Division of Student Affairs and Alumni Engagement • January/February 2026
ON-CAMPUS HOUSING AND EMPLOYMENT
Department of Housing and Residential Life
On-Campus Housing for 2026-2027
To learn more about the application and room selection processes, details are available on Housing & Residential Life’s website.
Apply for HRL Student Employment
If your student is interested in becoming a Security Assistant or Desk Assistant for the Spring 2026 semester, more information is available here. Applications remain open year-round, and students are reviewed as needed. We have already begun recruiting for our Fall 2026-Spring 2027 Resident Assistant and First-Year Fellow positions. If these are positions your student is interested in, they should always check our website during the beginning of the fall semester for the academic year.
As Canes progress through their academic journeys at the University of Miami, their interests and goals often become more clearly defined. With this growth comes the opportunity to pursue new academic challenges in the Office of Academic Enhancement that may not have been available at the time of admission.
Students may now apply to the Foote Fellows Honors Program after enrolling at the U, an opportunity that was previously available only at the time of admission. The Foote Fellows Honors Program recognizes high-achieving students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, independence, and a strong commitment to academic excellence. Foote Fellows benefit from increased curricular flexibility and the ability to pursue advanced coursework, research, and creative or interdisciplinary projects tailored to their academic interests.
Because the Foote Fellows designation is housed within each school and college, the application process and eligibility criteria vary across academic units. Students interested in applying should contact their individual school or college to learn more about specific requirements and timelines.
If your Cane is seeking additional academic engagement or looking to further customize their University of Miami experience, encourage them to explore the Foote Fellows Honors Program.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Department of Wellness & Recreation
New Year, Stronger You
As the new year begins, it’s a great opportunity to refocus on your health and well-being. Creating small, intentional habits can help you stay energized, balanced, and prepared to thrive both academically and personally. Starting healthy routines early in the semester builds a strong foundation for long-term success.
Here are a few ways to prioritize your well-being this semester:
Stay Active.
Regular movement supports both physical and mental health. The Herbert Wellness Center (HWC) offers a spacious fitness facility, group fitness classes, and a variety of recreational activities. Students can also take advantage of the CHAMP assessment to evaluate their fitness level and track progress—making it a helpful tool for beginners and experienced exercisers alike.
Protect Your Peace
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as physical wellness. Managing stress through mindfulness practices such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can improve focus, mood, and overall well-being. The HWC offers yoga and meditation classes,as well as a relaxation space you can reserve. This quiet area is located on the 2nd floor of the HWC and is designed for meditation, reflection, or simply stepping away from the busyness of the day. The relaxation chair is a heated sensory chair that allows you to choose calming scents and immersive visual settings—such as a beach, rainforest, or open field, so you can unwind in the environment that feels most relaxing to you.
Eat Well, Feel Well
Balanced meals and snacks help maintain energy and concentration throughout the day. For healthy, dorm-friendly recipe ideas, follow @umstudenthealth on Instagram. Remember to stay hydrated, eat a nutritious breakfast, and practice mindful eating to support both your physical and mental performance.
FROM DR. WHITELY’S DESK
Senior Vice President for Student Affairs and Alumni Engagement
A Note from Dr. Whitely
Happy New Year! I hope that you and your family have had a wonderful start to the semester. The Miami Hurricanes have certainly kept the excitement up as they have progressed through the College Football Playoffs! I hope that you and your family join us to cheer as they compete in the College Football Playoff National Championship on January 19 at 7:30 p.m.
With this strong start to the year, we are reminded that the new year presents a good time to assess what worked last year and develop a plan for our future goals. This is where strategic planning can really come into play. Many of us think of strategic planning as something for our business life, but it can be equally applied to our personal lives and the lives of our students. Our students may have immediate goals, like preparing for an upcoming assignment, studying for an exam, or working on a team project, but they also have the long-term goal of landing a job post-graduation. As a parent, you can help your student to think about their internships, classroom experiences, research involvements, leadership experiences, and personal life as essential parts of their own life strategic plan. Adopting a strategic way of thinking now can help them be prepared to make tough decisions throughout their lives as they continue on the path to success.
Reflecting on my experience with students through the years, I have found that those who develop a plan, not just for each semester but for their long-term goals, find success the most effectively. Our student leaders are often doing this and can be reliable mentors to help new students develop their own pathways. As I consider the spring, this semester can often feel even busier for our students. Their ability to rely on you for guidance and support always makes a huge difference in their success. Thank you for your constant partnership through their high and low moments.
I hope that the new year treats you and your family well. Do not hesitate to reach out if you or your student needs anything.
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
Happy New Year, Canes! I hope the start of 2026 brought time to recharge, reflect, and set intentions for the semester ahead. As we welcome our newest Canes through Spring Cane Kickoff, it is inspiring to watch them take their first steps toward finding their own sense of belonging here at the University of Miami.
As I begin my sixth semester at the University, I have realized how much this campus has become part of my everyday life. What started as a place to attend classes has grown into a space full of people, routines, and experiences that have shaped who I am today. From joining organizations to forming friendships that extend beyond the classroom, UM continues to challenge me to grow, adapt, and find confidence in myself.
Some of the most meaningful moments are not planned. They happen when you take advantage of what the University has to offer. I encourage all students to embrace every opportunity, explore what excites them, and create memories that will last long beyond graduation. Go Canes, and best wishes to you and your student as they continue this journey here at the U!
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 Vice President 1 of the Association of Commuter Students. She also works as a Student Assistant for Law Alumni & 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
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.
From a 100th birthday celebration to a record-breaking fundraising initiative to the excitement of ESPN’s “College GameDay” airing live from campus, the University of Miami experienced one of the most historic and memorable years in its century of existence.
What two University experts and a student-athlete want students to know about managing stress, taking care of themselves, and building a stronger sense of well-being.
A new program at the School of Communication is giving students hands-on experience developing and producing podcasts that will be published by Telemundo Studios.
An effort led by the University of Miami Global Institute for Community Health and Development is sending doctors and guidance to the island nation in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.
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