The First Semester and Beyond

When is Family Weekend?
Family Weekend will be Friday–Sunday, September 19–21, 2008.


Are there additional dates that we should know about during the first year?
Students frequently tell professors family members have made travel arrangements that extend breaks by several days or that are during exam weeks. To help avoid these mistimed arrangements, it is best to check the academic calendar prior to making travel plans. The academic calendar lists dates when classes and exams are in session, along with other important dates like withdrawal deadlines and advising/registration periods.


What is the procedure for housing selection after the first year?
After the first year, students choose their own housing. A deposit of $600.00 is due on February 15 of each year and must be paid in order for the student to participate in the housing lottery. Students who have paid their deposit are entered into a random lottery and select their room in lottery number order. Roommates select together based on the best number they receive in the lottery. All rising sophomores who pay their deposit on time are provided a room. Late payment could result in potential forfeiture of a room if space is at a premium. During the year that students are selecting housing for their junior year, it is possible they may be placed on a wait list and will have to wait for space to become available in order to be housed. Seniors who pay by the housing deadline are also guaranteed housing.


How can I help my student to thrive at the University of Richmond?

• It is your role to encourage your student to develop lifelong learning skills. If there is an issue with a class, advising, roommates, or otherwise, you should counsel your student to confront the issue on his or her own. Urge him or her to become familiar with and reach out to the numerous campus resources available. Making calls to professors or administrators on your son’s or daughter’s behalf does him/her a disservice in terms of skill-building; in addition, staff and faculty members would prefer and are often legally bound to speak with the student rather than with the parent.
• Trust your son or daughter to make his or her own decisions. It is essential that your Richmond student learn to solve his or her own problems rather than rely on you or others to find the solutions.
• Students will make mistakes along the way, but mistakes are an essential part of the learning process.
• Encourage your student to get to know one faculty or staff member well each semester. These relationships contribute to a better college experience for students and in addition, they lead to strong ties that benefit students in post-graduation letters and recommendations.

How should I handle any transition difficulties?
Students typically go through immense changes as they learn new things and make new friends inside and outside the classroom. While this may feel uncomfortable to parents at first, it is part of the essential development of students toward adulthood. Parents can help by listening to their students as they share frustrations, joys, anxieties, and new experiences. Parents can also help students discover their own solutions to problems. In addition, communicating with their students on a regular (though not overwhelming) basis can be helpful, especially as students get settled into college life.


What if I believe something is wrong with my student?
If your instincts tell you something is wrong, please notify the Richmond College Dean’s Office (men) or the Westhampton College Dean’s Office (women), and they will check out the situation, no matter what the concern, and get back to you. You know your child, and you should listen to warning signals about anything from depression to academic turmoil to eating disorders to unhealthy relationships.