Published: December 01, 2009 05:41 pm      

Student parents to get relief during finals

Sam Houston students with parents will be able to find some relief from studying as the semester ends.

Sam Houston State University’s Student Advising and Mentoring Center will host Parent’s Finals Relief on Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Lowman Student Center.

Parents must register children before Friday by visiting the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Building (CHSS) Suite 190.

Children that are six months to 12 years belonging to students may spend the day under the care of qualified students and staff at no cost while parents study for finals in the next room.

Disney movies, age appropriate toys, coloring/drawing activities will be provided for entertainment. Children are encouraged by the staff to bring any blankets or toys that would help the child feel more comfortable, but will be responsible for these items.

“Our primary goal here in the SAM Center is to promote academic excellence,” said Candi Harris of the Student Advising and Mentoring Center. “Our non-traditional students here at SHSU face a variety of obstacles during their academic careers that could certainly hinder them from being successful. One of those is studying with young children at home.”

This is the second semester the Parent’s Finals Relief is offered. Last year’s service proved to be successful.

“We ended up with four moms and eight children last year,” Harris said. “We had a blast.  Each of the students commented on how much work they were able to get done that they would not have been able to at home.”

“One of the requirements of the program is that you remain in our designated study area – which is literally in the same area (different room) as your children will be,” Harris said. “So technically, you’re right there.

“I had the State of Texas Child Care Licensing Office look over the program and we received an exemption. Also, all of the forms we provide to parents have been approved by our Systems Attorney.”

Harris also said that each of the volunteers are background checked and they have to attend a mandatory meeting before working with the children. Most of them come from the college of education and enjoy working with kids.

For students interested in Parent’s Finals Relief, register by Friday in the CHSS building or for information, call (936) 294-4628.