Division of Student Affairs and Alumni Engagement • May 2026
FAMILY ADVICE
Department of Orientation and Commuter Student Involvement
Summer Send-Off
As the Hurricane Family Connection takes a short break for the summer, we look forward to reconnecting with our returning students and families—whether at Commencement, Family Weekend, or even during a quick campus visit.
For our new Cane students and families, this is the start of an exciting journey! Throughout the summer, we’ll be connecting with you as we prepare to welcome you with our Cane Kickoff orientation program and move-in. Please know that our team is here to support you every step of the way—so if you ever need anything, we’re just a quick email or phone call away.
Family Weekend 2026
We are excited to welcome you to campus for Family Weekend 2026, taking place Thursday, September 24, through Sunday, September 27.
Family Weekend is an annual tradition that brings more than 5,000 family members to campus to spend meaningful time with their student while experiencing all that the University of Miami has to offer. From pep rallies and block parties to family receptions and campus traditions, the weekend is designed to help you feel even more connected to your student’s University experience, and what better way to do so than to cheer on the Miami Hurricanes football team as they take on the Central Michigan Chippewas on Saturday, September 26.
Family Weekend registration goes live on June 8 at 12 p.m. ET. As registration must be completed through your Proxy/Delegate Access account in CaneLink, we encourage families to create their account in advance so you’re ready when registration opens.
Believe it or not, summer 2026 is almost here—and we’re already getting ready for fall 2026!
If your student plans to receive financial aid for the 2026-2027 academic year, be sure they log in to the View Financial Aid portal regularly. If prompted, complete the e-Consent process—it’s quick and easy, and without it, they won’t receive important financial aid updates electronically. By checking the portal often, they’ll stay on top of any pending documents or messages, so they can take action right away. Learn more about e-Consent here.
Throughout the summer, Canes Central will be sharing important updates on billing timelines, financial aid deadlines, and more to help students and families have a smooth and stress-free start to the fall semester.
Pro tip: Take care of administrative tasks early to focus fully on classes once fall begins! Want to stay in the loop? Make sure to set up proxy access to receive updates and follow Canes Central on Instagram for key info and reminders.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Department of Wellness and Recreation
Staying Active and Connected Through Summer
Summer is an important opportunity for students to continue caring for their well‑being while maintaining routines that support balance and long‑term success. Staying engaged through Recreation and Wellness offerings will make it easier to stay active, connected, and grounded beyond the academic year.
Students are welcome to continue using the Herbert Wellness Center throughout the summer, including access to the fitness center, courts, pool, and complimentary group exercise classes. For students seeking additional guidance, personal training services remain available to support individual goals.
With fewer academic commitments and a quieter campus environment, summer can also be an ideal time for students to gain meaningful on‑campus work experience. These opportunities allow students to build professional skills and earn income while remaining connected to the University community.
By maintaining healthy habits over the summer, students often return for the fall feeling refreshed, confident, and prepared. Continued engagement in physical, social, and intellectual activities outside of coursework supports a smoother transition into the new semester and contributes to overall student well‑being.
FROM DR. WHITELY’S DESK
Senior Vice President for Student Affairs and Alumni Engagement
A Note from Dr. Whitely
As we come to the close of this academic year, we reflect on a truly significant moment in the University’s history—our centennial celebration. This milestone has offered an opportunity to honor our past while recognizing the accomplishments and growth of our students throughout the year.
For families of returning students, the summer months provide an important transition period. After a demanding academic year, students benefit from time to rest and reset. Summer can also be a valuable opportunity to build practical experience through internships, employment, research, or other meaningful activities that support their academic and career goals.
For those with graduating students, congratulations on reaching this important milestone. While their undergraduate experience is concluding, their connection to the University continues. Graduates are encouraged to stay engaged through alumni opportunities, including the Young Alumni Leaders Council and through their respective Canes Communities across the country or abroad.
Throughout the summer, the Division of Student Affairs and Alumni Engagement remains actively engaged in preparing for the upcoming academic year. This includes planning for Family Weekend 2026 and continuing efforts to support student success, well-being, and engagement.
If you or your student 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.
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.
Participants at the 11th annual Global Sport Industry Conference got a chance to hear from top leaders working in major sports, both locally and nationally.
Civil engineering students tested their design and racing skills in the “America’s Cup of Civil Engineering,” building and competing with a hand-built concrete canoe, advancing to the finals for the first time in school history.
The University of Miami earned a renewed Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, joining an elite group of institutions nationwide, recognizing its sustained commitment to community-engaged teaching, research, and partnerships.
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