http://gustavus.edu/parents/newsletter/current.cfm A monthly newsletter for parents of current Gustavus students Alumni en-us Copyright 2008, Gustavus Adolphus College, All Rights Reserved. 60 Wed, 15 Oct 2008 20:58:45 GMT Wed, 15 Oct 2008 20:58:45 GMT http://gustavus.edu/xml/logo.gif http://gustavus.edu http://gustavus.edu/parents/newsletter/current.cfm#472 http://gustavus.edu/parents/newsletter/current.cfm#472 The Gustavus Orientation program is August 29-September 1 and is focused on helping new students with the transition to Gustavus and establishing a sense of belonging in this community. Check the Orientation website for more information. http://gustavus.edu/parents/newsletter/current.cfm#473 http://gustavus.edu/parents/newsletter/current.cfm#473 A recent study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration found "that parents and other adults can play an important role in helping influence young people's behavior with regard to underage drinking." For parent resources visit Stop Underage Drinking. http://gustavus.edu/parents/newsletter/current.cfm#474 http://gustavus.edu/parents/newsletter/current.cfm#474 The Gustavus Health Services Office provides on campus appointments, laboratory test, and immunization costs are reasonably priced. The Gustavus Health Service will bill your student's health insurance company directly. Any remaining charges will be the student's responsibility and billed to their college account. If the student does not want their insurance billed for a particular office visit, they may pay cash for the visit. Students will need to present their health insurance cards at every office visit. If you have questions about billing of insurance, please contact Health Services at (507) 933-7630.
http://gustavus.edu/parents/newsletter/current.cfm#475 http://gustavus.edu/parents/newsletter/current.cfm#475 As a result of the outbreaks of mumps and pertussis (whooping cough) in the United States over the past few years, several national organizations have made changes in their recommendations regarding mumps and pertussis immunizations for college students. Transmission of these two diseases has been widespread in college-age students (18-24 year olds) for many reasons. Consistent with the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American College Health Association (ACHA), Gustavus is strongly recommending that all students have received:

1) Two (2) doses of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine in their lifetime or have other evidence of immunity to mumps,

2) Tetanus booster continued every ten (10) years, but the next booster obtained to include the pertussis component through use of Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria,acellular pertussis), unless previous reaction to pertussis vaccine.

For attendance at Gustavus, at least one dose of MMR and a tetanus booster within the past ten (10) years is required. However, the College continues to monitor the situation carefully and could require two doses of MMR for all students for continued enrollment in subsequent semesters. Although not a requirement, Health Services highly recommends the meningitis vaccine for Gustavus students. Please feel free to contact Health Services at (507) 933-7630 if you have questions about immunizations. http://gustavus.edu/parents/newsletter/current.cfm#476 http://gustavus.edu/parents/newsletter/current.cfm#476 Gustavus will again have a booth at the Minnesota State Fair in the Education Building. The booth will have friendly faces, information, and those popular Gustie Grams. Wear your Gustavus apparel to the fair to show off your Gustie pride! The fair runs Aug. 21—Sept. 1. http://gustavus.edu/parents/newsletter/current.cfm#477 http://gustavus.edu/parents/newsletter/current.cfm#477 Students who wish to park a vehicle on campus must obtain a parking permit by registering their motor vehicle with the Department of Safety & Security. New this year - bicycles brought to campus will also need to be registered. See the complete bicycle rules. The online registration process will require the student's e-mail username and password, along with the vehicle license plate. The cost of the vehicle permit is $140 and will be charged to the student's account. Bicycle permits are free.

Online vehicle registration:
Go to the online parking registration form. Because the student will be responsible for the vehicle while on campus, we ask that the student (and not the parent) complete the registration process. Registration is also available by visiting the Safety and Security office located in the basement of Norelius Residence Hall.

For complete information, detailed instructions, and parking and traffic rules, please visit the Safety and Security webpage at http://gustavus.edu/security. Questions? Contact Deb Swanberg, Safety and Security, 507-933-8809 or dswanberg@gac.edu http://gustavus.edu/parents/newsletter/current.cfm#478 http://gustavus.edu/parents/newsletter/current.cfm#478 If your student is planning to put lofts in their residence hall, you can either build your own or rent metal lofts from a vendor . If you are interested in renting a loft you can contact the company at www.bedloft.com or call 763-682-4447. The loft company will be present during move in days for receiving your loft.

If you are building your own, please follow the construction guidelines on the Residential Life website at Loft Guidelines. http://gustavus.edu/parents/newsletter/current.cfm#479 http://gustavus.edu/parents/newsletter/current.cfm#479 For a calendar of residence hall break opening and closing times and housing selection, visit the Residential Life website. Please note these dates and time for travel plans for this academic year. http://gustavus.edu/parents/newsletter/current.cfm#480 http://gustavus.edu/parents/newsletter/current.cfm#480 The academic calendar for the year is available online . This includes dates of mid-term tests, finals, and college breaks. Please schedule travel home for breaks either after all tests are to be complete or after your student knows their test schedule or discusses their travel plans with their professors. http://gustavus.edu/parents/newsletter/current.cfm#481 http://gustavus.edu/parents/newsletter/current.cfm#481 The Handbook for Families for 2008-2009 incorrectly listed the dates for Spring Break/Easter Recess. The correct dates are March 21-30, 2009. http://gustavus.edu/parents/newsletter/current.cfm#482 http://gustavus.edu/parents/newsletter/current.cfm#482 Gustavus booth at the Minnesota State Fair — Aug. 21-Sept. 1
First-year student move-in — August 29
New student orientation — August 29-September 1
Waiver of health insurance premium due — August 31
Fall tuition/fees due — August 31
Returning student move-in — September 1
Fall Semester Classes begin — September 2
Inauguration of President Jack R. Ohle — October 3
Family Weekend — October 3-5
Nobel Conference — October 7-8
Reading Days (Fall Break) — October 18-21

For more information on other college events, go to the Gustavus College Calendar.

Click here for information on other Important Dates and Campus Resources .