Summer Welcome Gatherings 2022

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Welcome to the Puget Sound Family! Summer Welcome Gatherings will be held across the country this summer to welcome the newest class of students and their families to the Puget Sound community. Hosted by current Puget Sound parents, these events may include attendance by other current students and parent, plus area alumni. Gatherings this year will be held in the following locations, register below for the details!

Seattle Area, WA - Sunday, June 26, 4 - 6 p.m.
South Bay Area, CA - Sunday, July 10, 3 - 5 p.m.
Honolulu, HI - Saturday, July 16, 2 - 4 p.m.
Los Angeles, CA - Saturday, July 16, 5 - 8 p.m.
Denver Area, CO - Saturday, July 23, 3 - 5 p.m.
East Bay Area, CA - Sunday, July 24, 2 - 4 p.m.
Tacoma, WA - Wednesday, July 27, 4 - 6 p.m.
Minneapolis, MN - Sunday, August 7, 3 - 5 p.m.
Portland, OR - Sunday, August 7, 3 - 5 p.m.

There will also be two Summer Welcome Gatherings via Zoom for those that may not be able to attend an in-person gathering. These sessions are intended for new parents and families to be welcomed into the parent/family community, ask questions, and connect with other families. While your student is welcome to join you, the gatherings are parent/family-focused.

Zoom Gathering #1 - Wednesday, July 20, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Zoom Gathering #2 - Tuesday, August 2, 4 - 5 p.m.

See you soon!

General Resources and Quick Reference for Incoming Families

Thank you for joining us for our New Families Virtual Summer Welcome Gatherings. We had a lot of fantastic discussion and dialogue. Below you will find a collection of questions and areas of interest we weren’t able to cover during our time together.

There is a parent-run Facebook page for parents and families that is a great place to ask questions and advice of other parents, with very quick responses. Search for "University of Puget Sound Parents Group" on Facebook.

You’ll see below some broad topics that cover a wider range of more specific questions, as well as more detailed questions. This Enrollment FAQ is a great resource for incoming students frequently asked questions. https://www.pugetsound.edu/admission/welcome/enrollment-faq

You can always reach out to the Office of Alumni & Parent Relations at parents@pugetsound.edu or 253.879.3245 with further questions. Follow our office on Instagram @upsalumniandparents.

2022-23 Academic Calendar	https://www.pugetsound.edu/academic-calendars/2022-23-academic-calendar
Academic Requirements	https://www.pugetsound.edu/academics/curriculum-graduation-requirements
Academic Resources and Support	https://www.pugetsound.edu/academics/academic-resources-support
Athletics	https://loggerathletics.com/
Counseling, Health, Wellness Services (CHWS)	https://www.pugetsound.edu/counseling-health-wellness-services
Dining Meal Plans	https://www.pugetsound.edu/student-life/dining/meal-plans
Employment & Career Resources	https://www.pugetsound.edu/student-life-0/what-do/seeking-part-time-job-during-college/resources-student-staff-members/student
The Expeditionary-Trip and Equipment Rental Center	https://www.pugetsound.edu/puget-sound-outdoors/expeditionary-trip-equipment-rental-center
Financial Aid	https://www.pugetsound.edu/admission/cost-aid/types-aid https://www.pugetsound.edu/admission/cost-aid/financial-resources
Greek Life	https://www.pugetsound.edu/student-life/activities/greek-life
Homecoming & Family Weekend	https://www.pugetsound.edu/alumni/events/homecoming-and-family-weekend
Housing Information	https://www.pugetsound.edu/student-life/housing
Logger Card	https://www.pugetsound.edu/loggercard/loggercard-policies-and-procedures
On-campus Student Clubs	https://www.pugetsound.edu/student-life/activities/clubs-activities
Outdoor Student Programs	https://www.pugetsound.edu/student-life/activities/outdoor-programs
Passages Orientation & Move-In	https://www.pugetsound.edu/residence-life/move https://www.pugetsound.edu/orientation-details
Student Accessibility and Accommodations	https://www.pugetsound.edu/student-life/diversity-belonging/accessibility-accommodations
Student Life and Community	https://www.pugetsound.edu/student-life/student-life-resources

More Specific Questions & Answers

Textbooks

Course books and materials can be purchased through the bookstore. There are used books for purchase but there may be limited supplies. If you order through an online retailer, make sure the IBSN number matches so that you’re getting the correct edition. Bookstore can be accessed here: https://bookstore.pugetsound.edu/

Choosing Courses & Advising

Incoming students will be assigned a class schedule for their first semester by their advisor. During Orientation, students will meet with their advisors and can discuss course selection and class schedule.
Information about academic support and resources can be found here: https://www.pugetsound.edu/academics/academic-resources-support

COVID-19 Protocols and Processes

The latest updates and information regarding COVID-19 protocols and guidelines can be found on the University’s “response to Covid-19” webpage: https://www.pugetsound.edu/emergency/university-response-covid-19
- Key information can be found here including: how to upload your student’s confirmation of vaccination, how to submit a waiver of vaccination exemption and related review process.
Questions about potential interactions and sharing of residence space between vaccinated and unvaccinated students can be directed to CHWS at chws@pugetsound.edu.

Health Insurance

It is important that students carry health insurance coverage. Many students have, or can obtain, health coverage through a parent’s or guardian’s policy. All students should: Remain or enroll under a parent/guardian policy (where feasible) or purchase an individual health insurance policy
If you are out of your normal health insurance service area, your health insurance policy may work differently than it would at home. Visit this page for more information: https://www.pugetsound.edu/counseling-health-wellness-services/costs-insurance/health-insurance-checklist and here: https://www.pugetsound.edu/admission/cost-aid/financial-resources/health-insurance-information
To consult with a broker, at no cost to you, Jeff Johnson has worked with many Puget Sound students and families over the years! He is a good resource for questions and options for insurance coverage applicable while students are in the State of Washington.

Homecoming & Family Weekend

Homecoming & Family Weekend 2022 will take place October 7-9, 2022 and is planned to be in-person and on campus.
Program highlights can be found here: https://www.pugetsound.edu/alumni/events/homecoming-and-family-weekend-2022 and registration opens in late August.

Passages Orientation & Move-In

Members of the Puget Sound Parents & Families Council invite the guests of new students to an Orientation Lunch and Info Sessions on Saturday, August 20. Please register if you would like to attend: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-families-friends-orientation-registration-377564514627
- There will also be an info table to answer any questions families may have at Wheelock Student Center from 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. that day. Stop by, pick up a nametag, enjoy complimentary coffee, and say hello!
Parents/Families are encouraged to say their goodbyes to their students on Saturday evening, August 20, or early the following morning. They have a full schedule thereafter!
As Orientation draws near incoming students will be able to view their detailed and personalized orientation schedule for Passages in the myPugetSound portal. Personalized schedules have been sent to students Puget Sound email accounts within the last few weeks.
The full Orientation schedule can be found here: https://www.pugetsound.edu/orientation-details/fall-orientation-schedule
There is a useful “what to pack” list here: https://www.pugetsound.edu/residence-life/move
Residence Life has floorplans of residence halls here: https://www.pugetsound.edu/residential-facility-floor-plans
The university does not offer rental of mini-fridges or microwaves. Best means of getting a minifridge would be at local Target, Fred Meyer, Lowe’s, et cetera, all in close proximity to campus.
You can find the recommended computer for your student here: https://www.pugetsound.edu/technology-services/help-support/purchasing-recommendations-and-discounts

Parking and vehicles on campus

All students who wish to park motorized vehicles in university parking facilities must register their vehicle/s with Security Services. For more information, visit here: https://www.pugetsound.edu/security-services/campus-parking-traffic-and-transportation-information

Storage

Residence Life is able to provide limited summer storage to students living on campus on a first-come, first-served basis.
Storage areas are designated in each community based on space and availability. Students using on-campus storage must agree to the terms of on-campus storage, acknowledging they understand the university is not responsible for the loss, damage, or theft of their stored belongings. An application is required to secure storage space. Applications will be approved on a rolling basis and until storage capacity has been reached.
More information can be found here: https://www.pugetsound.edu/residential-storage-information

Bikes on Campus

Each building has a bike storage area. Your student should ask an RA or a residence hall staff member where to find the space. U-bolt locks recommended.
There is a bike shop on campus that offers free bike repair service and education for students - only pay for new parts, used parts are free. https://www.pugetsound.edu/puget-sound-outdoors/bike-shop
Bicycles on campus should be registered. More information here: https://www.pugetsound.edu/puget-sound-outdoors-pso/bike-ski-shop

Study Abroad

Students most typically study abroad during their junior year.
More information can be found through the International Programs office: https://www.pugetsound.edu/international-programs/study-abroad

Thanksgiving Break:

Thanksgiving break covers: Wednesday, November 23—Sunday, November 27. Wednesday the 23^rd is considered a ‘travel day’ with no classes held.
The dorms remain open over the break but The Dining Hall closes at 3 p.m. on November 23 for the break.
The dates for Thanksgiving Break as well as the full academic calendar can be found online here: https://www.pugetsound.edu/academic-calendars/2022-23-academic-calendar

Fall Break:

Fall break is October 17-18.
Residence halls remain open along with Dining Services.

Summer Welcome Gatherings 2022

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