Congratulations!

 As your student completes the first year at AU, pause for a moment and take pride in the accomplishments of the past year.  Completing the first year of college is an important milestone for your student and for you.  We hope that the transition to AU has been a smooth one and that the summer will provide a welcome respite before the school year begins again.  Your student may be returning home for the summer or may have summer plans elsewhere.  If he or she is returning home, be prepared for a period of adjustment as all of you get accustomed to living together again.  The "house rules" of high school may need to be revisited in light of your student's growing independence, yet he or she needs to understand the parameters that you feel are necessary to ensure a comfortable family life.  If your student is working or perhaps travelling or studying elsewhere this summer, keeping in touch regularly is still important.   A brief family reunion at some point can help to keep you connected and provide an opportunity to debrief first-year experiences.  Good communication remains key whether your student is living at home or away.  See the TIPS column for suggestions.

Important Information and Dates for 2012-13

While the fall semester may seem far away, we know that busy families need to plan ahead.  Fall classes start on August 27.  Other important dates include Fall Break (October 12) when there are no classes and Family Weekend (October 19-21) when we hope that you will visit campus.  The academic calendar for 2012-2013 is posted on the AU Website.

Housing and Dining Programs

End of Semester Move-Out Information:                                         

*Residence halls will close at 12:00pm on Wednesday, May 9 for undergraduate students (or 24 hours after your last exam, whichever occurs first). 

*Housing and Dining Programs will hold its annual Project Move-Out Community Sale on Saturday, May 5 in the Tavern from 9am-2pm to support AU's Zero Waste Policy.  Students are encouraged to donate unopened food, clothing, office supplies, small furniture items, and small kitchen appliances. 

Fall Move-In Information:

*The residence halls open for new students on Saturday, August 18, and for returning students on Wednesday, August 22.  Students may move in on or after those dates.  We suggest that students move in as close to the start of classes as possible unless they have specific obligations that require them to be on campus beforehand. 

Student Health Center

Please remember that health insurance is required for your student and that AU insurance must be waived each year of enrollment if your student is covered by another policy.  On June 1, students can begin waiving the 2012-2013 Student Health Insurance plan online through the AU portal.  The 2011-12 plan year ends in August for those currently enrolled in AU Student Health Insurance.

Questions? Concerns? Contact the offices listed in Eagle News with specific questions, or the Office of the Dean of Students (dos@american.edu) if you have general questions.

Feedback on Eagle News?  This is the last edition of Eagle News for first-year parents.  We welcome your feedback.

Have a wonderful summer. See you in the fall!