Division of Student Affairs and Alumni Engagement • MARCH 2026
FAMILY ADVICE
Money Management Program
Financial Responsibility
As parents and family members of University of Miami students, you understand that your Cane is making important life decisions every day—including how they think about and manage money. Unfortunately, social media often distorts financial reality, promoting quick wealth, influencer lifestyles, and risky habits that can shape unhealthy money mindsets.
At the University of Miami Money Management Program, we help students cut through that noise. We focus on building a strong, values-based financial foundation rooted in discipline, critical thinking, and long-term planning—not trends or online pressure. By teaching practical skills like intentional spending, purposeful saving, credit building, debt management, and investing, we empower students to make confident, informed choices.
More importantly, we help them reshape their money mentality—replacing fear, comparison, and impulse with clarity, patience, and strategy.
When students learn to think independently about money, they gain more than financial skills—they gain lifelong confidence and control.
We invite you to partner with us in guiding your Cane toward lasting financial independence.
Spring recess is just around the corner! While it might be tempting for students to delay their fall 2026 course planning until after the break, it is crucial to prepare. In mid-February, Cane Navigators began reaching out to students to schedule their fall 2026 advising appointments. During these sessions, Cane Navigators help students identify which courses to consider based on their remaining degree requirements. Since course availability may not line up perfectly, it’s wise for students to have both a plan A and a plan B for their schedules.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Dean of Students Office
A Spring Break Check-In
Spring break is a time for students to relax and recharge, and the Dean of Students Office is here to help ensure they do so while making responsible choices.
Whether your student is traveling or staying local, here are some ways to support their well-being, and have an open conversation with your student about their spring break plans and expectations. Show trust in their decision-making while reinforcing the importance of safety. If you’re unsure how to start the conversation, check out these conversation tips.
Additionally, It’s on Us and our Title IX Office have resources and important safety and consent tips to share with your student:
Encourage Conversations About Consent and Respect in Sexual Relationships
Remind your student that consent must be clear, mutual, and ongoing, and that alcohol or drugs can impair someone’s ability to give consent for sexual activity.
Encourage them to respect boundaries and look out for friends in social settings.
Remind students to always have protection with them (e.g., condoms) to help ensure safe sex.
Be understanding that not everyone participates in sexual activity, but it is often a part of young people’s college life experience.
Support Smart Travel Planning
Suggest going out in groups and having a buddy system.
Remind them of Available Help
Let your students know they can always call you or the University for support—without fear of judgment.
Senior Vice President for Student Affairs and Alumni Engagement
A Note from Dr. Whitely
Spring Break is right around the corner, and for many of our students, it represents a mix of excitement, freedom, and well-earned time away from classes. Whether they are traveling, staying in Miami, or simply catching up on rest, this break is often one of the first extended periods where students make most of their own decisions without the structure of daily coursework. It can be a meaningful opportunity for them to practice personal responsibility in real and lasting ways.
As students prepare for this time away, it’s helpful to remind them that their choices matter—to their safety, their academics, and their overall well-being. Encouraging them to plan ahead, communicate their travel plans, manage their finances, and look out for friends reinforces skills they will continue to use long after Spring Break ends. I will be sending students a message later this month about exploring Miami safely. Some resources can be found at the Sandler Center. While enjoying themselves, students should also remain mindful of University policies, local laws, and the importance of making decisions that align with their values and goals.
Spring Break can also serve as a reset. Students who balance fun with rest, reflection, and preparation often return more focused and motivated for the remainder of the semester. A simple check-in from you, asking how they plan to spend their time or what they hope to accomplish after the break, can go a long way in reinforcing independence while showing continued support. We look forward to welcoming our students back recharged and ready to finish the semester strong.
Dr. Patricia A. Whitely began her service as Senior Vice President for Student Affairs and Alumni Engagement in 1997. She is an adjunct faculty member in the School of Education and Human Development. Dr. Whitely oversees facilities, services, and programs that support students, families, and alumni, including residential life, leadership development, service learning, orientation, student organizations, student activities, student facilities, student counseling, Greek life, the Dean of Students Office, the Camner Center for Academic Resources, Canes Central, and Alumni Engagement.
STUDENT VOICE
Department of Orientation and Commuter Student Involvement
Student Note
Hi Canes,
Spring semesters often get busy but also prove incredibly progressive for the future careers of your student. My Spring 2024 semester was especially challenging.
At the time, I was taking 15 credits, which was more than the 12 credits I normally took. Juggling five classes, several campus involvements, hobbies, and a job became very tiring. Pretty quickly I hit a wall.
But then I started finding solutions in my failures. Failures that would teach me where I should divert most of my time and energy. I also learned to plan my days.
I quickly found myself taking every day one job at a time. I consistently began making time to study. But most importantly, I learned to start saying “no” to things I wanted and “yes” to things I needed.
In the end I came out of that semester passing my classes with A’s and B’s. The truth is your student will run into a wall. They just need to learn to push through! Good luck to them this semester.
Go Canes!
Juan Carlos (JC) Laracuente is a commuter student at the University of Miami, currently in his junior year pursuing a degree in Journalism with aspirations to enter motorsport through sports journalism. He is an active member of the UM community, serving as a Great Start Staff member and Orientation Leader with the Department of Orientation and Commuter Student Involvement. JC also works as a Student Onboarding Assistant at the Herbert Wellness Center and has been involved with the Association of Commuter Students, where he previously served as Co-Athletic Chair.
RESOURCE GUIDE FOR FAMILIES
Produced by Orientation and Commuter Student Involvement, the Family Resource Guide is designed specifically for families of current undergraduate students and includes a variety of resources for academics, student life, campus safety, and other critical resources.
FAMILY COMMUNICATIONS
Spring 2026 Commencement: If your student graduates in May 2026, you are encouraged to join the Commencement listserv. This will allow you to receive information sent to graduates, including deadlines and the most up-to-date information for Commencement.
