This newsletter was sent via email on Monday, Dec. 19, 2022 to parents and families of Case Western Reserve University undergraduates.
Dear Case Western Reserve University families,
Final exams are over, and the end of the semester signals a period of much-needed rest and renewal for our students.
As your students return home for break, I hope you’ll consider the following for making winter break great. Special thanks to fourth-year computer science student Sarah Kugelmas for contributing to this list.
- Talk with your students about how their semester coursework went. Congratulate them on a job well done or help them make a plan for improvement. Academic resources like tutoring, time-management strategies, study habit techniques and other services are available through our Student Success office.
- Consider how your students’ new routines and independence might change their expectations while back at home. Talk to them about their experience and what they hope to get out of their break.
- Plan what you want to do with your student ahead of time and remember to build in downtime. Sleep and rest have an important effect on memory, concentration and mood. Remember, University Health and Counseling Services offer free and confidential support should your student need it.
- Help your student think about some of the important tasks they might need to take care of while at home. Maybe a license or passport is expiring soon. Maybe there are insurance documents to sign. Those items are all easier to do while your student is at home.
- Talk about the next time you will see your student. It will make the eventual goodbyes easier, and another break usually is not too far away.
I hope you’ll remember that we as a university are here to support you and your students. We are a community. We are a team. And we are delighted to have you as a member of the CWRU family.
Best wishes on a restful winter break!
Ben Vinson III
Provost and Executive Vice President
Why Study Abroad?
Study abroad is not only an exciting, world-expanding experiential opportunity, but it also boosts students’ intercultural competence, academics and employability.
Studies show that:
- 97% of study abroad students find employment within 12 months of graduation (compared to 49% of the general college population).
- Study abroad increases academic engagement: students see a rise in their GPA after a study abroad experience and are 19% more likely to graduate on time.
- 96% of study abroad alumni found that studying abroad increased their maturity and self-confidence.
Why study abroad at CWRU?
At Case Western Reserve University, approximately 1 in 3 students take advantage of studying abroad, and 100% of them highly recommend the experience to their peers. Study abroad students come from all fields of study:
- 43% of Weatherhead School of Management students
- 24% of Case School of Engineering students
- 39% of College of Arts and Sciences students
- 13% of Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing students
CWRU makes it easy as well:
- Funding: Students keep 100% of their aid and scholarships and are eligible for additional scholarships through CWRU and national organizations.
- Academics: Course transfers are approved in advance and establish major, minor, breadth or elective CWRU course articulations. Some disciplines have established preferred programs or created four-year plans that include a semester abroad.
- Personalized advising: Study abroad advisors meet individually with each student prior to selecting a program and discuss at their comfort level the student’s academic and personal goals, needs and preferences, identity abroad and more.
- Program experts: Study abroad advisors meet regularly with partner universities abroad to get updated information on academics, health and safety, and student support services and to maintain the close ties that help to advise students efficiently and effectively.
Interested in learning more? The Office of Education Abroad will provide a virtual session all about study abroad for incoming spring students and their families on Sunday, Jan. 8, at 8 p.m. EST. The link is coming soon, so stay tuned to ensure your student has the opportunity of a lifetime.
Important Dates
Spring semester:
- Jan. 16: Martin Luther King Jr. holiday
- Jan. 17: Classes begin
- March 13–17: Spring break
- April 3: Open registration for summer classes
- April 10: Open registration for fall classes
- May 1: Last day of classes
- May 2–3: Readings days
- May 4: Finals begin
- May 11: Finals end
- May 17-21: Commencement Week
University News
CWRU recognizes four Faculty Distinguished Research Award winners during Innovation Week
At Case Western Reserve University, faculty, staff and students are driven to create change through their work in creative and inspiring ways. During Innovation Week, the institution celebrated the spirit our faculty, staff and students bring to their research and other scholarly pursuits. In addition to a number of other campuswide recognitions, the week’s events included the celebration of a new group of Faculty Distinguished Research Award honorees: Youngjin Yoo, Suchitra Nelson, Arnold I. Caplan and Erkki Somersalo.
President Kaler announces two faculty strategy groups on research and technology management
President Eric W. Kaler recently announced two faculty groups that will advise inaugural Senior Vice President for Research and Technology Management Michael Oakes on the university’s research strengths and untapped potential. Importantly, these groups also will provide input on how to better meet faculty members’ research administrative needs. Each of the Faculty Strategy Groups on Research and Technology Management comprises related disciplines: one group includes members from engineering, physical and natural sciences, health sciences and applied social sciences; the other focuses on social sciences, humanities and performing arts.
Cleveland Foundation awards $400,000 in grants to Case Western Reserve University School of Law
The Cleveland Foundation awarded Case Western Reserve University two grants totaling $400,000 to help fund two initiatives geared toward racial and environmental justice at the School of Law. Both two-year grants will support the law school’s Environmental Law Clinic as well as the Criminal Sentencing Project. “These two projects exemplify one of the key goals of Case Western Reserve University School of Law—service to the greater Cleveland community—a goal which aligns perfectly with the mission of the Cleveland Foundation,” said Jessica Berg, co-dean of the School of Law.
Parents and Family Fund supports Case Western Reserve University whole-student experience
Case Western Reserve University’s Parents and Family Fund provides support to numerous student organizations and leadership programs that enhance student life, transforming a great education into a world-class experience.
Families who make a gift to the Parents and Family Fund can make an immediate and lasting impact on the lives of our students. Those who choose to make a gift at the $2,500 level or higher are invited to join the Parents Leadership Council, a dedicated group of CWRU parents and family members who seek to move the university forward by enhancing the student experience.