Family Weekend: October 23-25, 2008

Family Weekend, which starts Thursday, October 23 for early-birds, is a great chance to visit your son(s) or daughter(s) and experience autumn on campus.  Many of the ticketed events for that weekend are sold out so check the schedule of events for the most recent information.  Even if you are not planning to attend any of the ticketed events, please check in at the Parent Oasis tent or one of the residence hall desks upon arrival to sign in and pick up a Family Weekend schedule and map.  Please refer to the Family Weekend site as the best and most up-to-date source for current program information.

Fall Treat order deadline: October 22

The deadline to order the Fall Treat (Pizza & Movie) is October 22. (The Fall Treat is included in the Year of Treats packages if you have already ordered that). Calvin's Student Treats program features several seasonal treats; there is also an option to order a birthday treat, or an any-time, any-occasion treat (Pizza & Movie, Hugs from Home). This is a fun way to let your student know you are thinking about him or her! The proceeds from the Student Treats program have supported campus projects and other parent and family events and programs

Fridays at Calvin for prospective students

Fridays at Calvin, which just began for the 2008-2009 school year and is next scheduled for October 10, is the premier visit program for prospective students.  "Fridays" is a great way to experience life at Calvin with students, in classes and over meals in the dining hall.  There is also a Mondays at Calvin program if Fridays aren't convenient.  To see a sample schedule or to find out when a Calvin guidance counselor will be in your area---or to contact the one assigned to yours--- visit Fridays at Calvin.  There is a Students of Color Visit Grant for those who qualify.

If you've already spent time on campus and would love to share the information with others, please also consider being an admissions ambassador by referring prospective students, attending college fairs or leading a group visit to campus.  Your positive experiences with the Calvin College community are valuable stories to share with high school students and their families as they make a decision about higher education.  On that site you can also see how you can help and read a bit more about Rosemary on the Road as she travels to Southeast Asia.

UNLEARN Week: October 6-10, 2008

The second week of October is UNLEARN Week, a time when the Calvin community focuses on "unlearning" the many false ideas, generalizations, stereotypes and assumptions learned as a result of cultural influences within society. The goal is to give everyone an opportunity to explore the sin of learned racism and how to give Christ-like love to all people. The week's activities are designed and run by the Multicultural Student Advisory Board (MSAB). The schedule includes lectures, panel discussions, daily chapels, and other events which try to breakdown ignorance and misunderstanding for the purpose of fostering racial reconciliation, cultural appreciation, and an authentic Christian community.

Messages for new college parents: Helpful conversations

College life can sometimes be hard ---full of challenges and major transitions---and often accompanied by stress. In most cases new college students are able to work through these feelings on their own or with the advice of a close friend, RA, etc. The professional counselors in the Broene Counseling Center are available to help students with serious issues or concerns (depression, anxiety, relationship problems, substance abuse, eating disorders, family concerns), but also to talk through the typical adjustments that accompany the first weeks and months of college life. Sometimes parents and family members are in a position to notice early signs of stress and coping difficulties. If you think your student might benefit from visiting a counselor, remind him or her of the resources available. All conversations are treated with strict confidentiality; emphasize to your student that seeking a helpful conversation is a positive sign of taking control, not a sign of weakness or of failure. More than 700 students used the Broene Center's services last year.  To make an appointment, students can call 616-526-6123 (x 6-6123 on campus) or e-mail broene@calvin.edu. Counselors may be seen by appointment or students may come during the daily "walk-in" time from 3:30 to 4:30 pm. (Message submitted by Randy Wolthuis, Ph.D., Director of the Broene Counseling Center).

An important note from the advising office

October 28 and 29 is Academic Advising recess.  This is a time when classes are not in session so that faculty can meet with their advisees.  Students are instructed to meet with their advisor during this time and to prepare for registration.  In fact, students must meet with their assigned advisor in order to be cleared  for KnightVision registration.  Please do all you can to encourage your son and daughter to take full advantage of these two days.  In addition to meeting with an advisor, this is a good time to get caught up on reading assignments and writing papers.  It should not be a time to leave campus for a long weekend getaway.  Read more about academic services of the registrar's office or email advise@calvin.edu with any questions you may have.

Silent art auction to benefit Campaign for Calvin College

Please mark Friday, October 24, 2008 for the Yazzie Art Auction, a silent art auction for the entire Calvin community -- alumni, parents, friends -- to benefit the Campaign for Calvin College. The auction will feature a series of paintings donated by Calvin alumnus and Navajo artist Elmer Yazzie ’76, which will be displayed in the Spoelhof Center from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. that day.  A presentation by the artist will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Gezon Auditorium, followed by refreshments and a final chance to bid on the Yazzie paintings.  The development and alumni relations offices, hosts of this event, are grateful to Mr. Yazzie for this special donation of artwork.  Proceeds will go toward the new Center Art Gallery (in the Fine Arts Center) as part of the Campaign for Calvin College.

Alumni Association events in a town near you!

Bookmark the alumni events calendar to keep track of important dates throughout the year, to which you are warmly invited, as a parent, alumni and/or friend of the college.  More information is found there for each of the following events:

• Oct. 11: A Choral Retreat with the Alumni Choir (pictured at left) on campus
• Oct. 19: Alumni Choir concert in Grand Rapids, Mich.
• Oct. 24 & 25: Reunions for Class of 1983 on campus
• Oct. 25 & 26: Women's volleyball team events in Phoenix, Ariz.
• Oct.  27: Calvin Athletics along the Lakeshore in Zeeland, Mich.

Check the Parent Calendar for important dates

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

• Oct. 20: Tuition, room and board payment due
• Oct. 22: Fall Treat (Pizza & Movie) order deadline
• Oct. 28-29: Academic advising (no classes scheduled)
• Nov. 1: Miscellaneous charges payment due (1st of each month)

Last updated Wednesday, June 23, 2010