Greetings everyone, and welcome to the second edition of the Triton Family Connection newsletter.
As many of you are well aware, November brought technical issues galore with the UCSD Families list serv. I cannot apologize enough or more sincerely for any inconveniences incurred. Many of you were very patient and for that I thank you. We have contracted with a new mass e-mail program that assures no such issue will happen in the future. Additionally, the new program allows you to easily unsubscribe and subscribe.
Winter break is quickly upon us and that brings many mixed emotions for families and students. Many students excelled in the Fall Quarter academically; however, some may have struggled. During the break, be keen to how your student is doing academically and socially. If they are struggling, contact an Academic Advisor or Counseling & Psychological Services. If you are at a loss about who to contact, call the Parent Helpline, 858/534-7273, or e-mail parents@ucsd.edu.
I hope you enjoy the December edition of Triton Family Connection. Information in this issue spans class status and interests — from Commencement to Family Day at three Colleges to a Robin Williams performance on campus. Check out our Athletic team performance and consider coming to campus for a game or match — there are exciting sporting events to be enjoyed!
I wish everyone happy holidays and an enjoyable break with your student.
Commencement 2009 Information
Our University: University of California President Newsletter
Advocacy Support Network for the University of California
Winter Break Airport Shuttle
University Closing in December/January
Student Health Services Online: Health Insurance and Waivers
SAVE THE DATE: Warren Family Day, February 7, 2009
SAVE THE DATE: ERC 20th Anniversary Events & Family Day, February 2009
SAVE THE DATE: SAVE THE DATE: Revelle College Parents Day, February 22, 2009
Greenovation Forum: Impacts of Climate Change on Water
Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Day of Service: January 19, 2009
John Legend Concert: RIMAC Arena, January 16, 2009
Robin Williams Performance: RIMAC Arena, February 12, 2009
Program Spotlight: Alternative Breaks @UCSD
Student Spotlight: Alifah Kasdi, Junior
Staff Spotlight: Lynn Anderson, Director of the International Center and Dean of International Education
Women’s Soccer Wins Conference Title
Twenty-One Swimmers Qualify for NCAA Championships
Basketball Season Opens
UC San Diego Parent Giving Goal Set at $1 Million in 2008-2009
Parent & Family Programs Is Here to Help
Commencement ceremonies for UC San Diego students graduating in Spring 2009 will take place Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14 according to the following schedule:
Also, consider bringing your family early to celebrate your student's graduation at the All Campus Graduation Ceremony (ACGC), which will take place June 11 or 12 (scheduling and details to be determined). More information on commencement is available from individual Colleges or on the Commencement Web pages on TritonLink.
If you are interested in learning more about the state of the University of California, updates on tuition increases, new initiatives, new research, or about the people that work for the UC check out "Our University – A Newsletter from the University of California President for the UC Community" (see the November edition).
If you are interested in being an advocate for the University of California, or just staying current on issues such as preserving access for all students, research funding, or how the state's economy affects UC San Diego, take a look at UC for California.
The end of Fall Quarter is quickly approaching. If your student is traveling home for the quarter break by plane, there is a FREE campus shuttle to the airport sponsored by Parking & Transportation Services. The shuttle leaves campus beginning at 6:00 a.m., every 90 minutes until 7:30 p.m. For more information, see Free Holiday Airport Shuttle.
The University of California, San Diego will be officially closed December 24, 2008 through January 1, 2009. While many staff and faculty continue to check e-mail during breaks, it is advisable, however, to not expect a response. Additionally, phone messages left during that period may not be returned until January 5, 2009.
The Student Health Services Web site provides excellent information about the various programs and services available, including a full pharmacy and optometry services. Information on the Student Health Insurance Plan is also available. If you need to file a waiver for the first time, which will waive your student's enrollment in the university's insurance plan, be sure to look under the "Insurance" link in the upper toolbar. The deadline to waive the university's insurance for Winter Quarter is December 19, 2008. If you've already filed a waiver, no action is needed.
Warren College is celebrating Earl Warren Week, February 2–7, 2009. Events serve to highlight the achievements of the College's namesake, who served as state attorney general, three-time governor, and Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court. Parents, alumni, and family members should make special note of Earl Warren Family Day, February 7, 2009 — be sure to SAVE THE DATE to attend. More information on the events taking place is available on the Warren College Web site.
Eleanor Roosevelt College is celebrating its 20-year anniversary as part of the UC San Diego community. A highlight for parents and family members is the ERC Family and Service Events, February 2–7, 2009. Be sure to SAVE THE DATE to attend Family Day, February 7, 2009. More information on the events taking place is available on the ERC 20th Anniversary Web site.
Join the Revelle College Staff and Faculty for Revelle College Parents Day, Sunday, February 22, 2009, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the UC San Diego Faculty Club. More information to come directly from Revelle College; however, be sure to SAVE THE DATE!
On December 9, 2008, join the highly successful Greenovation Forum at the Faculty Club — this time with a focus on one of the most pressing issues in San Diego and around the world: water. The presenters will use an innovative format to examine complex water issues both locally and globally and hear from experts in academia, industry, government, and the non-profit community. This event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Please RSVP online at the Greenovation Forum Web site.
UC San Diego students and community members will take part in the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Day of Service, January 19, 2009. The parade takes place in downtown San Diego and the service-learning project will take place in various areas throughout San Diego county. Additional information on UC San Diego’s participation can be found on th Center for Student Involvement Web site.
John Legend will be performing in concert at RIMAC Arena on Friday, January 16, 2009, at 8:00 p.m. A great singer — tickets can be purchased as general admission ($56 / $46 / $36) or as a student ($52.50 / $42.50 / $32.50). Purchase tickets online or at the UCSD Box Office.
Robin Williams will be performing at RIMAC Arena on Thursday, February 12, 2009, at 8:00 p.m. Always an entertaining performer — tickets can be purchased as general admission ($95 / $75 / $55) or as a student ($91.50 / $71.50 / $51.50). Purchase tickets online or at the UCSD Box Office.
While many students have a typical "party" Spring or Summer Break, Alternative Breaks @ UCSD gives UC San Diego students just that: an alternative. Alternative Breaks @ UCSD are national or international service and learning trips that cultivate lifelong socially active and globally conscious leaders through direct service, education, diversity, reflection, and an investigation of social justice issues. The experience of an Alternative Break is not just a week of service, however — it requires year-long participation. Students, Alumni Advisors, and Community Advisors involved in the trip participate in student-led group meetings to prepare for not only the logistics of the trip but also to discuss the cultural implications and potential learning opportunities.
Alternative Break groups consist of two Student Site Leaders, eight Student Members, one Alumni Advisor, and one Community Advisor. There are six international trips (Belize, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ghana, Peru, and Tanzania) and two national trips (Arizona/Havasupai Tribe and Mississippi) for Spring Break and Summer 2009.
These trips, while extremely worthwhile, can also be costly. Many students work two jobs to be able to afford the chance to volunteer and experience another culture. Scholarships are available to some students based on financial need. However, parents and family members can help be a part of this experience by donating money to support the program. There are several options to make a monetary donation:
Option 1: Donors can visit Alternative Breaks @ UCSD to donate online. If a donation is made online, the money will go into the larger Alternative Breaks allocation of funds. Funds are then distributed to each trip equally; you cannot specify which trip receives the funds. By donating online the donation is tax-deductible and a receipt is generated; however, a 4% administrative fee is deducted by the University.
Option 2: Donors may write a check to donate to a particular trip. If a donor wants to write a check, it must be made payable to "UC Regents" and note in the "memo" section which trip should receive the donation. Making a contribution by check is tax-deductible and a receipt is generated; however, a 4% administrative fee is deducted by the University. These funds are only to be used as a contribution for an entire trip, not a specific individual.
Option 3: Donors may donate funds directly to students or advisors for use during a trip. These funds are not tax-deductible and not subject to the 4% administrative fee by the University.
Option 4: Send a gift card for supplies or activities to Alternative Breaks @ UCSD. Any gifts of this nature are not tax-deductible, but will assist all trips for buying supplies and preparing for the trip.
For more information visit Alternative Breaks @ UCSD.
Meet Alifah Kasdi, third year, Bioengineering: Biotechnology major at Revelle College. Alifah is a Campus Ambassador (tour guide), Coordinator for Alternative Breaks, and conducts research on campus with a faculty member.
As Alifah advances through her third year at UC San Diego, she is taking full advantage of the vast co-curricular opportunities at the university. Through her various involvements, Alifah is in the process of identifying her passions and solidifying her career aspirations. From a family of engineers (her father and two sisters are engineers) she found bioengineering to be the best fit for her when deciding to attend UC San Diego. Since taking classes, investing her time in research, and becoming more involved in campus activities, she has found her passion to serve others through service-learning activities. During Alifah’s second year she found an outlet for this passion with Alternative Breaks @ UCSD. Alifah travelled to Peru during Spring Break 2008 to work with incarcerated women and their children. She said the trip was "eye opening," demolishing stereotypes and helping her to learn about systemic injustice. During Summer 2008 she learned about environmental stewardship and conducted direct service with environmental projects in Portland, Oregon. Alifah is currently looking forward to her third Alternative Break trip this Spring Break in Mississippi, to contribute to hurricane-relief efforts. Alifah’s excitement about Alternative Breaks is infectious — listening to her talk about the opportunity to work with her peers to develop life-changing experiences makes anyone realize her leadership capability and appreciation for social issues. After these service trips and numerous leadership experiences, Alifah now thinks a great deal about her future and how can she match her passions with her academic skills. Instead of conducting research or working in industry, Alifah now plans to attend medical school and recently took the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test). In medical school she feels she will be able to match her academic strengths and passion to create change through service.
When she's not serving others, Alifah's favorite place on campus is the Scripps Oceanography Library and Pier. The library has an ocean view and is a hidden spot away from main campus which helps her to stay focused and study. Alifah considers herself a Revelle-traditionalist, because her favorite tradition on campus is the Watermelon Drop, including a festival and pageant — a tradition orchestrated by students dating back to 1963.
Meet Lynn Anderson, Director of the International Center & Dean of International Education. The "I-Center" serves students interested in education abroad programs, as well as international scholars and international students. Before arriving at UC San Diego two years ago, Lynn spent 30 years at the University of Minnesota working in academic advising and international education. She helped integrate education abroad into all academic majors so all students could have a study-abroad component as part of their undergraduate education. Proud mother of two college graduates, Lynn completed her undergraduate degree in German at Hamline University, and has two Masters Degrees from the University of Minnesota — one in German and one in English as a Second Language.
Lynn's appreciation for international education began very early; after high school she was an exchange student in Germany with the American Field Service. Since that time, Lynn ushered at the Munich Olympics, taught music for two years in Germany, and has instructed intensive courses abroad for undergraduate students conducting research. When I asked Lynn what "international education" meant, she explained it is developing the "knowledge, skills, and sensitivities" to work and live in an interdependent world and that it is a crucial component of any good 21st-century education.
I also asked Lynn what tips or insight she could provide parents and family members assisting their students to gain an international education:
Taking advantage of study abroad programs is a great option for students to gain a developmental learning experience; however, there are also other opportunities Lynn recommended, including internships, volunteering, service-learning, or working abroad. There are plenty of programs available that provide students with a cultural learning experience while also making money and gaining professional skills.
It is common for parents/family members to think that study abroad is only for students who are arts or humanities majors — not true! On the International Center Web site, there are links for 21 majors (including Biology and Computer Science and Engineering), providing an academic plan to study abroad and not delay graduation.
International student family members also have resources with the International Center. If you are looking for resources for your student on where to stay during the holiday break, income tax resources, or visa information, look to the I-Center Web site, or contact the staff.
Parents and family members of students who study abroad play an important role in the pre-departure decision making, planning, and re-entry process. Be sure to clarify how you will keep in touch while your student is out of the country and have an honest conversation about your student's financial needs. Buy a map and follow your student’s travels — consider your own trip to visit, but not until after your student has completed his or her program! When your student returns, use your listening skills — students will want to talk about their experiences and coming down from the "high" of being abroad can be difficult. The university provides re-entry programs, but as a parent/family member, be in tune with your student and support accordingly.
Overall, Lynn explained that with the current economic situation, families are even more careful about how educational funds are spent and wonder what are the most advantageous experiences for the money. International education experiences continue to be one of the most satisfying learning experiences for students who graduate from UC San Diego. A survey of study-abroad alumni conducted in 2008 revealed the following comments about the experience of studying abroad:
"Studying abroad is the best way to begin to identify your own position and purpose with relation to the world we live in. It opens your eyes, makes you so much more open-minded, and gives you the honor of the first-hand experience of another country's culture, language and way of daily life."
"Studying abroad was, hands-down, the BEST decision I made in my undergraduate career. The language skills, travel experiences, and cultural awareness I soaked up while abroad have positively impacted my career, my decision to pursue a higher degree, as well as brought me a higher level of personal development."
To begin the process of studying abroad or to connect with staff working with international students, have your student contact the Programs Abroad Office at the I-Center.
Building on its tradition of success, the Triton Women's Soccer team captured its seventh California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) championship in nine years by knocking off rival Cal State Dominguez Hills, 3-1, in the finals of the annual conference tournament. UC San Diego advanced to the NCAA Division II West Regional Tournament where Coach Brian McManus's club posted a 1-0 first round victory over BYU-Hawaii in overtime before being eliminated by Seattle Pacific. The Tritons, featuring 14 first year students on their roster, finished with a 15-4-4 record. Seniors Natasha Belak-Berger and Amanda Esquivel were named CCAA Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, respectively.
Fourteen Triton women and seven men have earned berths in 2009 NCAA Division II Swimming & Diving Championships following the recent Nike Cup in Long Beach. Highlighting the early season efforts for the women were senior Kendall Bohn, the defending national champion in the 200 breaststroke, returning 2008 NCAA standouts Anju Shimura, Jennifer Sims, Karla Holman, and Aubrey Panis, and ace freshman Alexandra Henley. On the men's side, junior Dan Perdew, who blazed to NCAA gold medals in the 50 and 100 freestyles as a sophomore, touched first in both of those races at the Nike Cup. Fellow sprinter Todd Langland and versatile senior Steven Hardy also appear to be in mid-season form. The UCSD women host Loyola Marymount, January 10, 2009, at Canyonview Pool, and both teams will square off against Grand Canyon in the final home meet of the year, January 11, 2009.
The Men's and Women’s Basketball teams opened the 2008-2009 California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) regular season December 5, 2008. Three-time all-conference forward Michelle Osier is back to lead the Tritons. The UC San Diego men feature the senior foursome of Darryl Lawlor, Shane Poppen, Kelvin Kim, and Alan Husted, as well as junior Jordan Lawley, the squad’s top returning scorer. In his first year at the helm, Coach Chris Carlson guided the Tritons to their first ever CCAA crown in 2007-2008.
UC San Diego parents and family members make charitable donations to strengthen academic programs, enrich student life, and provide a pool of flexible dollars directly to their student's College. Currently, 1,000 parents have donated a total of $330,000 toward the $1 million goal for this academic year. To guarantee a rich educational experience for all students, we need you to join them with your donation to the UC San Diego Parent Fund. You may respond by mail using the reply envelope you recently received; call Toni Tschann, Director of Parent Giving, at 858/822-3867; or make your gift online at http://www.ucsdfund.ucsd.edu/parentsfund.
Gifts of any amount move us toward the goal, so make your gift now.
Parent & Family Programs is here to help. Please contact the office with any questions, concerns, or suggestions — call the Parent Helpline: 858/534-7273, or e-mail parents@ucsd.edu. If you would like unsubscribe from this list, see the link in the original e-mail with the unsubscribe option at the bottom.