Newsletter for March 28, 2008

QUOTE OF THE DAY:

"Live not for your tomorrow but for the tomorrow of you children." Evangeline Trevino

HELP Center Announcements

Guess Who Is Having a Baby?

Our very own direct service program coordinator, Jerri (& her husband),
are having a baby!!!!

Jerri is due on July 4th, so there will definitely be more
than fireworks going on for her that day!

Jerri could not have timed the birth of her baby better because, as summer is a bit slower time around the center, so she won’t miss too much while she’s on parental leave.

Thank you, in advance, for all the well-wishes on behalf of Jerri’s pregnancy and she looks forward to sharing in the joy of it all with you!

March 28, 2008 Save the Dates:

Panel on Social Work and Social Justice
Wednesday, April 9th 2008
3-5 p.m. at the SPHC

Please join us for an exciting panel discussion this afternoon to learn more about careers and graduate education in the fields of social work and social justice. We will be welcoming Kate Walthour, Director of Admissions at the School of Social Work, and Lisa Albrecht, Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies at the School of Social Work. We will also have a graduate student parent on the panel to discuss their journey through graduate school at the U of MN.

All student parents are welcome and encouraged to join us for this great opportunity to learn more about social work and social justice!!

End of Year Celebration and Graduation Party
Sunday, May 18, 2008

The date we are planning to hold this fun, family friendly event is Sunday, May 18, 2008. We are hoping that having it on a Sunday will eliminate the interference with finals and college graduations. You will be receiving an official Evite invitation in the weeks ahead.

This is a great event where we honor all our student parent successes and graduating students. We will provide a wonderful lunch, a Piñata and other fun for the kids! This is a great time to share food, fun and congratulate yourself and this year's graduates for another successful year at the U!!!! This event is open to all current and former students of the SPHC.

PASS Group
Parents as Students Support Group
Wednesdays 12:00 PM–2:00 PM

The Student Parent HELP Center meets weekly on Wednesdays from 12:00-2:00 in Room 24, Appleby Hall.

The group provides the opportunity to connect with other student parents, discuss the challenges and joys surrounding academic studies and parenthood and share a FREE lunch with your fellow SPHC friends.

The direction of the group will be determined in large part by your needs and ideas. Your willingness to share experiences and personal challenges will undoubtedly help others, so we hope you will join us as often as you can. Feel free to come for all or part of the group and remember that you are not obligated to come every week. Simply come as often as your schedule allows. (Your little ones are welcome!!). See below for upcoming group topics.

April, 2nd, 2008: Come join us for a Kid's Clothing Exchange! Feel free to bring in gently-used kid's clothing to exchange with other student parents. You are more than welcome to the exchange even if you are unable to bring anything.

April, 9th, 2008: Please join in on an open discussion regarding any questions or concerns at this point in the semester. We also have a fun art activity planned!

Note: Please know that the SPHC staff does not want student parents to skip class in order to attend the weekly group meetings. Academics are considered student parent’s priority at the U. If there is a specific topic you are interested in and you are unable to attend group, please inform a staff member and we will be happy to provide information to you afterwards.

If you have suggestions for a specific topic or program, contact Jerri Wagner or Katie Schoeppner at sphc@umn.edu.

Please remember that the center is closed during group on Wednesdays from 12-2 for all other computer use and studying spaces. Please come back in around 2 PM and we will re-open the doors. If you are going to join us for lunch, please stay at least 1/2 hour and join in the group in order to respect the food budget of the HELP Center.

We Need You…

The Student Parent Association (SPA) is a University student group specifically designed to address the issues facing student parents on campus. As the new academic year gets underway, SPA is looking to enroll new members and officers. Membership and officer application forms are available on their website under the “Links” tab. Complete applications can be returned to Susan Warfield, via email attachment sent to her direct email address: warfi002@umn.edu.

We will also have applications available at the HELP Center and you can attend a meeting and sign up then as well. Meetings are held each Friday from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM in the Student Parent HELP Center. This type of engagement looks wonderful on a resume and goes a long way toward increasing the visibility of student parents at the U of MN. Please visit their website to learn more: www.tc.umn.edu/~umspa/

Opportunities to Share

Student Parent Success Stories

We would like to continue featuring announcements of student and family successes as regular newsletter items. If you will be graduating at the end of fall term, are welcoming a new child, purchasing a home, getting married or experiencing any related event that you would like to have us post in the newsletter, please send the details to the SPHC email address, spch@umn.edu. We would be proud and honored to share in celebrating these wonderful life transitions with you and your families.

Photo Gallery

Sharing photos of our children and families is a great way to get to know each other. If you have a photo of your child(ren) or family and would like to see it featured in one of our upcoming newsletters, send it as an e-mail attachment to sphc@umn.edu.

Scholarship Opportunity

Carol E Macpherson Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 30, 2008
(For Funds Distributed in 2008-2009)

We welcome your interest in the Carol E. Macpherson Memorial Scholarship and the Alumnae Society Scholarship and wish you success as you pursue your educational goals. Six to eight scholarships (from $1000 - 4,000) are awarded annually.
[Note: These are one-time awards.]

Eligibility:
The applicant must fulfill each following requirements to be considered eligible:

Women students (28 years or older) who have had five-year or longer breaks in their post-secondary education
Demonstrated financial need
Admission or pending admission to an undergraduate or graduate/professional degree or credit certificate program at any U of M campus
Meet half-time enrollment status minimum
Provide academic transcripts of all college/post-secondary enrollment
Complete 2006-07 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) filed at least three weeks before the scholarship deadline
Good academic standing at the University of Minnesota
Submit support letters from two references who have known student & her educational goals

Additionally, applicant selection is “weighted” by the following characteristics:

First generation in family to attend college
First undergraduate degree
Student parent status

Requirements:
Your application must be complete to be considered. Allow sufficient time for your references to complete the Applicant Appraisal Form and for processing the 2008-2009 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is required of all scholarship applicants. The Student Aid Report arrives from the FAFSA Central Processor about three weeks after you apply.

You are responsible for ensuring that all items below are submitted to the Selection Committee c/o the Office for University Women at the address below by 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 30, 2008 .

Completed application, including your personal statement and a copy of your Student Aid Report.
Transcripts of all college/post-secondary enrollment
Two Applicant Appraisal Forms (to be sent directly from references or attached to application in a sealed envelope signed by the writer across the seal).

For More Information, contact:
Office for University Women
185 Klaeber Court
320 16th Avenue SE,
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Phone: 612-625-9837
Fax: 612-624-9028
Email: women@umn.edu

Registration: Summer 2008 & Fall 2008

Summer 2008 Registration Times

	Date	Time
Degree-seeking students	4/8/2008	8:00 AM
Non-degree-seeking students	4/15/2008	8:00 AM

Fall 2008 Registration Times

The fall 2008 registration queue begins on April 10, 2008, with the letter M and ends May 1, 2008. Registration for non-degree seeking students begins May 2, 2008.

Begin Name	End Name	Date	Time
Stage 1: Graduate and Professional schools and Seniors (90+ cumulative credits) with at least 13 credits in-progress, or less than 13 credits in-progress and a temporary exemption
M	Merricks, M	4/10/2008	8:00 AM
Merricks, N	Nelson, Jac	4/10/2008	9:05 AM
Nelson, Jad	Pamperin, A	4/10/2008	10:10 AM
Pamperin, B	Proehl, Dav	4/10/2008	11:15 AM
Proehl, Daw	Ross, Josep	4/10/2008	1:25 PM
Ross, Joseq	Scripps, Yu	4/10/2008	2:30 PM
Scripps, Yv	Spargo, Kri	4/11/2008	8:00 AM
Spargo, Krj	Thaden, Mad	4/11/2008	9:05 AM
Thaden, Mae	Vogtman, Da	4/11/2008	10:10 AM
Vogtman, Db	Wilson, Cra	4/11/2008	11:15 AM
Wilson, Crb	Aandal, Dia	4/11/2008	1:25 PM
Aandal, Dib	Baker, Nico	4/11/2008	2:30 PM
Baker, Nicp	Boedeker, T	4/14/2008	8:00 AM
Boedeker, U	Carlson, Va	4/14/2008	9:05 AM
Carlson, Vb	Croll, Paul	4/14/2008	10:10 AM
Croll, Paum	Dudko, Jaro	4/14/2008	11:15 AM
Dudko, Jarp	Flavell, Me	4/14/2008	1:25 PM
Flavell, Mf	Goodman, Ke	4/14/2008	2:30 PM
Goodman, Kf	Hatfield, J	4/15/2008	8:00 AM
Hatfield, K	Hu, Yifan	4/15/2008	9:05 AM
Hu, Yifao	Jones, Kati	4/15/2008	10:10 AM
Jones, Katj	Kluveriii	4/15/2008	11:15 AM
Kluveriij	Lebens, Mar	4/15/2008	1:25 PM
Lebens, Mas	Lzzzz	4/15/2008	2:30 PM
Stage 2: Seniors (90+ cumulative credits) with less than 13 credits in-progress and no temporary exemption
M	Musse, Must	4/16/2008	8:00 AM
Musse, Musu	Peterson, J	4/16/2008	9:05 AM
Peterson, K	Schinzel, R	4/16/2008	10:10 AM
Schinzel, S	Talarico, J	4/16/2008	11:15 AM
Talarico, K	Winter-Sima	4/16/2008	1:25 PM
Winter-Simb	Barno, Cari	4/16/2008	2:30 PM
Barno, Carj	Chaple, Gra	4/17/2008	8:00 AM
Chaple, Grb	Edstrom, Ti	4/17/2008	9:05 AM
Edstrom, Tj	Grimmius, N	4/17/2008	10:10 AM
Grimmius, O	Hunter, Tan	4/17/2008	11:15 AM
Hunter, Tao	Kleeman, St	4/17/2008	1:25 PM
Kleeman, Su	Lzzzz	4/17/2008	2:30 PM
Stage 3: Juniors (60+ Cumulative Credits) with at least 13 credits in-progress, or less than 13 credits in-progress and a temporary exemption
M	Morin, Kell	4/18/2008	8:00 AM
Morin, Kelm	Paskaradev	4/18/2008	9:05 AM
Paskaradew	Rosa, Ryan�	4/18/2008	10:10 AM
Rosa, Ryao	Smiley, Cas	4/18/2008	11:15 AM
Smiley, Cat	Turner, Rac	4/18/2008	1:25 PM
Turner, Rad	Wray, Brian	4/18/2008	2:30 PM
Wray, Briao	Bacca, Benj	4/21/2008	8:00 AM
Bacca, Benk	Buchholz, J	4/21/2008	9:05 AM
Buchholz, K	Davidshofe	4/21/2008	10:10 AM
Davidshoff	Finlan, Rac	4/21/2008	11:15 AM
Finlan, Rad	Hansen, Hei	4/21/2008	1:25 PM
Hansen, Hej	Islam, Saaj	4/21/2008	2:30 PM
Islam, Saak	Komisarchi	4/22/2008	8:00 AM
Komisarchj	Lzzzz	4/22/2008	9:05 AM
Stage 4: Juniors (60+ cumulative credits) with less than 13 credits in-progress and no temporary exemption
M	Paska, Paol	4/22/2008	10:10 AM
Paska, Paom	Steffensen	4/22/2008	11:15 AM
Steffenseo	Yaurincela	4/22/2008	1:25 PM
Yaurincelb	Campbell, J	4/22/2008	2:30 PM
Campbell, K	Freerksen	4/23/2008	8:00 AM
Freerkseo	Introwitz-W	4/23/2008	9:05 AM
Introwitz-X	Lzzzz	4/23/2008	10:10 AM
Stage 5: Sophomores (30+ cumulative credits) with at least 13 credits in-progress, or less than 13 credits in-progress and a temporary exemption
M	Morrow, Reb	4/23/2008	11:15 AM
Morrow, Rec	Patel, Jaga	4/23/2008	1:25 PM
Patel, Jagb	Ringstrom	4/23/2008	2:30 PM
Ringstron	Shawley, Ma	4/24/2008	8:00 AM
Shawley, Mb	Thao, Bao	4/24/2008	9:05 AM
Thao, Bap	Weber, Etha	4/24/2008	10:10 AM
Weber, Ethb	Abdelwahab	4/24/2008	11:15 AM
Abdelwahac	Bernier, Br	4/24/2008	1:25 PM
Bernier, Bs	Chang, Hai�	4/24/2008	2:30 PM
Chang, Haj	Duffey, Mil	4/25/2008	8:00 AM
Duffey, Mim	Gamber, Bra	4/25/2008	9:05 AM
Gamber, Brb	Heaton, Mic	4/25/2008	10:10 AM
Heaton, Mid	Johnson, Al	4/25/2008	11:15 AM
Johnson, Am	Krol, Alexa	4/25/2008	1:25 PM
Krol, Alexb	Lzzzz	4/25/2008	2:30 PM
Stage 6: Sophomores (30+ cumulative credits) with less than 13 credits in-progress and no temporary exemption
M	Simon, Kath	4/28/2008	8:00 AM
Simon, Kati	Aspinwall	4/28/2008	9:05 AM
Aspinwalm	Franks, Dex	4/28/2008	10:10 AM
Franks, Dey	Lzzzz	4/28/2008	11:15 AM
Stage 7: Freshmen (less than 30 cumulative credits) with at least 13 credits in-progress, or less than 13 credits in-progress and a temporary exemption
M	Parker, Kat	4/28/2008	1:25 PM
Parker, Kau	Stoltenbur	4/28/2008	2:30 PM
Stoltenbus	Yang, Mai C	4/29/2008	8:00 AM
Yang, Mai D	Brown, Kase	4/29/2008	9:05 AM
Brown, Kasf	Ewy, Kaytli	4/29/2008	10:10 AM
Ewy, Kaytlj	Iqbal, Nasi	4/29/2008	11:15 AM
Iqbal, Nasj	Lzzzz	4/29/2008	1:25 PM
Stage 8: Freshmen (less than 30 cumulative credits) with less than 13 credits in-progress and no temporary exemption
M	Muehlbauer	4/29/2008	2:30 PM
Muehlbaues	Pena, Elohi	4/30/2008	8:00 AM
Pena, Elohj	Sangster, K	4/30/2008	9:05 AM
Sangster, L	Stampley, K	4/30/2008	10:10 AM
Stampley, L	Vang, Gauzo	4/30/2008	11:15 AM
Vang, Gauzp	Yang, Saman	4/30/2008	1:25 PM
Yang, Samao	Bergeland	4/30/2008	2:30 PM
Bergelane	Carlson, Al	5/1/2008	8:00 AM
Carlson, Am	Drey, Chels	5/1/2008	9:05 AM
Drey, Chelt	Gominsky, J	5/1/2008	10:10 AM
Gominsky, K	Hornung, St	5/1/2008	11:15 AM
Hornung, Su	Koch, Tanya	5/1/2008	1:25 PM
Koch, Tanyb	Lzzzz	5/1/2008	2:30 PM
Stage 9: Non-Degree Students
A	Zzzzz	5/2/2008	8:00 AM
The above registration queue does not include Medicine students.

Parenting Information and Resources

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
It is time to start thinking about filing a FAFSA for next academic year. You can visit the FAFSA website at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/index.htm for questions and to complete an electronic version of the application.

For updated information, including changes as the result of a new federal law that went into effect July 1, 2006 you go to the following link (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/hera.htm) to determine if the changes will impact your student aid. Please review this information carefully, as some of it has to do with what age a student needs to be to file as an independent student. The lowering of this age limit could impact many of you who are living out of the family home and have had trouble being declared independent in the past due to your age.

AccountAbility Minnesota (Taxpayer Assistance Program)

The Taxpayer Assistance Program was established with the belief that a taxpayer's access to tax assistance should not depend solely on his or her ability to pay for such services. TAP operates annually from February through April. Volunteers help low-income individuals complete their federal and state tax returns at sites throughout the Twin Cities area, St. Cloud and Duluth. Free tax preparation assistance is available to individuals with an annual income of $27,000 or less per year and families with an annual income of $37,000 or less.

The Taxpayer Assistance Program is accepting appointments and walk-ins beginning January 30, 2007. To schedule an appointment, obtain locations, or for more information you can contact AccountAbility Minnesota at 651-287-0187.

Parent Warmline 612-813-6336

The Parent Warmline is a free consultation service for parents provided by Children’s Hospital. If you have questions or concerns about behavioral or developmental issues such as toilet training, discipline, sleep patterns, temper tantrums, fears, etc., call this free hotline (612-813-6336) and leave your name, telephone number and a brief description of your concern. Within 24 hours a professionally trained volunteer will call you back to offer practical advice, encouragement or community resource referrals. Please note that the Parent Warmline is a non-crisis, non-medical service. This service is free to parents who live in the Twin Cities metro area.

211, First Call for Help

Looking for information on childcare, food, housing, transportation or senior services? The Minnesota 2-1-1 database lists more than 10,000 organizations and 40,000 services throughout the state. Just dial 2-1-1 (or 651-291-0211). It's free, confidential and available 24/7. Trained information specialists can connect you to more than 40,000 community resources. Multi-lingual lines are available Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5:00 pm.You can also download a copy of the 2-1-1 application and database (http://www.ctkodm.com/gtcuw/211_app/ ) directly to your computer. By doing this, you will be able to search for resources at any time without needing an Internet connection.

University of Minnesota Extension Service

The University of Minnesota Extension Service offers a host of resources for Minnesota parents. Please bookmark the following website for access to answers and advice regarding a number of common parenting questions. http://www.extension.umn.edu

Mom Talk!

Looking for a place to learn from other moms, share resources, recipes and experiences? Visit www.momtalk.com. This is a great online forum with information on health and wellness, upcoming events, pregnancy and just about anything related to being a mom in the Twin Cities.

Are you looking for specific information for your County?
If so, please check out the following links for metro Counties:

University of Minnesota Extension Service

Energy Assistance

Whether we like it or not the cold is still here! Many Minnesotans will see significant increases in their energy bills, sometimes beyond the ability of some to pay. The Energy Assistance Program provides grants for individuals in need. Please visit the following link for more information: http://www.state.mn.us/portal/mn/jsp/content.do?id=-

Community Events and Activities

If you Give a Mouse a Cookie!

Children’s Theatre Company
2400 3rd Ave S. in Minneapolis

Come check out what happens when a seemingly innocent cookie request devolves into a series of escapades. The show runs through April 6, 2008 and is for children age 4 and up.

Typically runs Friday nights at 7:30pm. Saturday at 11:00am and 2:00pm, and Sunday at 2:00pm and 5:00 pm. For more information or to buy tickets, call 612-874-0400 or visit ChildrensTheatre.org.

Arty Plants Play Date
Walker Art Center
1750 Hennepin Ave
Tuesdays April 8 and April 22
Free for children, $10 for adults

Come and enjoy a fun day full of creativity! The event features activities for adults and children ages 3-5. Experience art projects, films, gallery tours and story time. The featured exhibit for April is "Worlds Away: New Suburban Landscapes"

First Chance Dance

O'Shaughnessy Auditorium
2400 Randolph Ave in St. Paul
April 12 @ 11 am
$10 for all ages 3 and Up

The James Swell Ballet presents a matinee performance for all ages. This production is a great way to introduce children to ballet!

For more information visit JSBallet.org or call 651-690-6700.

Nature Nuts

Carpenter Nature Center
12805 St. Croix Trail in Hastings
Monday April 14th
$3 for members, $5 for nonmembers

Nature Nuts is an outdoor program that introduces children to natrue through outdoor activities, crafts and games. This month the theme is April Showers. The event is for children in Kindergarten - 5th Grade.

For more information visit CarpenterNatureCenter.org
or call 651-437-4359

Minneapolis Institute of Arts

Ten Sundays each year the Art Institute hosts Family Days. These events feature music, art, dance performance and hands-on activities for kids. The next event, "Weathervanes and Whirligigs", is in January. There will be hands-on activities, live bluegrass music and access to the work of local artists. This event is free and takes place on Sunday, January 13th between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm. There is no pre-registration required-simply show up between 11 and 5.

The Minneapolis Institute of Arts is located at 2400 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404. Visit http://www.artsmia.org/ for more information.

The Bell Museum of Natural History

The Bell Museum of Natural History located right on our own U of M, East Bank campus offers two fun family events. Visit their website for more details: http://www.bellmuseum.org/calendar.html

Nature Play
A drop-in family program from 1-3 p.m. on the 2nd Saturday of each month. Free with museum admission. For families with kids ages 4 and older.

Nature Tots
A program for toddlers and preschoolers with their parents, held the first Thursday of every month from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Free with museum admission, but registration is required. Call 612-624-9050.

MN Science Museum

Did you know…families who receive any assistance in the form of WIC, MFIP, GA, MA, MN Care, SSI, FS, or Section 8 qualify for reduced admission rates at the MN Science Museum. Just bring along current proof that you receive any of the assistance forms listed above, and you and your family can enjoy the Science Museum for the following prices:

Exhibits: $1.00

Exhibits + Omni Theater: $3.00

Please contact the museum with any further questions: (651) 221-9444, www.smm.org

Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday 9:30 am-5:00 pm, Thursday-Saturday 9:30 am-9:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am-5:00 pm CLOSED MONDAY

Minnesota Orchestra

Target Free Family Concerts
Check website for schedule and ticket information
www.minnesotaorchestra.org or call 612-371-5656

Guthrie Theater

Target Play Dates
Free theater workshops for kids ages 4-11,
with family matinee tickets
Check website for schedule
www.guthrietheater.org or call 612-377-2224

Hot Tip

New!! Scholarship Search

The University of Minnesota Undergraduate Scholarship Search went live for students on February 15, 2008. This new tool will show students an individualized list of University scholarships for which they may be eligible to apply. Students can log in from the scholarships page at onestop.umn.edu.

For current undergraduate students: the new scholarship search matches University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, scholarships with your student profile to give you an individualized list of scholarships for which you may be able to apply, brief scholarship descriptions, and links to where you can learn more. Check it out at University of MN Undergraduate Scholarship Search.

Quick and Easy Recipe

Fantastic French Toast
Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
Makes: 6 servings

Ingredients:

2 Eggs
1/2 cup fat-free milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 slices whole-wheat bread
light syrup of fruit toppings (optional)

Instructions:
1. Prehead a griddle over medium heat, or set electic frying pan at 375
2. Put eggs, milk, and vanilla in shallow bowl
3. Beat with a fork until well mixed
4. Grease griddle or pan with a thin layer of oil or nonstick spray
5. Dip both sides of bread, one slice at a time, in egg mixture, and cook on the hot griddle or frying pan.
6. Cook on one side until golden brown.
7. Turn bread over to cook the other side.
Tip: It will take about 4 minutes on each side

Serve hot.
Top with light syrup or fruit for extra flavor!

Enjoy this delicious and healthy breakfast!!

Grants Update

All Grant applications were due February 1st 2008.

The list for the CCAMPIS Grant is closed at this time.

Post Secondary Child Care Grant: First tier students who have already submitted applications have been processed and you should check your student accounts for an entry labeled, “MN State Child Care Grant” (same as Post Secondary CC Grant). When you see that hit your account the grant has been disbursed. At this point in time we do not know whether there will be enough money to cover the second tier students, but we will keep you posted.

All programs of the SPHC are available to undergraduates only.

COOL WEB LINK:

Global Children's Art Gallery

The Global Children's Art Gallery now features 1,050 pictures
by children from 67 countries.

Visit the gallery

" Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up."

Pablo Picasso

Featured Books

*Note* All of the books/CD’s listed below are available for check-out at the Student Parent Help Center

Settle Down Activities for Easy Bedtimes by Cynthia MacGregor
How to Be Your Own Best Friend By Mildred Newman and Bernard Berkowitz
The First Twelve Months of Life by Frank Caplan
The Parent's Book about Bullying by William Voors
Courage After Fire by Keith Armstrong, Suzanne Best, and Paula Domenici
Going to Day Care by Fred Rogers
When a Family is in Trouble by Marge Heegaard
I Had a Friend Named Peter by Janice Cohn

Who’s Who at SPHC

Susan Warfield, MSW, LICSW

As the Director of the SPHC, I am responsible for overseeing all programs of the Student Parent HELP Center and supervising SPHC staff. This has meant that I have had to step back from having the degree of direct contact with students I have always enjoyed having. This has been a difficult but necessary step for me to take in order to meet the administrative and financial needs of our growing program. If you have an issue that absolutely cannot be addressed by another SPHC staff member, you may schedule an appointment with me. These appointments should be booked through the SPHC front desk. Intakes and basic questions about services offered should be directed to Jerri Wagner, Rebecca Hassett, Katie Schoeppner, or Zer Xiong. I am entering my 8th year with the HELP Center and during this journey have moved from on-line staff, to Coordinator and now Director. With this evolution has come an increase in responsibilities and duties. Please know that even though you may not see as much of me in the actual Center as you may have in the past, I continue to work each and every day to bring you the programming, funding and visibility on campus that student parents need to have a successful experience at the U of MN. We are experiencing a bit of a crisis on the private child care funding side and I really need to devote most of my attention this year to finding more child care assistance and emergency grant funding in order to keep up with demand. Have no fear; you will continue to hear my raucous laughter echoing through the SPHC!

Jerri Clark Wagner, MSW, LGSW

I am the Direct Service Program Coordinator for the Student Parent HELP Center. Originally from New York State, I graduated from Syracuse University in 2000 with an undergraduate degree in theatre, with minors in sociology and women’s studies. After undergrad, I was an AmeriCorps volunteer for one year in Chicago, teaching arts integration on the west side in a Chicago Public School. In June of 2003, I graduated with my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Chicago. While in graduate school, I served as a therapist with Chicago’s Metropolitan YWCA, working with survivors of sexual assault and their families. From 2003-2006, I coordinated two statewide youth violence prevention programs for the Illinois Center for Violence Prevention in Chicago. Prior to relocating to Minneapolis, I spent March-June of 2006 traveling and learning abroad in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. I would love to talk about any of these varied experiences with you and really look forward to working with such an amazing and resilient population at the SPHC!

Rebecca Hassett

Hello! I am one of the new Graduate Social Work Interns this year. This is my first year in the MSW program and my first year at the U of M. I studied Political Science and Spanish at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. I am very excited to be working at the Student Parent HELP center; I think it is an amazing program with much to offer students. I will be helping Jerri out with group during fall semester and I can’t wait to get started. I’m looking forward to meeting all of you!!

Katie Schoeppner

Hello student parents! I am so excited to meet all of you and get to know you over the course of the school year. I am in my first year of the Masters of Social Work program at the U of M and will be interning here for the entire school year. It has been five years since I graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College with a degree in Psychology and Scandinavian Studies. Since graduating I have worked as a nanny in Sweden, as a program manager at an agency for adults with traumatic brain injuries, as a legal assistant at a small personal injury law firm and in the publisher’s office at the Duluth News Tribune in Duluth, MN. It is sure to be an eventful and exciting year!

Zer Xiong

I am the Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (UGTA) for the Student Parent HELP Center. This is my second year as the UGTA. Part of my responsibilities is to assist you in the Center so feel free to ask me for help. Like you, I am also a student parent. My son Alexander will be 2 on November 27th, 2007. In May 2008 I will be graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Family Social Science, and Public Health from the Inter-College Program. It has been a pleasure and privilege getting to know all the student parents who use our center and I am looking forward to another great year!

Comments, questions or ideas about useful information for this newsletter can be directed to Rebecca Hassett at Sphc@umn.edu.

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