Generations - February 2024
Welcome from Parent and Family Council
Dear UArts Families,
In this issue of Generations, you’ll find information about UArtist Day of Giving, Short Travel and Study Abroad Programs, Student Financial Services, a recap of our first informational session for parents and families, and more!
Everyone is welcome to participate in the fifth annual UArtist Day of Giving on Tuesday, Feb. 27. Explore how you can make gifts to support students! This 24-hour giving drive raises funds for UArts’ schools and initiatives, including the schools of Art, Dance, Design, Film, and Music; the Ira Brind School of Theater Arts; the division of Graduate and Professional Studies; and the UArts Cares Fund.
In January, current parents and caregivers had the opportunity to participate in a new informational session on Zoom—skillfully facilitated by Jean Murphy, manager, annual fund and leadership giving; Beth Couture, director of counseling; and Sara Pyle, associate vice president for student affairs—about counseling services at UArts. The meeting reinforced the high level of passion that UArts has for students and alumni.
In addition to a Q&A that focused on individual counseling, groups, outreach, and prevention programming, Beth and Sara provided highly relevant examples and referral resources. They also reminded us that counseling topics for students can range from health issues, to missing classes, to extended periods of noncommunication, to traumatic events, to significant changes in appearance or attitude. You can learn more about some of these benefits online. If you ever think something might be seriously wrong, don’t hesitate to contact Student Affairs to raise your concerns.
UArts also offers Short Travel programs to Japan, Kenya, and London, and students may also be interested in spending a semester abroad. A semester abroad often works best in a student’s third year, and planning should begin in the fall of the second year—or even their first year at UArts. Petitions to study abroad take time to complete, so encourage your student to get engaged early. Students can contact Mara Flamm, director for international programs, at mflamm@uarts.edu, and Student Financial Services at 800-616-ARTS ext. 6170, 215-717-6170, or finaid@uarts.edu, for more information.
Last but not least, the importance of health and mental wellbeing applies to everyone. Take time to take care of yourselves, too.
Sincerely,
Parent and Family Council
Student Spotlight: Khenadi Christmas
Khenadi has been very involved at UArts. Most recently, she has taken on the role of chair of the Student Union. She shares that “stepping into this role … opened many doors for me. It feels as though we are making significant changes to the atmosphere at UArts! The goal was always to create a safe and empowering space for students to give feedback, ideas, and suggestions. Through our open Town Halls and union meetings, I believe we have successfully built that environment!”
Doors have also opened for Khenadi in the larger theater community during her time at UArts. She participated in the LINK Program, a nonprofit organization that brings performing arts college students together from around the world to enhance their education and build a larger sense of community among theater artists. She’s also had opportunities to showcase work in New York City.
In her last semester, she is solidifying the next steps of her postgraduate career. Khenadi says she feels quite prepared to leave the nest and begin her adult life. She invites you to check her website at khenadichristmas.com.
Staff Spotlight: Kristen Burkett (she/her)
Senior Director for Student Engagement
Based on your interactions with students, what do you see them valuing most about UArts? Students really value being surrounded by a community of artists. Hosting New Student Orientation, I often hear students comment about how excited they are to be in an environment where the entire community is passionate about and supportive of the arts. They often say that it feels like they have found their place, and they express an immediate sense of belonging. No matter how their areas of study differ, their love of the arts bonds them and serves as an incredible point of connection.
What would surprise parents about their students’ lives? Our students love events that focus on some element of nostalgia. They’ll sit at arts-and-crafts tables for hours and line up in advance to participate in our annual Build-a-Bear program. They also jump at any opportunity to play bingo!
What's your favorite thing to do in Philly? There is a lot to love about Philly, but I love how walkable the city is. It’s easy to navigate, and there are so many great places to eat, relax, enjoy nature, and experience the arts, all within easy walking distance from UArts. My favorite way to spend a day on foot would be to pick up breakfast tacos at Taco Heart and enjoy them in a nearby park and then visit the Fabric Workshop and Museum to check out its latest exhibit.
What is one piece of advice you would give UArts parents? Encourage your student to try new things, even if it’s a little out of their comfort zone. They can get involved in a student organization, participate in a program like UArtist 101 or Project Justice, take an elective outside their major, volunteer in the community, or explore Philadelphia and take advantage of the free events throughout the city. New experiences build a lot of confidence and self-trust, especially when it involves doing something that might seem a little intimidating or hard.
2024–2025 FAFSA Update
If you have not done so already, complete the 2024–2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). We encourage students to complete the 2024–2025 FAFSA by March 15, if possible. Many students and families have encountered technical challenges while trying to complete the FAFSA this year. If that is the case for you, continue to utilize the FAFSA support resources until your issue is resolved.
Learn more about starting the FAFSA.