Division of Student Affairs and Alumni Engagement • OCTOBER 2025
HONOR CODE
Dean of Students Office
Protect Academic Integrity, Encourage Ethical Behavior, and Foster a Climate of Fair Competition
Established in 1986 at the request of the Student Government, the Honor Code was made to protect the University’s Academic Integrity, encourage ethical behavior, and foster a climate of fair competition. The Honor Code was relevant then and is still relevant now, with the 2020 amendment and the creation of the Academic Integrity Policy (AIP). As a community, we pride ourselves on upholding academic integrity and ensuring each student receives the necessary resources to be successful here at the U through our Undergraduate Honor Council.
Often, students share that being stressed or overwhelmed is the leading cause of why a violation of the AIP occurred. As proud family members of a Miami Hurricane, three ways you can support your student on their journey of academic excellence are by emphasizing the importance of time management, asking for help where appropriate, and utilizing approved study resources offered here at the U. Those three tips, coupled with a good night's rest, will help us to move forward in building a strong academic community through honesty, responsibility, and integrity.
Starting college can be both exciting and overwhelming for students. Fortunately, the Camner Center for Academic Resources is here to support them every step of the way!
The Camner Center offers a variety of services designed to promote academic success, including peer tutoring for specific courses, and appointments with Learning Specialists who are trained to assist students with time management skills, organizational techniques, and test-taking strategies. Our services aim to guide students through both academic and personal challenges they may have at some point along their college journey.
Students can book peer tutoring sessions for courses they find challenging, and appointments with Learning Specialists to improve their overall academic skills, through Navigate. Appointments can be scheduled up to 24 hours in advance. However, since some courses are in high demand, we recommend booking as early as possible.
If students don't see a peer tutoring or Learning Specialist appointment that matches their availability, they can contact tutoring.arc@miami.edu or iliprogram@miami.edu.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Univeristy of Miami Police Department
Your Safety is Our Number One Priority
The University of Miami Police Department (UMPD) is committed to keeping our campus community safe. We operate 24/7, 365 days a year, including holidays. In an emergency, dial 911. For non-emergencies, dial 305-284-6666. Our police department is located at 5665 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, inside the Flipse Building.
Help us maintain a safe environment by following these tips:
Never leave personal property unattended.
Review the Micromobility Device Policy: no riding on sidewalks or pedestrian paths; park only at designated racks. Indoor storage/charging is prohibited. Register your device with UMPD to receive a free U-Lock. Learn more here.
Avoid “tailgating” into residential buildings—everyone must swipe in individually.
Stay alert to scams: don’t share your phone, buy from strangers, use gift cards as payment, or give personal info to unknown individuals.
If you see something, say something—call UMPD.
FROM DR. WHITELY'S DESK
Senior Vice President for Student Affairs and Alumni Engagement
A Note from Dr. Whitely
It has been an exciting couple of weeks at the U—from Family Weekend to ESPN GameDay—it is a great time to be a Miami Hurricane! While there has been much cheering around the football field, many students have had their first test, quiz, exam, or assignment for the semester. Now is the time for them to assess their study habits, time management, and discipline to ensure that they can achieve their goals. The variety of well-being resources and facilities can help to support these goals, including the Counseling Center and Herbert Wellness Center, as well as the Student Health Center, which even operates on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fall break,marking the middle of our semester, is just on the horizon. As family, it is important to remind our students about the necessity of rest. Rest does not always mean sleep; it can be activities that mentally recharge us and fill our cups up. That may involve getting outdoors, getting away from Miami, or something that helps to get your student’s mind temporarily off their schoolwork. It is important to remind them to take advantage of the opportunities that they have to take care of themselves, especially as the deadlines will get closer as we approach the end of the semester.
I hope that the semester continues to go well for your family and your student. If you ever need anything, please 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
Welcome Home
My name is Juan Laracuente, and I am on year number three at the U. As a former 7:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. high schooler, I never got involved. In fact, I was always trying to leave school. But the University sparked a new beginning; a different, motivated version of myself.
As a commuter, my college experience was a little different, but the events I attended made me optimistic. I found a tremendous sense of belonging through the people I met. Inspired, I tried my hand at leadership positions, working with Great Start and Orientation. Which is the most rewarding decision I have made to date. Leading taught me that the smallest gestures can impact you and others hugely.
Encourage your student to sign up for that student organization, attend that first meeting, and apply for that first position. The worst that can happen is they hate it, but they can always leave and find a new student organization. Remind them to never let a setback discourage them; it only adds to their character. Enjoy college and encourage them to write their own story.
Teacher Accelerator Program (TAP)
The Teacher Accelerator Program (TAP) offers non-education majors at the University of Miami a direct path into teaching. Students take a 3-credit course that builds classroom readiness and ignites a passion for education. Afterward, they join a paid Summer Training Program, earning $5,000 while gaining hands-on experience and expert instruction in teaching practices.
TAP removes key financial and logistical barriers by covering Subject Area Exams, fingerprinting, and Florida certification costs. Graduates are supported into full-time roles in public, charter, or private schools across Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.
This structured, supportive program turns academic success into a purpose-driven profession, equipping students with the credentials, experience, and mentorship to thrive as educators. TAP is now accepting applications for the 2025–2026 cohort. Encourage your student to apply today.
An Opportunity to Lead, Learn, and Serve
Career Coach Open Positions
The Career Coach Program empowers students to become peer mentors and campus leaders—helping others while preparing for life after college. Coaches guide fellow students through job and internship prep, develop key communication and leadership skills, and receive ongoing training and support.
This is a paid, on-campus position that builds confidence, purpose, and professionalism. Encourage your student to attend a required info session to learn more!
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.
Family Weekend at the University of Miami offered a chance for students to share the experience of college with their families. Over 1,900 families with more than 6,000 family members participated in the festivities throughout the three days.
Residential faculty offer students another academic support system within campus living spaces, and this year, there are several new faces on the team.
A University of Miami program empowers students by leveraging their own unique backgrounds and lived experience to better understand data in the era of algorithms and artificial intelligence.
This email was sent by Orientation & Commuter Student Involvement
Shalala Student Center
1330 Miller Drive, Suite 203
Coral Gables, FL 33146
