PARENT’S NEWSLETTER

January 2008

Multicultural Affairs

MISSION

The Office of Multicultural Affairs is committed to extending the educational experience of Florida Atlantic University constituency with particular emphasis on the enhancement of knowledge and the acquisition of skills that will prove useful during and after matriculation, through the utilization of support services and retention programs. Pre-collegiate preparatory programs are offered conducive to influencing positive attitudes toward postsecondary education.

Retention Programs

·         Academic Enhancement Program

It is a free, year round tutorial program for FAU students.  Tutorial sessions are one-hour long, and instructions are provided at a pace conducive to individual learning styles in the following subject areas: algebra, calculus, trigonometry, statistics, finance, physics, biology, Chemistry I & II, organic chemistry, English (grammar & reading comprehension), French, German and Spanish. Students can ONLY receive tutoring in courses that he/she is currently enrolled.

·         ESOL Program

The English as a Second Language program (ESOL) is made available to FAU foreign educated students free of charge. The program is designed to assist students with the fundamentals of English conducive to their learning style. For additional information, call (561) 297-3959 or stop by the Student Services Building, room 224.

·         CLAST Preparation

The CLAST Review is available free of charge to FAU students on a first come basis. The review includes various Math and English topics presented on the exam, test-taking techniques and tips to help with test-anxiety. CLAST Reviews are held in September for students taking the October exam and in May for the June exam. Students taking the CLAST exam for the first time or retaking it at other times or by computer may request individual assistance. For additional information, call (561) 297-3959 or stop by the Student Services Building, room 224.

·         FAU Connections

The FAU Connection Mentoring Program is a retention program for first and second year students at Florida Atlantic University.  FAU administrators, faculty, staff and graduate students are paired with these students in order to provide them with a personalized experience based on their specified area(s) of interest.  Emphasis is placed on assuring a supportive and nurturing environment conductive to enriching the student's academic, personal and social development, in order for them to successfully connect and adjust to FAU campus life. 

Students are also provided the opportunity to apply for annual scholarships beginning in February.  Students participating in this program with a 2.5 GPA or higher are eligible to apply.

Support Services

·         Student Employment Opportunities

The Office of Multicultural Affairs provides good experience and solid training ground for students, both graduate and undergraduate, who are selected to fill the paid positions on our student staff. For undergraduates, we have both Federal Work Study and Departmental hiring opportunities.  For more information, visit the Student Employment office located in the Office of Student Financial Aid.   

·         IMPAC Scholarship Program

Freshman and sophomores with at least a 3.0 GPA and above are eligible to apply for the Individuals Making Personal & Academic Contribution (IMPAC) scholarships. The number of scholarships awarded varies each year dependent upon funds.  If interested, students can obtain details from the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

·         Book Loan Program

The Book Loan Program assists Florida Atlantic University students on a temporary basis who are financially unable to purchase books and other educational supplies. Books are issued on a first come basis and are dependent upon availability. To complete the book loan application students must provide their FAU identification card, current class schedule, book title, book edition and author.

Pre-Collegiate Program

College Reach-Out Program - a state-funded program that provides additional support to economically challenged and first generation middle/high school students to help them develop and maintain the knowledge, skills and attitude necessary to successfully pursue and complete a post-secondary education.  Contact Rosalee Fyffe, Program Director, at rfyffe@fau.edu or call (561) 297-3619 for more information.

Diversity Fast Facts at FAU

Fall 2007 Initial Enrollment*

Celebrating cultures and learning about others is a popular activity at FAU

We believe that diversity includes appreciation and respect of differences in race and ethnicity, in gender and sexual orientation, in religious affiliation, in age and life experience, in nationality and language, and in physical capabilities.  FAU students have access to a wide variety of clubs and organizations that are specifically designed to promote the importance of diversity as well as address the academic, social, professional, and living needs of underrepresented populations at the University.

Below is a listing of clubs and organizations: 

• African Center Foundation
• Association of Latin American Students
• Black Student Union/Multicultural Programming
• Caribbean Students Association
• Disciples of Nations
• German Club
• Hellenic Students Association
• IL Circolo Italiano (Italian Club)
• Konbit Kreyol
• Lambda United
• Pakistan Student Association
• Muslim Student Organization
• Spanish Club
• P.P.I.C.E.-ISA
• Students for Israel
• Thai Student Association
• United Association of Chinese Students and Scholars

Academic Calendar IMPORTANT Reminders

• Classes begin (Spring semester):                        January 5

• Last day to drop/add courses:                             January 16

• Grace period-students responsible

for payment of tuition & fees; no “W”

for dropped courses; drops noted on

student records as “W” after this period:                        January 12–18

• Last day to pay tuition & fees

($75 late payment fee assessed if paid

after this date):                                                           January 17

• M.L. King Holiday (No classes):                         January 21

For events and happenings on all FAU campuses, please visit www.fau.edu/success/CampusCalendars

You will find all sorts of activities like Football games, Resume/Writing Workshops, Symphonies, Jazz Band presentations and so forth.

Calendar of Events

Civic Engagement Week at FAU

January 14-18

Tuesday, Jan. 15, 7:30 p.m. in Palm Beach Gardens
Special Guest Lecture by Alan Dershowitz
"Global Perspectives on Justice and Civil Liberties." 
Presented by the Anti-Defamation League of the Palm Beaches.
Reservations required. RSVP to Margaret Allen by January 11 to mallen31@fau.edu or (561) 799-8105.
Location: PBCC Eissey Campus Theater in Palm Beach Gardens.

The United Statesand Iraq: Past and Future

Sponsored by the Office of International Programs, Peace Studies program’s Chastain-Johnston Middle East Fund, and the Alan B. Larkin Symposium on the American Presidency.

Date: Friday January 18^th
Time: 10-11:30am
Location: Boca Campus - Student Union: Majestic Palm Room


The Future of U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East: A Roundtable Discussion

Date: Friday January 18^th
Time: 12 noon-1:30pm
Location: Boca Campus - Student Union: Majestic Palm Room

For more events from the Civic Engagement Week, please go to http://wise.fau.edu/debates/joinitevents.php

The University will host the and the Democratic presidential in televised debates sponsored by Leadership Florida, the Florida Press Association and Florida Public Broadcasting Service, Inc.

Republican Presidential Debates
Date: Thursday, January 24^th

Democratic Presidential Debates
Date: Sunday, January 27^th


Location: Carole and Barry Kaye Performing Arts Auditorium in the Student Union
               Boca Raton Campus

The debates will be aired live on MSNBC and Florida's public television and radio stations. Additionally, most NBC network affiliates in Florida are expected to carry the broadcast live.

As the host, FAU is proud to recognize the partnership behind the debates for its deep reach, significance, balance and non-partisanship. For 25 years, Leadership Florida has served to develop a community of leaders with diverse perspectives to address our state's challenges and work for the common goal of a better Florida. The Florida Press Association is a nonprofit corporation designed to protect the freedoms and advance the professional standards of the press in Florida, with a membership that includes most of Florida's daily and weekly newspapers. Florida Public Broadcasting is a non-profit network of 26 public television and radio stations dedicated to serving our local communities and who reach 99 percent of Florida's population.

Message Board

Take advantage of it!

This board is created just for you, the parent!  The only people who will have access to post to this board are FAU parents and two board moderators.  You can post questions for other parents on the board or simply use it to network with each other.  We hope that you will find it useful as you enjoy the journey of your student’s university life here at FAU.  Click on the Parent Message Board link at www.fau.edu/orientation to access the message board.  See you there!

FAU Football to Hold Championship Celebration Ceremony on Jan. 19, Prior to Basketball Doubleheader

Celebrate the FAU football team's historic season -- the youngest startup program in history to win a bowl game -- in a special ceremony on Saturday, Jan. 19, recognizing the Sun Belt and New Orleans Bowl Champion FAU Owls. The celebration will take place in the FAU Arena at 3:30 p.m., just prior to a men's and women's basketball doubleheader against North Texas. The team will be on hand, and fans will be able to re-live the highlights of FAU's phenomenal season and remarkable accomplishments.

The event is free and open to the public. All fans in attendance will receive a commemorative New Orleans Bowl ticket autographed by Head Football Coach Howard Schnellenberger. The first 1,000 fans will also receive a specially designed New Orleans Bowl championship poster. Ticket information for the 2008 football season will also be available. In addition, apparel and memorabilia celebrating the bowl win will be on sale.

Ice Hockey Club

Owls making it to the Sun-Sentinel

* The Owls' luck changed Oct. 5 in Winter Park, where they faced off against host Rollins College. The Rollins Tars got off to an early lead, but then the Owls staged a dramatic comeback to win 5-3.The rally was fueled by freshman, two-time FSHL All-Star, Gavin Gaines, whose four-goal performance lifted the Owls to their first win since the 2005-06 season.

* Following a season-long hiatus, the Florida Atlantic University Owls have returned to the ice, resuming their place as a Division III entry in the American Collegiate Hockey Association.

* The Owls kicked off their season Sept. 28-29, with back-to-back losses to the University of South Florida. Assists went to Garret Honeycutt, Frank Ferraro, Nathan Smiley and Chad Viau.