Africa Fest

NCSSM’s Black Student Union is proud to present the first cultural fest of the year, AFRICAFEST 2023: Our Gold Grows Within. The fest will be held on December 3rd at 7pm.

Our theme this year is Black Variety, highlighting the diversity and versatility of what it means to be Black. Join us as we delve into stereotypes, uplift the richness of our culture, and celebrate all the different expressions of being Black in America. This is a free event but we have limited seating so be on the lookout for tickets dropping soon!

Progress Reports

Don’t forget that the second set of progress reports for your students will be released on November 3rd. To view your student’s progress report you will need to log into blackbaud and select the “progress” tab. Then click where it says “report cards” to open all the progress reports for this year. Select either “Semester 1 - Durham” or “Semester 1 - Durham (no comments),” depending on whether you want to view grades and teacher feedback, or just grades.

If you have concerns about your student’s performance, please let me know. I always meet with students who have multiple Cs or a D to help develop a plan for improvement, but will be happy to meet with anyone if there are concerns. It is also important that your student reach out to their individual teachers, guidance counselor, and the Center for Advising and Academic Success for advice on how to improve. This is also a good time for students to evaluate whether they should be attending tutorials more often.

SAB Winter Semi-Formal

Semi-Formal, NCSSM’s annual winter dance, is Saturday, December 2nd from 8:30 – 10:55 PM in the PEC Gymnasium. All students are invited to enjoy the evening with friends and hallmates! There will be festive winter decorations, music, snacks, a photo booth, and dancing!

Students planning to attend are encouraged to bring semi-formal dress clothes back to campus after the break. Appropriate attire includes a dressy skirt, shirt and tie (jacket optional), dress pants, a dress, and dress shoes.

In keeping with tradition, several opportunities will be available for parents and families to be involved with Semi again this year. More information about how to provide support will be shared in the coming weeks. 

Residence Halls Closing & Opening

Just a quick reminder that there are several extended breaks scheduled over the next couple of months. In each instance, halls will close at 5pm on the closure date and reopen at noon on the opening date:

Closed Friday, November 17th - Sunday, November 26th

Closed Friday, December 8th - Tuesday, January 2nd

For the Thanksgiving and Winter breaks we ask that students unplug all items in the room. This includes fridges and fish tanks. Students should defrost their fridges completely and clean out excess water before they leave for the break. They should also make sure that they take any houseplants or fish home.