Calvin-Parents E-Newsletter: September 1, 2009

Schedule for moving in; Parent oasis tent

Here is the schedule for QUEST Move-in Day (for first-year students) on Wednesday, September 2, 2009:

9:00 - 5:00    First-year & transfer students move in to residence halls.
Please note: The move-in date for returning students is Friday, September 4, after 9:00a.m.
11:30 - 1:30     Lunch, Knollcrest Dining Hall.  Student IDs required.  Parents and family members may pick up a complimentary lunch ticket at the residence hall reception desk or Parent Oasis tent.
4:00 - 5:00    Worship Service for parents only, Calvin Chapel (see announcement below).
5:00 - 6:00    Welcome Cookout, Commons Lawn (for all first-year and transfer students and their families).
6:00 - 6:25    Families say goodbye to students.
6:25 - 10:30    QUEST 2009 Orientation Sessions begin (first-year & transfer students).

The Parent Oasis tent is a hospitality area for parents that is available from noon to 5:00 p.m. on Move-in Day, under the white canopy on the lawn between Eldersveld and Van Dellen halls, to enjoy some refreshment or come to just sit and relax.  You will also have a chance to visit with Calvin staff members and other parents and get your questions answered as you prepare to leave your son or daughter at Calvin for the 2009-2010 fall semester.  As always, many resources are available for you on the Parent Resources site.

E-Statements; Financial services information

In an effort to improve the process of receiving statements and making payments, Calvin has implemented a paperless billing service for students and parents called E-Statements! This electronic system features an electronic copy of all financial statements that is automatically sent to the email addresses that a student has subscribed for this service. Parents may receive an E-Statement  “subscription,” but this must be initiated and authorized by the student in their KnightVision account (My Resources>Student Finances>E-Statement Subscription). The student may authorize that Calvin send the E-Statement to up to five separate e-mail accounts. Being subscribed for the E-Statement delivery serves as our authorization to discuss what appears on the statement with the subscriber. E-Statements are sent electronically as a PDF file attachment.  

The statement of miscellaneous charges will be available on the KnightVision account around the 20th of each month. Payment of miscellaneous charges is due in full on the 1st of each month. Payments made via Calvin's electronic check payment center are applied the next business day. Here is the link to the brochure giving instructions on how to use the Automatic Payment System (APS) with the student's authorization. Paper checks should be mailed 5 days prior to the due date. Calvin does not accept credit card payments for tuition, room & board statements or for statement of miscellaneous charges.  See the financial services Web site.

Calvin College campus ministries

To communicate more effectively with both internal and external audiences, the Christian formation office is now called Calvin College campus ministries.  Campus ministries provides worship opportunities, discipleship groups, and pastoral care to students, staff and faculty.  Mary Hulst was recently named college chaplain, only the third in Calvin's history, and the first woman to hold the position which she will assume over the summer.  While a student at Calvin, she always considered the chaplain's position to be the "best job on campus."
 

Parents' worship service on Move-in Day

Please join with the campus community and other parents as we worship together on Move-in Day.  This service of praise and prayer for parents, as their children enter the community at Calvin College, will be held on Wednesday, September 2, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. in the chapel.  Michelle Loyd-Paige, professor of sociology and dean of multicultural affairs, will give a meditation: "A Time for Everything," and other parents will offer prayers.  Please join us in the Chapel for a time of prayer, reflection and praise.

Please note: The move-in date for returning students is Friday, September 4, after 9:00a.m.

Encourage your student to get involved in campus life

You can help your student to get to know the campus and connect with other students by encouraging him or her to attend Cokes-n-Clubs on September 8, from 6-8 p.m.

Held annually at the beginning of the school year, Cokes-n-Clubs allows all undergraduate students an opportunity to browse the many student organizations on campus. Students are encouraged to sign up for any organization they find interest in. In addition to receiving the chance to get involved with campus activities, Cokes-n-Clubs traditionally provides refreshments for those who come by. It's a great time to consider how a student can make a difference in the community while meeting others who share the same gifts and interests.

There are many more suggestions for Getting Involved from the student life office's Web site.

A welcome back newsletter from the VP for student life

"Hello! The start of the school year is just around the corner, and I’m looking forward to seeing you back on campus soon. There are some money-saving things you can do before school starts – keep reading!"

(PLEASE NOTE: The latest information about the college's plan for an H1N1 vaccination is included at the bottom of the newsletter from Vice President Hoogstra. A vaccination will be offered as soon as the Center for Disease Control and the Michigan Department of Community Health posts the dates for distribution.  The vaccine will be promoted for all students and will be available once it reaches Calvin.  Read the newsletter for more information about this and other topics of importance for back-to-school preparations.)

Important campus move-in day reminders

Due to large construction projects underway on campus, there are many changes to the move-in process.  Please visit the page Move In Maps and Car Window Signs to find out what you need to do to have a smooth return to campus!  We look forward to seeing you soon.

Textbook reservations

The Calvin campus store textbook reservations system is still open!  Visit our site for full details and instructions on the easiest way for your student to get their textbooks for fall. If you are one of the first 1500 to reserve (orders over $75) you will get a free 2GB Flash Drive. Haven't registered yet? No problem! Passport IV students will still be able to reserve their textbooks after advising and registration next week!

Student Treats program

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 first seasonal treat, "Pizza and a Movie" is Tuesday, September 15.  The "Pizza and a Movie" treat features a certificate for a large, two-topping pizza (from a favorite locally-owned pizzeria), a Blockbuster gift card for a free movie rental and a bag of microwavable popcorn.  Find out more on the Student Treats site.

Events for alumni, friends and families

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:

September 12: 40th Annual Calvin Alumni Golf Tournament at Pilgrim's Run
September 19: Twins game in Minnesota
September 29: Calvin Around Town/MBA@Calvin ArtPrize event in Grand Rapids, Michigan
October 9 & 10: Homecoming 2009 on campus; Reunions
October 23 & 24: Family Weekend and Reunions on campus