January 2008
The monthly e-newsletter for members of the UNCG Parent/Family Association

Housing sign-up is fast approaching for all current students who attend UNCG! Applications will be available for any current student to sign up for housing for the 2008-2009 academic year on January 22, 2008. Applications can be found on the Housing and Residence Life website (http://hrl.uncg.edu/) under the "News and Updates" link. There is no cost (application fee or prepayment) due at the time of sign-up. Specifics regarding the process are still being completed, such as the actual date of room selection and any cancellation dates. This information will be posted to the website when it is completed.

Returning students have priority to claim their current room before it is "released" to the general student body. The only exception would be if your student currently lives in an all first-year student housing option. If this is the case, he or she would not be able to stay in the same room next year and would need to pick another option. Students will be able to choose their exact room based upon availability when their priority time to choose housing arrives. Roommates can also sign up together during this process. However, current students will not be allowed to participate in room selection without first completing a housing application.

More specific information concerning housing assignments for current students will be on the website, including the application, by January 22, 2008. If you or your student should have any questions, e-mail us at hrl@uncg.edu or call 336.334.5636.

~ ~Curtis G. Erwin, Associate Director for Residence Life

Getting an off-campus apartment is an appealing option for many students. However, it is important to know what the advantages and disadvantages are of living outside the university system. There is definitely a freedom which comes from moving off-campus, but along with that freedom also comes more responsibility. It is important to get all the facts before the lease is signed.

When talking to your student about these options, have him or her make a list of the pros and cons involved with moving off-campus. Here are just a few questions your student should consider before making that choice:

What type of lease does the complex provide?
A few apartment complexes near UNCG will offer 9-month leases to accommodate student calendars. However, most will require a year lease. Some apartment complexes may also ask the parents to co-sign the lease.
What type of living environment does the apartment provide?
Many complexes near campus try to create an environment similar to what you would find on campus. For example, some complexes hire students to serve as floor captains and provide programming for residents. Other complexes provide residents with a computer lab and convenience store in the lobby of the building. Some complexes do not allowing smoking in the apartments, which can be beneficial to students with allergies.
How close is the apartment to campus?
Many of the most popular complexes are within five miles of campus. Greensboro's new HEAT transportation system has made off-campus living more attractive because students can ride the bus to campus. If riding the bus does not appeal to your student, he or she can purchase a parking pass for campus use.
Is the apartment furnished, and does rent include utilities?
This could be the deal breaker with many parents. Some complexes do not include utilities in the monthly rental cost. If this is the case, the student then needs to take the added responsibility of putting utilities in his or her name. Most apartments are unfurnished. If the apartment is unfurnished, there are several places such as Goodwill and The Habitat for Humanity ReStore that sell second hand furniture at discounted rates.

A good way to learn about off-campus housing options is to attend the Off-Campus Housing Fair sponsored by the UNCG Elliott University Center (EUC). The fair takes place on Monday, March 31 from 11:00am-4:00pm in the EUC Cone Ballroom. Local apartment complexes will be on hand to answer students' questions. The fair will also include UNCG Parking Services, furniture rental companies, and Time Warner Cable. This is a great way for your student to gather all the facts regarding off-campus living to make an educated choice. For more information about the Off- Campus Housing Fair, contact the Elliott University Center at 336.334.5800 or visit the off-campus housing web site at www.uncg.edu/cap/commuter/housing/php.

~Kathleen McGirty, Assistant Director for Facilities and Services, Elliott University Center, Aycock Auditorium

The UNCG Financial Aid Office administers federal, state, institutional, and outside financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, work programs, and loans. Some aid programs require that you demonstrate financial need, while others do not. For detailed information about the types of aid available, please visit UNCG's financial aid web site at http://fia.uncg.edu. The basic types of financial aid are described below:

Grants- gift funds that are not repaid. Usually based on financial need.
Scholarships- gift funds that are not repaid. Usually based on merit and/or financial need.
Work- funds that are "earned" through service during the academic period. Based on financial need.
Loans- funds that must be repaid.

In order to be considered for most types of aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The 2008-2009 academic year is coming soon and now is the time to begin preparing to apply for financial aid! You can begin filing your FAFSA for the 2008-2009 academic year on January 1, 2008. You should file your FAFSA before March 1, or as soon as possible thereafter. If the federal processor receives your FAFSA by March 1, your application becomes a "Priority Application," and you will have a better chance of receiving funds that are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.

UNCG prefers that all students complete the application process on the Web at no cost. The address is: www.fafsa.ed.gov. The advantages of filing your FAFSA on the Web, as compared to mailing a paper FAFSA, include a faster processing time and interactive editing of your answers to lessen the chance of your application being rejected.

FAFSA filers will automatically be considered for many UNCG grants and scholarships that are based on need and/or merit. To receive full consideration for UNCG grants and scholarships, the FAFSA must be filed by the priority filing date of March 1. There are no separate applications required in order to apply for general grants and institutional scholarships.

Helpful Hints!

File your FAFSA in time for the federal processor to receive it by March 1.
Be sure that you list UNCG on the FAFSA. UNCG's federal school code is 002976. The Financial Aid Office cannot award aid to you unless you list UNCG as a school to receive your information.
Be sure your name and student ID number are on every document submitted to Financial Aid on your behalf.
Be sure that UNCG has your current address and e-mail address information.
Respond to requests for information promptly.

~Yolanda McLean, Assistant Director for Public Relations, Financial Aid Office

Studying abroad is no longer a luxury item for college students. It has become an educational and occupational necessity in this globally-interdependent world. At UNCG, we have worked hard to make study abroad an affordable and exciting opportunity for all students. There are a few misconceptions surrounding study abroad programs that we would like to clarify:

Foreign language proficiency is not required! Many students can now take classes taught in English - even in non-English speaking countries!

Studying abroad will not put your student behind in completing his/her degree. Study abroad is integrated into the student's curriculum at UNCG. We work with the student and academic advisors to ensure that courses taken abroad will count towards the UNCG degree requirements.

If you can afford to send your son or daughter to UNCG, then you can afford to send your student on Study Abroad! The International Programs Center can send your son or daughter almost anywhere in the world at a cost about equal to that of an academic semester or year at UNCG. Our office is able to accomplish this through various exchange agreements with overseas universities.

Under these exchange arrangements, the UNCG student prepays tuition, fees, and often, room and board, at the same cost as being in residence at UNCG. Travel grants are also provided to all UNCG exchange students through our Endowment for International Programs. Financial aid can also be applied to UNCG study abroad programs. In addition, there may be additional scholarship funds available from UNCG departments or other private, external funding agencies.

Since semester or year-long exchange programs may not be suitable for all students. We also offer other study abroad opportunities including summer and short term programs led by UNCG faculty.

The application deadline for fall semester and full academic year 2008-09 exchange programs is February 15th 2008. Encourage your student to call us today to set up a first "options" appointment; this will allow us to discuss the available study abroad programs and the application process.

The International Programs Center is located at 127 McIver Street on the UNCG campus. We can be reached at 336-334-5404. You can also visit our web site at: www.uncg.edu/ipg/.

We hope that this information helps to encourage you and your student to learn more about the study abroad opportunities at UNCG. Please feel free to contact our office for further information, and we look forward to helping your student embark on an exciting international education experience!

~Tom Martinek, Jr., Assistant Director of Study Abroad and Exchange Programs, International Programs Center

UNCG will remain open during adverse weather conditions unless an administrative decision is made by Chancellor Patricia Sullivan to change work and class schedules.

On days when adverse weather delays the opening of the university, students and faculty should proceed to classes that would be in progress, regardless of the campus reopening time. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, for example, if the university's opening is delayed until 10 am, then all 9:30 am classes will begin at that time and will end at their regularly scheduled time. Make-up of any missed classes or class time will be arranged at the discretion of the professor.

All members of the university community are urged to use caution while traveling to or from the campus during adverse weather conditions.

Students, faculty, and staff can receive details by dialing three campus telephone numbers: Adverse Weather Line 336.334.4400; Campus Switchboard 336.334.5000; and University Police 336.334.5963. Information will also be on the UNCG home page (www.uncg.edu), the UNCG Emergency Information page (www.uncg.edu-campus.info), and the Campus Police home page (http://police.uncg.ed/Programs_Information/weather/weatheralert.htm).

Details also will be available on the Triad's television stations: WGHP-TV (FOX 8), WFMY-TV (News 2), WXII-TV (News Channel 12), WXLV-TV (ABC 45), and News Channel 14 Carolina. Some area radio stations, including WFDD-FM and WUNC-FM, will also have information.

The Chancellor makes decisions on schedule changes in the early morning after consultation with Campus Police. Factors include an examination of campus conditions and contacts with the National Weather Bureau, as well as city, county, and state police. Extreme weather conditions may prompt a decision the evening before.

Efforts are always made to provide the information as early as possible, and no later than 6:30 am. In most cases, if an announcement is not made by 6:30 am, UNCG will open on its regular schedule. Public announcements will be carried on television and radio only if there is a change in the schedule - they do not run "normal schedule" notices.

~Reprinted with permission from Campus Weekly, Volume 48, Issue 17 (December 12, 2007)
Written by Steve Gilliam, University Relations

On January 22, 2008, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, in conjunction with the Provost's Office, will be recognizing the work of an individual whose community activities and involvement embody the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s service to humanity. Established in 1986 to commemorate the memory of the late Dr. King, the recipient is chosen from nominees who have exhibited a dedication to service, commitment to leadership, and demonstrated the impact of his or her involvement.

The recipient is chosen by a selection committee who will review submitted nominations and select the individual, whose service work has gone above and beyond expectations in demonstrating an outstanding contribution to the community through service to humanity, especially impacting the UNCG community. The recipient is chosen from nominees who have:

Led by example in advocating for human rights of a marginalized group or in providing awareness of human rights issues by encouraging harmony and/or promoting understanding among different individuals or groups in the community.
Impacted the community through his/her efforts and has made a difference.

Since the inception of this award, student efforts are recognized in even-numbered years, and awarded based on the community and human service work he or she has done in the community at large, as well as within the UNCG community. In odd-numbered years, a faculty or staff member's community service work is recognized along these same principles.

This year's Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Program will take place in the Elliott University Center's Cone Ballroom from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Our keynote speaker will be Elder Bernice A. King, the youngest daughter of the late Coretta Scott King and Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. If you'd like more information regarding this event, you may contact the Office of Multicultural Affairs at 336.334.5292 or by visiting our web site at http://maf.dept.uncg.edu.

~Erika Reynolds, Interim Assistant Director, Office of Multicultural Affairs

Each year, UNCG's University Concert & Lecture Series (UCLS) presents an exciting mix of the best in theatre, concerts, and dance, performed by artists from around the world. Three great shows are ahead in the remainder of our 2007-2008 season:

January 16: Neil Berg's 100 Years of Broadway
Broadway classics as well as the newest hit shows will delight you in this spectacular tribute to some of the biggest moments from the greatest musicals of the century.

February 13: Chris Botti
Lose yourself in the contemporary jazz sounds of Trumpeter Chris Botti, a 2006 Grammy Award winner, and 2007 Grammy Award nominee.

May 1: St. Petersburg Ballet performing Romeo and Juliet
Join us as Shakespeare's tragic tale of star-crossed lovers is brought to life with the intense, athletic choreography of the St. Petersburg Ballet.

Students may purchase two discounted tickets, per performance, with their UNCG FirstCard (student ID). This is a great way for family members to share in the enjoyment of a UCLS performance with their students. Please visit http://ucls.uncg.edu/tickets/ for further ticket information or call 336.334.4TIX (4849).

UCLS performances will be held for the remainder of the 2007-08 season at The Carolina Theatre in Downtown Greensboro. Following a comprehensive renovation and modernization of UNCG's Aycock Auditorium, an arts hub for the campus community and the official home of UCLS, UCLS will return home to Aycock Auditorium for the 2008-2009 season.

Another unforgettable lineup of shows is ahead for the 2008-2009 season. Show announcements will be made this summer on the UCLS web site. Stay tuned to http://ucls.uncg.edu for the latest!

~Joseph Dix, Assistant Director for Communications, Campus Activities and Programs

Is your student undecided about his/her major? Is your student looking for a rewarding profession? Encourage your student to investigate the teaching profession! The Office of Recruitment, Retention, and Professional Development in the School of Education offers several avenues for interested students to investigate the 20 teacher education program options here at UNCG. Knowledgeable staff and current education students are available to provide information and answer questions about becoming a teacher. Information sessions are offered in a variety of formats:

Coffeehouse Chats:
January 23 & March 5: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm, EUC Phillips Lounge
February 14 & April 10: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm, EUC Phillips Lounge

Information Stations:
January 14: 11 am - 1:00 pm, Jackson Library Lobby
March 17: 11 am - 1:00 pm, TBA

Mid-Winter Social and Dinner: Meet Your Major (A Teacher Education Connection event)
January 28: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm, EUC Cone Ballroom (reservations required)

Major Matters: Exploring UNCG Majors & Minors
February 12: 11:30 am -2:30 pm, EUC Cone Ballroom

TEC TALK:
Teacher Education Connection (TEC) Talk is an online mentoring and discussion board. TEC Talk offers members the opportunity to participate in educational topic discussions via Blackboard as well as post questions and offer advice for other members. TEC Talk is a great way to learn more about becoming a teacher, stay connected to the field of education, and be in the know about events on campus for teacher education students. Visit the following link to complete a membership form: http://www.uncg.edu/soe/rrpd/recruitment/tectalk.html.

For more information about any of these information sessions or a career in teaching, visit our website at www.uncg.edu/soe/rrpd. We look forward to hearing from you!

~Ginger Parnell, Director of Recruitment and Retention, UNCG, School of Education

January 2008 Academic Calendar
1/8 - 1/12

Orientation, advising, registration for all students based on student population and classification

1/10

Undergraduate academic appeals deadline, 5pm

1/14

Classes begin, 8am

1/14 - 1/18

Late registration and schedule adjustment

1/18

Financial Aid satisfactory academic progress appeals deadline

Final deadline for undergraduates to apply to graduate in May 2008

Last day to change course or course section without special permission

Last day to drop a course for tuition and fees refund

1/21

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. Classes dismissed; offices closed

Please see the University Registrar's Office website
for additional information, http://www.uncg.edu/reg/.

Interested in becoming more involved at UNCG? Consider applying to become a member of UNCG’s Parent/Family Advisory Council (PFAC). PFAC serves as the board for the Parent/Family Association and meets bi-annually on campus to discuss current ideas and topics impacting the UNCG community, as well as assists with SOAR, Family Weekend, fundraising, and other events. For more information on PFAC, please visit http://ori.dept.uncg.edu/families/council/ or you can link directly to the application by visiting http://ori.dept.uncg.edu/families/council/pfac.html.

We are here to serve you, the parents and family members of UNCG students. If you have ideas for future articles in Family Connections or any general suggestions, comments, or concerns, please email us at families@uncg.edu. We look forward to hearing from you!

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UNCG Orientation & Family Programs
ADDRESS:
245 EUC, P.O. Box 26170
Greensboro, NC 27402-6170
PHONE:
(336) 334-5231
E-MAIL:
families@uncg.edu
WEBSITE:
www.uncg.edu/ori