Beyond your student’s core classes and major requirements, there are many other class offerings available that can help them develop leadership skills and prepare for internships and future careers. Check out these exciting additional classes being offered during the Fall 2020 semester and encourage your student to register!

Leader Certificate Program for Fall 2020

Has your student considered registering for a Fall Semester leadership course in the Franz Center Leader Certificate Program? Our world needs people like your student to make a positive impact through their leadership in local, national, and global issues. Courses are 1 credit and meet once per week in the fall. All students can register for the first course in the program (LDR 225: Foundations of Leadership), and all majors are welcome!

Students who enroll in the Leader Certificate Program receive priority in the RA selection process with Residence Life! Students who enroll in the Leader Certificate Program (by taking LDR 225) also receive priority in the selection process for the popular Global Perspectives on Leadership course (most recently traveling to amazing locations like New Zealand).

Students can learn more or contact Dr. Dave Houglum at houglum@up.edu with questions.

CAS 197: Internship & Career Preparation

Fall 2020: Mondays, 5:45–6:40 p.m.

Did you know that applied and project-based experiences, particularly internships, give students an edge with employers after graduation? Recent surveys show that 60% of hiring managers are much more likely to hire a recent graduate with internship experience on their resume. Internships give students valuable experience and help them develop skills employers are looking for! 

In this class, we’ll cover the career planning process including self-exploration, occupational exploration, internship planning, and how to conduct a job search. After taking the course, students will be better prepared to make informed career decisions and to locate satisfying internships or positions after graduation. Assignments include working on career materials to apply for future internships and/or jobs, such as a resume, cover letter, and a professional brand online (LinkedIn). Any student interested in completing an internship or expanding their career development should register for the course. Students who want to complete their internship for credit this summer should contact Elizabeth Jones, CAS Academic Internship Coordinator, at jonesel@up.edu. 

CAS 291 Career Planning + Life Design

Fall 2020: Wednesdays, 5:45–6:40 p.m.

CRN 11451

It might be difficult for your student to know when or how to start navigating the big questions surrounding life after UP. They might be unsure about their major, or even how their major connects to career options. This class offers the tools and community to explore ideas and develop a creative, proactive approach to career and life planning. If students have any questions or if they have difficulty registering, they should reach out to Chelsea Chase at chase@up.edu.

While many students will be on break from classes this summer, UP offices are still open for business, even if virtually! Most offices are “open” all summer and happy to speak with students via phone, email, and even Microsoft Teams regarding academic planning, career planning, or other topics. In fact, it may be smart to tackle some questions or conversations over the summer while these offices are quieter, rather than waiting until the first week of the fall semester.

Below are a few items to consider!

Career Exploration

• The Career Center is here to help if your student needs assistance searching for a job, networking or navigating LinkedIn, preparing for an interview, negotiating a job offer, or chatting about graduate school. They are available virtually by phone or video chat. Check out their virtual services page for action steps and resources. The Career Center serves both students and alumni! It’s never too early or too late to connect to the multitude of resources they offer. Students can continue to schedule their appointments throughout the summer via Handshake.

Class Schedule or Major Discussions

• Is your student wanting to speak to someone about their schedule or major? They can always contact their school or college directly with questions.
• Fall class registration will be open through the first week of classes! Schedules change and certain classes may open up over the summer. Every year, the University needs to plan for the incoming first-year class, and one of the requirements is that there are spaces saved for new students arriving in the fall. Last year, there were over 4000 spaces reserved in several subjects for the class of 2023. After registration for the incoming first year students is complete, those first-year restrictions are “removed” – usually on August 1. On this date, there are usually no spaces open, but as students decide to cancel their fall registration, spots will open up in these classes.
• For students who want a class that is currently unavailable, it is recommended that they store their PIN for registration somewhere that is easily accessible. That way if a spot opens up in August, students don’t have to track down their advisor to get their PIN in order to access the registration portal and make changes to their schedule. Waitlists may also be available online through Self-Serve for certain classes that have filled. Encourage your student to explore these options.
• In general, if students have questions regarding classes, it is best that they go through their school or college and speak with their Program Counselor or academic advisor. If a student has bigger questions or doesn’t know where to go, they can always start with the Shepard Academic Resource Center.

Tutoring

• Some tutoring will be offered during the summer, so please visit the Shepard Center’s Learning Commons website for up-to-date schedules and offerings.

Connecting with the Pilot Network

• Summer is the perfect time for utilizing Switchboard! No matter where students live, they can connect to Pilots through UP’s online community. Many students reach out to alumni for advice on graduate school, finding a place to live, or advice in a particular field of work. Students can sign up here.

Do you have further questions about UP during the summer months? Contact the Office of Alumni & Parent Relations, and we would be happy to direct you to the appropriate office or resource on campus!