March Parent Newsletter 2021 March Parent Newsletter 2021
Dear Westmont Parents, Families and Guardians,
Student's have begun a well-deserved spring break. They’ve worked hard, and the break offers them a valuable time to rest and regroup before the home stretch—only about seven weeks remain in the academic year. For the most part, Westmont students have stayed healthy, which allows them to continue to live and learn together. We’re proud that they’ve proved to be so responsible, and we know you played a role in that! To all the wonderful parents, grandparents, and guardians who helped to guide, shape and launch these students into college life we say, “Well done!”
We are excited to finish the final weeks of the spring semester with your students. I hope you’ll enjoy the online version of Parents Weekend in April. We look forward to the day we can welcome you in person on this lovely campus. In the meantime, God bless you!
Sarah Camp
Interim Senior Director of Alumni and Parent Relations
Get the latest Updates on Westmont's Approach to COVID-19
Participate in a Special Virtual Parents Weekend
Parents Weekend takes place virtually this year—and it lasts for a week! The lineup of online events includes an interactive session with President Gayle D. Beebe Wednesday, April 7, from 5-6 p.m. PST. Please mark your calendar and plan to participate! You’ll receive information by email about engaging video content and two live sessions during the week of April 5. If you have any questions, please email our office at parents@westmont.edu.
Mark Your Calendar for Spring Sing Online
At Spring Sing, a special, long-standing Westmont tradition, students showcase their talents. This year, the event will occur online April 10. Ask if your student is joining in this annual extravaganza!
Watch for Important Commencement Updates Celebrating the Class of 2021
The Commencement team plans to provide more details about the protocols required for Baccalaureate and Commencement on March 19. We expect and hope to hold these ceremonies on campus May 8, 2021, at 9 a.m. Please check the 2021 Commencement website regularly for details about COVID-19 protocols and restrictions related to gatherings.
How to Request Access to Campus and Keep Westmont Safe
Westmont is open for a limited number of daily visitors, who must all complete our Visitor Request Form at least one day before arriving on campus. You’ll receive a confirmation email when your visit is approved. Another email will include a link to a health assessment form you must complete the day you come to campus. The guards at the upper entrance (the only one open for incoming traffic) will verify that you’ve received approval to visit. Please list all the guests accompanying you on the request form so they’ll be able to enter campus. The form allows you to specify multiple dates for your visit.
Self-Care for Students
by Lesa Stern, Ph.D., Professor of Communication Studies
Students have completed seven months of the school year, and they are TIRED. The stress, pivoting, and uncertainty related to the pandemic, presidential election/transition, and racial/social injustice, among other hardships add to challenges. I have heard from many students that mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual exhaustion are taking their toll. While many things remain outside of our control, we can do small things that can make a big difference in how we experience our lives. As we do our part, we need to remember that God is alive and well and on the throne. He is our ultimate source of help.
Self-care is something we can all do. The routines that have worked for us have been thrown out the window, and we are struggling to find some sense of normalcy. Try choosing one or two self-care behaviors this week. And don't stress if you don't do them perfectly.
Reframing our thoughts to focus on “progress over perfection” can be a form of self-care. This framing will give us the grace we - and our students - need to get through difficult times. In the midst of a pandemic, we may not function at full capacity. That is okay! Adopting a “progress over perfection” mindset, which is really a growth mindset, may relieve some stress. Try saying “making progress” when you talk with yourself, others, and your students.
Progress over Perfection Flyer
Seeking God, Serving His Kingdom
Reflections from Campus Pastor Scott Lisea
My, oh my, what a strange year we’re having—and by “we,” I mean the planet. Somehow I forgot to put “global pandemic, national racial reckoning and escalating political division” in my goals for the past year. On one hand, I’m looking forward to a giant nap when this school year ends. Are there hotels on an island somewhere with hammocks where someone will turn me over every few hours? On the other hand, it’s an exciting time to help a community consider what it means to be people of the gospel in these circumstances. Ultimately, this is where I land. This is our time. This is our life. We have the privilege and responsibility of seeking God, serving his kingdom, and sharing the gospel wherever and whenever we are.
Encourage High School Students to Apply Online to Westmont's Trailhead Program
A week-long summer residency program on campus, Trailhead assists high school students to understand the purpose of their education in light of their Christian faith. This program might interest your own high school students or those of friends in your community and church. Learn more about this program on the Trailhead webpage. Applications have opened for three sessions during the summer of 2021.
Westmont Women's Basketball Team Earn an Automatic Berth at the NAIA Championship Tournament
Congratulations to the women’s basketball team on their GSAC West Championship. They have won four of the last six regular season GSAC titles. This year’s championship earned them an automatic berth at the NAIA tournament.
After a record-setting 97-62 win over Western Montana in the first round of the tournament, No. 2 Westmont has advanced to the round of 16 and will face No. 15 Fighting Scotts of Lyon (Arkansas) Thursday, March 18, at 6 p.m. CDT. Click on the below link to watch the game live.
Participate in Westmont Wednesday this April
A spring day of giving supports students
The first-ever Westmont Wednesday takes place April 14. We’re dedicating an entire day to supporting our incredible students. We’ll invite our entire community, past and current parents included, to join us in giving students the tools they need to grow in their faith, knowledge, beliefs and talents. Watch your email for more information!
Thank You for Keeping Westmont Open and Safe
The COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund provides critical resources to keep Westmont open and safe. Check out the many ways your gift helps students live and learn on campus this year!
A Friend is Matching Gifts 2:1 to the Westmont Cares Scholarship Fund
Due to the pandemic, some families may be facing increased financial hardship. The Westmont Cares Scholarship helps students with financial need due to recent and unexpected family financial setbacks that jeopardize their ability to pay tuition, room and board fees and could result in them leaving Westmont. A donor to this scholarship matches giving 2:1 up to a total of $30,000. Eighty percent of every gift to this fund is allocated 80% to the scholarship’s endowment to provide for the future. To make a gift online, select the designation option “Other” and enter Westmont Cares Scholarship.
Your Alumni and Parent Relations Office Staff
Sarah Camp, Assistant Vice President for College Advancement, Interim Senior Director of Alumni and Parent Relations;
Lorinda Dry, Assistant Director of Alumni and Parent Programs;
Sergio Hernandez, Current Student and Young Alumni Coordinator;
Janet Sawlaw, Alumni and Parent Relations Assistant
Important Dates:
Spring Recess: March 15-19
Easter Recess: April 2-5
Virtual Parents Weekend: April 5-9
Spring Sing: April 10
Commencement for Class of 2021: May 8
Important Links:
Parents and Families Find information specifically for YOU!
Residence Life
Learn more about all things related to your student’s life in the residence hall.
Student Life
Find information for all student life offices, such as the Counseling and Health Centers, Office of Life Planning, and more
Campus Life
Find information about student-run organizations, clubs and ministries.
COVE Career Center
Learn about student internships and more
Westmont Athletics
See Warrior sports calendars and subscribe to the Warrior Update.
Westmont Health Center
See the important health services available to your student
Westmont TV
Access the archive of Westmont chapels, lectures and events.