Getting and Staying Organized: 20 Helpful Tips for Your Busy College Student
By Kelly Hutcheson, Counseling and Life Development Intern

Parenting a Commuter Student
Commuter students are juggling a lot, including making a place for themselves academically, socially and involvement-wise on campus.

When Your Student Has a Conflict
A roommate conflict, a struggle between two friends, a misunderstanding with a professor.

Planning for a Safe Spring Break
Spring Break is right around the corner. And, if your student is traveling to mark the occasion...

Seasonal Student Issues
There's a seasonal ebb and flow when it comes to student issues.

The Quest for Perfection
The quest to be "perfect" is something that many students may be feeling...

The Pros & Cons of Cars on Campus
If your student lives on campus, one of the "driving" issues may be whether or not to have a car at school.

And the Oscar Goes to...
Have a student who is a movie nut?

From the Dean of Students' Desk
Welcome to the fourth issue of the 2005-06 academic year for Staying Connected, a newsletter for parents of first-year students.

Planning for a Safe Spring Break

Spring Break is right around the corner. And, if your student is traveling to mark the occasion, whether it's to another country or a neighboring state, you can offer the following reminders to make sure he/she stays safe:

  • Don't accept any beverages from unknown origins—No one ever knows if a colorless, odorless liquid "date rape drug" like GHB or Ketamine has been slipped into the beverage with ill intent. Know where your beverage is coming from and don't trust strangers. Better safe than sorry!
  • Use the buddy system—In a new place, you'll stay safest if you stick together.
  • Don't do anything illegal—The consequences are dire if you get arrested, especially in a foreign country.
  • Wear sunscreen—If you're doing an outdoor service project or lounging on the beach, sunscreen will prevent the burn that could ruin your break. Plus, it'll save your skin in the long run.
  • Protect your eyes—Wear sunglasses with proper UV protection and also have a hat. Too much sun can damage eyes.
  • Keep your wits about you—Be smart with your personal safety and your property. Carry your wallet close to your body so it's difficult to pickpocket you. Don't get intoxicated so that you make bad decisions and put yourself in dangerous situations. Keep a clear head in order to keep yourself—and your friends—safe.
  • Don't go off with people you don't know—Stick with your friends. Create a buddy system so none of you are ever alone. There are times when trusting people you don't know can end in tragedy. Please don't let that happen to you.

A safe Spring Break is very possible, as long as students stay smart!

Pass Along these Spring Break Dos and Don'ts

Don't ?

  • Do anything illegal.
  • Accept any beverages from unknown origins.
  • Go off with people you don't know.

Do…

  • Use sunscreen.
  • Protect your eyes.
  • Keep your wits about you.

Back to top

Designed by: Joshua Hirtz
Supervisor: Ted Hoe, Ph.D.
Coordinated by: PaperClip Communications
Questions? Contact our Webmaster