Dear Parents,

Before our students can enjoy the upcoming fall break, many of them are working their way through mid-semester exams, papers and projects. Meanwhile, here is some information I hope you find helpful.

Family Weekend

Many thanks to the hundreds of parents who visited campus this past weekend. Always eager for constructive feedback, we ask that you complete the Family Weekend Survey while the experience is fresh on your mind. Please take just a few minutes to let us know your thoughts.

Enjoy a brief slideshow with a few images from the Weekend and also take a look at Family Weekend album.

Upcoming Breaks

Fall break begins at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, October 16 and ends on Wednesday, October 21 at 8 a.m.

Thanksgiving recess begins at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 24 and ends at 8 a.m. on Monday, November 30.

Students are not required to leave campus during these short breaks but they should be aware that the dining hall will be closed. Jazzman’s has some operating hours during these breaks, but meal plans are not in operation at that time. There are many dining venues available to students within a short walking distance of campus. Students also can use Red Rose Transit which has bus stops on campus to travel around Lancaster as well.

The last day of final exams before our winter break is Sunday, December 20. The College Houses and Theme Houses close at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 21 for the break and will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, January 17, 2010.

Final Exam Schedule Available

Students were informed by the Registrar’s Office that the tentative fall semester exam schedule is available online. Students now know when they will be finished with exams in December and are therefore able to begin making travel arrangements to come home for winter break.

Weekend Transportation Alternative

As a result of student feedback, the College has introduced a free and easy way to get around town: The Lancaster Loop. On Friday nights, Saturday mornings and Saturday nights, students now have easy access to Park City Mall, Central Market and downtown, and the local movie theater.

Homecoming Weekend: October 23-25, 2009

Students and alumni are anticipating a terrific Homecoming Weekend (this year celebrating 40 years of coeducation) later this month. Parents and all students are welcome to join in the fun. Weekend highlights include:

• Celebration Luncheon on Friday
• Friday’s Symposium entitled Impact: Insights and Inspirations from the Legacy of Women at Franklin & Marshall
• Career Networking Reception on Friday
• A Conversation with Mary Shapiro, Esq. ’77, Chair, Securities & Exchange Commission on Saturday morning
• Homecoming Tailgate Extravaganza

View the entire schedule and registration information online.

Subscribe to Student Publications

Parents are encouraged to stay "in the know" by subscribing to our students’ publications. Click on the "Subscribe" button to learn how to receive The College Reporter weekly student newspaper at home. For information on how to subscribe to any of the following, click on the "Subscribe to Student Publications" link: Liberal Arts Review, The College Dispatch, Plume and Epilogue.

News from Career Services Office

Great opportunities await your student through these upcoming events:

• Off Campus Recruiting Days with the Selective Liberal Arts Consortium (SLAC) this December and January in various cities
• Graduate School Fair on Wednesday, October 28
• Career Services offers self-assessment exercises to help with choosing a career and can provide internship search strategies including access to our alumni database.

Support Opportunities

Counseling Services is offering new group-counseling opportunities to F&M students this semester. Students should contact Counseling Services (717-291-4083) with questions.

• Drop-In Study Skills Group on Tuesday evenings -- focusing on time management, organizational skills, etc.
• ADHD/ADD Support Group on Thursday afternoons (pre-inclusion interview required before attending group) -- focusing on improving academic and social skills
• Drop-In Coffee Hour for International students on Friday afternoons -- focusing on assisting new international students in meeting other students and acclimating to F&M and to the U.S.

Franklin & Marshall Fund

During President Fry’s Welcome Address over Family Weekend, he asked for your contribution to the Franklin & Marshall Fund every year. We count on parents’ collective support of the College to ensure the continuing excellence of the academic and co-curricular offerings available to our students. Please make a gift today using our secure online site. Or contact me directly (maura.umble@fandm.edu or 717.291.3888) if you have questions about making your gift.

All the best,

Maura Condon Umble ‘83
Director of Parent Relations
Office of College Advancement
Franklin & Marshall College
maura.umble@fandm.edu
717.291.3888