Parents and Families Update: January 2024

Set for Spring!

January 11, 2024

Snow and ice on the pond near the Center for Communications and Engineering

Happy New Year! We just had the first snow fall of the season and are very excited to have your student return for the spring semester. The three new buildings are really blossoming in the current stage of construction and students will notice the progress made during winter break.

Article Highlights

By Tom Ellett
Chief Experience Officer

As your student prepares for their return, I wanted to remind you and your student that academic support is available for all students. It is never too late to engage a learning commons coach, an adviser, or a faculty member. We all want your student to succeed. Students should begin that process at the beginning of each semester to best accomplish their academic goals.

As the new year begins, I encourage all students at Quinnipiac to get involved in the various traditions (RecWell After Dark, Wednesday, January 24 7-9:30 p.m.), QThon (March 23), The Big Event (April 13), Spring Weekend (TBA), D-I games of all sorts, and other programs offered throughout the semester. 

Students can find all events on our events home page at QU.edu/events and on Do You QU. College is a time for students to build their collective network that we hope they stay connected for a lifetime.

This semester we are highlighting the Critical Conversations Speaker Series, which is meant to foster an inclusive and intellectually stimulating environment at Quinnipiac, promoting inclusivity of thought, engaging dialogue, empathetic engagement, and open-mindedness among students, faculty, and staff.  The events are designed to empower participants to be better prepared to embrace a spectrum of thought by actively listening to and engaging with concepts and ideas that may challenge one’s personal values, without dismissing or silencing differing viewpoints. Please encourage your student to attend these events.

As always, thank you for entrusting your student to us at Quinnipiac. We are honored to be a part of their academic journey. If you ever have questions/concerns, please feel free to drop me an email. The spring is only a few months away.


In this Issue

 


FAFSA 2024: What You Need to Know

Join us for a virtual webinar presentation on the changes to the 2024 FAFSA

Please join us for an information session on the 2024-2025 changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as outlined in the FAFSA Simplification Act of 2021/amended in 2022. Members of Quinnipiac’s financial aid team will highlight changes you should know before completing the new FAFSA and go over how the new calculation may affect the estimated amount of your financial contribution. The financial aid staff will answer general questions regarding the process. Please note that specific questions regarding your student’s account and family’s information should be sent directly to the financial aid office.

These sessions will be led by our Director of Financial Aid Kelly Osorio and Associate Director Elizabeth Beaton.

This event has passed.

Learn more about the 2024-2025 FAFSA Changes

 

What’s new from Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL)

Our community rounded out the Fall 2023 semester with some impressive statistics —the fraternity and sorority community raised $62,784.19 for philanthropic organizations and performed more than 5,300 hours of community service during the semester. Additionally, the all-fraternity/sorority GPA remained above the all-undergraduate GPA.

January 23, 2024 (snow date January 25) will be our Spring Meet the Greeks event in Burt Kahn Court at 9 p.m. This is a great opportunity to meet our fraternities and sororities and learn about what joining could look like. All are welcome! Organization-specific schedules will be made available on Instagram for recruitment events.

Questions about Fraternity and Sorority Life

If your Bobcat wants to find their home away from home, establish a community of peers with similar values, participate in service/philanthropy events, and have fun, feel free to direct them our way for information about joining. There’s so much coming up in the fraternity and sorority community; if your Bobcat is interested in joining us, please don’t hesitate to reach out. All questions can be directed to fslife@qu.edu or asked via Instagram @qufsl.

 

Health, Wellness and Recreation

Student Health Services

Quinnipiac’s Student Health Services partnered with Hartford HealthCare to help you feel your best. We are located on campus and ready to help with your medical needs.

Learn more and schedule a health services appointment

 

Counseling Services

The Office of Counseling Services provides a range of clinical services and mental health support at no cost to undergraduate and graduate students — including evaluations, individual counseling and group therapy.

Happy new year from the Counseling Center! Our team had a great fall semester, providing support to almost 600 students (2,500 appointments) who sought care for a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, adjustment and relationship concerns. We also provided a number of on-campus educational outreach events addressing issues such as adjustment to college life, navigating relationships, depression screenings and stress-reduction skills.

This spring, we continue to be available to assist students with any mental health concerns and we encourage students to contact the counseling center early before challenges get to a point of feeling insurmountable. Appointments can be made online (the QR scheduling code is available at the Counseling webpage and on various print and media outlets around campus), or by calling 203-407-4037.

Students should look for us in the RecWell Center lobby the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month (11-1) and in the café at North Haven the second and fourth Thursdays of the month (11-1) where we’ll continue to provide opportunities for self-screenings and skills for healthy living. This semester, we’ll focus on eating well for mental wellness, screening for anxiety and eating disorders, engaging in safe Spring Break choices, time management/organizational skills and self care.

We hope to meet many of your students either in the clinic or during outreach activities this spring!

Learn more about counseling services

Fitness and Recreation

Students should follow these Instagram accounts for up-to-date hours, programs and incentives:

@qurecwell

Dance Team (Instagram: @quinnipiacdanceteam) will be competing at the UDA National Championships in Orlando, FL from January 10 to 14. Access more information, including streaming options

Regular hours of operation for the RecWell start on January 20.

Free Fitness Classes

Classes are offered year-round on all three campuses, including Spinning, body sculpting, Zumba, Bootcamp, Core Conditioning, yoga and Pilates.

Spring free group fitness classes begin on Sunday, January 28 and will run 7 days a week on all 3 campuses. Students can sign up for a class 24 hours prior to its start time on https://recwell.qu.edu/ or on the RecWell app.

Spring will include some on campus fitness instructor trainings and certifications. For questions and dates email: natalie.rivera@quinnipiac.edu

Sign up for classes on the RecWell website

See the full schedule and register for classes

Visit the RecWell website

Regular Facility Hours

Monday - Thursday: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Friday: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Wellness Wednesdays

Wellness Wednesdays begin on Wednesday, January 24 and occur every week from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the RecWell lobby. Students receive an email each Wednesday which connects with weekly topic and includes relevant resources, articles and programs.

Upcoming Events

  • 2024 Vision Board workshop: Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 5 p.m. in RWA 218. Sign up on the RecWell website or on the RecWell app.
  • Students should follow @quwellness on Instagram for programs and information around all dimensions of wellbeing.
  • Wellness Weekend Abroad will be happening in Cork, Ireland February 23-25 and in Seville, Spain on March 1-3 for all the students studying abroad in those locations. Information has been sent out, however, students can email for specifics and with questions to: tami.reilly@qu.edu
  • Eight upcoming Mental Health First Aid Training sessions have been offered to the QU Community to increase mental health initiatives across campus.

Housing and Residential Life Updates

January Move-In

The Office of Housing is looking forward to welcoming everyone back for the spring semester. The residence halls reopen on Saturday January 20, and students are welcome to move back for the semester on either Saturday or Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please note: students who are participating in transfer orientation move in on January 18. Review Move-In Schedule and Important Dates

We encourage all students to log into MyHousing at their convenience to see if there are any updates to their roommate group for the spring semester.

We request that all students check in for the spring semester by filling out our Express Check-In Form on MyHousing when they have returned to campus. Have a great semester!

Complete the Express Check-In Form

Dining Updates

New Menu Offerings

QU Dining has many great updates in the works for the spring semester. In Café Q, the Create Smoothie station will be adding bubble tea! Bubble tea has been highly requested, so we are excited to be rolling out our new program this spring.

In addition, we are prioritizing offering new and exciting combos at all dining locations. There will be special “add-ons” to spice up our usual favorites. ShakeSmart will also be starting Shake of the Month promotions where each month they offer a new and exciting shake!

Upcoming Events

We are also bringing back Student Choice takeovers at the Bobcat Den! Our SONO station will be taken over for a week each month by a station concept that students will choose. In addition, we will also be hosting a Battle of the Trends event in Café Q where students will vote on a bracket for their favorite foods to be offered in Café Q, in the spirit of March Madness.

See all upcoming events

New Menu Icons

We also have updated our menu communications. Our menu screens and signs will be updated with new icons to designate which items are vegan, vegetarian, a good source of protein, and so forth.

We are looking forward to welcoming students back to campus very soon!

Hours of Operation and Menus

The dineoncampus website contains the most up-to-date information about hours.
Visit the DineonCampus website

Dietary Accomodations

Learn more about how Dining Services accommodates students with dietary restrictions and allergies

Meal Plans

Students are automatically given the same dining plan in the spring term that they had in the fall term. Students can change their dining plan up until the last day of the add/drop registration period which is on January 26 for the Spring 2024 term. 

To view or change a dining plan, students should: 

  • Log into MyHousing 

  • Select "Dining" and then select "Dining Plans" 

  • Select the current term and then select "Change my Meal Plan" 

  • Select the desired dining plan from the list of available dining plans and click "Purchase Meal Plan" 

Please note: 

  • Students living on the Mount Carmel Campus and York Hill Campus will see Silver, Gold, Platinum, Platinum+ or Diamond for dining plan options.

  • Students living in Whitney Village and Quinnipiac-owned off-campus housing may upgrade from the required Bronze dining plan to Bronze+, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Platinum+ or Diamond dining plans.

  • Full-time commuter students may upgrade from the Commuter Bronze plan to the Commuter Bronze+, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Platinum+ or Diamond dining plans.

Learn more about dining on campus and view instructions on how to change a meal plan on the FAQ section of our meal plans webpage.

Log into MyHousing

Learn more about meal plans

International Students and Scholars

Visit us in our new space

The Office of International Students and Scholars has moved! Come visit our new space in the Arnold Bernhard Library, suite ABSL-111. Students will enter the suite via ABLS-121, across from One Stop.

The Office of International Students and Scholars is hosting a Welcome to Our New Office Open House on Monday, February 12 from 2 to 4 p.m.

F-1 international students graduating in May 2024

F-1 international students graduating in May 2024 are eligible to apply for 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization in the U.S. May graduates can begin filing their OPT application to the Office of International Students & Scholars on or after February 19; it is beneficial to apply early. Information sessions and detailed instructions are provided in the self-guided online training guide in Blackboard and in the ISS portal

Tax returns

Non-residents in the US are legally required to file a tax return if you received U.S. income during 2023 by the April 15, 2024 deadline. International students physically present in the U.S. in 2023 are still obligated to file a Form 8843 with the IRS even if they didn’t work or receive income. Quinnipiac has arranged access to Sprintax, a tax-preparation software for international students and scholars. Information will be sent by email in January and February.

Global Engagement

Our office has moved

The Office of Global Engagement has moved! We will now be in the Arnold Bernhard Library, suite ABSL-111. Students will enter the suite via ABLS-121, across from One Stop.

Learn more about global opportunities

Information sessions for summer/fall 2024 and winter 2025 semester and short-term programs will be held in early February. Applications for these programs will be due by March 15. More information can be found at educationabroad.qu.edu

One Stop Office (Student Administrative Services)

One Stop provides seamless and integrated student administrative services throughout the entire student life cycle. One Stop includes cross-functional student solutions for:

  • records and enrollment services

  • managing student finances

  • parking and transportation services

(One Stop works closely with and can provide preliminary information about financial aid, Q-Cards, housing and dining. Advanced registrar functions such as degree conferrals, Dean’s List and diplomas are administered through the Registrar.)

Student Accounts

Students registered for the January and Spring 2024 terms must have paid their balance or set up a payment plan by December 15.  Students with unpaid balances and no payment plan will have holds placed on their accounts and late fees applied.

Refunds

At the conclusion of the add/drop registration period, students may owe a balance or be due a refund. It can take up to two weeks after add/drop for refunds to be processed. The fastest way to get a refund is to sign up for direct deposit.

1098-T

Students in degree-seeking programs will receive a 1098-T form by January 31 if they have provided their Social Security Number (SSN) to the university. Students in degree seeking programs who have not provided their SSN to date, will receive letters requesting their SSN so that we are in compliance with IRS regulations. Please visit the 1098-T page of our website for more information.

One Stop Hours of Operation

The One Stop office will be offering extended service hours at the start of term to help transition into the spring semester. 

Beginning Tuesday, January 16 through Friday, January 26, our hours of operation will be:  

  • Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

  • Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

The university is closed on Monday, January 15 in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. We look forward to meeting your needs with these additional hours. 

Beginning Monday, January 29, we will return to our normal hours of operation:

  • Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Contact One Stop

Please reference the following for assistance as needed:

Should you have additional questions that may not be addressed above, please contact One Stop at onestop@qu.edu. If your questions are about financial aid, please contact finaid@qu.edu.

Learn more about One Stop

Office of the Registrar (Academic Enrollment and Course Schedules)

Fall 2023 Dean’s List

The Fall 2023 Dean’s List is now live. Any questions regarding Dean’s List should be sent directly to registrar@qu.edu

Important Dates

  • J-Term courses end on January 19 and final grades are due on January 22.

  • Spring 2023 term begins on January 22.

  • The add/drop registration period will continue through the first week of courses and will end at midnight on January 26. If your student needs help getting into a closed course or registering for a repeat of a course, they can contact the appropriate school (PDF).

Graduating Students

Students should be reverifying their anticipated date of completion in their Self-Service or Stellic accounts. This will ensure that you receive all notifications for commencement ceremonies.

Learn more about the Registrar

Parking, Shuttles and Transportation

Parking

The Parking Rules and Regulations will continue to be enforced after the winter break. Please note the following reminders: 

  • First-year students may not bring their vehicle to campus for the Spring term. 

  • Sophomores must park their vehicles in the York Hill Garage. 

  • Juniors, seniors and graduate students should consult the maps which show the parking permit types permitted to park in each lot. 

  • Public Safety enforces all parking rules and regulations and will be ticketing and towing as needed. 

  • Students with three or more unpaid parking violations will have a hold placed on their account and will be subject to towing until the violations are paid in full.

Shuttles

For more information about shuttles (schedule, hours and stops), visit the shuttles page at QU.edu/shuttles

Public Safety Updates

We are one of the safest campuses in the region. Our commitment to safety is a cornerstone of our community. These safety tips serve not only to uphold our high standards but also to instill a safety-oriented mindset beneficial far beyond our campus borders. Your student’s engagement in adopting these practices not only contributes to our community's safety but equips them with valuable skills for life beyond Quinnipiac. Thank you for being an active participant in our collective safety efforts.

Stay safe

  • Familiarize yourself with Quinnipiac’s Emergency Preparedness Procedures

  • In an emergency, always call 911 first.

  • Register for approved Quinnipiac University emergency communications and other important information via text message and email. You may also register for Guardian and transform your mobile phone into a personal alarm beacon. In the event of an emergency, critical information you elect to share will be provided to Quinnipiac University to help them more quickly respond and help you. This service is provided to you free of charge by Quinnipiac University. Learn more about Rave

  • Quinnipiac Public Safety is available 24/7 for a safety escort. Public Safety officers will drive or walk you to/from your vehicle or classroom at any time and for any reason.

Classroom safety tips

  • Know the layout of the building and the nearest exit(s) to your classroom.

  • Conduct a safety assessment of the classroom and report any issues immediately to Facilities and/or Public Safety.

  • Pre-plan how you will respond in a critical situation. For example:

    • Plan how you will barricade your door.

    • If you are on the first floor, familiarize yourself with the locking mechanism of the windows for egress.

  • Always lock your classroom door. While it can be an inconvenience, it is an immediate barrier that can increase safety during a critical event.

  • If something or someone seems suspicious, call Public Safety immediately. Officers are trained to handle situations professionally and appropriately.

Walking around campus

  • Familiarize yourself with the layout of the campus. Survey the campus while classes are in session and after dark to see that academic buildings, walkways, facilities, and parking lots are adequately secured and well-lighted. Report any safety issues immediately to Public Safety immediately.

  • Plan the safest route to your destination; choose well-lit, busy pathways and streets.

  • At night, stick to well-lighted areas whenever possible and avoid alleyways or "short cuts" through isolated areas.

  • Keep your phone readily available when walking alone and at night.

  • Do not be distracted on the phone while walking. Remember Situational Awareness. Stay alert to your surroundings and the people around you. Walk with a confident stride; keep your head up and look around.

  • Travel in groups and avoid going out alone at night.

  • Use the campus escort or shuttle services at night.

  • Know where the emergency call boxes are on campus and how to use them.

  • If you are being followed, change direction, and go to the nearest building. Call 911 as soon as it is safe to do so. Note the description of the person following you. Walk near the curb and avoid shrubbery or other places of potential concealment.

  • Keep your keys separate from your purse or backpack.

  • Do not overload yourself with bags or packages and avoid wearing shoes that restrict your movements.

  • If a motorist stops and asks for directions, keep your distance from the car.

Motor vehicle safety

  • Park in well-lit areas, where your vehicle is visible; avoid parking next to vans or trucks.

  • Keep all items out of sight, especially valuables.

  • Service your vehicle regularly to avoid breakdowns.

  • Always lock your vehicle.

  • Consider "The CLUB" or an alarm system.

  • When leaving your car for service, remove your other keys.

  • Have your key ready when you approach your car. Before getting in, look inside your car to make sure no one is hiding.    

Contact

For life-threatening emergencies, call 911

For all other emergencies, or requests for help, contact:

Student Conduct

Some key things we’d like for parents and families to be aware of:

  • Defend the Den – This is a student-led, bystander intervention initiative whose mission is to empower students to speak up in challenging situations and foster a kinder campus culture together. By increasing bystander awareness, we create a more positive and inclusive community where Bobcats can rely on each other. Students are encouraged to participate in trainings, and there are opportunities for leadership roles with Defend the Den. Learn more by visiting the Defend the Den webpage

  • Promoting Responsible Action in Health and Safety Emergencies – This important policy at Quinnipiac encourages students to seek help for themselves or their peers in situations where a student is at risk due to intoxication from alcohol or other drugs. Any circumstances when a person is intoxicated to the extent they are unconscious, unresponsive, or vomiting is a potential life-threatening medical emergency. When students take the responsible action of calling for help, neither the intoxicated student nor the student making the call are addressed through the student conduct process. Learn more in the university handbook 

  • Suspended and Unrecognized Student Organizations – If your student makes the decision to join a student organization, please talk to them about the organization, and find out about the mission and values of the organization. All recognized student clubs and organizations, fraternities/sororities, and interest groups will be listed on Do You QU. If you have a question or concern, please contact the university. There are inherent risks associated with joining any organization that is not recognized or sponsored by the university, as they do not follow the same expectations or safety standards as recognized organizations.

  • Hazing – Joining any student organization should be a positive, safe, and encouraging experience. All hazing behavior is prohibited at Quinnipiac University and is illegal. Please talk to your student about hazing, and if you learn that they are experiencing hazing, do not hesitate to report your concerns to the university. You can access all reporting forms at qu.edu/report. In any emergency, please call Public Safety at 203-582-6200. For more information, please see the policy statement on Hazing in the handbook

Community, Assessment, Response and Evaluation (CARE) Team

The Quinnipiac CARE Team is here to support students navigating health and wellness, behavioral or situational concerns. One in three first year students received support from this team last academic year and there are staff all across the university community that are prepared to help students! If you are concerned about a Quinnipiac student, more information about how to submit a CARE referral can be found on the CARE webpage

Graduating Students

Mark your calendars for Commencement 2024.

Friday, May 10

M&T Bank Arena, York Hill Campus
  • 1 p.m. — Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine Commencement

  • 5 p.m. — School of Law Commencement

Saturday, May 11

Quad, Mount Carmel Campus
  • 10 a.m. — School of Business and School of Computing and Engineering Undergraduate and Graduate Commencement

  • 3 p.m. — School of Health Sciences Undergraduate and Graduate Commencement

Sunday, May 12

Quad, Mount Carmel Campus
  • 10 a.m. — College of Arts and Sciences and School of Communications Undergraduate and Graduate Commencement

  • 3 p.m. — School of Education and School of Nursing Undergraduate and Graduate Commencement

All ceremonies will also be livestreamed and recorded.

More information on ceremony details, including tickets, will be sent to all eligible graduates via their Quinnipiac email throughout the academic year. Please remind your graduate to check their email regularly for information. Information will also be available on our Commencement website

Parents and Family Leadership Council

Show your Bobcat pride: Join the Quinnipiac Parents and Family Leadership Council!

Interested in joining? As members of the Parents and Families Leadership Council, we invite you to directly engage in and join a partnership focusing on the continued success of Quinnipiac. As a member, you will be invited to two meetings per academic year with university leadership and fellow council members, receive exclusive parent email updates and have the opportunity to attend many invitation-only receptions, including parent and family networking and social events. Members receive multiple opportunities to meet, advise and network with university leadership and administration, deans, faculty, staff and fellow families.

While each family customizes their experience to meet their family needs, the only requirement to join is a desire to help make a difference with an annual leadership gift in support of the university’s priorities and initiatives.

Benefits of joining the Quinnipiac Parents and Family Leadership Council:

  • To serve as ambassadors for the students, faculty, staff, alumni, and parents of Quinnipiac University through engagement, career development, and philanthropy

  • Presentations by administration, faculty, staff and others about how your student can maximize their QU experience

  • Invitations to special receptions with Bobcat families, President Olian, and university leadership

  • Ambassadors for new Bobcat families, and promote parent involvement & support of university initiatives

  • Host or attend regional or on-campus events

  • Special Commencement benefits

Complete your application today

For more information on how to get involved, please contact:

Aimee Marcella
Director of development for parents and families

Learn more and get involved in Parents and Family Leadership Council

Additional Resources

Join the conversation

Parents of current students have created an independent Facebook group — Quinnipiac University Families Helping Families — designed to help other current parents and families.

Hamden Regional Chamber of Commerce launches app to showcase what is happening off campus

As you plan your visit to Quinnipiac, check out the recently launched Hamden community app, Hello Hamden This app features news, events and pertinent information about what is going on in the Hamden area. Download the app

 

Quick Links and Resources

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Explore our recommendations for what to do in the area, where to stay, places to eat and how to get here.

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