Parent & Family E-Communications

Dear Students and Families,

As you get ready for spring break, we want to remind you that parking on campus is not permitted without prior approval from the Office of Transportation. All vehicles must display a valid permit unless written approval has been granted by the Offices of Public Safety, Transportation, and Parking.

All vehicles on campus without a valid permit must be removed immediately.

Due to space capacity, no temporary student permits will be issued before March 19.

Students without an authorized parking pass are not allowed to bring a vehicle back to campus after Spring Break. Beginning Monday, March 16th, and through the remainder of the semester, unauthorized vehicles will be towed off campus. Owners will be responsible for all outstanding Providence College citations and any tow yard storage fees incurred before their vehicle is released.

Employee and commuter parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis and is not guaranteed. When campus parking reaches capacity, drivers must find off-campus options.

For details on Parking Regulations at Providence College, click here.

Thank you for your anticipated cooperation.

Best regards,

The Office of Public Safety & The Office of Transportation & Parking
Providence College, Raymond Hall LL60
Phone: 401.865.2234
Transportation & Parking Website

Dear Providence College Families,

According to the National Weather Service, Monday’s blizzard which brought us 37.9 inches of snow, set a new snowfall record for Rhode Island. All I can say is thank goodness February is a short month and will soon be gone.  Bring on the milder temperatures and let the melting begin!

 I want to give a big SHOUT OUT to everyone who has worked so diligently to keep our campus community safe during the storm—our residence life staff, public safety, physical plant, dining services, and the list goes on. A special thank you to Dean Sears, VP for Student Affairs. His compassionate leadership, as well as the collaborative efforts of his administrative team, make all the difference to our students during challenging times.

The Parent/Family Blog this month (which was written before the blizzard) is especially timely as it provides some practical advice on ways to support your student’s health and well-being during cold and flu season.  To learn what our executive directors of student health and personal counseling suggest, please click here.

This email provides information regarding important dates, deadlines, and campus programs. I hope that you will share it with your student. If you have questions regarding any of the programs or events contained in this email, please contact the specific office involved. Additionally, this “ Ask A Question” link provides a quick and easy way for me to respond to your questions, within a day or two of receiving them.

God Bless.

Jackie

Jacqueline Kiernan MacKay

Director, PC Parent & Family Program

Adjunct Faculty, Graduate Program in Higher Education

AHEPPP Board of Directors Emerita

parents@providence.edu

401-865-1550

*THE OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR

Mid-Semester Grades: The mid-semester grading period opened on Wednesday, February 25^th. Faculty will be submitting mid-semester grades for students through Wednesday, March 18^th.  Once posted, students can view their mid-semester grades in CyberFriar. You’re encouraged to speak with your student about their academic progress and any support they may need as we move into the second half of the semester.

*OFFICE OF FINANCIAL AID

Need-based financial aid applications for the 2026-2027 academic year are due by April 15. After submitting the FAFSA and CSS Profile using 2024 tax information, please be aware that our office may require separate supporting documentation to finalize your student’s financial aid. To provide these items, students must create a Student Forms account, which is a secure portal independent of the FAFSA/CSS websites. We will notify students via text and email if any additional documents are needed, and again once their file is officially complete.

*COMMENCEMENT 2026

Cap and Gown ordering for seniors ends on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Please remind your graduates to place their order. Messaging, including important dates relating to academic attire, is sent to students weekly. The Commencement Website is regularly updated. The latest updates include printable graphics and a request for photos: Class of 2026 Printable Signs and Social Media Graphics – Commencement

*SENIOR YEARBOOK PHOTOS

Parents of the Class of 2026: The final on-campus dates for 2026 yearbook senior portraits are April 20 through April 24. Students can schedule an appointment for themselves here.

There will be a $20.00 sitting fee which will be refunded or applied to order. More information will follow in the coming months about how to purchase copies of portrait photos as well as ordering additional copies of the yearbook. Seniors do not need to order; they will receive a copy of the yearbook in the fall of 2026. Please email Susan McCauley (smccaule@providence.edu) with any yearbook questions.

*2026-2027 HOUSING SELECTION INFORMATION

Housing Selection for the 2026-2027 academic year is underway. All members of the Class of 2029 and most members of the Class of 2028 (unless they have been approved by the Office of Residence Life to live off campus) are required to live on campus unless commuting from the home of parent or guardian. We have enough housing for all undergraduate students who are required and/or desire to live on campus. Students can now begin forming roommate groups on their eRezLife accounts. Housing selection dates range from Monday March 2^nd (Class of ’27) to Monday April 14^th (Class of ’29 traditional hall triples).

New this Year: PC Well Affinity Housing: The PC Well Affinity Housing Community provides an intentional living experience for upperclassmen committed to personal wellness. Located on the 6th floor of Shanley Hall, this community supports students seeking a residential environment that promotes healthy habits and holistic well‑being. Open to members of the Classes of 2029, 2028, and 2027 – students may apply individually or as complete roommate groups. Ideal for students who prefer a lifestyle with reduced substance use or abstinence from substances. Students must apply and the priority deadline for applications is March 6, 2026. Learn more here.

Note for Class of 2029 Families: Approximately 35% of the Class of 2029 will live in traditional halls next year. We recognize the demand for apartment, suite, and semi-suite housing among the rising sophomore class surpasses the inventory. 

• All students who have complete groups (i.e., 4 students for a 4-person Shanley semi-suite or 4 students for a 4-person apartment) are encouraged to try for their first housing choice on Wednesday, April 8th.
• However, please recognize at a certain point on 4/8 students will not be able to select an apartment, suite, or semi-suite and will be notified there are none of these options left. They will then be able to pick a traditional hall room on April 14^th.
• The timeline between rising sophomore housing selection dates is purposely designed to give students the opportunity to come up with a new housing plan if they are not able to select an apartment, suite, or semi-suite. An example of a new housing plan could be three groups of four students who did not receive housing in Shanley on April 8^th joining together to form four triples and selecting housing on the same residence hall floor on April 14^th.
• Students also have the opportunity to apply as a group of 5 for a maximum occupancy apartment, suite, or semi-suite. These applications are due March 6^th with notification occurring around March 25^th. There are no financial incentives for choosing this option, but it allows friend groups of five, the opportunity to apply to live together for their sophomore year.

Please visit the 2026-27 Housing Selection website for more details. Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions for responses to common questions. If you have additional questions, please reach out to reslife@providence.edu.

*BREAKS AND END OF SEMESTER RESIDENCE HALL CLOSINGS

Please keep in mind the following residence hall closing schedules:

• Spring Break: Residence halls close Friday, March 6^th at 7 p.m. and do not reopen until Sunday, March 15^th at 12 p.m.
• Easter Break: Residence halls close Wednesday, April 1^st at 7 p.m. and do not reopen until Monday, April 6^th at 12 p.m.
• End of Semester: Residence halls close Friday, May 8^th at 7 p.m. for non-graduating students and Monday, May 18^th at 12 p.m. for graduating students 

*2026-2027 RESIDENT STUDENT PARKING LOTTERY INFORMATION

Providence College’s annual Parking Lottery for rising juniors and seniors living on campus for the 2026-2027 academic year is approaching. Since on-campus parking is limited, students must apply through the Lottery for the permit option that best fits their academic plans (full year, fall only, or spring only).

The lottery will run from Monday, March 2, 2026, at 9:00 am through Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 9:00 pm. All details, including permit options, eligibility, deadlines, parking locations, and application instructions are available on the Office of Transportation website. Please review this information carefully with your student and ensure they apply before the form closes, as late applications cannot be accepted. A few important items to keep in mind:

• Students must reside on campus AND be a rising junior or senior to participate in the Parking Lottery.
• Students must have their own vehicle, or the vehicle of a parent/guardian, to be eligible for the Parking Lottery. Students are not allowed to request a parking permit for another student’s vehicle or transfer an offered permit to another student.
• Submitting multiple forms will not increase selection chances.
• Only the most recent submission will be processed. Students may resubmit prior to the deadline if their request changes.

Students selected in the Parking Lottery must complete all registration and payment requirements by the deadline in the offer email to secure their permit. If students have  questions, they may contact transportation@providence.edu or (401) 865-2234.

*ON-CAMPUS PARKING REMINDER

As we approach Spring Break, a reminder that students should not bring a vehicle back to campus after the break without prior approval. Parking space on campus is extremely limited, and we are unable to accommodate vehicles that surpass space availability. Each resident student may request one temporary parking permit per semester for up to five nights here. Please note that temporary permits are granted only when space is available and must be requested AND approved in advance. Temporary parking permits are processed during the regular business day only, so students should prepare ahead of time. Vehicles parked on campus without prior approval will be cited and possibly booted or towed.

We appreciate your cooperation in reminding students to plan accordingly and to reach out to the Office of Transportation with any questions before returning to campus. Thank you for your continued support during this busy time of year.

*CHIRICO CAREER CENTER – Is Your Student Part of the 67%?

On February 11^th, more than 500 students gathered in Peterson Recreation Center for our annual Spring Career EXPO! Students had the opportunity to meet with employers and graduate school representatives, explore career paths, and make valuable connections for their future.

Was your student at the EXPO? So far, this academic year, 67% of PC students have engaged with the Chirico Career Center through coaching appointments, office hours or events. If your student hasn’t connected with us yet, now is a great time to start! We offer support for every major and every stage of career development—from choosing a major to preparing for internships, graduate school, or full‑time jobs. Our services include career coaching, daily drop‑in office hours, online tools and resources, workshops, and events throughout the rest of the semester. Encourage your student to visit FriarHub or stop by Slavin 108 to take their next step. We’re here to help!

*GRIEF GROUP FOR STUDENTS

The Office of Student Outreach & Support Services is offering a psycho-educational/support group for students who have experienced the loss of a loved one and are experiencing grief.  The group will be facilitated by Kendra Bogosian Marasco, LCSW, Advocacy & Education Specialist, and is scheduled to meet twice monthly on Wednesday afternoons and evenings, alternately. Resources are shared and refreshments are served, as a community of support is established and strengthened. For more information, please contact Whitney Tourinho, Assistant Director of Student Outreach & Support Services at 401-865-1029 or Wtourinh@providence.edu.

*STUDENT ENGAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP

Getting Involved Next Year:Many application processes and club elections for next year are coming up. Encourage your students to attend any coffeehouses or info sessions they see on the events calendar – Urban Action, BOP, BMSA, and Student Congress will all be holding theirs over the next month!

Spring Events: On March 20th, the Spring Concert will take place in Peterson Fieldhouse! This event is exclusively for PC undergraduate students and concert artists will be announced very soon! BOP coordinates booking the talent and sharing all information about ticket sales and event details. Be sure to follow @pcbop on Instagram for live updates and announcements!

In March, SEAL will be holding March Madness events, Game Watches, a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, and our annual Spring Kick Off! Please have your students follow @pcfriarlife on Instagram to stay up to date with upcoming events and ways to get involved!

Dear Providence College Families,

Happy New Year! I hope you had some extra time to spend with your students during the holiday season. I am sure that providing opportunities for comfort, fun, and connections were especially appreciated during the break.

A new semester brings a whole lot of adjustments for students—different classes, new professors, and a varied social schedule. For some students this can be an unsettling time, and it may take a little bit for them to get into the rhythm of a familiar routine, but they will get there.  For students looking to widen their social network and broaden their campus involvement, the beginning of a semester is the perfect time to try something new. Our Parent/Family Blog this month focuses on the resources of the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership (SEAL) in helping students to make the most of their PC experience. You can find the blog here.

Our PC Hot Topic Video highlights our new Human Performance Lab—its purpose, equipment, opportunities for faculty collaboration, research, and student involvement. Please visit here.

This email provides information regarding important dates, deadlines, and campus programs. I hope that you will share it with your student. If you have questions regarding any of the programs or events contained in this email, please contact the specific office involved. Additionally, this “ Ask A Question” link provides a quick and easy way for me to respond to your questions, within a day or two of receiving them.

God Bless.
Jackie

Jacqueline Kiernan MacKay
Director, PC Parent & Family Program
Adjunct Faculty, Graduate Program in Higher Education
AHEPPP Board of Directors Emerita
parents@providence.edu
401-865-1550

*COMMENCEMENT 2026
Cap and Gown Day for seniors will be held on Wednesday, April 15,2026. This day is a one-stop pick-up of academic attire, information, and an opportunity to record a message for the AMP jumbotron. Attire ordering is currently open for members of the class. Messaging, including important dates relating to academic attire, was sent to students and families at the start of the semester. Guides to Commencement can be found here.

  *STUDENT HEALTH CENTER – INFLUENZA (FLU)
With the current rise of influenza cases on campus, it is important that students incorporate simple common-sense practices into their daily routine that may help both prevent and contain the spread of upper respiratory illnesses. The flu (as well as other respiratory and gastrointestinal viruses) can spread rapidly among college students due to the classroom settings and living conditions where there are large numbers of people confined to small areas. Providence College follows the CDC and RIDOH guidelines for students testing positive for influenza. For more information, including tips on avoiding the flu and flu treatment, please visit the Student Health Center website.

*2026-2027 HOUSING INFORMATION
The housing selection process will soon begin for students living on campus for the 2026-2027 academic year. As a reminder, all Class of 2029 and Class of 2028 students must reside on campus or be approved for Commuter Status (commuting from the home of a parent or guardian).

• Class of 2028 students may request permission from the Office of Residence Life to reside off campus for their junior year, however, we are no longer accepting applications for the 2026-2027 academic year. Students should not sign leases unless they have been approved by the Office of Residence Life & Housing to live off campus. 
• Class of 2027 students must complete their Senior Housing Intention Form indicating whether they plan to live off campus, commute, or live on campus. More information regarding the housing selection process will be available here the week of February 2^nd.

*RESIDENCE HALL CLOSINGS
The residence halls will be closed Friday, March 6^th at 7 p.m. – Sunday, March 15^th at 12 p.m. for Spring Break. Additionally, the residence halls will be closed Wednesday, April 1^st at 7 p.m. – Monday, April 6^th at 12 p.m. for Easter Break. Students needing to remain in their residence halls over one or both of these breaks, can submit an application beginning in February on their eRezLife accounts.

*THE OFFICE OF FINANCIAL AID
Need-based financial aid applications are due by April 15, 2026. For the 2026-27 academic year, both the FAFSA and CSS Profile require 2024 tax information. To ensure a smooth process, please have your student create a Student Forms (Torch) account. This portal is used to securely upload any additional documentation requested after your FAFSA and CSS Profile have been reviewed. Students will receive real-time notifications via text and email regarding missing items and final file completion.

*BURSAR’S OFFICE
All Spring 2026 bills were due by 12/15/25. 1098T’s will be published and will be available for viewing before 1/31/26. Providence College does not mail a printed copy of the 1098T. Students and parents that are set up as authorized users receive an email that the 1098T is available for viewing.

Please note that students must provide additional access for Authorized Users to view 1098T’s. This selection is under the Parent Pin Section found in the Bursar area of your Cyberfriar account. Students can access their 1098T and set up an authorized user by logging into Cyberfriar.  If you are a Parent or Guardian set up as an authorized user you can access the 1098T by logging in here.

If clicking the link does not work, please copy and paste the information into your browser. If you have problems with your password, please copy and paste it from the email that was sent to you with your username and password.

*SENIOR YEARBOOK PHOTOS
Parents of the Class of 2026 Seniors: Yearbook photographers will be on campus to take senior year portraits for the 2026 yearbook on the following dates: February 2nd – 5^th; February 9th – 12^th; February 16th – 19^th; and February 23rd – 26^th. Students can schedule an appointment for themselves here.

There will be a $20.00 sitting fee which will be refunded or applied to order. More information will follow in the coming months about how to purchase copies of portrait photos as well as ordering additional copies of the yearbook. Seniors do not need to order; they will receive a copy of the yearbook in the fall of 2025. Please email Susan McCauley (smccaule@providence.edu) with any yearbook questions.

*CLASS OF 2027 RING SALES
The Balfour Ring Company will be on campus showcasing the Class of 2027 rings on Tuesday, February 10^th, Wednesday, February 11^th, and Tuesday, April 14th through Thursday, April 16^th. The class ring tradition has been around for 60 years! Students will receive their ring in Fall 2026 during Senior Ring Weekend (SRW). SRW is a three-day celebration that culminates in the Ring Mass when the rings are blessed and distributed to the students. Dates are being discussed now, so more to come! Please follow @pcsrw2027 on Instagram for latest updates!

*CHIRICO CAREER CENTER – Preparing for AI Interviews, the Spring EXPO and more!
The Chirico Career Center is excited to welcome students back! This semester features a variety of programs for all majors and class years, including Perspectives on Investments, How to Navigate a HireVue Interview, The Masked Major 4, and our Careers In… series (Consulting, Law & Government, Sports Management, Healthcare, Real Estate). We’re also gearing up for the Spring Career EXPO on February 11th. Encourage your student to visit FriarHub for the full list of events.

*THE CENTER FOR GLOBAL EDUCATION (CGE)
Class of 2029: CIV in London. Sophomore students have the opportunity to complete the DWC program by studying in London with two excellent PC professors. In Spring 2027, participating students will take a DWC colloquium, “Medical London,” Biomedical Ethics (Professor Carlson – Ethics Core), Contemporary Drama in London (Professor Boeninger – Fine Arts Core & Diversity Proficiency), and two other courses of their choice. This program is open to all second-year students and should be of particular interest to students in Nursing, Biology, and the Health Sciences.

Applications will be due towards the end of the spring semester 2026. There will be an info session for CIV in London on Tuesday, February 3 at 4:00 PM (location TBD). PC faculty and students currently in London will join the session via Zoom to share their experiences so far in London with prospective CIV in London students.

Study Abroad 2026-27: We received nearly 700 applications for study abroad next year, and the CGE staff are close to finishing their review. We thank students and parents for their patience.As communicated last semester, the Administration requires that we balance study abroad enrollments between the fall and spring semester. Students will need to be flexible with their study abroad plans as we cannot guarantee fall or spring semester. If the initial fall and spring enrollment projections are not balanced, the CGE will need to conduct a randomized lottery to move students from one semester to the other to balance enrollments.

Walk-in Hours: Staff are available for students during walk in hours on Tuesday and Wednesday from 1:00 to 3:30. Students needing general/routine questions answered should come to the CGE during these times. Students needing more attention/information should schedule an appointment by emailing pcabroad@providence.edu.

Parent Zoom Session: TheCGE held a Zoom session for parents on October 7, 2025. A link to the recording can be found on the Parents and Families page on the Study Abroad website.An additional session will be scheduled later in the semester.

Contacting US: Please call 401-865-2114 or email pcabroad@providence.edu. If necessary, leave a detailed voice mail, and someone will return your call. Emails will receive a response as soon as possible.

*BENJAMIN FAMILY SOCIAL MEDIA FELLOWSHIP—APPLY NOW
Students interested in social media and digital storytelling are invited to apply to the Benjamin Family Social Media Fellowship for the 2026–2027 academic year. Fellows play a hands-on role in managing the official social media channels of the Providence School of Business, gaining real-world experience in content strategy, creation, and performance analytics.

In addition to this professional experience, fellows enroll in a specialized 3-credit marketing elective during the Fall 2026 semester, receive a $1,500 stipend and an alumni mentor, and participate in a networking trip to New York City to connect with alumni in digital marketing and tech.

Find out more at the info session: Wednesday, January 28 | 7 p.m. | Ryan 103

Apply now through FriarHub
Deadline: Tuesday, February 17, at noon 
Questions? Contact Liz Kay at lkay@providence.edu.

*GRADUATE SCHOOL PREP OPPORTUNITY
Students who are considering graduate school have an upcoming opportunity to learn more about the process. Leading up to the Spring Career Expo and Graduate School Fair, the Graduate Admission Office and the Chirico Career Center will host a series of in-person sessions designed to help students explore graduate school options, understand funding, and prepare strong applications.

The series is designed for students at any stage of considering graduate school, whether they are just exploring options or actively preparing applications. Please encourage your student to attend and take advantage of this valuable opportunity to prepare for their future academic and career goals.

Paying for Graduate School – Jan. 28 at 4pm at Ben Mondor Center for Nursing and Health Sciences, Room LL06.

Statement Writing and Resume Review – Feb. 4 at 4pm at Ben Mondor Center for Nursing and Health Sciences, Room LL06.

Explore more graduate information sessions here.

*EMERGING LEADERS PROGRAM: SPRING SEMESTER
The Emerging Leaders program is a six-week leadership program where first-year students have the opportunity to connect with other freshmen, learn about campus resources, and reflect on how they want to develop as a leader here at PC and beyond. If your student is looking to get more involved on campus, is pursuing leadership opportunities, or would like to connect with other first-year students, we’d encourage them to be a part of the Emerging Leaders program. Meetings will begin in mid-February. Interested  students can email Molly Buckley, Associate Director of Student Engagement and Leadership, at mbuckl10@providence.edu to learn more.

*STUDENT SHUTTLE SERVICES
Providence College students may utilize the Friar Nite and Shopping Shuttles during the regular academic year. Both shuttles provide a continuous route, either on-campus or off-campus, and can be tracked using the Passio GO! app. Passio GO! allows riders to set up arrival alerts, tag favorites, and reduce wait times at stops. Riders can also set up additional alerts for route changes or delays to stay informed. Learn more about our shuttle services, hours of operation, and view the map here. If you have any questions, please contact the Transportation Office at transportation@providence.edu or (401) 865-2234.

*SPRING BREAK SHUTTLE INFORMATION
The 2026 Spring Break shuttle sign-ups will be available beginning Thursday, February 12^th at 9:00 am. Capacity is limited, and reservations will be approved on a first come, first serve basis. The Transportation Office will be running shuttles to:

• TF Green Airport
• Amtrak/MBTA Station in downtown Providence
• Peter Pan Bus Terminal (1 Peter Pan Way, Providence, RI 02904)

The shuttles will be available on Thursday, March 5^th and Friday, March 6^th. To sign up and reserve a spot, students must complete this form.  Students are allowed to bring one suitcase and backpack on the shuttle. If you have any questions, please contact the Transportation Office at transportation@providence.edu or (401) 865-2234.

*STUDENT ACTIVITIES
A Super Bowl Party will be held on Sunday, February 8th, in McPhail’s (regardless of which teams will be competing). McPhail’s is the place to be for all who want to watch “the big game” in Friartown. It will feature raffles during commercials, good eats, halftime games, and much more starting at 6:00pm.

Spring semester is always filled with fun events with the hope of warm weather coming, but spring is also a time where clubs and organizations are holding elections and accepting applications for their leadership roles for next year. Most groups with applications processes hold a Coffee House/Info Session to learn more about the group and the application process. These groups include Friar Clubs, Board of Programmers (BOP), Student Congress, BMSA, Urban Action, etc. Have your students keep an eye out for these dates on PC Central and the table tents in the dining hall.

The Black & White Ball will be held on Friday, January 30th from 7pm-10pm! Ticket Sales are $25 and are available on PC Central. The Black & White Ball is an all-class dance that was started in 2017 during PC’s centennial year. Board of Programmers (BOP) has continued the tradition since! Have your students follow BOP on Instagram @pcbop for updates on the event.

Dear Parents and Families of First-Year Students,

As you are aware, fall semester classes are coming to a close this week and final exams will begin. I am sure that you can hardly believe that your student has just completed the first semester at Providence College. Congratulations! Soon most students will be headed home for the holidays.  No doubt, many of you are looking forward to providing your Friars with some extra TLC during this time.  Since semester break is the first extended period of time that students spend at home since arriving on campus in late August, it is important to keep in mind that for both families and students, this can be a time of great excitement, as well as some unwelcomed anxiety.  As Director of the Providence College Parent & Family Program, I am pleased to share with you some thoughts and strategies to keep in mind as you prepare for your student’s homecoming.   

 As you look forward to this time,  get ready for a period of readjustment as your student returns home to live with family after a semester of independence.   Readjusting to home life and routines after being on their own can sometimes be a source of tension for everyone.  Don’t wait for conflict to arise.  Share your expectations early on.  Be prepared for change and try to be flexible. 

 The holiday season represents a time for family traditions and gatherings.  Parents may be looking forward to spending some “quality” time with their student.  On the other hand, your student may need to decompress after a long semester of classes and finals.  Catching up on sleep, eating lots of home-cooked food, and reconnecting with friends may be at the top of their list of priorities while on break.  Be realistic about the amount of time you expect your student to spend at home.  For many first-year students, semester break is a time to renew high school friendships in an effort to reassure themselves that things are still the same. This is especially the case for commuter students who are looking forward to connecting with hometown friends who have been away at school for the semester.

 First semester grades provide an opportunity for students and parents to evaluate what has occurred and what might be done differently.  It is important to keep an open dialogue about strengths, feelings about the semester, and anticipation of second semester.

 If your student has done well, give praise and celebrate!   With so much to balance during that first semester, your student’s good academic performance was no easy task.  Take some time to discuss strategies that were implemented and study skills that worked best.  Encourage realistic goal setting for the next semester to avoid your student getting stressed and anxious about the level of performance.

 A student who has done poorly may be reluctant to share grades.  If your student does not bring up the subject—make sure you do.  Be supportive while helping your student to reevaluate what has occurred.  Help to re-focus on strength’s, evaluate weaknesses, review study habits, discuss time management issues, and reassess the balance between academics and extra-curricular activities.  Most of all, don’t panic!  Remind your student that all is not lost and that now is the time to develop a positive plan of action for the next semester.  For help with this process, encourage your Friar to make use of the resources of the PC Student Success Center.  To learn more about how that office can assist them to move forward, please visit here.

 Remember that grades aren’t the only measure of student success.  Did their academic performance improve over the course of the semester?  Are they adjusting to living on their own?  Are they making good decisions about how to spend their free time?  Are they feeling a sense of belonging at PC?  For students looking to increase their campus involvement next semester and meet new friends, the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership will be sponsoring a Spring Involvement Fair on Wednesday, January 14.  Remind your Friars to check their “Morning Mail” for more specific information about the event .

 If your student’s overall adjustment to college may not have met expectations, don’t overreact.  First semester brings some unique challenges that may take some time to resolve.  Your encouragement and support are especially important now. Please keep in mind that families and the College can work together to reinforce messages to students that support good and healthy choices.

• Take some time during the break to revisit your expectations and values as they relate to peer pressure, how students spend their time, and their money.  Help students to reflect on personal choices and how they coped with new freedoms and academic and social challenges.  
• Remember, the goal is to keep communication open, not to close it.  You can be open and honest about your expectations without coming across as judgmental. 
• The more you know about support services and resources, the better able you will be to help your student to reflect on past decisions and explore options.   Please visit the Providence College Parent & Family Program website for helpful information. 
• The Office of the Dean of Students is always available to answer questions or address student concerns.

Finally, remember to listen, listen, and listen some more.  Cherish and enjoy your time together and try to keep things in perspective.

I wish you and your family many blessings during this special time of year.

Jackie

Jacqueline Kiernan MacKay

Director, PC Parent & Family Program

Adjunct Faculty, Graduate Program in Higher Education

AHEPPP Board of Directors Emerita parents@providence.edu 401-865-1550

Dear Providence College Families,

As many of our students are getting ready to travel home for the holiday, I am sure that parents and families are looking forward to this time with a good amount of anticipation and excitement. It goes without saying that family gatherings and traditions are a big part of what Thanksgiving is all about. We are also mindful that in this time full of uncertainty in the world what remains constant during this season is our desire to come together in prayer and to give thanks for our many blessings. For as we know, prayer gives us hope and brings us light. 

Once again, this year, Fr. Mark Nowel, our Associate Provost for Academic Policy and Mission Support, has prepared a special prayer of thanksgiving for PC families. As director of the Providence College Parent & Family Program, I send my warm thoughts and good wishes to all PC families. I am especially thankful for your support, your insights, and, most of all, for allowing me to journey along with you as we celebrate our students and all that they are called to be.

This email provides information regarding important dates, deadlines, and campus programs. I hope that you will share it with your student. If you have questions regarding any of the programs or events contained in this email, please contact the specific office involved. Additionally, this “ Ask A Question” link provides a quick and easy way for me to respond to your questions, within a day or two of receiving them.

God Bless.
Jackie

Jacqueline Kiernan MacKay
Director, PC Parent & Family Program
Adjunct Faculty, Graduate Program in Higher Education
AHEPPP Board of Directors Emerita parents@providence.edu 401-865-1550

*RESIDENCE HALL CLOSINGS
Residence halls close for Thanksgiving Break on Tuesday, November 25 at 7pm and will reopen on Sunday, November 30 at 12pm. If your student needs to request to stay later or come back early, they should submit a Thanksgiving Break Housing request on the eRezlife site.  It is the responsibility of each resident to plan their own travel in accordance with this schedule.

Residence halls will close for the winter break on Friday, December 19 at 7pm and will reopen on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at 12pm. A break housing application will be available after Thanksgiving Break.

*HOLIDAY BREAK SHUTTLE INFORMATION
The Transportation Office will be running shuttles during the Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks to TF Green Airport, Amtrak/MBTA Station (downtown Providence), and the Peter Pan Bus Terminal (1 Peter Pan Way, Providence). Capacity is limited, and reservations will be approved on a first come, first serve basis.

The 2025 Thanksgiving Break Shuttle sign-up is available now. Shuttles will run on Monday, November 24^th and Tuesday, November 25^th. Students must complete the Campus Break Shuttle Form to reserve a seat.

The 2025 Winter Break Shuttle sign-up will open December 1^st at 9:00am. Shuttles will run on Thursday, December 18^th and Friday, December 19^th. Students must reserve a seat by December 11, 2025, at 5:00 pm.

We appreciate your help in encouraging students to sign up early and plan ahead for their Thanksgiving and Winter Break travel. Please reach out to the Transportation Office with any questions.

*UPS STORAGE FOR STUDY ABROAD STUDENTS  
The UPS Store is offering a 20% discount for students studying abroad in the spring who choose to store their items with them through the spring and summer.

*CLASS OF 2026 SENIOR YEARBOOK PHOTOS
Parents of the Class of 2026 Seniors: Yearbook photographers will be on campus to take senior year portraits for the 2026 yearbook 12/1 – 12/4 and 12/8 – 12/11. Students can schedule an appointment for themselves here.

There will be a $20.00 sitting fee which will be refunded or applied to order. More information will follow in the coming months about how to purchase copies of portrait photos as well as ordering additional copies of the yearbook. Seniors do not need to order their own copy – they will receive a copy of the yearbook in the fall of 2026. Please email Susan McCauley (smccaule@providence.edu) with any yearbook questions.

*THE CENTER FOR GLOBAL EDUCATION
Study Abroad Applications: Applications for study abroad the 2026-27 academic year (fall, spring, academic year) have been open since late September.  Students need to complete their applications by December 1. Late applications will not be accepted.

Class of 2029: CIV in London – Special study abroad opportunity for spring semester sophomore year!

During their sophomore year, students have the opportunity to complete the DWC program by studying in London with two excellent PC professors. In Spring 2027, participating students will take a DWC colloquium, “Medical London,” Biomedical Ethics (Professor Carlson – Ethics Core), Contemporary Drama in London (Professor Boeninger – Fine Arts Core & Diversity Proficiency), and two other courses of their choice. This program is open to all PC students in their second year and should be of particular interest to students in Nursing, Biology, and the Health Sciences. 

Applications for this program will be due towards the end of the spring semester 2026.

Walk-in Hours: The Center for Global Education staff are available for students during walk in hours on Tuesday and Wednesday from 1:00 to 3:30. Students needing general/routine questions answered should come to the Center for Global Education during these times. Students needing more attention/information should schedule an appointment by emailing pcabroad@providence.edu.  

Study Abroad Imbalance: The Administration requires the Center for Global Education to balance study abroad enrollments between the fall and spring semesters. Students will need to be flexible with their study abroad plans as the Center for Global Education cannot guarantee fall or spring semester. If the initial fall and spring enrollment projections are not balanced, the Center for Global Education will need to conduct a randomized lottery to move students from one semester to the other to balance enrollments.

Parent Zoom Session: The Center for Global Education held a Zoom session for parents on October 7. A link to the recording can be found on the Parents and Families page on the Study Abroad website.

Contacting the Center for Global Education: Please call 401-865-2114 or email pcabroad@providence.edu. If necessary, leave a detailed voice mail, and someone will return your call.

*CHIRICO CAREER CENTER – Take Advantage of Our Resources!
As the fall semester begins to wind down, the Chirico Career Center would like to let you know about ways we can support your student during November and December. Our career coaches are available to help students explore their career options, reviewing their top 5 strengths, networking, polishing their resume and cover letter, searching for internships, jobs, or postgrad service opportunities and much more. Encourage your student to take advantage of these resources by scheduling an appointment on FriarHub. Our career coaches are available to meet in person or virtually now and during break!

*RESIDENT ASSISTANT APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
Resident Assistant (RA) Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year opened on November 3 and are due December 12, 2025. RAs serve as resources and mentors to their peers in the residence halls. They also gain valuable skills such as crisis management, conflict resolution, time management, and leadership. RAs receive a meal plan credit for the ultimate flex meal plan as well as receive payment equal to their room charges (minus taxes). Paychecks are distributed biweekly throughout the academic year. If you think your student would be a good RA, please encourage them to apply.

*ORIENTATION LEADER APPLICATIONS FOR 2026
The application to be a 2026 Orientation Leader (OL) is open now! Orientation Leaders serve incoming new students and families during the First Day in Friartown and Fall Orientation programs. OLs provide an energetic and welcoming first experience for freshman and transfer students by leading small groups, providing insight into the academic experience and registration process, and facilitating the development of impactful connections and friendships.

*PARKING ON-CAMPUS
As we approach Thanksgiving Break, we would like to remind you that students should not bring a vehicle back to campus after the break without prior approval. Parking space on campus is extremely limited during the final weeks of the semester, and we are unable to accommodate additional vehicles without advance authorization. Each resident student may request one temporary parking permit per semester for up to five nights here. Any blocked-off dates have already reached capacity. Temporary permits are granted only when space is available and must be requested in advance. Temporary parking permit approvals are processed during the regular business day only. We appreciate your cooperation in reminding your student(s) to plan accordingly and to reach out to the Transportation Office with any questions before returning to campus.

*IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM THE OFFICE OF THE BURSAR PAYMENT POLICY:
Outstanding indebtedness to the College will result in a financial hold being placed on a student’s account. This prevents a student from registering, receiving a degree, transcript, or letter of recommendation. Financial holds have been placed on accounts with outstanding balances and students have been notified by email. It is important that you and/or your student contact Bursar’s Office as soon as possible so that we can assist you in resolving this financial issue to ensure the students’ continuing matriculation at Providence College.

*CLASS OF 2027 CLASS RINGS
The Class of 2027 had their class ring premiere on Wednesday, November 12^th and ring sales started on Thursday, November 13^th! The Balfour ring company will be back on campus December 2^nd through 4th to show off the samples and answer any questions about buying a ring. The class ring tradition has been around for 60 years! Students will receive their ring in Fall 2026 and celebrate throughout the weekend, which is why we call it Senior Ring Weekend. Dates are being discussed now, so more to come! Please follow pcsrw2027 on Instagram for latest updates!

*STUDENT ACTIVITIES – November and December Highlights
Motherland Dance Group’s Fashion Show will take place on Saturday, November 22nd in Peterson, doors open at 6:30pm. The fashion show will showcase student-selected designers’ fashion. All the models and production crew are Providence College students. Motherland Dance Group starts working on the Fashion Show in September, so this event will display all the hard work they have put in for the last two months. 

The holiday season is here! Friartown is ready to celebrate! Our Annual Christmas Tree lighting will be held on Wednesday, December 3 from 4pm-6pm on Slavin Lawn. The event will include horse carriage rides, hot chocolate bar, DIY ornaments, special musical performances, and a blessing of the Christmas Tree. December 6th from 9:00pm-11:00pm students will dress in their PJs and head to Christmas Morning Bingo in ’64 Hall in the hopes of winning a chance to open some amazing presents! On December 9th from 11:30am-1:30pm in Lower Slavin, the Cultural Holiday Marketplace will display different holidays around the world for PC community to learn and experience. These are only three events happening on campus, but there is so much more!

Please follow @pcfriarlife on Instagram to see all that is being offered to wrap up the Fall Semester on an exciting note!