Parent Weekly Newsletter 3/07Spring 2008, Issue #6 |
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Biola
University, Office of Parent Relations, 13800 Biola Ave, La Mirada, CA
90639 / (800) 99-BIOLA / (562) 906-4535
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Greeting |
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Your student is now six weeks into spring semester. How are they doing? Spring semester can be difficult for a student, especially if last semester’s grades were disappointing or if previous relationships have changed. But the fact is, being a college student is difficult, no matter what the semester. Juggling academics, relationships, financial concerns, and the stresses that come along with them, all the while having to build a new support system outside of home, can be overwhelming. It’s no wonder then, that depression is common among college students. Depression is a difficult topic to broach, especially when discussing it in regards to our children. However, study after study has demonstrated that “college-aged students are more likely to experience depression than any other age groups" (1). In fact, a 2005 study by the American College Health Association revealed that 25% of college students reported that three to eight times within the past year, they had “felt so depressed it was difficult to function” (2). I wish I could say that depression is not an issue here at Biola, but it is. Our students experience the same stressors experienced by non-Christian students. Fortunately, Biola students have access to inexpensive, godly counseling. The Biola Counseling Center is located just blocks away from campus and provides counseling to Biola students for just $12 per session. Therapists are graduate student interns holding master’s degrees from our Rosemead School of Psychology, and are trained to counsel individuals on a number of issues. While some Biola students take advantage of the services at the Biola Counseling Center, there are many who for one reason or another do not, despite living with feelings of depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts. It is unclear as to why that is, though it is not uncommon for college students in general. A 2007 study by the University of Michigan of over 2,700 of their students indicted that “more than half of students with significant symptoms of anxiety or depression do not seek help” (3). What is even more surprising is that U of M offers counseling to their students free of charge! My guess is that there are a number of reasons that contribute to students not seeking available counseling, including fear, money, lack of encouragement, or even lack of knowledge. Students are made aware of the Counseling Center, but they forget. Some might think of it, but need someone to “give them permission” to go in the form of encouragement. So the next time you speak with your student, (even if they say everything is just great!) let them know that you are aware that Biola has low-cost counseling available, and that if they ever need to talk with someone, that you would be supportive of them seeking help. If the cost is prohibitive, your student can contact either Student Development or the Counseling Center to discuss options. Your student’s emotional and mental health is important to us, just as is their spiritual and physical health. Help us help your students by reminding them of the professional counseling available to them. On the journey with you, Colleen Heykoop Manager of Parent Relations 1. Sisk, Jennifer. "Depression on College Campuses - The Downside of Higher Education. Social Work Today. Vol. 6, #5, p. 17. 2. ibid. 3. "Students with symptoms of mental illness often don't seek help." University of Michigan News Service. June 25, 2007. www.ns.umich.edu/htdocs/releases/story.php?id=5913 |
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Did You Know? |
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You can advertise job positions and internship opportunities through Biola!Biola ePostings provides a one-stop resource for employers to find talented employees. Whether you need a part-time worker, a summer intern, or a senior professional, Biola ePostings makes it easy and free for you to recruit at Biola University. To learn more visit the Career Services website. |
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Changes in Chapel Accountability |
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Chapel Requirements Changing in Fall 2008The current requirements state that all full time students are required to attend 30 chapel sessions and 8 conference sessions each semester. Currently in lieu of actually being physically present at those sessions, students also have the option to purchase make up cd's. Beginning next fall these requirements will change. The total amount of sessions required will remain the same (30 and 8). However, the new requirements state that a student must actually be physically present at 15 chapel sessions and 4 conference sessions. |
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Chapel Schedule |
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Chapel Mission Statement“Chapel brings together the Biola community for a directed time of worship and instruction, focused on developing mature disciples of Jesus Christ.”  Monday, Wednesday, and Friday Chapels Chapel #1: 9:30 a.m. in Chase Gymnasium Monday March 10th- International Students Chapel: Carol Davis This semester's International Chapel, starts off Cultural Awareness day! Come hear Carol Davis, a mobilizer and consultant for organizations, churches, global strategists, and frontier evangelists talk about "Globalizing Your Professional Capacity". Wednesday March 12th- Centennial Chapel: Rev. Alistair Begg Alistair Begg has been in pastoral ministry for 32 years. Following graduation from The London School of Theology he served eight years in Scotland at both Charlotte Chapel in Edinburgh and Hamilton Baptist Church. Since 1983, he has been the senior pastor at Parkside Church near Cleveland, Ohio. He has written several books and is heard daily and weekly on the radio program, Truth For Life. The teaching on Truth For Life stems from the week by week Bible teaching at Parkside Church. He and his wife, Susan, have been married 32 years and they have three grown children. Friday March 14th- Community Life Chapel |
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Parent's Corner |
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Around Campus Nationball! Spring 2008 Dorm Competition- Let The Games Begin! Dates: Sunday, March 9 at 10:00 PM Location: Chase Gym Nationball Dorm Competition is one of Spirit Boards most popular events. It happens at the beginning of every semester, as people from every Hall come out in their Hall colors for a chance to throw rubber balls at opposing Hall residents. Nationball is usually broken up by a dance competition, and a few other smaller dorm competitions to distribute the chances to earn dorm points. Also, points are awarded for cheering, so even those who don't want to play can come and cheer. Students are to dress in the corresponding colors: Hart: Orange Stewart: Red Hope: Pink Commuters and Off-Campus: White Emerson: Green Horton: Black Alpha: Blue Sigma: Yellow. Let the games begin! [ return to top ] |