December 5, 2014
Dear Parents and Families,
By the beginning of December, I am thankful when the students take a few days for the Thanksgiving
break; and I am likewise thankful for their return. It gives us all a chance to catch our breath and reset
for the last push of the fall semester. The weeks between Thanksgiving and the long winter holiday are
full: the winter athletic season begins, students prepare for the end of the semester, and exams are
imminent. Holiday celebrations and the anticipation of the first true snowfall bring positive energy and
excitement to the end of the fall semester.
As the semester draws to a close I wanted to take this moment and reflect on our students’ transition
through Tufts and the continuing skills and lessons we hope they learn over the course of their time here
on the hill.
When students leave Tufts after earning their degree, their next life stage will be one where they will
need to possess the skills to discern, discover and analyze complex information. In a constantly shifting
and changing world, problems arise and solutions are needed. Students will need to have the skills to
identify and use available resources, collaboratively solve problems and create opportunities. Finally,
whatever communities they enter, students will need to communicate effectively, build networks and
strengthen relationships.
A Tufts education works towards these goals not only in the classroom, but with co-curricular
programming that bolsters our academic mission. Our hope is that your student’s time in class, working
with student organizations, and attending campus programming is helping shape their individual paths.
Supported by our remarkable faculty and staff, your students are becoming information seekers who can
identify and use available resources to collaboratively solve problems and create opportunities in a
constantly shifting world. We want them to advance into agile, entrepreneurial contributors who can
strategically align resources and build bridges across difference, connecting people to a common
purpose to enhance and grow communities.
At Tufts I have the great privilege of witnessing this transition in its many stages. Over the course of
their time at Tufts we expect students to explore the breadth and depth of opportunities available, engage
fully inside and outside of the classroom, and finally begin planning for the next step. Wherever your
student is on this journey, I encourage you to take some time over the winter break and ask them about
the experiences that challenged and changed them this semester. Did a particular class or professor shift
their perspective, or inspire a new goal? What are they most looking forward to in the upcoming spring
semester? Find out how your student is seeking out mentor relationships with faculty and staff, and how
these individuals are helping them to reflect and reimagine their Tufts experience.
Thank you for all that you do to support your Tufts Jumbo! As always, do not hesitate to reach out to us
at Dowling Hall if you have questions or concerns about your student’s experience.
Sincerely,
John Barker