Thanksgiving Break! It’s almost here. There is much anticipation here on campus of time soon to be spent with family and friends away from the books, classes and the endless lists of things to be done. No doubt you are looking forward to spending some time with your student and catching up on the events of their lives.

As parents, we look for ways to connect with our kids and sometimes are unaware of what to ask specifically. Having been around this semester on campus, I have a few suggestions for conversation starters:

We have just finished mid-term and no doubt some are in a season of rejoicing and others are in a season of making adjustments to time spent in study in an effort to achieve their goals by semester end. If you have not asked about mid-term grades, it might be an opportune time. There are many resources on campus for assisting your student toward success. Encourage them to seek out those resources. Encourage them to persevere toward success and graduation. Your support and expectations can be powerful! The Kissinger Learning Center located in the lower level of the Nicholson Library can be a valuable learning resource. See www.anderson.edu/kissinger/services for more detailed information.

Spiritual Emphasis week brought a season of spiritual renewal and reflection for many on campus. Reconciliation week was not far behind and brought more challenges to our thinking and way of life. Ask about Bart Campolo, Rev. Suzanne Haley or Shane Claiborne. Many of us have been moved by dialoging with one another since they visited our campus and we look forward to what God has in store for us as a community. If you want to learn more firsthand, you will want to connect at www.anderson.edu/chapel/webcast.html.

In early October, we launched the Dreams, Discovery, Direction campaign to raise $110 million for endowment, buildings, and operating expenses. A video presentation of the various aspects of the campaign was played in chapel for students and faculty. Check the website at www.anderson.edu/campaign for the most up to date information on this incredibly exciting venture. The effects of this fund raising initiative are already being seen on campus in the increases to our endowment funds, development of the first phase of York Seminary Housing and planning for expansion of the campus through the acquisition of land.

Finally, we know that students succeed for two primary reasons. First, they are focused on a goal through declaration and pursuit of a major. If your student has declared a major and settled into a plan, ask how it is going. If the search and indecision still abide, there are resources on campus to assist. Encourage your son or daughter to visit the Career Resources Center on the second floor of Decker Hall. The second primary indicator of success is their connection with people on campus. Anderson University is a campus rich with community and opportunities for activity and service. If you sense your student is not connecting with faculty and other students, encourage their participation in campus events. Resident Directors and other staff in the student life arena would love to know of any concern regarding a student who is not feeling a part of the campus.

In this season of thanksgiving, we are thankful for many things. One of the most precious is the opportunity to walk with your student in their journey of Christian and Academic Discovery. We wish you a blessed and meaningful Thanksgiving holiday.

Sena K Landey
V.P. for Finance and Treasurer