The holiday season is here, and with that comes your student's first extended vacation home from college. Keep reading and we'll do our best to provide you some insight into the events and conversations that often take place at this time of the year.

Making New Rules: Student and Parent Handling that First Extended Break at Home
Many things have changed since the beginning of the academic year. Students have become more self-reliant; parents have developed their own interests or are focusing more of their attention on younger siblings; and in some homes, the student’s room may have become an office or a sibling’s bedroom. As a result, weekend and holiday visits back home often provide challenges for both students and parents. Fortunately, you can take a number of steps to make sure this time at home is enjoyable for all.

Becoming a Summer Conference Assistant at EIU
Beginning Nov. 26, EIU will begin accepting applications for the 2013 Summer Conference Assistant position. Over 13,000 guests visit EIU each summer to take part in programs that promote academic, athletic, cultural, artistic and educational values. If this is of interest to your student, have them check out the Conference Assistant page for more information. Applications are due Jan. 25, 2013.

Better Housing. Better Grades.
This past year, on-campus residents earned a higher cumulative GPA than their off-campus peers. With classrooms, tutors, and the University's other academic resources just foot steps away, on-campus housing truly provides a place to live and learn successfully.

2013 Spring Semester Meal Plan Changes
Decreases to Spring 2013 Semester Meal Plans need to be completed in writing by Jan. 11, 2013. Request must include:
• Desired meal plan
• Student’s name [printed]
• Student’s signature

Fax requests to 217-581-6489, or have your student stop by the Office of University Housing & Dining Services in the lower level, west wing of MLK Union. Additional Dining Dollar purchases and meal plan increases may be made at any time after the spring semester begins.

Room Decorating Contest
Dress up that room! Show off that style! Now your student can find out if they have what it takes to have the best decorated room on campus! Finalists will have their room photographed and posted at facebook.com/eiuhousing. The winner(s) will be awarded $50 Dining Dollars, and bragging rights to the best room on campus! More information coming soon.

EIU's annual Win Stuff: On-Campus Resident Appreciation Night returns to EIU’s Lantz Arena during the Nov. 28 EIU vs. Central Arkansas basketball game. A number of prizes will be given away throughout the game, including oversized gift baskets from Panther Catering and a 2013-2014 Single Room Upgrade good for the residence halls or Greek Court.

The Single Room Upgrade guarantees the recipient a double occupancy residence hall or Greek Court room as a single room for the 2013-2014 Academic Year – a savings of $1,700.

Take a look back on what’s been happening on Eastern's campus since you dropped off your student in August. Click on the photos below to be linked to a photo album.

• Get them a Gift Card they'll actually use this Holiday Season

• Video: Students Share their Favorite Memories of EIU

• On-Campus Housing Opening/Closing Dates and Times Available On-Line

• Cost Comparison Worksheet: On Vs. Off-Campus Housing

Your student will automatically receive $100 in Dining Dollars at the start of the Fall 2013 Semester if they sign a 2013-2014 Early Bird Residence Hall or Greek Court Room & Board Contract by Dec. 14, 2012. A $250 housing down payment must be paid at the time the contract is signed.

Plus, you'll be entered into a drawing for:
First Prize: Free room and board for the 2013-2014 Academic Year.

Second Prize: Free room for the 2013-2014 Academic Year. Prize to be awarded to one male student and one female student. Residents will be responsible for board costs.

Third Prize: Double Room as a Single Room Upgrade for the 2013-2014 Academic Year. Prize to be awarded to one male student and one female student. Residents will be responsible for regular room and board costs.

Dining Dollars and prizes will be applied to the student’s account at the beginning of the 2013-2014 Academic Year. Paperwork is available at the Office of University Housing & Dining Services in the lower level, west wing of the MLK Union.

Go to eiu.edu/housing for more details. Offer good for current on and off-campus Eastern Illinois University students only.

• EIU provides bus service between Charleston and Chicago

• Going home for the holidays? Amtrak can get you there.

• Take the stress out of holiday travel