Division of Student Affairs and Alumni Engagement • NOVEMBER 2025
FAMILY ADVICE
Department of Orientation and Commuter Student Involvement
Returning Home for Thanksgiving Break
As Thanksgiving break approaches, students and families look forward to a meaningful (and sometimes busy!) time together. After months of independence at college, your student may return home with new routines, habits, and perspectives that influence how they navigate being back home.
Open communication can make all the difference. Take the time to talk in advance about expectations, responsibilities, and how everyone hopes to spend the week. Keep in mind that Monday, November 24, will be a remote/online class day, so your student may still have coursework or virtual meetings to complete.
As you welcome your student home, remember that the week may look a little different than in previous years. A little flexibility goes a long way! Try balancing planned family traditions with opportunities for your student to rest, reconnect, and recharge, especially with finals just around the corner. With patience, understanding, and open dialogue, the Thanksgiving break can be a time of genuine connection and gratitude.
Wishing you and your student a refreshing and pleasant Thanksgiving Break!
Entering its third year, the Veterans Resource Center (VRC) provides support to student veterans as they transition from military service to campus life. The VRC connects student veterans and military-connected students with academic and other resources through collaborative programs and engagement with campus partners and alumni.
President of the Veteran Students Organization (VSO), Chris Gutierrez, reflects on how the VRC has helped him while at the U: “Thanks to the Veterans Resource Center, I’ve built a network of fellow veterans and alumni who continue to guide and support my path toward graduation.”
November is always a busy month for the VRC!
On November 7, we will have the Veterans Rally Point and Networking Reunion to celebrate Alumni Weekend and Homecoming. The VSO and VRC will co-host a Veterans Appreciation Day event on November 11 on the Coral Gables campus. There is also the Salute to Service: Veteran Appreciation Breakfast on November 14 and a Veterans Day Ruck hosted by the University of Miami Air Force ROTC program on November 15.
For more details and to stay connected, follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn!
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Counseling Center
Checking on Your Student’s Emotional Well-Being
Families may not always know where they fit in once their students head off to college. While your students’ needs have changed, they haven’t disappeared. As you navigate communication with your college student, don’t be afraid to ask them directly what they need. Clarifying whether they are looking for advice or simply need a space to talk is an effective way to show your support.
Just because you’re not hearing from your student doesn’t mean they don’t want to hear from you. A short text to say, “Thinking of you,” can be a comforting reminder that they’re not alone. Students can easily get caught up in campus life; small gestures from home can help them feel connected.
Many students encounter common struggles during college, including academic pressure,
homesickness, social challenges, anxiety and depression, and uncertainty about the future. Even when students don’t explicitly express these concerns, they may still be trying to make sense of them. Being available to listen—without rushing to “solve” everything—can be meaningful.
Family members don’t need to be therapists to offer support. However, if it becomes clear that your student could benefit from professional help or resources, encourage them to connect with the University of Miami Counseling Center at counseling.studentaffairs.miami.edu or at (305) 284-5511.
Your encouragement in seeking help can play a crucial role in allowing them to take it.
FROM DR. WHITELY’S DESK
Senior Vice President for Student Affairs and Alumni Engagement
A Note from Dr. Whitely
Happy Homecoming! We are excited to celebrate our Centennial Homecoming this month. This celebration will feature a week of engaging activities for our students, culminating in our iconic Boat Burning and Fireworks! If you are in the Miami area on November 7, I encourage you to join our celebration.
Throughout this month of November, I am reminded of my deep gratitude for you, our parents and family members. Thank you for your consistent partnership. Your unwavering support of our students throughout their time at the University of Miami enables them to seek out learning, try new experiences, and grow throughout their time in college.
Our students are nearing the closure of the semester. Course registration for spring will begin this week. Students have been encouraged already to meet with their Cane Navigator to ensure that they are selecting classes that support their plan to graduation. Following course registration, students should develop a plan for their final exams, projects, and assignments. Upon the conclusion of the Thanksgiving holiday, there are only two days of classes before final exams.
Our residential faculty will hold review sessions for large courses, such as biology and chemistry. I highly recommend that you encourage your student to attend “Finish Strong” review sessions for courses they are enrolled in. Commuter students are welcome and encouraged to attend. Information about this program will be shared with your student’s University of Miami email address and made available through digital signage around campus.
If your family celebrates Thanksgiving, I wish you a peaceful holiday. If you ever need anything, do not hesitate to reach out.
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!
Homecoming season is one of the most special times to be a Miami Hurricane. From the moment the decorations go up and activities begin across campus, there is a sense of excitement that fills every corner of the U. Whether it is cheering under the Friday night lights, joining friends for the parade and fireworks, or seeing alumni and families return to campus, Homecoming reminds us all of what it means to be part of the Canes family.
This year’s theme, Stand Forever, feels especially meaningful as we celebrate the strength and unity that define our community. It reflects the pride that connects generations of Hurricanes and the traditions that continue to shape who we are. No matter where we come from or how we found our place here, Homecoming reminds us that we are all part of something lasting, a community that stands together through it all.
As we move through the rest of the semester, let’s carry that same spirit of pride, connection, and Cane love with us. Wishing you a joyful Homecoming, a strong finish to the semester, and a happy holiday season with those you love.
Go Canes!
Adrianna Zambrano is a junior pursuing a triple major in Political Science, Criminology, and Sociology with a minor in History. She is a commuter student from Miami, FL. On campus, she serves as a Transfer Assistant in the Department of Orientation and Commuter Student Involvement, as the Great Start Recreation Chair, and as the Vice President 1 of the Association of Commuter Students. She also works as a Student Assistant for Law Alumni and Community Relations.
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
Fall 2025 Commencement: If your student graduates in December 2025, 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.
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