Dear Triton Parents and Families,

Winter break is on the horizon! Whether your student is wrapping up their first quarter or completing their final fall quarter as a Triton, we know they’ve worked incredibly hard to get here. Finals can be a stressful time, but your encouragement makes a meaningful difference. Healthy breaks and plenty of sleep are key to academic success — even if students sometimes forget that while studying! A quick check-in about their stress levels and well-being can go a long way. Encourage them to stop by The Zone for some de-stress activities, or visit the Calm Cave Meditation Space in the Library for a moment of quiet reflection.

Once finals are behind them, winter break is a perfect chance to slow down and reconnect. Conversations about what went well and what they might want to adjust for the next quarter can help your student feel supported and confident in their progress. These moments are also a chance to celebrate their accomplishments, big or small, and remind them how proud you are of their journey.

Speaking of celebrating, I want to take a moment to celebrate you! Whether you’ve joined us at events, volunteered with our office or supported the university in other ways, your enthusiasm, dedication and contributions are what make our Triton community so exceptional. We’re excited to continue building opportunities for parents to connect with one another and with UC San Diego in 2025.

Until then, I wish you and your family a restful and joyful holiday season. Thank you for being such an important part of the Triton community!

Best,
Margot

Margot Clifford
Director, Parent and Family Programs

Let's Celebrate: Family Weekend Breaks Records

This year's Family Weekend saw record numbers, from the most registrations for a Parent and Family Programs event ever to the most attended Family Weekend in the history of the program. You even broke the attendance record for Women's Volleyball at the Blue and Gold Rivalry game! 

We loved seeing so many families on campus, and we're so grateful to all of you for being such active and enthusiastic members of our Triton community. As we celebrate all the families who helped make Family Weekend 2024 a success, we're already hard at work preparing for Family Weekend 2025! So, mark your calendars and plan to join us on Friday, October 17 and Saturday, October 18, 2025. 

Coming Soon: Winter Break 2024-2025

Winter Break is approaching, and we hope it gives your students a chance to rest and recharge. Please note that most housing operations will be closed during the campus closure period from 12/24/24 to 1/1/25.

On-Campus Housing Over Break
All on-campus residence halls and apartments remain open, and there is no extra charge for students who decide to remain on campus.

Dining Services Over Break
Dining Services will have adjusted operations for finals and Winter Break (view comprehensive schedule). If your student plans to remain on campus, please ensure they plan accordingly.

Black Resource Center: Scholarship, Leadership, Community

Student Employment Office: New Resources to Explore

The Student Employment Office is excited to announce the launch of a new student-facing website for the Student Employment Office. This site is a central repository for student employees, providing essential information and resources like our Student Employee Toolkit and inspiring success stories from past and current student employees.

Please share this website with your students to ensure they are aware of the valuable guidance and support available to them.

Don't forget to follow our new Instagram account @ucsdstudentjobz for content and information regarding everything related to student employment!

Tridents Up on Game Day

UC San Diego Athletics teams continue to battle over the Winter Break! Remember, students get in free to all UC San Diego Athletics events, so check the schedule and support fellow Triton athletes over the break!

Students can also check out all the upcoming games and giveaway items on the Triton Tide Instagram @ucsdtritontide.

Triton Family Web Series: Jump into Research

Our Triton Family Web Series is returning in 2025! Plan to join us on January 22 at 4 p.m. PT for the first session of the series, Jump into Research, presented in partnership with the Undergraduate Research Hub.

Join staff and students to learn about the research opportunities, resources, advising and the different ways the Undergraduate Research Hub supports students in pursuing meaningful and impactful research. Registration will open in January.

In the meantime, you can check out our YouTube playlist to see previous Triton Family Web Series sessions.

Get Involved: Triton Family Ambassadors 

As parents and family members, you play an important role in your student's educational journey, and we encourage you to take an active part in our Triton community. There are so many ways to get involved: become a Triton Family Ambassador and volunteer with our events and programs, help build connections and share resources, and represent UC San Diego to current and prospective families. Make a philanthropic gift in honor of your student. Or connect with our Career Center to offer advice, internships or job opportunities for current students.

Every family member has experience and insights that help enrich our community, and however you want to get involved, we look forward to getting to know you!

The Parents Fund: Supporting Student Experiences

As the year comes to a close, we want to express our gratitude to you for being part of our Triton parent community. We also hope you will consider making a gift to our UC San Diego Parents Fund. The fund provides support for student-centric initiatives that help ensure our students thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Wishing you and your Triton a wonderful holiday season.

For information more about the Parents Fund and other ways to make UC San Diego a philanthropic priority for your family, please contact our Director of Development, Parent and Family Giving, Marla Libraty, at mlibraty@ucsd.edu and/or (858) 822-4872.