<p>This is part of an email that was recently sent out to parents of UVa undergrads. I thought some of this may be of interest to future parents: </p>
<p>UVA Global Passport Drive (Nov. 12-13)
The University is hosting a passport drive in November to encourage greater student participation in education abroad and celebrate International Education Week. Officials from the State Department will be at UVa Nov. 12 and 13 to help students apply for a passport or renew their current one. A photographer will also be available.</p>
<p>In order to take advantage of this opportunity, students will need their birth certificate or some other official evidence of citizenship. We encourage you and your student to visit the State Department passport website now to learn what items are needed to take advantage of this opportunity.</p>
<p>Handbook for Parents Available in Chinese and Spanish
Reflective of the University’s increasing diversity, the 2013 Handbook for Parents is now available in Chinese and Spanish. The translation project was completed over the summer by faculty members and a team of students in coordination with Student Affairs. Find the Chinese version here, and the Spanish version here.</p>
<p>Learning about the Risks of “Molly”
As a recent email described, the University has produced a video to help educate parents and students about the risks of the drug “Molly,” also known as ecstasy or MDMA. Dr. Chris Holstege, executive director of Student Health, offers medical expertise in the video and dispels some of the myths surrounding the drug. He emphasizes that despite some claims that pure MDMA is safe, it is impossible for users of this drug – or any illicit drug for that matter – to know its content. Several recent deaths resulting from the drug have raised concern here at UVa and elsewhere. The UVa Parents Fund and Parents Committee provided funding for the video. (We just learned that a segment of parents did not receive this email message last week, and we apologize for that oversight.)</p>
<p>Hoos Against Hazing Website
The University’s strong stance against a culture of hazing includes a number of efforts aimed at prevention and education. In the past year, a cross-section of University professionals and student leaders have worked to advance a hazing prevention framework, which includes a newly launched ’Hoos against Hazing website. In addition to policy information, this comprehensive website provides an online reporting tool as well as resources for students, parents, faculty, staff, and community stakeholders.</p>
<p>This week, the University has been engaged in a number of programs and activities to mark National Hazing Prevention Week as well as National Gordie Day. Learn more by visiting the UVa Gordie Center for Substance Abuse Prevention website.</p>
<p>Immunization Clinic (Oct. 23)
Students can get flu shots and other immunizations at the annual Immunization Clinic being held Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Newcomb Hall. The clinic is sponsored by Student Health in partnership with our private vaccine provider company, Maxim Health System. No appointment is needed. For more details, including costs and methods of payment, please see the website.</p>
<p>We encourage all students to get the flu shot so they can stay healthy, keep up with their studies, and minimize the chance of others in the community – or in their family – getting sick.</p>
<p>Alumni Career Services Webinars: Parents Welcome
The UVa Alumni Career Services office invites you to register for no-charge, one-hour webinars on timely career topics as part of its outreach not only to students and alumni but also to parents and anyone else you know who could benefit from the information. The programs can help parents see the investment they are making in their students’ educations, and they may be directly pertinent to parents’ own career goals. Can’t make the webinar? No worries – register anyway, and you’ll receive a link to the recorded webinar the same day.</p>
<p>Upcoming topics include “The ABCs of Networking” (Oct. 4) and “Twitter for Professional Purposes” (Oct. 18). Learn more and sign up online.</p>
<p>UVAirBus: One Option for Student Transportation
Sponsored by UVa Student Council, UVAirBus offers transportation for students over Fall Reading Days and Thanksgiving break. Buses provide transportation between the Grounds and Dulles and Richmond airports. To make reservations, please see the website.</p>
<p>You can find other transportation options outlined in the Handbook for Parents.</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.virginia.edu/vpsa/parentshandbook.pdf[/url]”>http://www.virginia.edu/vpsa/parentshandbook.pdf</a></p>
<p>Go Back to School with a MOOC
The University has extended its offerings of massive open online courses, or MOOCs, this fall. The latest rollout of MOOCs, taught by notable UVa professors, is a continuation of the University’s partnership with Coursera in offering free, noncredit versions of courses to a global audience.</p>
<p>This year’s online courses range from Darden School of Business offerings on business strategy and business innovation to a Curry School of Education course on “Effective Classroom Interactions.” Additional highlights include Professor Larry Sabato’s John F. Kennedy-themed course, “The Kennedy Half Century,” as well as courses on Buddhist meditation and Thomas Jefferson.</p>
<p>You can learn more or sign up at Coursera’s UVa page.</p>
<p>Graduation Weekend Housing 2014 </p>
<h2>If your daughter or son will be graduating in May and you need lodging, the University offers convenient on-Grounds housing. Registration is now open. All reservations must be made by the graduating student in her or his name. Reservations will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, contact Housing and Residence Life’s Conference Services at 434.924.4479 or visit the Conference Services website.</h2>
<p>Much more at:</p>
<p><a href=“http://parenthandbook.virginia.edu/opportunities/communications[/url]”>http://parenthandbook.virginia.edu/opportunities/communications</a></p>
<p><a href=“http://www.virginia.edu/parents/[/url]”>http://www.virginia.edu/parents/</a></p>