Family News Digest

3/6/2024   

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Important messages about St. Patrick's Day/warm weather gatherings

Students and families received messages this week about anticipated gatherings and celebrations this spring, which included reminders about following state laws and local ordinances, as well as UD policies and procedures. More information can be found in emails sent Friday, March 1, and Tuesday, March 5. 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issues new guidance for COVID-19

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued updated respiratory virus guidance Friday, March 1, which includes COVID-19, flu and RSV. The updated guidance recommends "people stay home and away from others until at least 24 hours after their symptoms are getting better overall and they have not had a fever without using fever-reducing medication. This period could be shorter, the same, or longer than the previous guidance for COVID-19." People infected with COVID-19 no longer need to isolate for five days and observe post-isolation precautions. You can read more on the CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance Update FAQ page.

Move-out information

All non-graduating residents must move out and complete the checkout process within 24 hours after their last exam. If the last exam is on Friday, the resident must move out and complete the checkout process by noon Saturday, May 4, when all residential facilities close. Graduating students can stay in housing until noon Monday, May 6. Construction projects this summer will prevent flexibility in the move-out schedule. Students in VWK must be out of the building by noon on Saturday, May 4. An email with move-out instructions and information on how to apply for housing between the end of the semester and when summer housing is available will be sent in the next few weeks.

NEWS AND NOTES

March cultural and religious observances

As a Catholic university, the University of Dayton strives to be a place where people of all religious traditions live, learn and deepen their faith. Many of the world's religious and cultural traditions are represented in the campus community. March observances include Ramadan (Muslim) March 10-April 9, Nowruz (Iranian New Year, Zoroastrian, BaHa'i) March 19, Holi (Hindu origins, India, South Asia) March 25 and Easter (Christian) March 31. 

Ramadan, which begins this weekend, takes place each ninth month according to the lunar Islamic calendar.  Ramadan is observed by Muslims all around the world as a month of increased devotion and self-discipline and is honored as the most sacred month of the year. During each day of Ramadan, Muslims fast from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. Visit the Campus Ministry faith traditions, religious observances and holidays page for more information on Ramadan and all March celebrations.

National expert on civility to give free talk March 11

University of Dayton alum and national expert on civil discourse Timothy Shaffer will share strategies for respectful and open conversations during his talk "Engaging the 'Other' for the Common Good" at 4 p.m. Monday, March 11, in the Jesse Philips Humanities Center Sears Recital Hall. Shaffer's talk, part of the Association of Marianist Universities Marianist Lecture Series, is free and open to the public. Read more about Shaffer's talk here.

Hitting a home run with persistence

How does junior Shelby LaMattina earn an associate degree in high school, double major in entrepreneurship and economics, lead UD's dance team and business fraternity Epsilon Nu Tau, and secure an internship with the New York Yankees? Persistence. "I hear 'no' all the time, but 'no' can push you to do more," LaMattina said. "The more 'no's' you get, the harder you're going to try." Read more about LaMattina's experience.

"You Have a Home Here"

Delays in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) have complicated the college choice process for many families, writes UD President Eric F. Spina in his latest blog. He adds a message to all admitted students and their families: "At UD, we support you; we are poised to work as quickly as possible for you; you will have a clear picture of your costs over four years to help you make your decision; and, most importantly, you already have a home here." Read more from the blog here. 

Every Wednesday during the academic year and occasionally during the summer, the University news and communications team shares news to help you stay connected. Previous issues of Student News Digest are archived at go.udayton.edu/flyerfamilies.