As we begin the 2015-2016 academic year here at Armstrong State University, Parent & Family Programs is pleased to bring you the Proud Pirate Family Newsletter. Throughout the year, we hope to provide you with insightful updates, deadlines, and other items that can assist you through your student's journey here at Armstrong.

Welcome from the President

On behalf of the students, faculty, and staff of Armstrong State University, I offer a warm welcome to new and returning family members as we begin the 2015-2016 academic year.

We are deeply honored that you have entrusted us with your students, their education, and their future development. Armstrong is a teaching-first university, bound by talented faculty and staff members and solid ties to Savannah, our region, and the international community. Our students prepare for future careers while gaining hands-on learning opportunities across campus, the nations, and around the globe.

I hope that you will encourage your student to take full advantage of all that the university offers. We are delighted to welcome your family to the Armstrong Family.

Sincerely,
Linda M. Bleicken
President

Armstrong to Launch Web Redesign

Soon, Armstrong State University will launch a new website design at Armstrong.edu. The new site features a more mobile-friendly design, easier navigation, and fresh content.

Don't forget to bookmark the Proud Pirate Family page for quick access to the pages you need. Once the web redesign launches, our new brand of "Proud Pirate Family" will launch as well!

Student Safety Comes First!

The Pirate Guardian App, Rave Guardian, supports student safety through your student's own personal network. This application provides rapid and proactive communications with friends, family, co-workers, Armstrong, and even participating 9-1-1 call centers in the event of an emergency.

The Pirate Guardian is available for iPhones and Android smart phones. It’s easy to set up and free to download! Students can search for “RAVE GUARDIAN” in the app store; once it is installed, and the student is identified as a member of the Armstrong Community, the app becomes “Pirate Guardian.”

APP Features:

• Set a Safety Timer — Notify people you trust to check in with you if you are alone or in an unfamiliar place.
• Manage & Message Your Guardians — Invite family, friends, or others to be your Guardian, and communicate with them within the app as needed.
• Easy Emergency Communication — Call safety officials directly for help if you are in trouble and send text tips-including photos-if you see something suspicious.

Make sure to encourage your student to take advantage of this resource!

University Receives $1.1 Million Grant for Student Support Services

(August 19, 2015) – U.S. Congressman Buddy Carter recently announced that Armstrong State University has been awarded a $1.1 million TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

TRIO grants are used to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds with the goal of increasing college retention and graduation rates.

Continue reading this article by selecting the title above!

Time for Flu Shots!

The flu (also known as Influenza) is caused by different strains of influenza viruses. It is a contagious illness that can cause varying degrees of illness ranging from mild, including such symptoms fever, body aches, sore throat, or cough, to severe complications such as pneumonia and even death. The flu is spread from person to person via droplet secretions from an infected person through coughing, sneezing, or talking. It may also be transmitted via infected secretions on surfaces such as doorknobs or counter tops.

$25 Flu Shots
Student Health Center
(912) 961-5726

The best way to prevent becoming infected with the flu is by getting a flu vaccine. The Student Health Center will begin administering the flu vaccine as soon as they receive it in early to mid-September. The cost of the vaccine is $25. The Student Health Center does not file any health insurance. Students can schedule an appointment for the flu vaccine by calling The Student Health Center at (912) 961-5726.

FERPA: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974

What is FERPA? The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, as amended, is a federal law. The law is often referred to as the Buckley Amendment. The law is codified at 20 U.S.C. 1232g. The U.S. Department of Education has adopted regulations which implement FERPA and explain FERPA's requirements at 34 CFR Part 99.

What is the purpose of FERPA? FERPA governs access to and privacy of student records at institutions that receive federal monies. In general, the law allows a student to review and inspect his or her education records and the law limits the disclosure of information contained in the student's educational records without first obtaining the student's consent.

Learn how this applies to you! Continue reading about FERPA on our Registrar's website by clicking here or the title above!

Tis' the Season for Fairs!

The months of September and October host a great array of fairs available to our students for free! Whether your student is seeking a part-time job, internships, or ways to enhance their personal wellness, we have a fair just for them! Make sure to remind your student of all the great opportunities they have at their fingertips!

Part Time Job Fair- September 2
Fall Career Fair- September 15
Volunteer Fair- September 16
Study Abroad Fair- September 29
Graduate School Fair- October 6
Health & Wellness Fair- October 7

Make Sure to Join Us!

Celebrate Armstrong is a celebration for students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, friends, families and the entire community that takes place over a long weekend every October. It kicks off with the a day of service on Saturday, October 17th but then continues with a Celebrate Armstrong Festival on Thursday, Oct. 22.

Also, we will host the Alumni Awards Gala on Friday, Oct. 23, going out with a bang on Saturday, Oct. 24 with the Celebrate Armstrong Finale. The Celebrate Armstrong Finale is a family friendly event with great music and activities for those of all ages.

We hope that you will consider joining us for this great celebration along with your student. We are pleased to be celebrating this being our 80th year since our founding but also our 50th since moving to the south side of Savannah.

Click here to watch a video discussing this great year of celebrations at Armstrong!

Want more information about Celebrate Armstrong? Do not hesitate to give our office a call at 912.344.2504.

Meet Allison Lyon: Assistant Director of Student Life

Allison Lyon is the new Assistant Director of Student Life at Armstrong State University. One of the great initiatives she works with is Parent & Family Programs; otherwise known as "Proud Pirate Family". In the 2015-2016 academic year, Ms. Lyon is excited to enhance the support services available to all family members of our Armstrong students.

She encourages family members with any questions or concerns to contact her at Family.Programs@Armstrong.edu or call 912.344.2504.

What Are We Reading in Parent & Family Programs?

Here are some articles that we have read lately that might provide you some great insight!

Important Dates to Remember

September 2015
1 Armstrong's Farmer's Market
     2 Part-Time Job Fair
   2 Financial Aid disbursement for session 1 & 2
7 Labor Day: University closed
   7 Deadline for submitting all supporting documentation for Financial Aid for spring semester
   8 Interfraternity Council Recruitment Begins
9 College Panhellenic Council Recruitment Begins
   15 Fall Career Fair
   16 Volunteer Fair
   29 Study Abroad Fair

October 2015
6 Graduate School Fair
     7 Midterms
     7 Last day to withdraw from a class without an automatic WF
   7 Health & Wellness Fair
17 Treasure Savannah
   21 Financial Aid disbursement for session 3
   22 Celebrate Festival
   24 Celebrate Finale/Family Festival
   24 Housing & Residence Life Presents: Lil' Sibs Overnight Program

2015 Academic Calendar

2015 Student Life Calendar

Armstrong State University | Parent & Family Programs
11935 Abercorn Street | Memorial College Center 201
Savannah, GA 31419 | 912.344.2504

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