Columbia December Family Connection

Dear Columbia families,

It has been exactly 101 days since your student began fall 2012 classes here at Columbia University. From that first day of school, on September 4, through today, December 14, much has happened and much has changed. The end of the semester and calendar year offers us all a time to pause and reflect on our journeys and prepare for the start of a new year.

Our first year students have made an important step on their journey from dependence to interdependence. I imagine that as parents, you will notice profound changes in their intellectualism and world-view. Our second and third year students are fast becoming experts in their fields as of study and are traveling the world through global programs and internship opportunities. Our students in the Class of 2013 are also preparing for a significant transition as they ready themselves for their final semester of study at Columbia.

As we begin final exams, your daughter or son is likely tucked away in his or her residence hall room, at the library, or at a favorite coffee shop reviewing a semester's worth of notes and material, writing and rewriting final papers, and preparing for exams. You have been the likely recipient of calls, texts, emails, and posts from your sons and daughters detailing late nights, a little bit of stress, and much anticipation about the quiet weeks of winter break ahead. As the Director of Parent and Family Programs, I want to take a moment to appreciate each of you – the unwavering commitments you have made to your student and to Columbia is humbling. Parents and families are an important and dynamic component of the Columbia community, and I welcome your involvement and participation. I also know that you and your families are experiencing changes and that sometimes you need some guidance or support to help with a question or concern here at Columbia. Please contact my office at any time – we are happy to lend a friendly ear and help you and your family make the most of your Columbia experience.

I wish you and all your loved ones good tidings and warm wishes during this celebratory time of year!

Sincerely,

Matthew Patashnick
Director of Parent and Family Programs
Email | Web | Facebook
Phone: 212-854-2446

What to Expect During Winter Break: Helpful Advice from Counseling and Psychological Services

Now that Winter Break is around the corner, many of you are likely awaiting your student's return home for a few weeks. Whether your student is a first year or a senior, your son or daughter has had a full semester here at Columbia, filled with many new experiences. You may be anticipating your student's homecoming with a range of emotions, including excitement, anxiety, and maybe even some dread! What if she has changed? What if he didn't do well in school? What if I don't like her friends or her new partner? What if she makes new demands of me as a parent? Winter break is often a time when conflicts come up between parents and their college students. For a first year student, it might be that after four months of living independently, you have to loosen the reigns a bit. For a sophomore, it might be stress about choosing a major. For a junior, it might be anticipating a semester abroad or anxiety about spring semester here when close friends are gone. And, for a senior, there is often anxiety and fear about what to do after college. And, you, the parents, can be helpful by making yourselves available to your students, listening closely to what they are going through, and giving them space to express themselves while also imparting your wisdom.

College is a time of life full of experimentation: with new friends, new values, new approaches to being a student, and new discoveries about oneself. Sometimes this means disappointing you. You may want your student to study engineering and she may have discovered a love of literature and art. Your job is difficult. How can you encourage your student to develop his own voice but also make suggestions based on your life experience? If you come on too strong, then your student might rebel for the sake of rebellion. That doesn't leave either of you in a good place. It is important to open your ears, eyes, and heart to what your son or daughter tells you. Take this opportunity to get to know your student from a new vantage point. This separation process can be difficult for you as well as for your students. Communication is the key to a healthy relationship. Ask questions, be honest, and try to hold back from making snap judgments.

What if you are concerned that your student is in trouble? Are you wondering if she eating? Has he lost weight? Do you notice signs of depression or anxiety that are getting in the way of functioning? Please remember that if you are worried about your son or daughter, you can remind your student that Counseling and Psychological Services is here for them. CPS can be contacted by phone at 212-854-2878. The CPS office is located on the 8th floor of Lerner Hall and additional drop in hours are available most weekday evenings in residence hall offices. CPS also welcomes calls from parents who may want advice as to how to help their student. The growth of young people in college is remarkable. While there are difficult moments, it is beautiful to watch your child grow into the adult he or she is becoming.

Columbia University at the World Economic Forum

Are you attending the 2013 World Economic Forum in Davos? Columbia will be there, too. Please email Kacey Barnes at kb2641@columbia.edu for information surrounding the Columbia University reception taking place on Friday, January 25, 2013.

Columbia Housing Information

As we prepare to wind down the semester, Columbia Housing offers a website for students and families making Winter Break plans. Though our residence halls remain fully open and staffed, note that resources are structured differently during the Winter Break period and that guest/visitor policies are modified. Please visit Columbia Housing online for more information.

Staff from Columbia Student Affairs and Columbia Public Safety remain available and ready to assist you with any concerns over Winter Break. To speak with a staff member please call Columbia Public Safety at 212-854-5555.

Columbia Dining Information

Most Columbia dining halls will close for Winter Break and will reopen for the start of classes in January. Students who remain on campus often gather together to cook and share meals or try new restaurants. Please visit Columbia Dining online for more information.

Winter Break Travel and Transit Tips

If you or your student plans to travel through New York City over the Winter Break, here are a few tips to help ensure a hassle-free experience!

Ride public transit as much as possible! Columbia is easily connected to all major transit hubs via subway and bus lines. For more information on navigating public transit to/from Columbia, please see the Visiting Columbia website.
Check current traffic and transit conditions frequently as service is not fully restored in all areas as a result of damage during Hurricane Sandy. AM 1010 WINS offers live updates every 10 minutes.
If you plan to pick your student up in New York City, leave early and with plenty of time to spare. NYC often experiences “Gridlock Alert Days” during the month of December – when large numbers of out-of-town visitors and cars crowd city streets.
Encourage your student to program the phone numbers, websites, and social media handles (Facebook, Twitter, etc) of airline or transit operators into his or her cell phone. This will come in handy in case of a delay or cancellation.

Becoming an Authorized Payer

Columbia University allows students to designate parents and guardians as "Authorized Payers" which gives you basic access to student term billing information. Payment for spring term is due on Friday, February 1, 2013, making this a great time to work with your student and be added as an Authorized Payer. Your student should simply log in to SSOL (Student Services OnLine) to add your information.

GradZone: News and Information for Families of Graduating Students

Does your son or daughter plan to participate in May 2013 Class Day and Commencement? Will you travel to campus to join in the graduation events? Consider bookmarking the GradZone website in your web browser, and encourage your student to visit the site often for updated information on the ceremonies and events celebrating the Class of 2013.

Please encourage your graduating Columbia student to log in to SSOL (Student Services OnLine) to ensure that all student and parent contact information is accurate and up to date. This will help us provide you with timely information to help plan for your visit in May 2013.

Be sure to visit our Facebook page for the latest campus news and happenings, photographs, videos, and stories! Facebook registration is not required - our page is open to all!