January Newsletter

Happy New Year! I hope many of you had a chance to spend time with your students over the holiday and that they are ready to return to campus. January marks the beginning of a new semester and the time to engage in new course material and explore the Gateway programs at Rollins.

Next academic year's peer educator applications open in January, as well as recruitment to join a sorority or fraternity. Students can also sign up for Immersion experiences, consider applying to study aboard next year, and learn about housing options, among a multitude of other opportunities. As always, we encourage your students to engage in regular exercise, healthy eating, and habits that promote mental wellness. More information about these resources is linked below.

As President Cornwell and I embark on our last semester at Rollins, we are delighted to welcome our 16th president Dr. Brooke Barnett, and her husband Tom Mould to campus on July 1, 2025.

We hope all students have a productive and meaningful semester at Rollins.

Now is a good time for students to begin planning for summer study abroad, or a semester abroad in 2025-26. Below are application deadlines for upcoming programs.

• Summer 2025: February 17
• Fall 2025: February 28

Visit the International Programs website for study abroad information or to schedule an appointment with an advisor. Scholarships are available for summer and semester programs, and staff can help students find programs that keep them on track for graduation.

Spring semester classes began Wednesday, January 15. The last day to add a course without instructor consent is Tuesday, January 21, and the last day to add a course (instructor consent required) or drop a course without transcript entry is Tuesday, January 28.

Student Account Services produces Form 1098-T each January for students who pay qualified tuition and related expenses in the preceding tax year. The tax forms are mailed and postmarked to students by January 31, as required by law. Students may also access their Form 1098-T through MyRollins.Visit the Rollins Form 1098-T tax information site here.

On February 20 help make dreams come true for Rollins students! Together, the Rollins community can unlock critical funds that power our students’ journeys toward discovery, creativity, and achievement. Every gift on Rollins Giving Day helps open doors for students, making a lasting impact on their education and their futures. Join us at rollins.college/givingday!

Rollins Athletics offers 21 varsity sports programs, 10 club teams, 9 intramural leagues, and 8 weekly group fitness classes. Spring athletics are in season. Visit RollinsSports.com to see the latest news, schedules, and intramural information.

Is your student looking to connect with recruiters for jobs and internships? Remind them to keep up-to-date with spring opportunities and employer-sponsored events by visiting Handshake.

Throughout the spring semester, employer partners will be tabling at the Center for Career & Life Planning on Tuesdays and Thursdays, offering students a chance to connect, explore opportunities, and get hiring tips. We encourage all students to attend the Networking & Recruiting Night on Wednesday, February 26 from 4:30 – 7 p.m. in Rice Family Pavilion.

International students graduating this semester should begin preparing their applications for Optional Practical Training (OPT). This is the 12-month, post-graduation period of full-time employment authorization in the U.S. Students may submit their applications to the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Service as early as 90 days before their program end date (last day of final exams). The Office of International Student & Scholar Services is hosting an employment workshop, as well as a week of OPT Drop-In Hours January 27 – 31. Students are encouraged to attend for guidance on how to gain employment authorization in the U.S. and to apply early to avoid possible delays in immigration processing.

Spring recruitment is underway in Fraternity & Sorority Life (FSL). To be eligible for recruitment, students need at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA, have completed 12 college level credits, and be in good standing with the College. Please see below for important dates and reminders:

• Sorority Recruitment was held January 6 – 11, 2025.
• Fraternity Recruitment is slated to take place the week of January 26, 2025.
• Intake for National Pan-Hellenic organizations will take place after the start of classes in the spring semester.

If you have questions about the recruitment process or the FSL experience, please visit the Parent & Family website or contact FSL below.

Immersions are an excellent way to obtain hands-on experiences that provide a deeper dive into social topics students are learning about in and outside the classroom. Immersions offer students leadership opportunities in team dynamics, facilitation of meaningful discussion, time management, communication, collaboration with businesses and nonprofits, and so much more.

This spring, students have the opportunity to apply for the following Immersions:

• Weekends: CJ Acre Farms in Gainesville, Where Hope Blossoms in Miami
• Spring Break: A Racial Legacy in Washington DC, ABS in Action in Boston MA, and Together We Rise in Minneapolis, MN

Student applications for spring 2025 Immersions are now open on GetInvolved with rolling deadlines. For more information about Immersion and community engagement opportunities, visit the Immersion website or reach out to the Center for Leadership & Community Engagement (CLCE).

Is your student on the right meal plan? Rollins Dining offers 11 different plans to accommodate an array of student needs! Find a detailed description of each plan and information about on-campus dining options on the Dining website. It is important to note that meal plan selections will be locked in two weeks after the semester begins so reach out to Residential Life & Explorations as soon as possible to start any changes.

The Student Center for Inclusion & Belonging is hosting an evening of reflection and celebration as Rollins commemorates the enduring legacy of Dr. King on Monday, January 20 at 6 p.m. in Knowles Memorial Chapel with inspiring performances of song, dance, and special presentations by our students and community members. A keynote will be provided by Rev. Karen Lang.

As students return for the spring semester, they will be given new opportunities to practice problem-solving, decision-making, self-advocacy, and relationship-building. These skills help students approach life challenges constructively and develop independence that will set them up for success in adulthood. The Student Outreach & Resource Center is a resource for all students who need help navigating college life. Please reach out if your student is interested in building a support network.

View the Student Outreach & Resource Center website for a full list of support resources.

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) and Health Services appointments are available Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Flu shots are available for students, and students can make an appointment for Health Services or (CAPS) Counseling and Psychological Services needs by calling the Center or using the online self-scheduling for appointment option.

The Wellness Center also offers enhanced mental health resources for students:

• Rollins Mental Health Helpline: 407.646.1516 is available 24/7/365
• TogetherAll: a safe anonymous online peer community. Students can create a free account with their @rollins.edu account on togetherall.com
• WellTrack: a free interactive self-help therapy app available with a @rollins.edu account.

For more wellness resources and upcoming spring programming, follow @RollinsWellness on Instagram.