Parent Weekly Newsletter 11/30

Fall 2007, Issue #12

Biola University, Office of Parent Relations, 13800 Biola Ave, La Mirada, CA 90639 / (800) 99-BIOLA / (562) 906-4535
Colleen Heykoop, Manager / Mallory Rae, Service Coordinator

In this issue...

Greeting
Christmas Break and Interterm
Centennial Events
Upcoming Events
Biola Lingo
Student Survival Sacks
Chapel
Parent's Corner

Greeting

It is very apparent, as the familiar song goes, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.” For Biola students, that sometimes doesn’t bring joyful feelings but rather feelings of added stress, as they prepare for final exams the week of December 10-14. With our own children, as well as observing many others, the first two weeks in December can bring about sleepless nights and increased anxiety which can lead to being more susceptible to illnesses and an overall run-down feeling.

We’ve learned over the years, after failing a few times, that we don’t need to contribute to that stress. We’ve tried to focus on encouraging comments rather than excessive inquires regarding their studies. There is comfort to know that the stress of final exams will pass and December 14th will come. Hopefully, at that time, we as parents can welcome our children back home with their favorite meals and the familiar comforts of home.

May you all have a wonderful Christmas season as you re-connect with your son and daughter over this blessed holiday.

Steve & Julie Roth
Co-Chairs of the Biola University Parent Council

Steve and Julie Roth

Parents of:
Natalie ('05)
Eric ('09)

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Christmas Break and Interterm

Christmas break will be here before we know it. Below is a list of all of the dates and deadlines to keep in mind these next few months.

December 10 - 14- Finals Week

December 14- Fall Commencement

December 14- Residence Halls close at 10pm
All students must be checked out by this time. However, students are expected to check out of their halls within 24 hours after their last exam. Belongings may stay in dorm rooms over the break, however keys will be turned in, and entry will not be permitted until the Halls reopen. Apartments are open during the Christmas break. Residents pay an additional fee if they choose to stay in the apartments during the break.

January 1- Interterm housing is available
Students must be signed up for spring housing and must have need for housing during Interterm. Students must sign up for Interterm housing through their BSI account. There is no additional cost for Interterm for housing if registered for the spring semester. Semester meal plans are not active during this time. Students may purchase a meal plan or points if they so desire.

January 2 - 19- Interterm classes take place
For more information regarding Interterm and payment for Interterm classes click here.

January 3 - 22- Webreg Phase 2 Online (Payment)
Registration is not finalized until all steps of WebReg Phase II including payment are completed. Payment must be received by January 22, 2008, for continuing students and January 25, 2008, for new students. A late WebReg fee ($120) will be charged to all students who complete WebReg after the deadline.

January 15- Housing Deposit Claim Deadline
If your student reserved a room in Campus Housing and has decided to not return to or attend Biola, he or she must contact the Housing Office in writing to receive the refund. If your student has signed a Housing Contract and wishes to cancel their contract the Student must appeal to the Residence Exception Committee. Students should not make any other housing arrangements prior to final decision from the REC. Each case is decided upon individually.

January 25- Residence Halls reopen for all students

January 28- Spring Classes Begin/ Convocation
Students not arriving before this date to move into their rooms must contact the Housing Office to hold their room reservation.

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Centennial Events

DONATE SHOES AND MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR APRIL 5, 2008

This holiday season give hope. The "Steps From Hope" Shoe Drive is part of the Centennial Celebration, which includes reconnecting Biola with its roots in downtown Los Angeles. The Shoe Drive will culminate on Saturday, April 5, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., when Biola hosts a special block party, featuring live entertainment for the families of the Union Rescue Mission. This will provide Biolans the opportunity to serve underprivileged children and families.

Bring your family to serve and offer hope while celebrating God’s faithfulness. Space is limited for volunteers to assist, so sign up early. To sign up to volunteer email 100years@biola.edu or call 888.EST.1908 or go to the Centennial website for more information.

Collection boxes for the shoes will be located on campus in the Library foyer & Metzger lobby starting Monday Nov. 26.

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Upcoming Events

Christmas Tree Lighting due to rain has been rescheduled!

You and your family are warmly invited to join the Biola community as we usher in the Christmas season!

In front of Crowell Hall
Monday, December 3
6:30 p.m.

Be our guest for an evening filled with the music and refreshments of the season, a retelling of the Christmas story, and the highlight of the night...the lighting of the university Christmas tree.

We'll have a special Christmas gift for the first 100 guests!

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Webreg Phase 1 (Course Selection) for Interterm 2008 and Spring 2008

November 29 – December 7, 2007 - OPEN COURSE SELECTION for all Spring students

Phase 1 must be completed by DECEMBER 7, 2007. All students are required to complete course selection if they plan to return to school for the spring semester. Failure to select courses will require a $120.00 late course-selection fee to be paid at the time of registration should the student decide to enroll for the next semester.

Phase 2 (Registration and payment) will occur January 3 - 22 for continuing students. Registration is not finalized until all steps of WebReg Phase II including payment, are complete. Payment must be received by January 22, 2008, for continuing students and January 25, 2008, for new students. A late WebReg fee ($120) will be charged to all students who complete WebReg after the deadline.

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Fall Commencement

You are invited to join the Biola community in celebrating its Centennial graduates!

Friday, December 14, 2007

Graduate and BOLD Commencement Ceremony - 2:00 p.m.

Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony - 7:00 p.m.

All ceremonies will take place in Chase Gymnasium.

For full information, please visit Commencement Online. This is not a ticketed event, and seats are available on a first come first serve basis.

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Conservatory of Music

Christmas Concert

Friday & Saturday, December. 7 & 8**, 2007

Biola Conservatory Christmas Concert
The Joyful Music of Christmas
7:30 p.m.
$15 Gen, $10 Srs/Stu/Fac/Staff/Alum
**NOTE: The Saturday performance is sold out
Call 562.903.4892 for Friday tickets

Come for a music-filled celebration of the birth of our Savior, featuring a wide array of large and small ensembles, as well as vocal and instrumental soloists. The first half of the program will feature lessons and carols, while the second half will be filled with traditional as well as popular Christmas music. Please plan to join us as we begin the Christmas season with joyful sounds!

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Athletics

Biola Eagle To catch up on all the latest in Biola athletic news and events please visit athletics.

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Biola Lingo

All Stars Football

Who says Biola doesn't have football? This Saturday (December 1st) from 8am to 9pm Biola's top intramural football teams will take on teams from the likes of APU, Cal Baptist, Point Loma, Hope, Concordia and more. The championship women's game will be played at 6:30 pm on the turf field by the gym and will be followed by the men's championship game at 8pm. If you're in the area come out and support our football teams.

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Student Survival Sacks

We here in the Parent Relations Department wanted to make you aware of an opportunity to encourage your student and support the Spiritual Life Department (formerly known as Student Ministries) here on campus. The purpose of the Spiritual Life Department is to give students tangible experiences in discipleship and evangelism. Through Spiritual Life you will have the opportunity to purchase a "Survival Sack" for your student which will be delivered the Friday before finals week. This service is separate from our year round Hugs from Home services, and we encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity.

This Survival Sack will contain a plentiful assortment of fresh fruit, popcorn, sugarless gum, granola bars and various snacks and candy. Your personal note of encouragement will be attached.

This service to parents and students is the primary way Spiritual Life raises support for ministry efforts. It helps in developing your students as ministers through discipleship, evangelism, and outreach ministries. It also helps support mission teams, both locally and abroad. Spiritual Life's focus is to develop students as disciples of Christ and healthy ministers of the gospel.

The packages and encouragement notes will be delivered on Friday, December 7th. Please place your orders before Wednesday, December 5th.

If you have questions, please call (562) 903-4754.
*A small amount ($5) will be deducted from the donation receipt to offset costs.

To place an order:
Call 562.903.4754 or e-mail spiritual.life@biola.edu
Provide:
* credit card # (we take Mastercard, Visa, & Discover)
* expiration date of credit card
* amount of donation ($5 is taken off this amount for the cost of each bag ordered)
$100 $50 $25 $Other
* billing address of the credit card
* name of person on the credit card.
* phone number of parent on the credit card
* student(s) name(s),
* dorm/room # or
students phone # if they do not live on campus or in the campus apartments.
* a little note of encouragement to your student(s)

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Chapel

Chapel Theme for Fall 2007: “United in Gratitude –Bonded in Love” (Col. 3: 1 – 17)

Chapel Schedule for December 3 - 7:

Monday December 3:
Barry Corey
President, Biola University

Wednesday December 5:
All University Christmas Chapel
NOTE: 9:30 Chapel Only

Friday December 7:
Community Life Christmas Chapel

There will be no chapel held during finals week (December 10 - 14). If a student has not met the requirement of attending 30 chapels throughout the semester by the end of this week there are two options:

1. Winter interterm chapels may be used as make-up credits to be applied to the previous semester only. Since bar code readers are not used for interterm chapels, students receive credit by filling out an official attendance form received from and submitted to the Office of Student Affairs by the end of the interterm session.

2. Chapel and conference make-up MP3 CDs are the final alternative to meet chapel requirements. MP3 CDs and make-up session forms can be purchased at the Media Center in the Library. Students are to conscientiously listen to the CDs, complete the make-up forms and submit them to the Office of Student Affairs.

Students finalizing registration by WebReg are permitted to do so even with a “CHAPEL HOLD;” however, they are required to submit their make-ups by the final day of late registration or suffer the strict penalties stated on the WebReg website.

Students finalizing registration on campus must submit their make-ups prior to entering the registration line.

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Parent's Corner

It's not just chilly in Southern California it's cold and rainy...but we're here to help.

Blanket Hug- $33

Order a fleece blanket to be delivered during the month of December and we will include a plush snowman as our special winter-time treat.

Coffee Hug- $17

For a warm-up or a rev-up this is the perfect Hug. This package includes a Biola Centennial Logo mug, a gift card for Common Grounds and snacks to enjoy with their drink.

Place your order by visiting the Parent Relations web site or by calling 1.800.99.Biola

Also, during the month of December all Hugs will be delivered in festive snowflake themed gift bags.

Be looking in the mail come January for our list of Hugs for the Spring 2008 semester. We will be improving many of our current offerings, but will also be adding some brand new specialty packages. This also means we will be phasing out some of our current specialty packages, such as the "Pampered Hug" and the "I-Tunes Hug", so get your orders in quick for these two before supplies run out!

Click image to order

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