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K-State Parents and Family Program

Encourage your Student to Learn about Powercat Financial

Posted on by Anne DeLuca

Powercat Financial began in 2009 and is a financial education center where students are trained to assist fellow students with their money questions and provide financial education workshops and events across campus. We help students create personal spending plans or budgets to help them stay on track and to guide them in their financial decisions from moving into independent living, studying abroad or saving for their future.  Services also help students evaluate their student loans and plan for their future by understanding their student loan repayment options and possible loan forgiveness opportunities in conjunction with their future income potential. View our helpful financial worksheets and resources at www.k-state.edu/powercatfinancial/planning.

We recommend students meet early their first year with Powercat Financial to develop their own personal college financial plan and then review it each semester with their peer financial counselor. The earlier students meet with us the more successful their financial futures can become. We’re eager to assist your student!

Students can request an appointment for a free financial session by visiting http://www.k-state.edu/powercatfinancial/services/.  Our office is conveniently located on the third floor of the student Union in room 302. Students and parents can email questions to us at powercatfinancial@k-state.edu or give us a call at (785) 532-2889 between 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.  Free professional financial advice on a variety of important college financial topics is a rare commodity and can benefit any student from beginner to those more experienced with personal financial management

Guest submission from Jodi Kaus, Director, Powercat Financial

The Center for Student Involvement is Ready to Help Students Get Involved While Remaining Healthy and Safe

Posted on by Anne DeLuca

The Center for Student Involvement (CSI) is excited to welcome students back to campus this fall! This semester on campus may look different from any other semester we have experienced at K-State, but that doesn’t mean that students can’t still get connected and involved. The CSI is dedicated to ensuring that every Wildcat feels welcome and is able to find their home here on campus. We do this by helping students get connected, get engaged, and get involved!

To connect all K-State students from day one, we will kick off the semester with our Weeks of Welcome! This is an exciting time to get to learn about resources on campus and meet other students – from a social distance of course. Be sure to have your student check out the great events like New Student Convocation and the Career Center Carry-out. Also, make sure to have them grab their welcome bag that will be filled with great K-State swag – booths will be set up on campus throughout the first two weeks of classes! Visit wow.k-state.edu to see a full list of events.

Getting engaged with a student organization is one of the best ways for students to find their home here at K-State. We have over 500 student organizations here on campus. Be sure to have your student browse through our entire list of student organizations by visiting K-state.campuslabs.com. This is the best way to reach out and connect with members from the different student organizations. If your student isn’t sure what organization or involvement opportunity is right for them, have them take the Student Involvement Exploration Quiz or schedule a time to meet with the CSI staff.

Getting involved in student organizations by taking on leadership roles is a great way for students to not only get engaged on campus, but also to prepare for their future careers. We are here to help develop those leadership skills and are excited to host a series of leadership development workshops this year. A few of the topics we plan to cover include:

  • Building inclusive communities
  • Emotional resiliency
  • Conflict resolution
  • Empathy
  • Civic Engagement
  • And more!

We are here to support your student throughout their college career. We are always happy to meet with students one-on-one to learn about their specific interests and connect them with resources around campus. We are so excited to welcome your student to campus and can’t wait to help them get connected, get engaged, and get involved!

Submission from guest contributor Kelli Farris, Executive Director, Center for Student Involvement

Join Your Students at New Student Convocation 2020!

Posted on by Anne DeLuca

Convocation is the first event to bring the incoming class of K-Staters together to mark and commemorate the beginning of the college journey, welcome students to campus, and story tell around what lies ahead. This year’s 2020 event will feature NFL star and K-State Alum, Tyler Lockett, Kansas State administrative leadership, and diverse leaders from the student body.

In a normal year, we would gather together, several thousand strong, in Bramlage Coliseum, to share in this moment of community and belonging. However, we want to put the health and safety of our community first during the time of COVID-19, so we will be gathering together virtually!

New Student Convocation 2020 will be streamed live on Sunday, August 16 from 5:30-6:15 at www.k-state.edu/convocation.

While we cannot gather in-person, K-State First has some ideas to help you creatively build community for our first-year students during this important occasion. We encourage you to watch along at the same time as your students and share in this powerful moment of K-State campus life. There is also an opportunity to move beyond watching, to process, create meaning, and build community. Below are some discussion questions you may use to encourage your students’ engagement with Convocation, and be part of the event with them.

  • What is a comment or point that resonated with you about the Convocation message?
  • One prominent theme of Convocation is that of Diversity and Inclusion. What does it mean to you when you hear, “Our differences make us stronger”?
  • Student speakers talk about seeking support when things got tough. What resources do you feel like would help you during your first semester and why? What might you do if you get stuck?
  • Many of the speakers describe the challenge of navigating college living, learning, and engagement during the time of Covid, what tools do you have to help to help you approach college adaptively and navigate uncertainty?

You can also join in on the conversation during the event in the YouTube chat or by connecting to our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts @kstatefirst. We look forward to having you be a part of this momentous event to kick-off your students’ college experiences!

 

Guest submission from Mariya Vaughan, K-State First Assistant Director

Pharmacy at Lafene

Posted on by Anne DeLuca

As mentioned in the February Parent and Family newsletter, Lafene Health Center has a full-service pharmacy that offers convenient, affordable care.  Lafene’s pharmacy staff can fill prescriptions from our Lafene Medical Providers or from your student’s hometown provider.  Existing prescriptions can be easily transferred to the Lafene pharmacy by calling 785-532-7758 with a request for the Lafene pharmacist to call your local pharmacy. Prescriptions with refills from Lafene’s Medical Providers may also be transferred home to the student’s local pharmacy by a telephone call from that pharmacy to Lafene.  Online prescription renewal is available through the myLafene+ patient portal on the Lafene website.  Prescriptions are typically filled with minimal wait times, and students are notified via text when their prescription is ready to be picked up.

Continue reading “Pharmacy at Lafene” →

Finish #K-StateStrong

Posted on by Anne DeLuca

Completing the Spring 2020 semester online is not quite what everyone was expecting. This time can feel stressful and challenging; however, K-State is working hard to ensure students have academic resources available to finish the semester strong.

If your student is needing academic support to navigate online classes, there are several resources to get connected:

  • The Keep Learning website is home to tips and resources for online learning. You can find ideas on how to stay organized, make the most of online learning, or how to access technology support.
  • At the Academic Achievement Center we are focused on equipping students with tools and support necessary for their success. We offer connections to the Office of First-Generation Students, Scholar Services, Tutoring, and Academic Coaching.
    • Academic Coaches are available via our virtual Learning Lab to meet one on one and discuss plans to finish the semester #K-StateStrong. No appointments are necessary for virtual coaching. Students can stop by anytime Monday through Friday 9am-5pm by clicking the “Connect to Academic Coaching” button.
    • The Academic Success Tool Library is filled with tools that provide guidance on how to improve specific academic skills. This includes time management, test-taking, reading, and motivational tools.
    • We are also hard at work to create videos that support your student’s academic success. Check out our YouTube channel to get step-by-step information about how to implement academic success strategies.
  • In response to the impacts of COVID-19, K-State has made changes to the A/Pass/Fail policy for Spring 2020. Opting into this policy can have a positive impact on GPA and lower your students stress level due to distance learning. “Under this option, students earning a grade of A in a course will have an A recorded on the transcript for that course; a grade of B, C, or D will be recorded as Pass; a Grade of F will be recorded as F.” If your student is considering opting in to this policy, encourage them to speak with their Academic Advisor before making a final decision. Students have until May 8, 2020 to submit the form.

Continue reading “Finish #K-StateStrong” →

K-State Libraries Provides Remote Services for your Student

Posted on by Anne DeLuca

When students arrive at K-State, there’s one thing we want to make sure they know: We are here to help. We tell them that they don’t need to fumble through the hundreds of databases available, or stress out about how to find the research they need. That’s why we are here.

This message has perhaps never been as relevant as it is this semester. As students get used to taking classes in an online format, we know that they are feeling additional stress. Now, more than ever, we want parents to know that we are here to help your student succeed.

Continue reading “K-State Libraries Provides Remote Services for your Student” →

Career Center Offers Virtual Assistance

Posted on by Anne DeLuca

While Berney Family Welcome Center is closed physically, the Career Center team is ready to assist your students virtually! You can “Chat with us” as found on our homepage or give us a call at 785-532-6506 during our typical business hours Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST. After office hours, please email careercenter@k-state.edu and we will be back in touch the next business day.

We have a variety of ways that students can connect virtually with Career Center advisors, including drop-ins, scheduled appointments and presentations via Zoom.

  • Virtual Drop-Ins are offered Monday-Thursday 12noon-4 p.m. CST. Drop-ins are best for resume critiques and brief questions.
  • Scheduled Appointments are offered virtually via Zoom or phone. Log in to Handshake. Click the “Career Center” drop-down menu, then select “Appointments.”
  • Outreach Presentations are available for online classes and student organizations when scheduled in advance via our Request a Speaker form.

Continue reading “Career Center Offers Virtual Assistance” →

Parents and Families: Key Partners in Student Success

Posted on by Anne DeLuca
Dr. Jeannie Brown    Leonard, Vice Provost    for Student Success

Your support of your K-State student during this challenging time is critical to student success. Living and working in the midst of a global pandemic demands a lot from all of us. The uncertainty of the moment and the near future is stressful. We need you to help your student finish the Spring 2020 semester.

How can you help?

  • Give your student the time and space to complete academic work, especially if your student is living at home.
  • Ask your student to share details of a study plan that includes future assignments and when and how your student plans to meet those course demands. If your student does not have such a plan, suggest creating one!
  • Respect those study plans. Be mindful of how much you ask your student to do in support of household chores, caring for siblings or grandparents, or contributing to the family farm or business. Some contribution is reasonable, but these duties should not interfere with the study plan.
  • Remind your student that K-State resources are available to them remotely. The Keep Learning website is a great place to start. Most office websites have guidance on how to access services at a distance.
  • If your student is graduating this spring, celebrate this accomplishment and make plans to come to campus in December for a special ceremony.
  • If your student is continuing, ask about summer and fall enrollment plans and encourage your student to meet with an academic advisor.
  • Join your student on walks or other breaks during the day. If your student is not living at home, call or video-chat regularly. It is important to say connected to a social network even as we practice physical distancing.

The unforeseen curriculum of Spring 2020 is resiliency. Join me in helping your student make progress toward their academic, career, and personal goals by finishing the semester K-State Strong!

Submission by guest contributor Dr. Jeannie Brown Leonard, Vice Provost for Student Success

Urgent message from President Myers regarding novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

Posted on by Anne DeLuca

Dear K-State Community:

Currently, much of the K-State community is dispersed throughout the nation and globe during spring break. When everyone returns to campus the risk of spreading the novel coronavirus will increase. With careful planning and guidance from public health officials, there are prudent steps we can take to mitigate this risk and protect our campus and local communities.

The concept of social distancing has been shown to slow a disease outbreak during times of concern with pandemics. This means we reduce the number of times and places that people gather in large numbers or spend extensive time together. By slowing the spread of the disease, medical facilities are better able to handle the demand, which saves lives in the long run.

In order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 after spring break, we are taking these immediate steps:

  • K-State will suspend in-person classes at all campuses the week March 16-20. Online classes will be held as scheduled. During this time students are strongly encouraged to travel home or remain at home and spend the week there, if possible. For those who cannot go home, our campuses will remain open and services will be available such as student health, residence halls and dining halls. The situation may change very rapidly, based on what we’ve seen in other areas.
  • Beginning March 23, classes will be taught remotely (not in person) until further notice. The suspension of classes March 16-20 provides time for faculty members to prepare to move classes online or to teach through other alternative methods. While completing classes remotely, students are strongly encouraged to remain at their permanent homes away from campus, unless they cannot return home due to travel restrictions, financial burden, or lack of reliable internet access. We are working to accommodate learning that typically takes place in laboratories and other in-person situations. Our success will depend on the creativity and resourcefulness of our students and faculty, in which we have great faith.  We will provide at least one week’s notice before in-person classes resume, per Kansas Board of Regents guidance.
  • Visitors are urged to postpone campus visits during this time. We strongly encourage visitors to reschedule planned trips to our campuses and recommend postponing previously scheduled visits. Please keep in mind that international travelers arriving from CDC-designated Level 3 countries are subject to a 14-day quarantine period.
  • Veterinary medicine students who are involved in clinical rotations or clinical work will receive further guidance from the College of Veterinary Medicine.
  • Polytechnic students who are involved in flight training or the maintenance program will receive further guidance from the College of Technology and Aviation.
  • Large campus community events (more than 100 people) will be handled on a case-by-case basis. We strongly encourage campus units to cancel events with more than 100 persons between now and March 30, please be prepared for the situation to change rapidly. Student events occurring between now and March 30 should be postponed or moved to another format. Athletic events will follow Big 12 guidance.
  • Travel policies have not changed at this time.  All university-sponsored international travel is banned to CDC warning level 3 or U.S. State Department Travel Advisory level 4 countries. There are no mandated restrictions for university-affiliated or sponsored domestic travel at this time, but we ask you to consider the potential risks for you and others and the possibility of trip disruption. As conditions evolve, further restrictions may be added.

These social distancing steps are admittedly inconvenient but have proven to be effective in other locations and will help safeguard the greater good for all. I know each of us will act responsibly to help us protect the entire K-State family and the local communities that are home to our campuses. We can meet this challenge with the strength and resiliency our university has demonstrated for over 150 years.

Please check our website on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) for the latest information. If you have a specific question please email covid19@ksu.edu.

Respectfully,
Richard B. Myers
President

Parents and Family Welcome Letter from Dr. Lane

Posted on by Anne DeLuca

Greetings K-State Parents and Families!  My name is Thomas Lane and I serve as the Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students at Kansas State University. Thank you for opting in to receive the Parents and Family Newsletter.

Thomas Lane, Ed. D.

Every other month, this newsletter will provide guidance and include stories of recent K-State happenings.  Beyond keeping you informed, the Parents and Family Program will be hosting an exciting lineup of events throughout the year.  Be sure to save the date for the 92nd Annual Family Day celebration held on Saturday, September 12, 2020.  We invite families to experience K-State, eat great food, and make memories with your student. Families can hang out at the pre-game Tailgate Party (registration opens early summer) or celebrate your student at the breakfast Pinning Ceremony. This ceremony honors students who are the first in their family to attend K-State and honors students who are following a long family legacy of Wildcats. Continue reading “Parents and Family Welcome Letter from Dr. Lane” →

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