Dear Parents,
Just as fall brings slight seasonal changes, the midpoint of the semester may introduce new experiences for your student: making additional friends, taking midterm exams, submitting papers or participating in a club. A range of campus activities join our outstanding classes in creating a rich educational enterprise at Westmont. We’re committed to teaching students in all they do, both in class and outside of class, so they can grow and bear much fruit.
We marked our 81st anniversary in October at a vibrant and inspiring Homecoming celebration. We love welcoming back our alums and seeing the college experience through their eyes, and we look forward to the day your student discovers the joy of being a Westmont alum and coming home for a visit.
We welcome more than 300 parents for First-Year Parents Weekend November 2-3. We hope that those who attend leave inspired and encouraged by all your son or daughter has learned. Just like the season, they will have likely changed a bit!
Thank you for entrusting your son or daughter to us. We consider it an honor and appreciate your participation in our special community.
Grace and peace to you,
Teri Bradford Rouse ’77
Senior Director of Alumni and Parent Relations
Your student has now had a chance to get to know his/her roommate(s), make other friends, experience college academic life, stay up until 2:00 a.m. studying, truly appreciate a home-cooked meal, and explore their new “home-away-from-home” in Santa Barbara. We know that you will enjoy spending time with your son or daughter and the opportunity for him/her to show you around campus.
NOVEMBER
We hope this weekend will give you a sense of the journey your student is on and give you the chance to spend some time with them immersed in their life away from your home.
MARCH 29 & 30, 2019
Important Dates
- Thanksgiving Holiday: November 21-23
- Christmas Tree Lighting and Santa Photos: November 28
- Finals Survivor Kits: delivered November 28
- Final Exams: December 11-14
- Residence Halls Close at noon: December 15
- Winter Recess: December 15-January 7
- Residence Halls Open: January 5
- Classes Begin: January 7
- Spring Recess March 11-15
- Commencement May 4
Alumni & Parent Relations Staff
Alumni & Parent Relations Office
Kerrwood Hall, Room 206
955 La Paz Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
Phone: (805) 565-6056
parents@westmont.edu
Drawing Closer to God
Seeing the Goodness of God
The Dallas Willard Center offers inspiring online resources to help you connect with God through video meditations focusing on gratitude.
This time of year gives us an opportunity to turn toward God with thanksgiving. When we take a moment to look, we can see God’s goodness all around us in changing leaves, in a hug from a close friend and in unexpected peace in a difficult situation.
“Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
let the field exult, and everything in it.
Then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy
before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth.
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures forever.”
1 Chronicles 16:32-34
A few ways to step into gratitude:
Take a moment to think of three things for which you are especially grateful today.
Imagine holding gratitude in your hands. Offer it to the Trinity saying, “Thank you for showing me your presence through these treasures.”
Pay attention to your surroundings. Each time you notice God’s goodness reflected in a golden leaf, a billowy cloud or a child’s smile, take a moment to breathe the prayer, “Thank you, God, for your goodness.”
Important Links
Parents and Families Find information specifically for YOU!
Residence Life Learn more about your student’s life in the residence hall.
First-Year Parents Weekend Plan to join us if you have a first-year student.
Student Life Find information for all student life offices, such as the Counseling and Health Centers, Career Development and Calling, and more.
Campus Life Find information about student-run organizations, clubs and ministries.
Westmont Athletics See Warrior sports calendars and subscribe to the Warrior Update.
Career Development and Calling Learn more about services available to help students determine their calling and prepare for a career.
Westmont Counseling Center Find information about counseling services available to your student.
Westmont Health Center See the important health services available to your student.
Westmont TV Access the archive of Westmont chapels, lectures and events.