In this month’s edition:

1. Here for the Hill Results
2. J-Term and Spring Parking
3. Academic Success during Finals
4. Election Processing and Decompression
5. Winter Safety
6. Housing Selection 2025-26 Update
7. Mental Health during Finals

Thank you for making Here for the Hill a success

The Here for the Hill Student Org Challenge 2024 has wrapped, and this year’s results are in. With your support, the campaign raised a grand total of $37,503 for student organizations! In addition, over 600 unique donors participated, unlocking bonus dollars for the Co-Curricular Opportunity Fund. This fund ensures every Ole is able to access campus life beyond the classroom. On top of that, 43 student organizations participated in the campaign — the most ever!

THANK YOU for supporting student organizations. Follow along throughout the year to see the incredible impact they make in the lives of Oles.

Open Now: Permit Applications for January and Spring Term

Parking permit applications for January and spring term are open through November 15. Please encourage your student to refer to the communication from the Parking Office shared on November 1 for further details.

There are a limited number of spots available, and submitting an application by the deadline does not guarantee a permit. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Academic Success Center is here for your Ole during finals

With the end of the fall semester approaching, the Academic Success Center has helpful resources for finals! Supplemental Instruction and Academic Tutoring are available for many classes through the end of the semester, and the Writing Desk will be open through finals week. Also, remind your student to stop in to pick up a Preparing for Finals Calendar and to watch for our Tip of the Day starting later this month.

Reminder: The 2024–25 Academic Calendar and course syllabi explain the final exam schedule months in advance, so the expectation is that students will be present for in-person exams. Keep this in mind as you and your Ole make travel plans!

Election Processing and Decompression

Elections can bring up a lot of uncertainty and stress into our lives. There is a lot at stake every time we vote. Vice President for Community and Belonging Eduardo Pazos, the Wellness Center, Taylor Center for Equity and Inclusion, Flaten Art Museum, and Institute for Community and Belonging teamed up to share events to support students amid the 2024 election week:

• Election Decompression
• Monday, November 4 to Wednesday, November 6
• Activities promoting relaxation and stress relief included massage chairs, sound baths, yoga, reiki, and cookie decorating.

• Living Room Conversation
• Thursday, November 7
• The Institute for Freedom and Community will host a “Living Room Conversation” in the Flaten Art Museum. This is an informal space for students to ask questions about the election and take stock of the implications.

• Politics and Pastries with St. Olaf’s Care and Comfort K9
  Friday, November 8
  The Institute for Freedom and Community will host a “Politics and Pastries” event with a twist. The featured guest will be St. Olaf’s Care and Comfort K9, Bertha — so, it will actually be “Politics, Pastries, and Puppies!”

In addition, the Counseling Center will offer same-day and drop-in 1:1 appointments for students to receive extra support to process the election.

Winter Safety

• Stay informed and plan ahead: Keep track of weather alerts. Students, staff, and faculty are automatically enrolled in emergency notifications through Ole Alerts.
• Dress warmly: Layer clothing, wear hats, gloves, and waterproof boots, and consider reflective clothing to stay visible in low light.
• Walk and drive with caution: Use small, careful steps on icy paths, clear all snow and ice from vehicles, and keep an emergency kit in your car with blankets, a flashlight, and snacks.
• Stay indoors during extreme cold: Limit outdoor activities in severe weather, watch for signs of frostbite or hypothermia, and seek shelter to stay safe.

Public Safety will host a drop-in training session in winter safety on Wednesday, November 13. All students are encouraged to join.

Update on Housing Selection 2025-26

The Housing Selection is right around the corner for the 2025–26 academic school year. During the fall semester, Residence Life works with students to grant exemptions to the on-campus living requirement as necessary. The housing application will open during the J-Term and the Housing Informationals, Roommate Socials, and room style selection days will open during the spring semester. If your student is away from campus during the January or spring term and has any issues accessing the housing portal, they should email housing@stolaf.edu. Additional information on the housing selection process is forthcoming. 

The goal of Residence Life is for you and your Ole see firsthand the value of on-campus living.  The department is always open to opportunities for collaborations and suggestions from parents and student supporters.

Support your student during the stress of finals

With Winter Break just around the corner, many students are gearing up for finals — a period that often brings both excitement and stress. As a parent, you play a vital role in supporting your student’s well-being during this time. Here are some ways you can help them stay balanced, focused, and motivated as they approach finals week.

Encourage the SHIELD Method for Self-Care

The SHIELD method is a simple, effective approach to self-care during high-stress periods. Here’s how you can help reinforce these practices with your student:

• Sleep: Remind your student to prioritize getting 7–8 hours of sleep each night. A well-rested brain is crucial for clear thinking and memory retention, and gentle reminders from you can reinforce the value of consistent rest.
• Handling Stress: Finals season can be overwhelming. Encourage your student to try stress management techniques like meditation, journaling, or simply taking breaks. Small gestures, like sending a care package or suggesting a creative break, can help them feel supported without adding more pressure.
• Interactions with Others: Finals can feel isolating, so regular check-ins from family can provide a much-needed boost. A quick message, a call, or a video chat during a study break can remind them they have a strong support system.
• Exercise: Physical activity is a proven way to reduce stress. Encourage your student to get up and move, whether it’s a quick walk, stretching, or a favorite workout. Even sending them a fun new exercise video link could help inspire a quick, energizing break.
• Learning New Things: Suggest they take a break by learning something unrelated to their studies — watching an interesting short video, doing a creative activity, or reading something fun. Engaging a different part of the brain can refresh and recharge them for more effective studying.
• Diet: Healthy eating can fuel them through finals season. If possible, send a care package with healthy snacks or easy recipes. Encouraging balanced meals over quick snacks or caffeine overload can help them maintain energy and focus.

Balancing Self-Care with Self-Soothing

Helping your student understand the difference between self-care and self-soothing can improve their coping strategies:

• Self-Care is about making choices that benefit their future well-being — like regular exercise, good nutrition, and setting aside time to connect with loved ones.
• Self-Soothing provides immediate comfort — like watching TV or having a favorite snack. Encourage them to balance these practices so they can recharge without getting too sidetracked.

TimelyCare and Counseling:

• TimelyCare offers 12 FREE counseling sessions and unlimited TalkNow sessions.
• Student can schedule appointments on the Counseling Center website.
• Peer One-to-One Support through the Wellness Center is a great way to connect with a peer on a variety of topics and get support from someone facing similar struggles. Students can pop into the Wellness Center or schedule an appointment.

Mental health trainings are available to YOU and your student!

Question Persuade Refer (QPR) is a virtual 1.5-hour training that focuses on how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help.

Upcoming dates (all virtual):

• TBD —if you’re interested in receiving this training, email willia24@stolaf.edu to be contacted about future dates!

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an in-person 8-hour training that teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. This training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.

Upcoming dates (all on campus):

• November 22 from 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. For more information, fill out this form and email willia24@stolaf.edu