Jubilee Fellows information

Has your student ever expressed interest in--or even curiosity about--Christian ministry as a possible vocation? If so, she or he might wish to explore Calvin's Jubilee Fellows course, which is offered to junior-level students during the spring semester. Students have been notified of this opportunity and applications are due on October 8. Selected students will take a spring semester course focusing on ministry and the daily life of a church and its leaders. Then next summer they will embark on a paid internship for 10 weeks at a church in North America. Each student will experience the day-to-day life of a church and serve as an apprentice to a church leader to better discern if a career in ministry is a good fit.

Tutors, voter registration available from Academic Services

Students are aware that tutors are available in the office of Academic Services, offering advice on how to study effectively and assistance with mastering course material. Tutor request forms are available in that office, located on the 4th floor of Hiemenga Hall. Students are encouraged to request help early before all tutors are booked! There is also information about what students need to do to register to vote found on the registrar's office Academic Services website. 
 

"Year of Treats" and discount card Student Treat deadline Sept. 17

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.

Off-Campus Programs Expo

Students are encouraged to attend the Off-Campus Programs Expo on Wednesday, September 17 from 9:00–3:30 p.m. in the Library Lobby to find out more about Calvin's 11 off-campus semester programs.
 

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!

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. Thanks to student photographer Amberle Dekker!

It's never too early---or too late---to use Career Development

The professional counselors in Career Development invite students to use our services at any time--as prospective students considering Calvin, as freshmen trying to decide what major to select, as seniors seeking assistance with a job search, as alumni considering a career change. We recommend that students form a relationship with a career counselor as early as possible. Career counselors can help walk a student through the significant steps that are taken during college, helping the student make good choices to prepare for graduate school or a career after college. If you haven't already seen Aunt Bonnie's Career Catapult , there you can read "What's it like to be a..." from a variety of career professionals.
 

Message for new college parents: contacting your student

During these early weeks of college, try to find a balance in the frequency and nature of contacts with your student. It's possible to initiate too many contacts; it's also possible to have too little communication with your student. Recognize your own need and desire to keep in touch and balance that by acknowledging your student's new environment and responsibilities, demanding schedule, and the growing independence he/she is experiencing. Hand-written letters or e-mails with news from home are always appreciated; students look forward to seeing "real mail" in their mailbox and the security that those contacts bring. However, don't expect a like reply from every communication you initiate. Be assured that regular contact with your student is valued. Don't misinterpret a lack of response as rejection or indifference; most freshmen (though most might not admit it) welcome news from home and family, however mundane the information you share may seem to you.  One thing you might ask your student about from the weekend is the annual Chaos Day/Mud Bowl action!

Resources for Calvin parents, new or "experienced"

As your student prepares to start his or her year at Calvin, be sure to bookmark Parent & Family resources.  There you can find tips for new Calvin parents, links to calendars for events and important dates, definitions of important Calvin "lingo" and much more!  Remember you can always email questions (parents@calvin.edu) or call us (616-526-6142).

Sign up for Overture, a music department newsletter

The Overture E-Newsletter is your connection to the Calvin Music Department! This semi-monthly newsletter has in-depth coverage of upcoming performances, student, faculty, and alumni news, and music announcements.

Last updated Wednesday, June 23, 2010