ANCHOR GUIDE

Division of Student Affairs1000 Holt Ave. – 2771 • Winter Park, FL. 32789-4499

rollins.edu/student-affairs

for Rollins Families

Dear Rollins Parents and Families,Welcome to #TARnation! On behalf of my colleagues and the entire Rollins College community, we are so excited to begin this journey of self-discovery, hope, and lifelong learning with your student and your family. The Rollins community is a special place, and we are honored to support you and your student.

We prepared this guide for two reasons. First, we deeply believe that parents and families are meaningful partners in the success of our students. We cherish our relationship with you, and we want you to have any information that might assist you in supporting your student. While this guide can never capture all of the offerings of the college, we hope that it offers enough information so that you can know who to contact if you or your student needs support.

Second, we want you to have the tools to have intentional conversations with your student. When I ask my elementary school age daughter how her school day was, she often answers with a one-word answer... “good,” fine,” or “okay.” I can never seem to get a sense of her day, unless I ask deeper questions! We want this guide to serve as a resource to you, so that you can ask those deeper questions, and continue the thoughtful conversations about their future that you all probably began as a family before college started. The guide is organized by month, so that you can get a general sense of what students are experiencing during the academic year. Our hope is for this guide to serve as an anchor that supports you and your family during this significant transition in your student’s life.

Finally, I want to leave you with some reflection questions that ground our work and care for students. I hope that our students think about these questions with every interaction, every class, every internship, and every activity in which they might participate.

Is there someone who encourages your development?

Do you have the opportunity to do what you do best every day?

How can we work together to ensure that the answer to these questions are both a resounding YES, by the time our students are graduating and pursuing their next steps in life?

Rollins educates students for global citizenship and responsible leadership, empowering graduates to pursue meaningful lives and productive careers. We want your student to be prepared to live, serve, and lead in our world with courage and joy. With your partnership, we hope to be thoughtful stewards of your student’s hopes and dreams.

Again, a warm welcome to #TARnation. We know you, your student, and your family will #FindYourAnchor here!

Fiat Lux,

Families make a positive difference and are important partners in the life of their college student. The more aware and informed you are of your student’s experience, the more effectively you can provide support and advice. We expect students to take college responsibilities seriously. We are here to mentor and guide students as they make decisions, academically and personally, that lead to a thriving life in college and beyond. Families can help students anticipate the new freedoms, growth, and responsibility one gains in college, and the Division of Student Affairs is here to be your partner.

#FINDYOURANCHOR

College PreparationBe prepared for changes. College is a time for transition, stirring up feelings of both excitement and anxiety for students and families alike.

Talk to your student about college life and encourage your student to review the Rollins website for important information, academic programs, campus events, and helpful resources.

Financial PlanMake a financial plan with your student and develop a budget. Be clear as to who pays for what (e.g. books, supplies, food, social life, and incidentals). Be sure to review the Financial Aid website for important deadlines and information.

Student EmploymentOn-campus jobs begin to be posted in mid-July. Students receive notifications about on-campus, part-time job postings via their Rollins email address from the Center for Career & Life Planning.

An important conversation to have with your student is the decision to disclose any academic, financial, or student conduct information to you through the Family Education Rights to Privacy Act (FERPA). For parents or other individuals to have access to education information, a student must complete the FERPA release that can be found in FoxLink through the Billing/Financial Aid tab.

JULY

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Family CommunicationCommunication with your student is important. Discuss keeping in touch and best ways to communicate with one another. Some families have designated times each week to Skype or call. Others might have designated times to check in by text. This is a good time to be clear about your shared communication expectations as a family.

Preparation for the Academic Year and Conversations about Academic GoalsStudents may be challenged academically in different ways than in high school, or may be undecided about their major. Talk to your student about plans for the academic year, and about being fully registered for classes for the fall semester. The drop/add period for fall begins the first week of classes.

Additionally, if needed, encourage your student to contact the Office of Disability Services for accommodations.

Two significant character strengths that are predictors of well-being are gratitude and love of learning. As your student transitions into college, think about ways that you and your student have time to share gratitude, and make time to engage in conversation with your student about the new experiences that are inspiring them in college.

AUGUST

Wellness and ThrivingPersonal well-being and safety for your student should be an important discussion throughout the year. Making good choices, having healthy relationships, and awareness that impaired judgment from intoxication can place one at a much greater risk for injury or harm are all important conversations to have with your student.

AUGUST

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Students can reach out to the Wellness Center if at any point stress, depression, life balance, relationship, or transition issues might get the best of them. The Wellness Center provides the following resources: flu vaccinations, general health checks, and some prescriptions, sexual health, and STD screenings, as well as counseling and psychological services. The Wellness Center can be reached at 407-628-6340.

SEPTEMBER

Student LifeAsk about how your student is acclimating to campus life in and outside of the classroom. Suggest becoming involved in student clubs and organizations, #FindYourAnchor programs, service, and leadership opportunities, or cultural, religious, or identity programs. Encourage your student to reach out to a peer mentor, resident assistant, explorations coach, faculty or staff member, to help get connected with student life opportunities.

For sophomore and junior students, application deadlines for study abroad opportunities are approaching. Encourage your student to attend the Study Abroad Fair which is held each September.

SEPTEMBER

Student SuccessCheck in with your student about classes. Are they having difficulty, or have they received an academic warning in one or more classes? Ask your student if they have connected with their faculty advisor or an explorations coach. September is the best time for students to be thinking about their academic goals, checking in with professors during office hours, and focusing on study and time management skills.

#FINDYOURANCHOR

Did you know that students are more likely to thrive in college if they feel that they have someone who cares about them as a person? We have a team to support your student during the transition periods in college. Our student & family care team helps with information and referrals to campus resources. For assistance, contact them at 407-646-2345 or care@rollins.edu.

OCTOBER

MidtermsMidpoint in the semester can be stressful for some students as they manage due dates of multiple assignments and tests. Midterms can be particularly stressful as students grapple with personal and academic expectations. The weight of midterms can cause some students to experience self-doubt, worry, and anxiety.

Ask your student about the challenges of their courses, academic expectations, and plans to manage their stress in a healthy way. Remind students about support offered by TJ’s Tutoring & Writing Center for academic help, the Wellness Center, or opportunities to connect student and family care, or a faculty member for assistance.

This month, remind your student that things do get better and consider sending a small care package or special communication from home!

Healthy Eating and RestAn important part of managing stress is eating well and getting rest. As part of your check in, ask your student if they’re eating well, and regularly. You can also consider asking about Rollins meal plan balances. Students who eat more frequently on or off-campus or purchase larger quantities of food may add funds to their TarBUC$ account at any time. Meal plan funds will transfer from fall to spring semester. Check in with your student again about healthy eating and meal plan funds in the spring semester.

#FINDYOURANCHOR

Fall break is scheduled for each October. No classes are scheduled because students deserve well-earned time off. Some students choose to leave campus, some stay, others participate in Immersion programs.

OCTOBER

Academic Advising and Career & Life PlanningRollins is committed to Career & Life Planning from orientation to graduation and beyond. Additionally, faculty advising for spring courses takes place in October. Chat with your student about their major or ideas of exploring a major, their spring course selections, and academic plans.

Specific to first year, transfer & sophomore students, the R-Compass Fair held in October provides an opportunity to explore information on majors, minors, general education Neighborhood offerings and services designed to integrate academics into career and life planning. Encourage your student to attend!

Additionally, in the fall and spring workshops are held by the Center for Career & Life Planning to help inform students on how to leverage their Rollins experience as well as learn more about Rollins career connections, career self-assessment opportunities, networking, resume writing, internships, career planning and employer event such as the Career & Internship Expo. The expo provides students opportunities to learn about internship and job opportunities as well as network with employers from diverse industries.

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At Rollins, we are fortunate to have a faculty advising system. Students are more likely to thrive when they have a faculty member who encourages them academically and gets them excited about learning.

NOVEMBER

Family WeekendHeld in November, Family Weekend provides opportunities to spend time relaxing with your student, visit with faculty members, become better acquainted with the Rollins community, and enjoy the beautiful fall weather in Central Florida. Be sure to make plans to attend!

Campus and Academic EngagementTalk with your student about their campus and academic interests. Ask if they’re considering a Winter Intersession course, a spring Immersion (alternative spring break), internship, collaborative scholarship with a faculty member, enrolling in Maymester courses, or signing up for formal recruitment to join a fraternity or sorority in the spring. Engagement in all of these opportunities are best supported by a conversation with families. Students receive campus email notifications of program details and deadlines during the fall semester.

Thanksgiving BreakThanksgiving break is a good pause before the semester ends and the exam period begins. Some students remain on campus so sending a care package can help your student feel connected to home during the holiday. Classes are not held the Wednesday before Thanksgiving so that students or families have time to travel.

DECEMBER

Preparation for Final ExamsStudents may consider TJ’s Tutoring & Writing Center appointments or utilize their professor’s office hours if help is needed preparing for final exams.

Study Abroad and International ProgramsFor students going abroad in spring or summer, December is a good time to check in to make sure your student is prepared and has completed the required steps for their upcoming experiences. Additionally, study abroad spring deadlines for summer and fall programs takes place in January.

Winter BreakThe winter break is a good time to check in with your student. Take some time to reflect on the semester. What was your student’s favorite conversation with a professor? What did your student learn about themselves that they did not know? What was a moment that brought them joy? Reflecting on the semester is a great way to bring closure to the term.

#FINDYOURANCHOR

After exams are completed, students typically begin to have a more balanced view of college life in that they feel more confident about their accomplishments and connectedness to the college experience.

#FINDYOURANCHOR

While Fraternity and Sorority recruitment, and Bid Day are exciting times, some students may not get offered a bid for membership to a fraternity or sorority. Have a conversation with your student about their recruitment intentions. If your student is not interested in FSL, or is interested in additional student life opportunities, Rollins offers a multitude of student organizations to explore.

JANUARY

Preparation for the Spring Semester and Discussion of Academic PlansJanuary is a great time to review academic strengths and opportunities, assess academic progress, and plan for the spring semester ahead. To start, early January is a good time to connect with the Office of Financial Aid for FAFSA information, and to review important spring and fall deadlines.

In regards to academic planning, Rollins offers a number of unique courses during our Winter Intersession. These classes meet for one week and allow your student to explore other disciplines or earn additional credit hours.

Add drop period for the spring semester begins the first week of classes.

FEBRUARY

Campus InvolvementAsk if your student has become involved with any campus diversity and inclusion programs, student organizations, or has considered peer educator opportunities (resident assistant, peer mentor, and international peer advisor programs). The Center for Inclusion & Campus Involvement, Center for Leadership & Community Engagement, Residential Life & Explorations office, and academic departments offer hundreds of engagement opportunities.

Student SuccessCheck in with your student about their spring academic progress. If your student is having difficulty, ask if they have received an academic warning. There is still time left in the semester to improve grades if your student connects with their faculty advisor or an explorations coach and focuses on study skills and time management.

If your student is interested in external competitive scholarships and fellowships such as Fulbright, Goldwater, or Boren awards and scholarships, now is a good time to meet with the Office of External & Competitive Scholarships for information, opportunities, and fall application deadlines.

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Students have a thriving experience in college and beyond when they engage in deep experiences like internships, study abroad, and student organizations that give them a strong connection to their passion.

FEBRUARY

Spring BreakFor spring break, students have options. Some students choose to stay close to campus or head back to their hometowns, while others take part in an alternative spring breaks or travel to beaches and unique destinations. Spring break is a needed pause in the semester and it requires planning and responsibility to ensure students safety.

Fox DayFox Day is an annual tradition established by Rollins’ 10th President, Hugh McKean, in 1956. Each spring, on a day deemed “too pretty to have class,” the president cancels all classes providing undergraduate students with a surprise day off.

MARCH

MidtermLike in the fall, the midpoint in the spring semester can be demanding for students. This time of the semester can cause some students to experience self-doubt or anxiety. Ask your student about the challenges of their courses, academic expectations, and plans to manage their stress in a healthy way. Remind students about academic support resources offered by TJ’s Tutoring & Writing Center, faculty advisors, or explorations coaches.

Advising and Maymester OpportunityAdvising for fall courses also takes place in March and provides students the opportunity to plan courses with faculty advisors and check in on their academic plans. During March, students can also register for Maymester courses which provides an opportunity to take courses during a four-week period to assist students in attaining their academic goals and fulfill graduation requirements. Maymester course costs are in addition to regular Rollins tuition and students enrolled in Maymester can live on campus.

MARCH

Prepare for Housing RegistrationMany students find that housing registration can be both a stressful and exciting time because they choose who they will live with and where they will live. Students who currently live on campus are able to select their housing for the following academic year by participating in housing selection in late March and early April.

At Rollins, housing selection order and times are calculated using the student’s GPA and number of credit hours completed. Families can aid in the process by encouraging their student to be flexible and to have multiple hall/room options prepared, just in case their first choice becomes unavailable.

#FINDYOURANCHOR

Students are encouraged to connect with the many campus resources that support the emotional, environmental, intellectual, social, spiritual, physical, and creative aspects of wellbeing. Opportunities include the Wellness Center, student and campus organizations, faith and identity based groups, rec. sports, and many other campus programs. Reminding students of resources can make a positive difference!

APRIL

CommencementBefore you know it, you will be talking with your student about commencement. For families of graduating seniors, be sure to visit the Rollins Commencement website for important planning information about this momentous day! Graduating seniors receive emails regarding graduation requirements, but also, encourage your student to be in close contact with their faculty advisor, the student & family care team regarding their graduation status, and their FoxLink commencement to do list.

Prepare for Final ExamsStudents should utilize the TJ’s Tutoring & Writing Center, and their professor’s office hours if help is needed preparing for final exams.

Exams End and Residence Halls CloseAfter final exams, residence halls close for the summer months. Students should make plans in advance for moving and for storage needs for the summer.

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The Division of Student Affairs staff works throughout the summer to be a resource for your student and family.

Our Commitment to a Healthy and Safe Campus Community

Community Standards & Responsibility (CSR)Students, like all of us, make mistakes. Through the Community Standards & Responsibility processes we hope to help students learn where they could have made different decisions and offer them strategies for making better choices should they face a given situation again. The CSR process plays an important role in a student’s education at the College – not just during their time as a member of the Rollins community, but also in life beyond Rollins.

The CSR office encourages students to talk with their parents or guardians when they find themselves in a tough situation that may involve a violation of college policy. As a reminder, it’s important to know that the CSR office is obligated to follow guidelines outlined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) when releasing information to parents or guardians.

If you have questions or concerns about your student throughout the year, please do not hesitate to contact the CSR office. While the staff may not be able to share specific information with you about your student, general information about the hearing process and suggestions for how to best support your student can be provided. The CSR office can be reached at 407-691-1337.

Campus SafetySafety on our campus is a top priority. The Office of Campus Safety at Rollins partners with community members on and off campus to provide a safe and secure environment through preventive patrol, emergency response, problem solving, programming, and activities on campus. Campus Safety strives to be a vital partner in the mission of the College by focusing on the well-being of students and supporting the campus community.

Rollins Campus Safety is open 24/7 with a dispatch officer always ready to take your call. Campus Safety can be reached at 407-646-2999.

Title IXRollins College is committed to creating and maintaining a safe, healthy, and respectful community in which students, faculty, and staff can work together in an atmosphere free of discrimination based on their sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. Sexual harassment, which includes sexual violence, is a form of sex discrimination. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1072 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any federally funded education program or activity. Rollins does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities.

Title IX protects female and male students, employees and visitors, including individuals that identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual and/or transgender. The Office of the Title IX Coordinator leads Rollins’ efforts to prevent and respond to sex and gender-based discrimination. Any member of the Rollins community who is affected by sexual misconduct, including harassment or violence is encouraged to immediately notify law enforcement and/or seek immediate medical attention. All individuals are encouraged to make a prompt report to the College that they the College can take appropriate action to eliminate the harassment, prevent its re-occurrence, and address its effects. Confidential support and assistance is also available on and off campus.

Reports can be filed directly with Campus Safety, the Title IX Coordinator, Community Standards & Responsibility, the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, or local law enforcement. Victim advocate resources and support as well as confidential counseling, health services, and support are available to all, in most cases, free of charge.

If you have questions or would like more information about Title IX, sexual misconduct or harassment, the Title IX Coordinator, Oriana Jiménez, can reached at 407-691-1773 or ojimenez@rollins.edu, The Title IX Cooordinator’s office is located in Warren Administration Building, Room 201. To view helpful resources on Title IX, visit rollins.edu/TitleIX.

CAMPUS RESOURCESIssue(s) Contact Phone

Academic issues (warnings, probation), advising, Academic Honor Code violations

Dean of A&SDean of CPSDean of Holt SchoolAssociate Dean of Crummer

407.646.2280407.646.2175407.646.2232407.646.2405

General student concerns, transition issues, leave of absences, return from leaves, referrals to campus resources

Dean of Students/Student & Family Care

407.646.2345

College bills, student accounts Bursar 407.646.2252

College meal plan purchases, R-Card & TarBUC$ account deposits

PCI Compliance & R-Card Coordinator

407.628.6300

Competitive scholarship and fellowship opportunities (e.g. Fulbright Awards, National Science Foundation Fellowships, Goldwater and Boren Scholarships)

External & Competitive Scholarships

407.646.2346

Disability and accommodation needs (physical, learning)

Disability Services 407.975.6463

Depression/anxiety; signs of alcohol and/or drug use; relationship problems; test anxiety; stress management; adjustment issues; suspected eating disorders/body image issues

Wellness Center 407.628.6340

Medical issues/health/wellness Wellness Center 407.628.6340

Financial aid and scholarships Financial Aid 407.646.2395

Housing and roommate issues, orientation, first year programs, Explorations coaching

Residential Life & Explorations 407.646.2649

Greek life on campus: fraternities and sororities

Fraternity & Sorority Life 407.646.1538

International student issues and concerns

International Student & Scholar Services

407.691.1158

Meal plan questions, dining options on campus, dietary needs

Sodexo/Dining Services 407.646.2671

On-campus employment, internship opportunities, career preparation, planning and guidance

Center for Career & Life Planning

407.646.2195

Packages, and mail services Post Office 407.646.2535

CAMPUS RESOURCESIssue(s) Contact Phone

R-Card (obtainment), parking, registering vehicles, safety concerns, 24-hr. emergencies

Campus Safety 407.646.2999

Sexual assault, harassment, and misconduct

Title IX Coordinator 407.691.1773

Study Abroad opportunities International Programs 407.646.2466

Student conduct issues Community Standards & Responsibility

407.691.1337

Student course registration, class scheduling, transcript requests, degree/enrollment verifications

Student Records 407.646.2144

Student leadership, service, and community engagement opportunities

Center for Leadership & Community Engagement

407.691.1250

Student organizations, diversity, and inclusion programs

Center for Inclusion & Campus Involvement

407.646.2624

Tutoring and writing consultancy with course material and/or papers

TJ’s Tutoring & Writing Center 407.646.2521

Division of Student Affairs1000 Holt Ave. – 2771 • Winter Park, FL. 32789-4499

rollins.edu/student-affairs