Arts and Sciences: 487-4599
Business: 487-2344
Education: 487-1416
Technology: 487-0354
Health and Human Services: 487-0077
Honors College: 487-0341
KEEPING IN TOUCH
Follow us at facebook.com/emufamilies to make sure you always hear the latest news and
events. This is also a great resource to connect with other families with similar experiences.
Please feel free to reach out to us via email at orientation@emich.edu,
or by phone at (734) 487-1208, with any questions or suggestions.
TM