Parent Newsletter January 2024

January 2024

Waynesburg University

PARENT NEWSLETTER Here to provide you insight, updates, and information on your student's experience at WU

Updates from the Dean Dear Parents and Guardians, ​ appy New Year! It is our hope that you and H your family had a blessed holiday season!

Here’s to a new semester filled with lifechanging opportunities, different subjects, and continuing to make the connections between faith, learning and service.

As Dean of Students, it is my role to foster a healthy, safe, and inviting University community. This is so all students can focus on pursuing their educational goals and maximizing their full potential. It’s a new year to try new things! Encourage your student to join a student organization or participate in campus activities. Both, can help your student to connect with the WU community, meet new friends, and make lifelong memories.

Student Development wants your student to feel connected, involved, invested in the community, and help your student grow to lead a life of purpose for the Glory of God. Wishing you and your family a very blessed 2024 filled with good health, peace, and joy!

As always, we are here to support your student and assist you with any questions along the way. Please do not hesitate to contact us at (724) 852-3206.

Blessings, Kelley Hardie, Dean of Students

January Athletics Men’s Basketball: Wednesday, January 17 – Home vs Westminster Saturday, January 20 – Home vs Bethany Wednesday, January 24 – @ Washington & Jefferson Saturday, January 27 – @ Saint Vincent

Women’s Basketball: Wednesday, January 17 – Home vs Westminster Saturday, January 20 – Home vs Bethany Monday, January 22 – @Wooster Wednesday, January 24 – @ Washington & Jefferson Saturday, January 27 – @ Saint Vincent

Men & Women’s Cross Country: Saturday, January 20 – @ Muskingum University Saturday, January 27 – @ Youngstown University

Athletics Facility Updates: WU Jackets window wraps coming soon for the Athletic Training and Fitness Center

Why I SHOULD Complete The 2024-2025 FAFSA: Common FAFSA Myths Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first and most important step in paying for college. Although it is free to apply, many families still do not complete it, leaving over $3.58 billion in free financial aid unclaimed. Don’t let these FAFSA MYTHS stop you from receiving the money you need to pay for college.

MYTH #1: My family makes too much money.

There is no income cap and, believe it or not, most people qualify for some type of aid. Most schools use it to determine eligibility for scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and federal student loans.

MYTH #2: My child does not have good grades.

Eligibility for federal, state and a lot of institutional aid is not determined by grades.

MYTH #3: I don’t know what school I will be going to.

When you fill out the FAFSA, you can list up to 20 schools that you are interested in or are planning to apply to.

MYTH #4: I have to wait until I do my taxes.

The FAFSA uses federal tax information from two years ago. Students and families applying for the 2024-2025 year will use their 2022 tax information.

MYTH #5: I did not qualify last year, so what is the point of applying again?

Eligibility for financial aid is reconsidered each year that you are in school. The FAFSA is how you can address changes that may affect your family’s ability to pay for college, including job loss, reduction in income, illness or death. Completing the FAFSA each year is the only way to make sure that you don’t miss out on federal, state and most institutional aid.

MYTH #6: It doesn’t matter when I fill out the FAFSA. The sooner you complete your FAFSA, the better! Although normally available every October 1st, the 2024-2025 FAFSA will not be available until sometime in late December. Still, once it is, get it done so that you can see what aid you can receive and then make an informed decision on what school you will attend.

MYTH #7: The FAFSA is the only way to get aid.

Although the FAFSA is the initial application for federal, state, and potential institutional aid, there are other scholarships that you may be eligible for. Contact your high school counselor or search for private scholarships on your own at www.fastweb.com, www.tuitionfundingsources.com, or www.scholarships.com.

Graduate and Professional Studies Highlight: Master of Business Administration Graduate and Professional Studies Highlight: Master of Business Administration Waynesburg University offers the opportunity for our Undergraduate Students to earn their Master of Business Administration (MBA) within a streamlined, five-year time period. Our innovative 154-credit program is International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) Accredited. This program allows our students the opportunity to start taking Graduate-level courses during their senior year.

A major highlight of this opportunity is it allows students to take up to two Graduate courses and remain within their undergraduate tuition rate. Prospective students will need to have credit room within their academic plan to participate and should confirm their eligibility with their Advisor. The MBA is open to all Undergraduate majors at the University.

Students will have the opportunity to select one of the following concentrations to focus their studies; Applied Business, Accounting, Data Analytics & Visualization, Finance, Healthcare Management, Human Resources, or Project Management.

If a student wishes to wait until after they have completed their undergraduate degree there is still an opportunity to apply. A prospective student can apply during their senior year if wishing to start right after graduation. The MBA can still be completed in a year taking classes as a full-time student or can be completed in under two years as a part-time student.

Anyone interested in learning more about this opportunity offered will need to complete the Request More Information Form or contact GraduatePrograms@waynesburg.edu.

Department of Biology, Environmental Science & Health Science The Health & Exercise Science Program faculty and students, alongside the Master of Science, Athletic Training, students, and staff, felt the 'season of giving' would be an excellent opportunity to gather and give back to Greene County. The Center for Service Leadership provided the materials to support Project Linus, a non-profit organization offering homemade 'no sew' blankets to needy children. This annual event was well received by all and provided an opportunity to praise God, thank Him for His blessings, and serve the less fortunate.

Commemorate Your Student’s Time at WU!

Support our 175th Anniversary Brick Fundraiser!

Visit waynesburg.edu/175 for more information or to order your brick today!

Upcoming Events: SAB JAN

JAN

JAN

JAN

18 23 26 30 All Organization Open House

Noon Tunes

Craft Day

Bisque & Brew

For more information, check out the Student Activities Board on social media!

The Nest nest.waynesburg.edu

Nest Spring Hours: Monday: Noon to 4 p.m.

Tuesday: Noon to 4 p.m.

Wednesday: Noon to 6 p.m.

Thursday: Noon to 4 p.m.

Friday: Noon to 4 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sunday: Closed

Criminal Justice In the Spring semester, the grass begins to grow, the birds begin to sing, and new projects and opportunities come to life in the Criminal Justice Department! As you might have noticed the last time you visited your son or daughter at Waynesburg, there is now a vacant lot on Morris Street next to the Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) House. The two houses that once occupied that space have been removed to make way for the Center for Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation. The construction of the new Center is slated to begin during the Spring semester. The new CJ and FI Center will feature offices and classroom spaces, conference capabilities, and the latest technology. The Center will allow Waynesburg University to continue to provide cutting-edge education in a variety of disciplines, including Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, Forensic Investigation, Forensic Accounting, Pre-Law, and Cybersecurity. It is expected that Waynesburg will partner with Local, State, and Federal agencies in using the Center, allowing our students to interact with these professionals.

Once the Center is completed, CSI House will become a “simulations” training area, including a use of force simulator, Patrol simulator, and courtroom setting, so that students may participate in hands-on “real world” training for their future careers. We are very excited about the Center, and will keep you informed when it opens. Once it does, we would be more than happy to give you and your son or daughter a tour!

Pathways Center Tutoring starts the second week of classes. If there is a class that is not listed, students can reach out to request a tutor, and we will try to have one arranged.

Students who need resume assistance as they begin applying for jobs and internships can reach out to the Pathways Center at any time (pathways@waynesburg.edu). Our Career Development team can help with resumes, cover letters, job searching, graduate school essays, the University internship process, and more.

It’s not too late for juniors and seniors to add WBE 405: Professional Development Workshop to their course schedule. This one-credit class will feature a series of workshops to help students prepare to enter the workforce.

The last day to add this class is Friday, January 19.

For more information, visit www.waynesburg.edu or click here Waynesburg University educates students to make connections between faith, learning and serving so they might faithfully transform their communities and the world. As a Christian comprehensive University, we strive to inspire and challenge every undergraduate and graduate student to a life of leadership and purpose for the glory of God.