If your student attends UC San Diego or another University of California campus, money should not stand the way of their success. UC's new Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan will cover a student's system-wide fees for California residents whose family earns less than $70,000 a year and qualifies for financial aid. Blue and Gold students with sufficient financial need can qualify for even more grant aid to help reduce the cost of attending. The Blue and Gold Opportunity plan is not just for incoming students - it is for all students enrolled at UC campuses. Read more information about the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan.

H1N1 Flu Update

The H1N1 vaccination is now available at the Student Health Center for any student who would like to be immunized. There is a $10 fee, and students may come to the Nurses Clinic without an appointment on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays from 8:00 - 11:00 am and 1:00 - 3:30pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 - 11:00 am and 1:00 - 3:30 pm.

Dr. Regina Fleming, Medical Director of the Student Health Center reports that although fewer students have been coming in for care of influenza-like illness over the past few weeks, the infection still exists in the community and can cause serious illness. Students are being asked to continue to follow all infection prevention precautions, including hand washing, staying away from others when ill, and seeking medical attention if they become ill with flu and have a high-risk condition.

If you or your student have questions regarding the H1N1 vaccination or the flu, see the Student Health Service Web site or contact Student Health Service by calling (858) 534-3300.

Summer Session 2010

It is not too early to be thinking about summer! The Summer Session Web site has a preliminary list of class offerings for Summer 2010. If you have any questions regarding Summer Session or potential courses, please contact summer@ucsd.edu.

Commencement 2010 Information

Commencement dates for 2010 have been announced. Please note Commencement ceremonies will take place according to the following schedule:

Saturday, June 12, 2010, 8:00 am – Thurgood Marshall College
Saturday, June 12, 2010, 1:00 pm – Revelle College
Saturday, June 12, 2010, 5:00 pm – John Muir College

Sunday, June 13, 2010, 8:00 am – Earl Warren College
Sunday, June 13, 2010, 1:00 pm – Sixth College
Sunday, June 13, 2010, 5:00 pm – Eleanor Roosevelt College

In addition to these undergraduate Commencement ceremonies, the following graduate ceremonies will also take place during the same weekend:

Saturday, June 12
10:30 am - Graduate Studies, RIMAC arena

Sunday, June 13
10:30 am - The School of International Relations and Pacific Studies (IR/PS), Institute of the Americas Plaza
3:00 pm - Rady School of Management, Rady School Plaza

More information on Commencement is available on the Current Students Commencement Web site or the Parent & Family Programs Commencement Web site.

Commencement 2010 Hotel Information

Parent & Family Programs has worked with surrounding hotels to negotiate the following rates specifically for Commencement weekend:

Hilton San Diego/Del Mar

15575 Jimmy Durante Boulevard

Del Mar, CA 92014

(858) 764-6043

Be sure to reference: UCSD Parent & Family Programs

Rate available: $89 (Standard Deluxe King, Queens, plus taxes)

For direct access to the special rate: Click Here

San Diego Marriott Del Mar

11966 El Camino Real

San Diego, CA 92130

1-800-228-9290 or (858) 523-1700

San Diego Marriott Del Mar Web site

Be sure to reference: UCSD Commencement 2010

Rate available: $114.00 (Single or Double, plus taxes), Thursday 6/10/10 - Monday 6/14/10

Rooms must be reserved by Wednesday, May 12, 2010

San Diego Marriott La Jolla

4240 La Jolla Village Drive

La Jolla, CA 92037

1-800-228-9290 or (858) 453-4420

San Diego Marriott La Jolla Web site

Be sure to reference: UCSD Commencement 2010

Rate available: $139.00 (Single or Double, plus taxes), Thursday 6/10/10 - Monday 6/14/10

Rooms must be reserved by Wednesday, May 12, 2010

La Jolla Shores Hotel

8110 Camino Del Oro

La Jolla, CA 92037

1-866-392-8762

La Jolla Shores Hotel Web site

Be sure to reference: UCSD Commencement

Rates available: See below

Weekday Rates: (Monday 6/7/10 – Thursday 6/10/10)

Garden View - $179, Coastal View - $219, Beach Front - $279

Weekend Rates: (Friday 6/11/10 – Sunday 6/13/10)

Garden View - $199, Coastal View - $239, Beach Front - $279

The most up-to-date list of hotels in the area offering a special rate for Commencement as negotiated by Parent & Family Programs can be found on the Parent & Family Programs Commencement Web site.

2010 Silk Road to the Future China Trip

The 2010 Silk Road to the Future China trip for faculty, staff, students, family members, and alumni offers an extended excursion to Hong Kong! If you have never seen the city, Hong Kong is a majestic string of islands and harbors that take your breath away. This is the best possible year to visit China as trip prices are low as is tourist traffic! Spouses, significant others, and immediate family members of faculty, staff, students and alumni are invited to participate. This year's trip theme is Beijing's Green Agenda: A Better City, A Better Life! The "Silk Road to the Future" trips are sponsored by The Legends of China Foundation, a non-profit cultural organization based in Los Angeles and Beijing, China, in cooperation with UCSD and other UC/US campuses. A brief description of trip options are listed below and are also explained in greater detail at the Legends of China Web site:

TRIP A: Beijing - Climb the Great Wall, explore the Forbidden City and the Emperor's Summer Palace, visit the site of Beijing's Olympic Games and Tianmen Square, tour Qinhua University and Beijing's Silicon Valley Green Park, shop at a traditional herbal medicine pharmacy and the Silk Market, and take part in the famous Silk Road to the Future Banner Presentation Ceremony (approximate dates, July 17-23) for $1368*

TRIP B: Beijing and three additional South China cities - Shanghai, Hangzhou, & Suzhou (approximate dates, July 16-25) for $1766*

TRIP C: Beijing and four other cities - Xi'an, Shanghai, Hangzhou, & Suzhou. Xi'an - First Emperor's Tomb excavation of the Terra cotta Soldier Army (approximate dates, July 15-26) for $2368*

TRIP D: Beijing and three other Chinese cities plus Hong Kong Xi'an, Shanghai, Suzhou - See the amazing mountains and rivers of China, and Hong Kong, one of China's historical economic and trade ports (approximate dates, July 15-26) for $2580*

Round-trip airfare from LAX is included (SFO or JFK departure also available at increased cost) as are domestic airfares in China, 4/5-star hotel accommodations, all meals, ground transportation, tour guides, historical site tickets, and traveler health insurance.

REGISTRATION DEADLINES: March 1 for Faculty/Staff/Alumni/Family Members; May 1 for Students.

FACULTY/STAFF/ALUMNI/FAMILY MEMBERS: Registration instructions, forms, and all additional information available at The Legends of China Web site. Contact Loren Thompson (lthompson@ucsd.edu) for more information.

STUDENTS: Registration through UCSD's Programs Abroad Office, The Legends of China webpage. Contact Tonia Pizer (tpizer@ucsd.edu) for more information.

Registration is strictly FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED with limited space available. The sooner you are able to register, the more likely you will be able to participate.

Looking for international student or scholar assistance?

Effective January 1 the International Student and Scholar Office is divided into two separate offices in order to better serve our international students, international scholars, and campus departments.

Each office has been renamed to:

International Students & Programs Office (ISPO)
International Scholar Office (ISO)

ISPO and ISO are still located in the International Center on Library Walk next to Gilman Drive. The Web sites however, are going through major changes so staff can improve the site navigation and provide more up-to-date information for faculty, staff, scholars, family members, and students this upcoming year.

International Students & Programs Office
ISPO serves nearly 2,300 international students and their families. International students are individuals pursuing degree (bachelor's, master's, or doctorate) or non-degree programs (UC Education Abroad Reciprocity Program and Global Leadership Institute) at UC San Diego.
Updated contact information:
Mail Code: #0018
Telephone: (858) 534-3730
Fax: (858) 534-0909
Email: istudents@ucsd.edu
Web site: http://istudents.ucsd.edu

International Scholar Office
ISO serves nearly 2,400 international scholars and their families. International scholars are individuals who conduct research and are NOT pursuing degree programs at UC San Diego.
Updated Contact Information:
Mail Code: #0018
Telephone: (858) 534-3730
Fax: (858) 534-0909
Email: ischolars@ucsd.edu
Web site: http://ischolars.ucsd.edu

Summer Birthright Israel Registration: Opens February 17

If your student is between the ages of 18 and 26 and has never been on a peer group trip to Israel before, they are eligible for a FREE ten-day trip. Your student can join other UCSD students and register to go this summer! Email Danielle Desta, Hillel of San Diego at UCSD Israel Program Coordinator at ddesta@ucsd.edu if interested!

College News

Martin Luther King Jr. Parade & Day of Service

Encourage your student to participate in their College's delegation for the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade & Day of Service. On Saturday, January 16, students can take bus transportation from campus to downtown San Diego to participate in the MLK Annual Parade and then help restore and maintain the historic National City Living History Farm Preserve - Stein Family Farm. More information is available on the Center for Student Involvement Web site.

Winter Gamefest

Tech In 2005 a group of students came together and organized what is now an annual gaming tradition known as Winter Gamefest. This gaming event first attracted about 30 players and has experienced exponential growth with each passing year. Organized by the Sixth College Tech Committee, Winter Gamefest 2010 is scheduled to take place January 16 - 17, 11:00 am - 9:00 pm. The event is expected to attract over 1,600 people over a two-day span. Price Center West Ballrooms will be filled with organized tournaments for popular games such as "Halo 3," "StarCraft," "Super Smash Bros," "Guitar Hero," and "Rock Band 2." Those who are more casual gamers are invited to enjoy the expanded free play area offering "Wii Sports" and "Little Big Planet." There is something for all students - playing in a tournament, watching others compete, or enjoying the free play area.

Sixth College IGNITE Leadership Program

Leadership skills are one of the top 10 qualities that employers look for in college graduates. In an effort to assist our Sixth College students with developing their own leadership potential, the IGNITE program serves as a comprehensive, four-year personal and leadership development opportunity. On Saturday, January 23, the second annual Sixers Practicing Action and Reflection in Community retreat will be offered to any Sixth College student. The day promises to be a rewarding learning experience for any student interested in exploring his or her core values, improving interpersonal communication skills, and understanding what leadership is. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. To register for the SPARC retreat, please encourage your student to visit the Sixth College Dean of Student Affairs office or contact Dan Tillapaugh, Sixth College Assistant Dean of Student Affairs at dtillapaugh@ucsd.edu or (858) 822-5956.

Warren College Student Orientation Coordinator Positions

Is your student interested in a hands-on position that directly impacts incoming students and their families? Student Orientation Coordinators help coordinate and lead First-Year, Transfer, and Parent/Family Orientation, train a team of Orientation Leaders, and participate in Parent/Family Orientation. Warren College is currently accepting applications for the Student Orientation Coordinator position. Students interested can visit the Warren College Web site for the complete job description and an application. Applications are due January 22.

If your student is not interested in, or does not have the experience for an Orientation Coordinator position, encourage them to consider applying to be an Orientation Leader. Orientation Leader applications will be available February 1. Both are great leadership development experiences and assist students' and families' transition to UC San Diego!

New Study Lounge at Warren College

Warren Warren College has just opened a brand new 24-hour study lounge! The College purchased all new furniture and created a special space just for your students. When your students say they have "nowhere to study!" encourage them to use the lounge to study with their friends or work on group projects. There is a code that is available for all Warren College students to ensure easy access (available in the Warren College Student Affairs Office).

Campus News & Updates

ArtPower! $10 Student Tickets

ArtPower! at UC San Diego hosts cultural events throughout the year featuring music, dance, film, and food. Student tickets to any ArtPower! event are only $10. See upcoming shows and ticket package options on the ArtPower! Web site.

Spirit Night 2010: January 30

UC San Diego's annual Spirit Night basketball doubleheader is set for Saturday, January 30 when the Tritons will host Cal State San Bernardino. The Women play at 5:30 pm followed by the Men at 7:30 pm. Spirit Night is the culmination of a week-long spirit competition between UCSD's six Colleges and attracts the biggest crowd of the season to RIMAC Arena. Roosevelt College is the defending Spirit Night champion.

Neighborhood Community Garden

Encourage your student to volunteer at the UC San Diego Neighborhood Community Garden. The Neighborhood Community Garden is located behind the Che Café close to Revelle College. Participating volunteers will learn about growing fruit, vegetables, herbs, and spices organically on campus. Volunteer opportunities are available 10:00 am - Noon every Sunday. For more information about the Neighborhood Community Garden, see the organization's Web site or email ncgarden@ucsd.edu.

English in Action Tutoring Program

The UC San Diego International Center relies on volunteer tutors to help international students, scholars and spouses develop their conversational English skills. The English In Action (EIA) program is a great way for students to meet new people and learn about other cultures. No previous experience is necessary to become a tutor. Tutors however are asked to make a year-long commitment to meet with their students once a week. Encourage your student to apply by visiting the International Center Web site.

Recreation FitLife Instructor Program

Has your student ever wanted to teach group exercise? Students now have the opportunity to learn the skills necessary to become a certified instructor. In partnership with the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the UCSD Fitness Instructor Training Program will provide students with the information, education and practical experience needed to become a Group Fitness Instructor. Designed to be completed in two quarters, this program consists of 40 hours of training, 10 hours of supervised teaching, and additional fitness training. Interested students can contact Kristie Cottonaro at kmajer@ucsd.edu for more information.

Parent & Family Giving

UCSD Ranked ‘Best Value' Public University in California

Parents and families will be pleased to learn that the University of California, San Diego is ranked the ‘best value' in California, according to the list of 100 best values in public colleges and universities that will appear in the February 2010 issue of Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine.

Kiplinger's ranked UC San Diego 11th in the nation and the top-ranked public university in California - above UC Berkeley, UCLA, and UC Irvine. According to the magazine, colleges that topped the list continue to deliver strong academics at reasonable prices, in many cases by offering the same or more financial aid as in previous years in spite of the effects of the recession. The best values rankings were based on admission and retention rates, student-faculty ratios and four- and six-year graduation rates, cost and financial aid among a pool of more than 500 public four-year colleges and universities.

"UC San Diego remains affordable to students," confirmed Penny Rue, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs. "The campus offers a myriad of financial aid resources for students on an ongoing basis - in fact, more than half of our undergraduate students receive need-based support."

Although all UC students are facing fee increases as a result of California's economic crisis, your student can afford to attend UC San Diego ... and we can help. Your first stop is the campus Financial Aid Office Web site where you will find complete information about grants, loans, work study, and scholarships, as well as tools to access financial aid. For example, UC's Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan will cover your student's fees if you are a California resident and your family earns less than $60,000 a year - $70,000 beginning in 2010-11 - and you qualify for financial aid (your student must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident). But even if your family earns more than that, there are many other financial aid resources available to help reduce the cost of attending UC San Diego.

The Division of Student Affairs and the Financial Aid Office encourages all students to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form for the 2010-2011 academic year before the March 2 deadline. Even if you think your student may not be eligible, please complete the form - you may be surprised to learn there is help available.

And to ensure that support for UC San Diego students is ongoing, the university recently launched our $50 million "Invent the Future" student support fundraising campaign that will help fund scholarships and Invent fellowships for all who need them.

UC San Diego plays a major role in the growth of the regional economy by training the leaders of tomorrow and supporting the expansion of a skilled workforce. But today, with less than 10 percent of our current funding coming from the State of California, our challenge is to ensure that talented and deserving students have access to the world-class education and academic excellence that our university offers. Thanks to support from parents, alumni, faculty, staff, students, and university friends, UC San Diego's Invent the Future fundraising campaign will succeed.

If you would like to support UC San Diego students, please visit the Invent the Future Web site for more information. Through our outstanding students and generous donors, we can all help Invent the Future.

Spotlights

Wellness Spotlight: Physical Wellness

LiveWell January highlights physical wellness with a focus on improving bodily health through exercise and movement. Fitness assessments and wellness coaching expand students' awareness, while a wide array of classes makes exercise social and fun! The opportunities are limitless - yoga, weight-training, cardio and core strengthening, and even salsa dancing. Various intramural sports teams, aquatic activities, and martial arts are also available. Visit our Physical Wellness webpage for more information.

Research Spotlight: What are UC San Diego students doing with their time?

According to the 2008 University of California University Experiences Survey, UC San Diego students spend the majority of their time attending classes (11 - 15 hours per week) and studying or engaged in activities that support their academic success (6 - 10 hours per week). Given the demanding nature of the UC San Diego academic experience this is not surprising; however it does raise some concern regarding a student's holistic wellness.

Students at UC San Diego only spend 1 - 5 hours a week watching movies, going to concerts, or attending sporting events. Students spend this same amount of hours engaging in physical exercise. Related, students reported spending zero hours per week engaging in community service, spiritual activities, and student organizations/clubs. If you do not hear your student talking about their involvement in activities outside the classroom, encourage them to volunteer at the Community Garden on-campus, attend the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Day of Service, attend an Express to Success workshop or a Passport to Leadership workshop, or take some time out at one of the many Recreation facilities on-campus.

Academic success is important; however students can look at their academic work with new, rested eyes by changing up a routine, taking some time away from those Chemistry problems, or stepping away from research papers. Encourage your student to take just a small time away; it can make a world of difference to their success!

For more information about how your student can get involved or take time out, contact Parent & Family Programs.

News Spotlight: Student Lived Life on the Streets to Humanize Homeless

Read about Shanelle Sherlin, a Muir College sophomore who spent 12 hours living the life of a homeless person in Downtown San Diego. This experience, related to a project for a course, assisted her to empathize with the plight of the homeless. Read the full story.

Athletic Events & Updates

"VAULT-A-THON" Raising Funds for Leon T. Roach Memorial

UC San Diego will be hosting the Leon T. Roach Vault-a-thon, Saturday, February 13 at the UCSD Track & Field Stadium. The event will be a fund-raiser for the development of a memorial honoring Leon T. Roach, a sophomore Pole Vaulter on the UCSD Track & Field team. Roach, a native of Huntington Beach known on the team as "Mr. Happy," who passed away tragically last summer following a training accident on campus. Fittingly, the memorial will be a renovated, enhanced pole vault facility that will include a seating area for family, friends, and fans. Anyone interested in making a donation to the "Vault-a-Thon" event and project may do so online by going to the secure Give to UCSD Web site and noting in the commemorative gift section, "In memory of Leon T. Roach."

Donations made by personal check should be made payable to the "UCSD Foundation" and sent to the following address:

Leon T. Roach Vault-a-Thon
c/o Diana Philippi
UC San Diego
9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0937
La Jolla, CA 92093-0937

Nationally Ranked Teams: Women's Basketball, Men's Volleyball

Coach Charity Elliott's Women's Basketball team, undefeated and off to the best start in school history, is 12-0 and has been elevated to No. 9 in the NCAA Division II national rankings. Meanwhile, the Men's Volleyball Team, under fifth-year head coach and UCSD alum Kevin Ring, has been ranked 13^th in the NCAA Division I pre-season poll after winning an all-time best 13 matches in 2009.

Triton Athletic Associates Golf Tournament

The 17^th annual Triton Athletic Associates Golf Tournament, benefiting UCSD Athletics, will be held Monday, May 24 at beautiful Fairbanks Ranch Country Club in Rancho Santa Fe. The cost is $300 per player which includes green fees, cart, lunch, dinner and an assortment of contests, prizes and raffles. Tee sponsorships are also $300. The event has been sold out in each of its first 16 years. For more information contact the UCSD Athletic Department at (858) 534-8460.

Parent & Family Programs

There are so many ways to connect with other Parents & Families at UC San Diego. Join the Parent & Family Programs Facebook Group or join the network of fans of UC San Diego on Facebook.

Para Mayores Informes en Español

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Estamos a su disposición con cualquier pregunta o inquietud que tenga. Comuníquese con nosotros por teléfono, o correo electrónico. También visite nuestro sitio de Web para información actualizada para padres de familia.

Contact Us

PFP Parent & Family Programs is available for any questions! Call our Family Helpline (858) 534-7273 or email us at parents@ucsd.edu.

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