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Story by:
Terina Caserto 
Your student’s academic year is quickly coming to a close and the Parents’ Network would like to bring your attention to an important issue this time of year – keeping your student enrolled and on track to graduation. It is during the end of spring semester that we make sure students successfully plan for their return next August. Parents’ Network has compiled these simple tips for you to guide your student in accomplishing this.
Each fall, 25% of our freshman students do not return as they do not take the necessary and early steps to enter back into the university at the end of summer. Encourage your student to take the following actions now to ensure they will successfully return next fall to stay on track to graduation.
#1 Register for 15 credits to graduate in four years. Early registration is now complete. If your student has not registered for classes, please encourage them to do so. Registration information can be found at: http://www.ss.unr.edu/records/regi.asp.
#2 Academic Advising Before students leave for the summer, they should be meeting with their academic advisor to ensure they are on track with registration for academic major requirements and graduation.
#3 Financial Aid It is still possible to receive financial aid as it is continuously awarded throughout the summer. Please fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Contact Financial Aid at (775)784-4666 or www.finaid.unr.edu with any questions.
#4 Housing Students who live on campus for their second year have a higher success rate for staying enrolled in school. Students may still sign-up for residence hall space. Contact Residential Life, Housing and Food Services at (775)784-1113 for more information.
#5 Career Development The link between academic and career aspirations lends to the success of your student. Students may keep on track with program requirements and career exploration by pursuing several options over the summer – internships, volunteer work, or part-time work. If your student has not yet declared a major, a career counselor can assist in that process. Have your student contact Career Development at (775) 784-4678 for more information.
Please use these tips in guiding your student to a successful return next fall. Do not hesitate to contact us with feedback or requests of how the Parents’ Network may better serve you and your student!
Story by: Zanny Marsh
This summer, members of the University’s Class of 2012 will read Barbara Ehrenreich’s Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America, for the campus’ second annual Summer Scholars Project. The assignment invites incoming freshman to think critically about literature while sparking camaraderie with their peers.
“We want students to bond as a class and to build relationships with the faculty and staff who will help them develop academically over the next four years,” said President Milt Glick. “The idea of reading a single book and engaging in discussion offers students a shared experience and reflects important ideals in the pursuit of knowledge.”
The 2008 book selection, an “Amazon.com Best of 2001,” chronicles a social experiment by author and cultural critic Barbara Ehrenreich, who attempted to survive for two years earning minimum wage. Ehrenreich worked two jobs, nearly seven days a week, and still came close to living in a shelter.
“This is a sobering look at what it is like for millions of people who live below the poverty line,” said Paul Neil, professor and director of the University’s Core Curriculum. “We hope that this shared experience will plant the seed of civic engagement and reinforce the importance of higher education.”
The Faculty Senate is currently seeking faculty volunteers from all disciplines to serve as facilitators of the discussion groups. (Those wishing to volunteer can find more information at www.unr.edu/book).
Susan Chandler, associate professor of social work, would like to see the book become required reading for all students.
Chandler developed a social work course based on the book. She challenged student teams to recreate, as a classroom exercise, the experience of surviving on minimum wage without public assistance. In four years, not a single team succeeded.
“Ehrenreich’s book is brilliant. Readers come away understanding low-wage life — and gain empathy, too,” Chandler said. “Many Americans work very hard and are still faced with an empty refrigerator at the end of the month. This book imparts an ‘eyes wide open’ experience of that reality.”
The University will mail books to incoming freshman at the beginning of the summer. Students are expected to complete the reading assignment prior to freshman orientation in August.
Intercollegiate Athletics is sponsoring the Summer Scholars Project this year and in 2009, and Faculty Senate will recruit faculty and staff to volunteer as discussion leaders.
The University of Nevada, Reno will hold two spring commencement ceremonies: one for advanced degree recipients and one for baccalaureate degree recipients. Approximately 1,800 students will receive diplomas.
The commencement ceremonies are preceded by a number of recognitions and celebrations, including the Senior Scholars and Honor the Best receptions. The Golden Reunion celebrations honor the 50th commencement anniversary of the Class of 1958.
The ceremony for master’s, doctoral and other advanced degrees will be held Friday, May 16. The procession begins at 4:30 p.m., with the national anthem at the conclusion of the processional. The approximately one-hour-long ceremony concludes with the recession.
The baccalaureate ceremony will be held Saturday, May 17. The procession begins at 8:30 a.m., with the national anthem at the conclusion of the processional. The ceremony will conclude with the recession at about 12 noon.
Both ceremonies will be held on the University’s historic quadrangle, located on the southern part of campus. (See “Campus Map” for more information.)
Graduates will march in from different directions based on their college. See the “Seating Charts” for information on each college’s entry point.
The University expects 12,000 guests for the baccalaureate ceremony. Parents and families can see "Tips for Attending" and the “Seating Charts” for information on planning your day.
Congratulations on your student’s achievement!
Inclement Weather: In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to Lawlor Events Center. Faculty, staff and graduates will enter through the ticket office entrance. Spectators will enter through the main entrances, second level.
Please click here for the updated news regarding the Spring Ceremony!
Story by: Stacy Vaughn
With summer quickly coming around the corner, many students might be living in Reno while taking summer courses. If this applies to your son or daughter, they are still able to obtain health care through the Student Health Center.
“Students can definitely receive health care during the summer months at the Student Health Center,” said Cheryl Hug English M.D., medical director of the Student Health Center. “The Center is open year round for students to receive care.”
If your student was enrolled in the spring 2008 semester and has paid the mandatory $79 health fee, he or she can receive care up until the end of mini-session on June 9. After that date, students must pay the $79 health fee upon their first visit to receive care throughout the summer months. Unfortunately, if your student was not enrolled during the spring 2008 semester and is not enrolled in credits during the summer, they are unable to receive health care until the beginning of the fall term when they take classes again. However, incoming students starting college in the fall semester are able to be seen for immunizations only.
If your son or daughter is graduating this month and you are worried they will be without health insurance and healthcare, they are still eligible for patient status during the summer at the Student Health Center. As long as they were enrolled in the spring 2008 semester, they will be eligible for summer healthcare.
“Graduating students can be seen all summer if they attended UNR in the spring semester, but they have to pay the health fee on the first visit starting June 9,” said Carol Scott, M.D., assistant medical director at the Student Health Clinic. “We are more than happy to assist them with finding other physicians in the community when needed.”
Summer hours of the Student Health Center are the same as the regular school year hours: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the exception of Wednesdays when hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Night clinics will not be held during summer months. The Student Health Center is located at on the north end of the UNR campus at Redfield Building. For more information, please call (775)784-6578.
Story by: Philip Cooney
Silver State Schools Credit Union (SSSCU) is opening a branch office in the Joe Crowley Student Union. The SSSCU offers many services to students, staff and faculty. Now they are offering a low-interest computer loan to your student to help you get the equipment your student needs while they are in school. The current interest rate is set at 10%. As you know this is about half the rate of other similar loans.
The ASUN Bookstore’s computer sales department can help your student choose a machine to fit all their needs. Then, your student can take the invoice to SSSCU and get a loan.
To qualify, your student must open an account; the minimum initial deposit is $100. Your student receives a $50 Gift Card from SSSCU for opening an account. Also, your student has a chance to win a drawing for $200 Gift Card (The winner will be chosen in May 2008).
Your student has the opportunity to start credit in their own name, learn about monthly payments, and start a savings account which might turn into a lifelong habit.
For further information, contact:
Silver State Schools Credit Union
(800) 357-9654
As always, The ASUN Bookstore can provide your student with high-quality equipment at low, academic pricing. And your student never pays sales tax. Contact us at (775) 784-4333. You may e-mail us at comp_den@unr.nevada.edu
Story by: Penny Leathley
Parents of new and returning UNR students, are you aware of all the services that your student’s University ID card (WolfCard) can provide them?
The WolfCard program has expanded a lot in the last couple of years so the card has almost become a necessity on campus. It is used for entry into Lombardi for classes and memberships, for meals in the Down Under Café, to check out materials in the library or for purchases in many campus locations that accept WolfBucks. It is now required for book buyback in the ASUN Bookstore, to play intramural sports and to check into many departments for services.
The WolfBucks are stored value dollars set up just like a regular banking debit plan. Students deposit money into their account and then can make purchases with their card. In some locations there are cashiers that transact the sale but in other locations like vending and copy machines students swipe their card themselves.
The WolfBucks are accepted in all food services operations. Other areas that accept WolfBucks are the ASUN Bookstore, Student Health Services, Campus Pharmacy, Parking Services, the campus libraries for printing and copies and some vending machines. Be sure to check the WolfCard web page for details on food discounts, taxes and all vending and printing/copy locations. Deposits can be made to the WolfBucks account through five add-value machines on campus or the Cashier’s Office in the Student Services Building. We are working on a web page for WolfBucks deposits which will be a very convenient feature for students and parents. Stay tuned…. more info on this topic in the August newsletter.
UNR has partnered with Wells Fargo Bank so students have the option of turning their WolfCard into a pin based ATM and Point of Sale Card by linking their WolfCard to their checking account. This can be done at any of the five Wells Fargo locations in Reno. When they open their account they select a pin number at that time.
Food Bucks and Rollover Bucks are Housing programs. For more information, please call (775)784-1113.
For more detailed WolfCard/WolfBucks information please see the web page at www.unr.edu/wolfcard.
Story by: Pru Jones, Career Counselor
Although there is great value for your student in having some downtime during the summer to relax, reconnect with old friends, and spend time with the family, it is also a premium time to focus on charting an academic and career path.
Summer may be ripe with opportunities to explore different careers and gain important competencies for an eventual graduate or professional career. Many students prefer to focus on work during the summer so as to work less when school is in session. In fact the most successful students work 20 hours a week or less during the school year. You can help them evaluate their summer opportunities. Many higher paying jobs do not necessarily assist a student in exploring various careers and arriving at well informed Academic and Career decisions.
Examples of Ways Students Can Utilize Summer Jobs
A student considering an education career can test the “kid’s pool” by working at camps and recreation centers. They will learn what age range they best connect with and if they can see themselves working with kids all day. They can work with older kids through various summer programs for kids on campus. They can coach little league or teach tennis, and additionally many nonprofit organizations have programs for youngsters with special needs.
A student leaning toward a career in health care can find many volunteer opportunities at local hospitals, clinics and doctors’ and dentists’ offices. They can shadow Speech Pathologists and Occupational Therapists. They will learn about an average day working with patients.
A student evaluating a degree in science or engineering can locate an internship in an engineering firm or science lab. They can also participate in a research project on campus and work alongside a faculty member doing research in a lab or in the field.
Students interested in marketing, art or public relations can get involved in the many special events that occur during the summer. In Reno, there is Artown during July, Hot August nights, and the Balloon Races to name a few. They can organize volunteers; create marketing brochures, and assist in hosting the events. Additionally, many nonprofit organizations hold fundraisers such as races and walks which rely on many volunteers and part-time workers to coordinate the logistics of the events.
Beyond Exploring Careers
You can help your student keep track of the skills being developed through their jobs and during volunteering. Beyond the actual major a student studies, employers and graduates schools consider the following skills critical in seeking the best applicants:
• Communication Skills (both written and verbal)
• Honesty and Ethics
• Interpersonal skills (relates well to others)
• Strong work ethic
• Team work skills (works well with others)
• Analytical skills (able to understand and solve problems)
• Motivation and Initiative
• Computer skills
• Leadership skills
Additionally employers seek individuals who are friendly, tactful, well-mannered and creative, and have a strong GPA of 3.0 or better.
During the summer, the Office of Career Development will be offering a full schedule of career appointments and career assessments to assist students in making major and career decisions. There will be workshops for students considering graduate and professional school. Summer is a very opportune time to write résumés and post them on Career Navigator our 24/7 job listing website. Students will be better prepared to seek internships and part time jobs upon their return to school in the fall. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (775) 784-4678. Also, check out useful information at www.unr.edu/career.
Story by: Jane Tros
In an effort to provide an additional police presence and services to the campus community, University Police Services is creating a new reserve officer program. The goal is to enhance campus safety and emergency response with the addition of part-time officers trained to serve in both routine and emergency conditions. The program will also better allow Police Services to increase staffing levels for major campus events such as home football games or major concerts.
“This is an ideal opportunity for someone who has a career, but is itching to explore police services as a second career or a future career. Reserve officers are often recruited for full-time positions,” said Todd Renwick, University Police Services associate director.
“The reserve officers will be trained and uniformed. You probably won’t be able to tell the difference between a reserve officer and a full-time officer,” Renwick explained. “However, reserve-status officers can only exercise certain powers under the supervision of a full-time police officer.”
Upon successful completion of 120-hour instruction at the Reserve Police Academy, reserve officers will be paid between $15 and $20 an hour. Academy training covers firearms training, defensive tactics, Nevada law governing police services and more. To apply to be a reserve officer, applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications:
• 21 years of age or older
• High school graduate or GED
• U.S. citizen
• Valid Nevada driver’s license
• Passing score on a physical agility, oral board and written exam
• Proficiency at reading and writing
• Successful completion of a background check and psychological exam
• Clearance by a physician
• No felony convictions or domestic violence history
University Police Services hopes to hire 10 to 20 reserve officers over time. Faculty, staff and students who meet the minimum qualifications may apply. “We will conduct a selection process for the reserve officers just as we would do for a full-time officer position,” Renwick said.
For a more detailed job description and application, visit the University Police Services website at: www.unr.edu/police or call (775) 784-4013.
As the earthquake sequence in west Reno continues, several frequently asked questions have emerged. We are fortunate to have our state’s foremost experts on earthquake science and preparedness right here on campus. Several of these scientists and other facilities experts have contributed answers to your most commonly asked questions. We have posted these questions and answers on the Parents’ Message Board,
click here.
Story by: Jeannette Smith
Check out Wolf Package on the first floor of the Joe Crowley Student Union. They are a full service mailbox rental, packing and shipping center designed to provide several conveniences for students, faculty, and staff. Their rates are more than competitive with other local mail service stops.
Wolf Package is in a well lit, safe, convenient location and is open from 9am-5pm Monday thru Friday. Mailboxes are accessible during all hours of operation at the Joe Crowley Student Union. Services offered include:
• Ship packages via UPS, FedEx, or US Postal Service
• Mailbox renters may receive packages from all carriers
• Text message or email notification of package arrivals
• Daily notification to renters when mail has been sorted
• Mail forwarding
• Notary service, for a fee
• Fax and copy services
Tahoe Creamery is now open on the 2nd floor of the Joe Crowley Student Union. Tahoe Creamery produces all natural, gourmet ice cream equal to the fresh, clean purity of Lake Tahoe. Due to small, quality controlled batches, Tahoe Creamery will be your student’s finest choice anytime. As part of its mission for "Keeping It Pure”, Tahoe Creamery donates a portion of our profits to The League to Save Lake Tahoe, which helps maintain the clarity and beauty of Lake Tahoe, and the Sierra Kids Foundation, which benefits early childhood autism programs.
For more information, please visit www.unr.edu/studentunion
Story by: Ronnie Gibbs
Does your student have the desire to obtain a graduate degree? The McNair Scholars Program is offering two exciting summer workshop opportunities!
Summer 2008 Graduate School Admission Workshop
Guest speaker Don Asher will cover everything your student needs to know to prepare for graduate school including the application process, admissions essays and financial aid information. A course fee of $150 includes lunch for both days.
Dates: Thursday & Friday, July 24 & 25
Time: 9:00 am– 4:30 pm
Location: SFB Room 204 B
Five-week GRE Preparation Course
This intensive course focused on the GRE verbal & math sections is designed to give you the information you need to succeed! Course fee of $225 includes GRE study materials.
Dates: June 16 - July 15, 2008
Time: 8:00 am- 12:30 pm Monday - Thursday
Location: University of Nevada, Reno (Room TBA)
Please encourage your student to register at http://www.unr.edu/stsv/saos/mcnair or call (775) 682-7672 for more information.
Story by: Andrea Turman
The University’s annual Performing Arts Series brings some of the world’s finest performers to Nightingale Hall, offering a diverse mix of cultural exploration in the arts for students and their families. Individual tickets are $7 for University of Nevada, Reno students, and season ticket discounts are available for families, students and adults. Visit www.unr.edu/pas, email pas@unr.edu or call (775) 784-4ART for more information.
The 2008-09 Performing Arts Series includes:
• Matt Wilson’s Arts and Crafts Quartet, September 18, 2008, 7:30 p.m., Nightingale Concert Hall
http://www.mattwilsonjazz.com
• Alison Brown with Joe Craven, October 16, 2008
7:30 p.m., Nightingale Concert Hall
http://www.alisonbrown.net
• Midori, November 15, 2008, 7:30 p.m.
Nightingale Concert Hall
http://www.gotomidori.com
• The Second City, January 29, 2009, 7:30 p.m.
Nightingale Concert Hall
http://www.secondcity.com
• MG3: Montréal Guitare Trio, March 5, 2009, 7:30 p.m. Nightingale Concert Hall
http://www.trioguitaresmontreal.com
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University of Nevada, Reno
Maintained by: parents@unr.nevada.edu
Last Modified:05/14/2008
