Parent Orientation 2012

Welcome

Or: Now what?

Top 10 Things for Top 10 Things for Parents of Parents of First First Year Year

Students Students to to Know Know

1.1. Academic Expectations are Different from High SchoolAcademic Expectations are Different from High School

• Academic standards are very different• Fewer lecture hours• Students are expected to work on their own• Good grades in high school are a sign of potential to succeed• Marks may be significantly lower during the first year• Students may change their program during or after their

first year• Students may be reluctant to follow their interest out of

concern for disappointing their families – your support means a lot

2. Know What Services are Available to Students2. Know What Services are Available to Students• There are many services available on campus• Accessing help is not a sign of weakness it is a sign of being self aware

and contributes to academic success• Be aware of the resources: http://www.brandonu.ca/student-services

3.3. Be Prepared for ChangeBe Prepared for Change• University will likely be a period of growth, self exploration and increased

autonomy• This may require an examination of self, friends and family• A time for exploration and experimentation• A period of questioning or challenging the values you hold dear• Changes may occur quickly• Each child will have their own unique experience, just as each parent will• Encouraging your student to become more independent during their

university experience will allow them to succeed here and after they graduate.

Some changes in behaviour may indicate your student needs help

Some Typical Signs of Distress:

Withdrawal from typical activities and socializing Emotional OverreactionSubstance AbuseDistraction Depression Poor connection with realityUncharacteristic behaviourAnxiety/PanicFailing GradesFrequent absences from classComplaints of loneliness Weight loss/gainIncrease in risky behaviourReference to hopelessness/suicidal thoughts

4.4. What Parents May ExperienceWhat Parents May Experience

• You may experience feelings of happiness, excitement, and pride

• You may also have a sense of sadness, loss and many new and understandable fears and concerns about your child’s future and wellbeing

• This is normal – do take care of your own wellbeing as you support your child

and/or

5.5. Balancing, Study, Home and Social LifeBalancing, Study, Home and Social Life

• University expects students to think and act as adults

• Expectations at home may be different – living by family rules and doing what parents think is best (this may change)

• Changes in your child’s sense of independence can lead to friction – listen to your son’s or daughter's viewpoint and treat their opinions (some of them newly found) with respect

6.6. Be Aware of Important DatesBe Aware of Important Dates

• Your student will be very busy and may overlook important dates and events

• Knowing tuition payment deadlines, class drop dates and exam schedules will help you understand what’s going on in their lives

• Mark dates on the calendar for easy reference

• Visit the following links on the BU website:

• http://www.brandonu.ca/calendar/ http://www2.brandonu.ca/Admin/Finance&Admin_main/2012_13_reg_imp_dates.asp

Last date to change/add courses:

1st term: Wed. Sept. 19th

2nd term: Wed. Jan. 16th

Voluntary Withdrawal: Last date to drop courses

First Term Courses: Friday, November 23rd , 2012

Both Term Courses: March 6th , 2013

Second Term Courses: Friday, March 22nd , 2013

Courses dropped by these dates are designated as “V.W.” on a student’s transcript

After the last date for V.W. courses can only be dropped with special permission

Your student can discuss this and get support from a counsellor or advisor at Student Services.

If he/she just stops going, failure is likely – it is better to drop a course than receive a failing grade.

Remember: grades are permanent

7.7. Money MattersMoney Matters

• Talk openly about all issues regarding money and financing

• Students have a better chance of success if they know how to manage and balance a chequing account and understand family expectations, for example, about debit and credit cards and who pays for what

• Be sure you both understand the criteria for continued financing through an RESP

• Money management is a learned skill http://www2.brandonu.ca/Admin/Finance&Admin_main/student_financial_planning_guide.asp

8.8. Understand the Unique Experiences of Commuter/Long Understand the Unique Experiences of Commuter/Long Distant StudentsDistant Students

• Expect some changes to family life

• They may need to stay late on campus for a variety of reasons

• Their pattern of coming home may change depending on their work load and the time of the term

• Family dynamics will likely change in the 1st year

• Your child may have less time for house hold responsibilities

• Be patient and encourage your child to be involved on campus – students tend to perform better academically if they are participating in campus activities out side the classroom

9.9. Understand the Unique Experiences of Students in ResidenceUnderstand the Unique Experiences of Students in Residence

• Having a roommate, lack of privacy, learning to cook, getting groceries, and doing the laundry are some of the skills they will be practicing

• To help with their adjustment you can listen when they share their excitement and frustrations

• Keep in contact by phone, email, texting, face book, skype

• Send cards, photos and care packages (this goes for off campus students too)

• You may find your child too busy to get back to you immediately

• You can contact Residence for any questions or concerns:

http://www.brandonu.ca/residence/

10.10. Expect University Culture Shock Expect University Culture Shock

• Your child has a lot to learn from study skills to social norms – at times they could feel overwhelmed

• Both you and your child will face changes that will take time to adjust to

• If you are concerned for their well being you can remind them of Student Services and resources such as counselling:

http://www.brandonu.ca/student-services/

http://www.brandonu.ca/student-services/personal-counselling/

Choices

VS

A Balancing Act

A Balancing ActA Week of Life: A Week of University:

24 x 7 = 168 hours per week Class 15 hours

Study 53 hours (varies from 40-60)

Extra-curricular 10 hours

Wellness 10 hours

Errands 5 hours

Commuting 5 hours

Sleep 56 hours

Meals 21 hours______________________________________

Total 175 hours

University is more than a full time job!

There are only 168 hours in a week Your student is going to be very busy.Routines and regular family habits may need to be adjusted.

Creating Balance – You can help

Discuss course loadDiscuss goals and dreamsPoint out course change datesEncourage time with friends and familySuggest regular exercise and balanced nutritionBrainstorm ideas for developing study habits and self care practices Encourage your child to use the resources in Student Services

1. Help personalize living & study space: posters, pictures of family and friends, memorabilia, some familiar things from home, care package

2. Keep in touch: phone cards, face book, texting, email, skype

3. Help them get to know Brandon: city map, bus schedule, university clubs, tour the town, list of places of worship, movie coupons

Ways to help your student adjustWays to help your student adjust

4. Meet academic demands: computer, day timer,

backpack, wall calendar, alarm clock

5. Handle crises: provide a list of emergency phone numbers (better yet, program them into the phone), first aid kit, emergency cash card

6. Nutritional, personal, household needs: food cards, gift cards, care package, snacks (if in residence, consider weekends), change for laundry, extra toiletries, warm clothes

We encourage parents to have healthy curiosity about their student’s university experience.

Students may not always have the answers and sometimes it may appear they don’t want to talk.

Don’t be discouraged – they need your support even if they can’t/don’t say so.

CommunicationCommunication

THE CYCLE OF UNIVERSITY LIFE

Spring/SummerExcitement and stress begin to build in anticipation of life at university.

Students may experience anxiety about classes, professors and campus life.

Students will have attended advising sessions and registered for classes.

Students and Parents are encouraged to attend Orientation events in September.

SeptemberOrientation: September 64h Orientation Events to Sept 184h

“Battle on the Border”

First day of classes: September 5th First term tuition fees are due the first day of classes.

Students discover the differences between High School and University.

Summer job hunt starts make an appointment at the Career Resource Centre in Student Services

Testing their new freedoms students will begin to understand the need to create balance with school/life/work.

As first assignments come due Students can get help from Student Services (learning, writing, math, counselling) & the Library

Sept 18th – last day for 100% refund for 1st and Both term courses.

Sept 19th - last date to add and change courses for 1st and Both term .

OctoberFirst grades received

Oct 2 – last day for 50% tuition refund for 1st term.

Students seek help from Student Services (learning, writing, math, counselling)

Students may begin to ask, "Is university for me?"

Midterm exams and assignments are due

Midterm grades returned

NovemberMany more assignments due

Campus-wide illness begins! (cold, flu, etc.)

This is a great time to send a care package.

Fall study break, Friday, November 9th.

Last date for Voluntary Withdrawal, November 18th

DecemberFinal exam stress begins

Last day classes, Monday, December 10th

Excitement for semester (Xmas) break

Final exams for First Term December 12th to 21st

University closed Monday, December 24th to January 1st 2013

University opens January 2nd , first day of classes January 3rd

January Receive grades from first term - cause for celebration, relief orperhaps grief.

This is a good time for a student to meet with their academic advisor (TREK) or to go to Student Services for direction.

Jan. 3rd second term classes start

Adjustments to course selection

Jan. 16th:-Last day for 2nd term registration and course change.- Last day for 100% refund on 2n term courses- Last day for 50% refund on Both term courses

FebruaryWinter weather brings “blues”

Mid-term break Feb. 18th-22nd

Midterms and assignments pile up

March

March 6 – last day for voluntary withdrawal Both term courses

March 22nd - last day for voluntary withdrawal for 2nd term courses Summer job hunt starts (of course Sept is the best time to start).Good time to make an appointment at the Career Resource Centre in Student Services

Reflection on first-year choices/successes/failures

Beginning of final exam stress

April Last day classes, April10th

Final exams April 12th – 26th

Selection of and registration in courses for next year

Excitement for summer break

Benefits and Resources

Student Services:Advising

CounsellingCareer ResourcesDisability ServicesLearning Centre

BUSU:Student Saver Discount Card

International Identity CardHealth & Dental Plan (opt out before September 26th )

Bus Pass – good for the year

Campus Recreation:Intra murals

Clubs Workshops/clinics

Programs (yoga, zumba, judo, kick boxing, etc)

They’re on their way