A Few Words from Steven O’Day, Associate Dean of the College

As your student might be starting to think about next year's housing options under the College's four year residency policy, I want to take this opportunity to confirm for everyone that we are currently working on the finer details of the room selection process for next year. At this point, it may be helpful for you to know that room selection will take place in phases beginning in the spring semester of '08. In addition, it will be a web-based process that will include all campus-approved housing options, so that all students on campus and abroad will be able to participate (either electronically or through proxy). Be assured that informational meetings for students will be scheduled prior to the winter break and follow up notices and reminders will be circulated in advance of room selection.

Share a Ride

When I was a student at F&M, I took advantage of the "Ride Board" quite often when I was trying to find a ride home to Connecticut for break or to NYC for a weekend.In recent years, Franklin & Marshall implemented an electronic version of this concept, but it hasn’t been well-utilized by our students. So, we’ve gone back to an old-fashioned "Share a Ride" board on the lower level of the Steinman College Center near the Mail Room. Please encourage your student to post notes about rides available and rides needed.

• Your resume is not the first step but the third after gaining focus and direction and conducting preparatory research.
• Writing a resume without knowing your target field/industry/school is like writing a book report without reading the book

2. The internet is the best place to search for a position.

• Less than 10% of positions arise from internet postings
• The internet is best used for exploring paths and researching employers and graduate

3. I don’t need an internship or research experience until junior year.

• As a senior, you will be competing for full-time positions with students who have had 2-3 internships and/or research experiences
• Internships and research experiences clarify your values and goals, build skills, provide real-life experience, and let you try out a possible after-college path

4. Networking is optional.

• About 80% of positions come about through networking
• Networking is not asking for a job, emailing a resume and asking a contact what s/he can do for you, manipulating others, or schmoozing
• Networking is contributing to building a high-quality relationship over time by researching your contact’s organization, being clear about your values and goals, and communicating competently and with enthusiasm

5. Career Services is just for Business majors.

• Career Services supports all majors in exploring career options in for-profit, non-profit, and government fields and in considering graduate and professional schools
• The plans and action-steps you can develop with Career Services can be used to find an internship or job, or help in gaining admission to graduate or professional school

Encourage your student to seek out the assistance of our able Career Services staff who will help them:

• Understand their strengths and challenges
• Define their interests
• Translate dreams into plans and goals
• Articulate the value and applicability of their majors
• Research and expand new possibilities
• Develop a network
• Learn how to highlight their experiences

Senior Parents

Mark your calendars for the big weekend:

Baccalaureate Ceremony: Friday, May 16, 2:00 pm (typically lasts 75 to 90 min.)

Post Baccalaureate Reception: Immediately following Baccalaureate

Commencement Ceremony: Saturday, May 17, 10:00 am (typically lasts 2 hours)

Post Commencement Reception for all: immediately following Commencement

Franklin & Marshall does not limit the number of guests for these ceremonies, whether the events take place inside or out. No tickets needed.

If you’ve received a mailing at home from Signature Announcements encouraging you to order commencement announcements, please be aware that this company is not affiliated with Franklin & Marshall College. The bookstore on campus will be sending information home in February regarding the company with whom we contract for this service, Herff Jones. Please contact Debra Schwanke, the Bookstore’s general manager at 717.291.4093 with any questions.

MSRA Infections in the News

Dr. Marianne Kelly, Director of Health Services has encouraged our students to take precautions to prevent staph or MRSA skin infections by practicing good hygiene. Please re-emphasize these points with your student:

1. Keep hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
2. Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed.
3. Avoid contact with other people's wounds or bandages.
4. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors.