Calvin-Parents E-Newsletter: February 21, 2012

Last Thursday, Calvin College's medical director Laura Champion, with support of Calvin's administration, participated in a congressional hearing in Washington, D.C.: "Lines Crossed: Separation of Church and State. Has the Obama Administration Trampled on Freedom of Religion and Freedom of Conscience?" Read more. (Below are links to the healthcare insurance Dr. Champion refers to in the video.)

Already last week, panel discussions began on campus to cover the international, educational, justice and political angles of health care delivery. The series is called Health Care U.S.A: Is There a Cure? and it takes place every Tuesday at 3 p.m. through March 6.

February fun

Siblings Weekend, February 24-26, 2012, is an annual event sponsored by residence life, that features fun activities and events. Siblings (or young friends/family that visit) can eat any and all meals as part of the $24 registration fee. Register today!

On February 24 and 25, Rangeela 2012, the annual showcase organized by Calvin's international students, will celebrate their cultures through song, dance, and skits. Tickets ($6) are available through the Calvin Box Office (tickets@calvin.edu).

Check the Roving WebCam at any time to see what's going on with students on campus. To see videos from this past uKnight weekend's activities, (Cold Knight Club, the halftime spots for the Hope/Calvin game---Live Both and Be Both, and an amazing slam dunk from that game), go to Vimeo.

Annual insurance verification

Students now have the opportunity to enroll in or waive out of the KnightCare student healthcare insurance plan for the 2012-2013 academic year. This is done through a secure waiver system that students may access online.

Why does Health Services require this every year? Calvin College requires that all students taking 6 or more credits have adequate health insurance coverage. Many students will experience a change in their insurance coverage due to a parent losing or changing jobs, the student gets married, or their employer has a change in insurance providers. Asking for insurance coverage annually allows us to keep the most up-to-date records in your student's chart, just in case we need it.

What can you, as a parent, do for your student during this process?
If your student is covered under your health insurance plan, and you wish to waive KnightCare, you may need to help your student fill out the online waiver. The waiver asks questions about your insurance, such as policy number, group number, and company address. We recommend verifying your insurance coverage in the Grand Rapids area before advising your student to waive out of our plan.

You may also submit health insurance information on behalf of your student. You can download and print the waiver form here.

Please encourage your student to submit his or her insurance waiver or enrollment form prior to March 15th, 2012. If you have any questions, contact health services (616-526-6187; health@calvin.edu). Thank you for your help in this important process!

Summer camps

Calvin extends its commitment to faith and learning during the summer months by offering a variety of camps for children ages four–18. Visit calvin.edu/go/camps to explore dozens of options for your camper.

Other summer opportunities include the Entrada Scholars Program, an academic achievement program for 11th and 12th grade North American minority students; and Summer Academy, an academic immersion program for U.S. and international 10th–12th graders. (New: upon successful completion of the Summer Academy, receive a Summer Academy Grant toward Calvin tuition upon full-time enrollment as a college student.)

Events

There are several alumni and friends (and that includes parents/families) events coming up, including a Rangeela reception (Feb. 25), Gloryland CD Release Concert* (Feb. 29), River City Improv in the Pacific Northwest area (Mar. 8-10), an Economics Alumni Conference (Apr. 13 & 14), the annual Calvin 5k Spring Classic (Apr. 28), and the 50-Year Class of 1962 Reunion (May 18 & 19).

*Don't forget that tickets for the Gloryland CD release concert, featuring Glenn Bulthuis '77 and Debra Perry '91, are on sale now. Over 30 musicians and singers will fill the Covenant Fine Arts Center stage for a night of Gospel, Bluegrass, Calvin Rock and fun. Crazy, man!

Community Dining Program

Does your student call home and say he/she misses your mashed potatoes? Are you wondering if your student living off campus is getting a balanced diet - enough leafy greens in a fresh salad? Does he/she have no time to grocery shop or cook?

There's still an opportunity to join the Community Dining Program, affordable, flexible options of meals for students who are residents of Knollcrest East/Timmer Studio Apartments or live off campus!

--Shirley Hoogstra, vice president of student life

Scholarships/financial aid links

Scholarships: Students can access an online search tool and apply via Calvin Portal: Services>Scholarships and Financial Aid>Upperclass Named Scholarship Application.
Financial Aid: Parents can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid by March 1st (using estimates). If you have special circumstances, submit a Calvin supplemental aid form in addition to the FAFSA.
If you have any questions, contact the financial aid office (finaid@calvin.edu; 800-688-0122).

Check the Parent Calendar for important dates

Here are the next dates coming up from the Parent Calendar:

Mar. 15: Tuition, room & board payment due
Mar. 16: Spring break begins, 5 p.m.
Mar. 17: Residence halls close for spring break, 10 a.m.
Mar. 25: Residence halls re-open, noon
Mar. 26: Classes resume, 8 a.m.

If you ever have any questions, contact parents@calvin.edu (616-526-6142). Thank you for reading Calvin-Parents!