Dear Parents & Families,
It’s hard to believe, but fall is already upon us in Southern Maryland. Temperatures are cooler, leaves are beginning to turn, and excitement on campus is mounting as we look forward to Hawktoberfest this weekend.
I look forward to the chance to meet many of you during Hawktoberfest. We are trending toward a record attendance this year, with over 2,000 people pre-registered. And while pre-registration has closed, we have many events and activities that do not require registration – so even if you missed the chance to sign up for some activities, know there is still plenty to do to make this weekend a fun-filled family adventure.
This past week also brought a close to my first 100 days as president of St. Mary’s College of Maryland. During this “listening tour,” I have heard from hundreds of students, faculty, staff and other members of this community, including many of you. Through dozens of events, I have been able to gain a clearer understanding of the College and what makes SMCM truly special. While the formal listening tour has ended, know that you will always be able to provide feedback directly to me via the SMCM website. I look forward to a continuing dialog with our Seahawk community.
We hope you will find this issue of the newsletter informative. Feel free to share your feedback with our team at communication@smcm.edu or through the Seahawk Parent & Family Liaison.
Sincerely,
Rhonda G. Phillips, Ph.D, FAICP
President
St. Mary’s College of Maryland
MAKING THE MOST OF FAMILY WEEKEND
You’re ready for Hawktoberfest, SMCM’s combined homecoming and family weekend. You’ve circled October 17-18 on the calendar. You’re excited to explore campus with your Seahawk. But do you know what to expect?
Family Weekend is an important opportunity to reconnect with your student. This may even be your first time seeing them since drop-off in August.
Make the most of Hawktoberfest (and maximize your family fun) with these seven tips for supporting your student during Family Weekend.
FAFSA NOW OPEN
The Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Your student should fill out a FAFSA form every year they wish to receive federal and/or state aid, including scholarships, grants, and loans. (Returning students do not need to reapply for SMCM merit-based scholarships, which are automatically renewable for up to eight semesters).
Visit the FAFSA website to start a 2026-2027 application, or check out the SMCM Office of Student Financial Assistance website for more financial aid information. While SMCM does not have an institutional deadline for FAFSA applications, students are encouraged to complete their FAFSA as soon as possible.
OCTOBER FAMILY WEBINAR (FREE)
On Tuesday, October 21 at 7 pm, join Chief of Public Safety Felix Martinez, Ed.D. for SMCM’s October family webinar, “Your Student’s Safety Net: Inside SMCM’s Public Safety Team.”
Chief Martinez will introduce you to the Office of Public Safety, highlight the services provided, and share a behind-the-scenes look at the officers and initiatives that keep your Seahawk safe and supported.
Visit Upcoming Parent and Family Webinars to grab the Zoom link for this free virtual resource. While you’re there, snag a sneak peek at our November webinar, “From Pathway to Purpose,” featuring the Center for Career and Professional Development.
THE ANSWER IS…
As parents and family members of SMCM students, we guarantee that your student will ask you some challenging questions.
Check out our newest Parent & Family Resource article to help you prepare for potential questions your student may ask. Our suggested responses may alleviate some pressure as you field your student’s concerns about college life.