Calvin College - Parent and Family Resources

Parents in Prayer: The Calvin Prayer Log

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. " Philippians 4: 6-7.

Parents are encouraged to pray for the needs of your student and for the Calvin community as we begin a new academic year.

Join us for daily chapel online

Today was the first chapel of the 2008-2009 school year and the theme for today was, and will be for every Tuesday, "Community Voices." Under this theme, students or groups are encouraged to plan their own worship service for the Calvin community.

Every weekday morning during the school year many students, faculty and staff gather for worship in the Chapel to sing, pray, read scripture and hear testimonies of God's faithfulness. Calvin parents, alumni and friends are also invited and are able to join us at 10:00 a.m. (EST), Monday through Friday, by listening to live audio of chapel from the Faith site; there is also a link to this from the main page of Parents and Family resources under "Campus Life."

Message for new college parents

One of the best things a college parent can do is to listen. Communication technology today provides instant contact (e-mail, wireless phones, instant-messaging), and new college students might be quick to share their most recent frustration or "crisis" with a parent before taking the time to think through and process their response. Although it will be tempting as the parent to dive in and troubleshoot on behalf of your student, consider the long-term benefits of encouraging your student to work through the situation (roommate, professor, class, etc.) on her own. These college "settling" experiences are a valuable part of the growth-adventure of college life, and encourage the development of life skills which all adults need to cultivate. Remind your student of the many resources available on campus---resident assistants and resident directors, academic advisors, counselors, deans, health center staff. Resist the natural temptation that any parent would have to swoop in and resolve the situation. Encourage your student to be proactive, resourceful and positive.

Photo galleries updated regularly

The Calvin Gallery, housing thousands of photos, is a popular resource for Calvin parents and the Calvin community. A student photographer wanders about campus and seeks to tell the "Calvin story" through images that depict a wide variety of Calvin activities and locations. If you haven't yet discovered this ever-expanding site, which is updated regularly, check it out. Some of the recently posted photo galleries include Convocation in the "Campus Life" gallery. In the "Roving Web Cam 2008-2009" galleries, you will see photos of the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new dorm wing, move-in day, Dorm Leadership's We Haul helpers, QUEST, Streetfest, Step Up Dramas by the Orientation Board, and the Great Ball Challenge. Thanks to student photographer Amberle Dekker!

Health Services: health forms due October 1

Calvin Health Services is eager to serve new and returning students! We know that health form completion is important to new students and their families. Students who have not yet met the college's immunization requirements may complete these at Health Services now. Please note that there is a $50 fine for not completing the requirements by October 1. Students who are currently enrolled in the KnightCare insurance plan and wish to opt out must submit a waiver form by October 1. Please note that after the October 1 deadline, the college cannot remove or refund this insurance charge. The KnightCare waiver form is available on the Heath Services site. Please direct any questions or concerns to Health Services at 616-526-6568; health@calvin.edu.

Off-Campus Interims: applications due October 1

Interim 2008 offered a wide variety of trips and opportunities to students. Interim 2009 promises the same. Students who are of at least sophomore standing and would like to apply to participate in an off-campus interim during January 2009 are reminded that they must do so by October 3. Since some instructors have set earlier deadlines, students should double-check the information online for the Off-Campus Programs Office. Interim scholarship and grant applications are also available there. If your son or daughter does participate in an Interim somewhere off-campus, there are Off-Campus Program Parent Resources for you!

Schedule for fall 2008 final exams

Although the fall semester began only yesterday, many students may be already in the process of making travel plans for the end of the semester. Students are reminded to make travel plans which will not conflict with their pre-assigned examination time. The published schedule for final exams is available on line.

Student treats available all year long

The Student Treats program sends treats and goodies to students for a birthday, special event or as an "anytime" surprise to remind your student of your love and support. Anyone can order individual treats or "A Year of Treats" which saves time and money. The deadline to order either the "Year of Treats" or the first seasonal treat (the Preferred Vendors Key Card) is September 17. The Preferred Vendors KeyCard is a valuable discount card that unlocks savings at hundreds of businesses throughout western Michigan. Students can save at local and chain restaurants, theaters, video stores, dry cleaners, car washes, oil changes and more! The KeyCard is only $20 and it comes with a merchant guidebook (with valuable coupons) and is good for an entire year.

Do you get Spark?

If you don't get Spark, the magazine for alumni and friends of Calvin, or haven't had a chance to view all the extra links in the most recent issue online, the Fall 2008 edition is available now. There you will read about an alumnae trio that lives and serves in Alaska and has done so for over 50 years. There is also a feature story about Calvin's theater program that is celebrating 75 years. And with all the recent news about New Orleans and the surrounding area, you can read about a mother-daughter team that went there to serve and reunite with old friends.

Check the Parent Calendar for important dates

Bookmark the Parent Calendar page (which also links to other campus event calendars) to keep track of important dates throughout the year, including:

Sep. 12: Last day to add full and first-half semester courses
Oct. 1: Miscellaneous charges payment due (1st of each month)
Oct. 20: Tuition, room and board payment due


Parent & Family Home About Us Student Treats The Roving WebCam » Contact Us	Calvin-Parents - September 9, 2008, Volume 5, Number 26
	Calvin-Parents is an e-mail newsletter that is published to keep Calvin parents informed of campus news, programs, events and other helpful information. Read previous issue - September 2, 2008 Subscribe to Calvin-Parents (or unsubscribe!) E-mail parents@calvin.edu. Calvin-Wire: September 2, 2008
	In This Issue:
	Parents in Prayer: The Calvin Prayer Log "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. " Philippians 4: 6-7. Parents are encouraged to pray for the needs of your student and for the Calvin community as we begin a new academic year. Join us for daily chapel online Today was the first chapel of the 2008-2009 school year and the theme for today was, and will be for every Tuesday, "Community Voices." Under this theme, students or groups are encouraged to plan their own worship service for the Calvin community. Every weekday morning during the school year many students, faculty and staff gather for worship in the Chapel to sing, pray, read scripture and hear testimonies of God's faithfulness. Calvin parents, alumni and friends are also invited and are able to join us at 10:00 a.m. (EST), Monday through Friday, by listening to live audio of chapel from the Faith site; there is also a link to this from the main page of Parents and Family resources under "Campus Life." Message for new college parents One of the best things a college parent can do is to listen. Communication technology today provides instant contact (e-mail, wireless phones, instant-messaging), and new college students might be quick to share their most recent frustration or "crisis" with a parent before taking the time to think through and process their response. Although it will be tempting as the parent to dive in and troubleshoot on behalf of your student, consider the long-term benefits of encouraging your student to work through the situation (roommate, professor, class, etc.) on her own. These college "settling" experiences are a valuable part of the growth-adventure of college life, and encourage the development of life skills which all adults need to cultivate. Remind your student of the many resources available on campus---resident assistants and resident directors, academic advisors, counselors, deans, health center staff. Resist the natural temptation that any parent would have to swoop in and resolve the situation. Encourage your student to be proactive, resourceful and positive. Photo galleries updated regularly The Calvin Gallery, housing thousands of photos, is a popular resource for Calvin parents and the Calvin community. A student photographer wanders about campus and seeks to tell the "Calvin story" through images that depict a wide variety of Calvin activities and locations. If you haven't yet discovered this ever-expanding site, which is updated regularly, check it out. Some of the recently posted photo galleries include Convocation in the "Campus Life" gallery. In the "Roving Web Cam 2008-2009" galleries, you will see photos of the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new dorm wing, move-in day, Dorm Leadership's We Haul helpers, QUEST, Streetfest, Step Up Dramas by the Orientation Board, and the Great Ball Challenge. Thanks to student photographer Amberle Dekker! Health Services: health forms due October 1 Calvin Health Services is eager to serve new and returning students! We know that health form completion is important to new students and their families. Students who have not yet met the college's immunization requirements may complete these at Health Services now. Please note that there is a $50 fine for not completing the requirements by October 1. Students who are currently enrolled in the KnightCare insurance plan and wish to opt out must submit a waiver form by October 1. Please note that after the October 1 deadline, the college cannot remove or refund this insurance charge. The KnightCare waiver form is available on the Heath Services site. Please direct any questions or concerns to Health Services at 616-526-6568; health@calvin.edu. Off-Campus Interims: applications due October 1 Interim 2008 offered a wide variety of trips and opportunities to students. Interim 2009 promises the same. Students who are of at least sophomore standing and would like to apply to participate in an off-campus interim during January 2009 are reminded that they must do so by October 3. Since some instructors have set earlier deadlines, students should double-check the information online for the Off-Campus Programs Office. Interim scholarship and grant applications are also available there. If your son or daughter does participate in an Interim somewhere off-campus, there are Off-Campus Program Parent Resources for you! Schedule for fall 2008 final exams Although the fall semester began only yesterday, many students may be already in the process of making travel plans for the end of the semester. Students are reminded to make travel plans which will not conflict with their pre-assigned examination time. The published schedule for final exams is available on line. Student treats available all year long The Student Treats program sends treats and goodies to students for a birthday, special event or as an "anytime" surprise to remind your student of your love and support. Anyone can order individual treats or "A Year of Treats" which saves time and money. The deadline to order either the "Year of Treats" or the first seasonal treat (the Preferred Vendors Key Card) is September 17. The Preferred Vendors KeyCard is a valuable discount card that unlocks savings at hundreds of businesses throughout western Michigan. Students can save at local and chain restaurants, theaters, video stores, dry cleaners, car washes, oil changes and more! The KeyCard is only $20 and it comes with a merchant guidebook (with valuable coupons) and is good for an entire year. Do you get Spark? If you don't get Spark, the magazine for alumni and friends of Calvin, or haven't had a chance to view all the extra links in the most recent issue online, the Fall 2008 edition is available now. There you will read about an alumnae trio that lives and serves in Alaska and has done so for over 50 years. There is also a feature story about Calvin's theater program that is celebrating 75 years. And with all the recent news about New Orleans and the surrounding area, you can read about a mother-daughter team that went there to serve and reunite with old friends. Check the Parent Calendar for important dates Bookmark the Parent Calendar page (which also links to other campus event calendars) to keep track of important dates throughout the year, including: Sep. 12: Last day to add full and first-half semester courses Oct. 1: Miscellaneous charges payment due (1st of each month) Oct. 20: Tuition, room and board payment due
	Campus Events: You Are Invited!
	Be sure to bookmark the Parent Calendar page (which also links to other campus calendars for sporting events, music department concerts and Student Activities Office concerts) to keep track of important dates throughout the year, including: Center Art Gallery exhibition: Some Semblance of Order - September 2-27, 2008 This exhibition will feature new work by Nichole Maury. Anti Racism Day - September 10, 2008 Join the multicultural affairs office as they work to combat the racism that exists in our society. Noontime Series - September 11, 2008 Barbara Carvill, German professor emerita, will talk about "My Childhood under Hitler and Stalin." Calvin Theatre: 75 Years of Inspiration kick-off weekend - October 3-5, 2008 The year-long celebration begins with "An Evening with Deborah Lew" and "New Works by Old Friends." Fall Homecoming - September 26 & 27, 2008 Come back to campus to visit and participate in any of the variety of fun events planned. Dedication of van Reken Hall - October 22, 2008 Celebrate with us as we dedicate the new wing of Kalsbeek-Huizenga dormitory. Family Weekend - October 24 & 25, 2008 Come back to visit your son or daughter!
	News & Stories from campus Check out a wealth of great stories on the News & Stories web site, including these: With demand high for residence hall rooms, student life looked for solutions. Now, the van Reken hall opens its doors for a whole new living experience. Charsie Sawyer inherited more than just her name from her mother, she inherited a love for music. Now she shares that love with Calvin students. Calvin Sports: This week's athletic events For information about athletic events visit the Sports Information Web site. Need Calvin sports results fast? Call the Calvin sports hotline at 616-526-6522 for current sports updates. You can also sign up for the Calvin Sports-Report, a free e-mail bulletin notifying Calvin sports fans of current sports news.
	Other Helpful Links:
	Parent & Family Resources Parent Calendar Worship & Discipleship Campus News Daily Sports Update