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Hello Parents, Family Members, and Supporters of our SCU Students!
We are at the end of week 8! I don’t know about your student, but I'm feeling exhausted. The quarter system is intense and seems to fly by so quickly. As always, this newsletter is designed to provide insight into life at SCU and equip you with valuable information to support your students throughout their college journey. The content presented in this newsletter has been previously communicated to your student through email, at a resource fair, or is available on the SCU website. In this edition, you will:
- Discover how the Office of Student Life (OSL) supports student success
- Uncover a little-known resource for academic achievement
- Gain insight into one student’s perspective on well-being and the resources available
- Learn about the essential steps your student must take for an unforgettable commencement ceremony
- Find valuable tips for a smooth residence hall move-out
I hope you've found these newsletters informative and valuable. This is the second-to-last newsletter you'll receive from me this year. As mentioned in the last two editions, I will be transitioning all of my communication to the Bronco Family Network, our parent and family communication hub. If you haven't already, please sign up or claim your account using the email address with which you're receiving this newsletter. I update the hub daily, and the system sends you a personalized newsletter based on your preferred frequency: weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or quarterly. It also offers opt-in text messaging, ensuring you won't miss out on important information.
Should you have any feedback on the content of this newsletter or specific requests for future editions, please don't hesitate to email me at sponce@scu.edu.
Cheers!
Steven Ponce Director, Communication and Engagement Parent and Family Programs Santa Clara University
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Summer Course Registration Deadline: May 31
Spring Quarter Finals: June 10 - June 13
Residence Halls Close at 9pm (non-graduating students): June 13
Undergraduate Commencement: June 15, Gates open at 7:15 a.m.
Residence Halls Close at Noon (graduating students): June 16
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Fostering Student Success: A Holistic Approach to Care and Support
Student well-being and success at SCU are of paramount importance. The Office of Student Life (OSL) prioritizes student success by advocating for students and nurturing their holistic development. Our Ignatian Values and our commitment to recognizing the dignity and unique gifts of each individual inform the work of the Office of Student Life (OSL). OSL's approach to supporting students emphasizes respect for their individuality and fostering the management of their own lives as it relates to their personal and academic pursuits. Examples of how OSL does this are:
Culture of CARE
- As a Jesuit institution, we uphold the value of “cura personalis,” a Latin phrase meaning “care for the whole person” – emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and physically. When students are struggling, the community rallies through the programs and services with the Compassionate and Responsive Educator (CARE) program, such as the Student of Concern Referral service. This program embodies our commitment to supporting students by connecting them with resources to build resilience and overcome challenges.
Food Insecurity Program
- OSL ensures that our students' basic needs are met by supporting students experiencing food insecurity. The program is grounded in trust; thus, all requesting or referred students will receive assistance through the Bronco Pantry, donated gift cards to local stores, and/or donated SCU dining points.
Off-Campus Living (OCL)
- Most junior and senior students reside within five miles of campus, which SCU categorizes as "off-campus housing." OCL assists students as they transition to off-campus living and is a resource for those residing in the local neighborhood. Collaborating with students, neighbors, City of Santa Clara officials, and the Santa Clara Police Department, they strive to foster a cohesive and supportive living environment for everyone.
Community Standards and Student Conduct
- OSL oversees the Student Conduct System, which encourages students to reflect on the effects of their behavior on themselves, others, and the community.
Secret to Academic Success: Drahmann and Checklists
The John B. Drahmann Academic Advising and Learning Resources Center provides comprehensive academic support to undergraduate students, helping them connect with various intellectual disciplines to shape meaningful futures.
Located in Kenna Hall, Room 101, the Drahmann Center is the home of undergraduate academic advising and support services. Students can engage with advisors to navigate advising processes, Core Curriculum requirements, course planning for majors and minors, and access academic learning resources and tutoring services.
The Drahmann Center team offers walk-in and scheduled appointments, ensuring help is available. Additionally, students can explore checklists tailored to their college and major, aiding their academic progression and keeping them on track throughout their time at SCU. These resources are accessible through the Advising Toolkit on the Drahmann Center website.
This is the office to contact if your students have any advising or course registration questions. The best way to reach them is by email at drahmanncenter@scu.edu, as multiple team members will see it, ensuring a quicker response.
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One Website, Many Student Support Resources
Parents, your role in your student's college journey is pivotal. At SCU, we understand the challenges of college life and make holistic well-being a cornerstone of our work. We offer a wide range of health and well-being resources to help students thrive in each aspect of the eight dimensions of wellness. From mental health first aid training to nutrition services, survivors' advocacy and support, and student health services, each resource is a tool for your student's success. You can explore these services on our Well-Being page on the SCU website. By encouraging your students to use these resources, you empower them to prioritize their well-being and excel in all aspects of their college experience.
We recently asked one of our students what their thoughts were on this topic, and this is what they had to say:
"College can be a whirlwind. Balancing social life, academics, and personal well-being often feels like a juggling act. With each quarter's intense 10-week focus, it's easy to lose sight of self-care while chasing milestones, leading to being overwhelmed or feeling disconnected.
But here's the truth: it will get better. Santa Clara University is more than just a place of learning; it's a safe space where students are embraced by a caring community. The main goal of many of the offices at SCU is to support students as best as they can. By working together and utilizing the diverse range of available resources, students can thrive, confidently embracing all the adventures life has to offer."
Celebrating the Class of 2024: Commencement Information
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Proud parents and family members of graduates, congratulations to your student! We are excited to have you join us in celebrating this incredible milestone at our 2024 Undergraduate Commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. (doors open at 7:15 a.m.).
Here's a glimpse of the exciting events leading up to the big day:
Commencement Liturgy
Graduates and their families are invited to participate in SCU’s Commencement Liturgy on Friday, June 14, at 4:00 p.m. in Stevens Stadium. Please let us know if you intend to join us by registering here. Tickets are not required for this event; all are welcome to attend.
Grad Bash
Commemorate the culmination of your graduate’s four years with this final celebration before commencement! The Alumni Association will host a celebration at Bellomy Field from 5:30pm-8:30pm on Friday, June 14, immediately following the Commencement Liturgy, for parents, family, friends, and graduates. Tickets went on sale Monday, April 15, and include a reserved table, food, drinks, games, and music. Graduates and children 12 and under are free. All other guest tickets cost $55 per person. The Alumni Association looks forward to showing your graduates what it means to be a Bronco for life! Find more information about Grad Bash here.
Undergraduate Commencement
This is it! Santa Clara University’s Commencement ceremony for undergraduates in the College of Arts and Sciences, the Leavey School of Business, and the School of Engineering takes place on June 15, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. in Stevens Stadium. California Supreme Court Associate Justice Martin J. Jenkins, SCU class of ’77, will address the Class of 2024. For more information on Justice Jenkins, read this press release!
To ensure an unforgettable celebration of your graduate's achievements, remind your student to complete the following steps to make the experience memorable and effortless:
Register for Commencement
Your student received an email from commencement@scu.edu providing access to Marching Order, SCU’s Commencement registration system, where they can register to participate in Commencement and review the phonetic pronunciation of their name. Registration deadline: June 12
Grad Pass
Each registered graduate will receive a Grad Pass. This Grad Pass is required for entry into the ceremony and will be scanned before the graduates cross the stage so their names can be read aloud.
Grad Passes were made available to all graduates on Monday, May 20. Graduates should also have received an email with ‘Day-of’ Commencement line-up instructions on this date.
Graduates must take a screenshot AND bring a printed copy of their Grad Pass to the ceremony.
COMMENCEMENT GUEST TICKETS
Each graduate has access to eight (8) guest tickets. Graduates can claim their guest tickets and register their guests by logging into Marching Order. Graduates have the option to modify all eight (8) guest tickets up until June 12. If you need additional tickets, we recommend checking with other graduates to see if they have tickets they will not be using. The Commencement Office is unable to provide additional tickets to graduates.
To receive tickets digitally by email, your student must enter each guest's email address into Marching Order. Once the information is entered, the system will process it and send the ticket to the inbox of each guest. Please check the spam folder if you are still waiting to see it within one business day. Guest tickets have their own unique QR code and are required to enter Stevens Stadium. Duplicate scans of the same QR code will not be permitted. Children two and under do not need a ticket to Commencement.
For additional information and to review Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), please visit the Commencement Website! |
Essential Move-Out Details for a Smooth Transition
Residence Halls Close at 9 pm (non-graduating students): June 13 Residence Halls Close at Noon (graduating students): June 16
Extensions: If students need an exception to move out later than Thursday, June 13, at 9 pm, they must submit a Spring 2024 Extension Form located in their housing portal. The form can be found under “Application Requests”. The Extension Request Form closes on JUNE 5th at 5:00pm.
To be approved, students must meet one of the following criteria:
- they will be assisting with end-of-the-year activities such as Grad Bash, Commencement, Mass, or Dining
- they have an assigned final exam after 4:00 pm on June 13
- they have a final exam before 4:00 pm on June 13 but live more than 120 miles from SCU
- they have a sibling who is a 2024 graduate of SCU and is participating in a Commencement Ceremony
SCU Preferred Storage Options - Explore these solutions for student storage:
To minimize waste during Move-Out, Housing collaborates with the Center for Sustainability to organize and gather donations of usable items. Along with donating items this year, students are strongly encouraged to take items from the Casa Italiana, Graham, and McWalsh collection zones. Any remaining items will be distributed to incoming students in the Fall through the Bronco Surplus program or donated to a local nonprofit organization.
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Many events are taking place at SCU for students to enjoy! From engaging talks to entertaining performances and everything in between, there's something for everyone. Explore some events on the SCU Events Page, including those I mentioned below!
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SCU Presents: 42nd Street
Starts at 8pm in the Mayer Theatre
Get ready to tap your way into a world of glitz and glamor with the sensational musical 42nd Street. Join us for a show stopping performance that will transport you to the dazzling realm of Broadway's golden era. With iconic songs, dazzling choreography, and a story of dreams coming true, 42nd Street will have you dancing in your seat and leave you craving an encore.
Event Cost: SCU Students: Free | Adults: $28-36
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Counseling Psychology Programs Info Sessions
5pm-6pm via Zoom
Is your student interested in becoming a mental health professional? If so, they can learn about the programs offered by the Department of Counseling Psychology. Our offerings include a pathway for students to pursue licensure, a pathway for those interested in social services or desiring advanced training, or those wanting a pathway to doctoral studies. Degrees covered will be the MA in Counseling Psychology, MA in Counseling, and MA in Applied Psychology.
If this sounds like your student, be sure to share this registration link with them.
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Spring Jazz Band and Combos
Starts at 7pm in the Music Recital Hall
Event Cost: SCU Students: Free | Adults: $28
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Sustainability Celebration
3:30pm-6:00pm in the Forge Garden
This end-of-year party celebrates noteworthy accomplishments from the SCU community over the past year!
The Sustainability Celebration is a party to thank those who contributed to developing a culture of sustainability at SCU this academic year. We will honor our Leading Through Laudato Si’ Implementation Team Members, graduating Sustainability minors, Sustainability Playbook Changemakers, and award our Sustainability Champions.
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Jazz on the Lawn
Starts at 5pm on the Mayer Lawn
Relax in the sunshine and take in the tunes of SCU’s Jazz Band and Combos. Performing on the Mayer Theatre lawn, these cool cats will present various Jazz music, from classics to modern masterpieces.
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Spring De-Stress Fair
5pm-6pm outdoors between Benson and Kenna
All students are invited to unwind before finals. Look forward to petting a dog, getting a chair massage, participating in an art project, and eating some food.
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