In This Issue
Helpful Links
Parent & Family Programs
For the Bold!
Against the backdrop of its iconic Wren Building, William & Mary publicly launched a $1-billion campaign, the most ambitious fundraising effort in the university's 323-year history.
Wellness Center
While plans to build an Integrative Wellness Center at William & Mary move forward this semester, several new and continuing efforts are underway to support students in strengthening and maintaining their mental health and overall wellbeing.
W&M Parents support scholarships with $1M commitment
The commitment will establish the Forsyth Family Scholarship Fund and support the William & Mary Scholars and William & Mary Scholars Undergraduate Research Experience (WMSURE) programs. It will also support Swem Library's Special Collections Research Fund. 
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Class of 2019
November 2015
Freshman Family Newsletter 
Dear Class of 2019 Families,

The Williamsburg air is crisp and cool, and the trees around campus have burst into a cacophony of beautiful colors. One of the highlights of this month is Thanksgiving Break, which takes place November 25-29 and is a great opportunity for students to relax, unwind, and visit their families before the end of the busy semester! However, if your student can't make the journey home for Thanksgiving Break, don't worry. All residence halls will remain open during this time.
  
We hope you enjoy the November updates below, and as always please be in touch with questions, concerns, or ideas!

Sincerely,
Greg and Lisa Packer P'16, P'19
pfcleadership@wm.edu 
Tribe in Action Externship Program 
The Tribe in Action Externship Pilot Program will take place during winter break, and students will have the chance to perform one-day shadowing opportunities in industries of interest to them. Students will have the opportunity to see what life in a potential career-field is like, and will also gain valuable networking skills and mentorship connections to important Tribe Families and Alumni. 
Haunted Hotel, Room Reservation Deposits and Thanksgiving Closing
The 3rd Annual Haunted Hotel event, hosted by Residence Life staff and Hall Council, took place last Friday. Over 150 people were in attendance. 

Residence Life would also like to inform parents that Room Reservation Deposits for 2016-2017 are being accepted beginning Monday Nov. 9th 2015. Additionally, the university will close for Thanksgiving Break, but the Residence Halls will remain open.
Alternative Winter Break Opportunities
Student-led groups partner with communities in Virginia and around the world to learn about and address important social issues through alternative winter breaks - all before classes even begin. Branch Out Regional offers three free trips January 16-18; National will offer one trip to Florida in early January; and seven international teams go global over winter break.  
Meals by the Dozen Program
This semester, the Office of First Year Experience is offering an opportunity for some members of the Class of 2019 to get to know their professors outside the classroom. Students enrolled in certain courses will receive an invitation to sign up for a catered meal with their professor, encouraging mentorship and positive faculty relationships! Email fye@wm.edu for more information. 
Study Abroad with W&M Faculty in Summer 2016!
Is your student interested in studying abroad this summer for W&M credit? Applications for W&M's 16 sponsored summer abroad programs open on Monday, November 9th, and Reves Summer Scholarship applications open the same day. Students interested in learning more can stop by the Summer Open House (11am-1pm on Wednesday, November 11th) or visit the Global Education Office during walk-in hours (11am-5pm Monday-Friday).  
DANCEVENT
Last month, the Dance Program in the Department of Theatre, Speech and Dance presented their annual DANCEVENT concert. Featuring choreography by W&M Dance faculty members Joan Gavaler, Leah Glenn, and Lauren Morris, this year's concert saw a mix of contemporary dances performed by faculty, guest artists, and members of the Orchesis Modern Dance Company. For more information about the event, check out The Flat Hat's review
The Haven Open House
On October 23rd The Haven celebrated its one year anniversary and hosted an open house for the William and Mary community. For the past year, The Haven has served as a confidential resource for advocacy, education, and acceptance to anyone impacted by sexual violence and harassment. If you would like to learn more about the program, please visit our website or email thehaven@wm.edu.
We want to hear from you!
You and your students are important to us. How can we better serve you? Please let us know if there's information you need or topics you'd like to see addressed.
Contact us at families@wm.edu.
During Family Weekend 2015 Parent & Family Council Co-Chairs, Julie Dobson '78 and Chet Thaker P'17, P'19, announced a goal to raise $1M for the Parent Fund this fiscal year. To date parents have raised over $260,000 to support the Parent Fund. Your gift, no matter the size, makes a significant impact on student life at the College on a daily basis. Help us reach our $1M goal!
 
Make a gift online today or visit our Ways To Give webpage.

Contact Us
William & Mary
P.O. Box 8795
Williamsburg, VA 23187