WHAT: A weekly meeting for student parents to connect, develop support networks and build community. The format of these meetings is designed to meet the interests and needs of group members and may range from study skills, career planning, and financial aid to family finances, parent education and child development.

 

WHO: Meetings are facilitated Jerri Clark Wagner, LSW and graduate social work interns. Some group meetings may feature speakers from the larger campus or metro community. There is no pre-registration other than the initial intake that students must attend when they register with the larger SPHC program.

WHEN: Wednesdays from 12-2 PM during fall and spring terms

WHERE: RM 24 Appleby Hall

OTHER INFO: Children are welcome when accompanied and supervised by an attending parent. Lunch will be provided!! Participants can come late or leave early according to the needs of their academic schedule.

 

Special Invitation from Jerri Clark Wagner

Each fall and spring semester, the SPHC welcomes you to join our weekly student parent support group, which serves as a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for student parents to engage with one another and build community. Thanks to our great graduate student interns, we have new facilitators each year who help me co-facilitate the group. The best part about group for me is that whether you are expecting a child, are a new parent, or have older children, the group is a great place to share and swap ideas about parenting while being an undergraduate student. And, did I mention, the free food?

Our group is a wonderful place to meet friends, experience new ideas, and build a community. Whether you are an incoming freshman, a transfer student, or have been attending the U for awhile, group is a place for you to meet new people and build on your strengths as a parent! We take your ideas into consideration when building the schedule each semester, so whenever you have a new idea or want to share suggestions, please feel free to let me know.

I look forward to seeing you there!

 

What Student Parents say about Group:

 

“I feel like I do better because I feel like I am not the only person with these stresses. I feel it makes my life a little bit better.”

“Group keeps me positive and feel like I’m a part of the U, even though I’m different because of my parenthood status.”

“A place I can come where other people understand the stress and challenges that come with being a student parent.”

“I’ve gained confidence as a parent and have friends that are in similar situations.”

“Just a place you can relax—be with other people who can relate to you because they have to balance school and kids, too.”

“It’s like being able to go home in between classes.”

Spring 2008 Schedule of Group Activities

 

 

**Wednesday, 3/12/08 from 12-2PM**

The group this week features Josh Casper, from the Student Conflict Resolution Center. They help students with campus-based problems in areas such as grading disputes, roommate conflicts, and instructional concerns.

Also bring your spring break plans to share with group!

Menu: TBD

 

**Wednesday, 3/19/08 from 12-2PM**

No Group (Spring Break)

 

**Wednesday, 3/26/08 from 12-2PM**

Kristen O’Quinn Morris, a former student parent and current job coach and trainer, will present information on career planning, resumes, and job interviews.

Menu: Ordering In

 

**Wednesday, 4/2/08 from 12-2PM**

KIDS CLOTHING EXCHANGE!

Bring in your gently-used kids clothing to exchange with other student parents. You are always welcome to look through the clothing even if you don’t bring anything.  Boxes of clothing will be laid out around the center according to age and gender of children.

Menu: TBD

 

Wednesday, 4/9/08 from 12-2PM**

Check-In/Open Discussion

Menu: Corn Chowder

 

**Wednesday, 4/16/08 from 12-2PM**

University Counseling and Consulting Services (UCCS) is a campus resource for all students who want to be more successful in college. Some areas of service they help with include test-taking strategies, time management issues, study skills, career counseling, and many more. For this particular group, there will be a presentation on time management.

If you would like to find more information about UCCS, visit their website at:

http://www.uccs.umn.edu/index.html

Menu: Ordering In

 

**Wednesday, 4/23/08 from 12-2PM**

Anne Carlson, an ECFE teacher, will speak on child development and age-appropriate discipline strategies. If you have issues or concerns with disciplining your child, this is the group for you!

Menu: TBD

 

More group updates to come for the rest of the semester

through May 7th, 2008!