Transcript 2014 Parent Orientation Power Point

Welcome
PARENT ORIENTATION 2014
What do we do now?
Things to know about
st
1
year
1.Transition from High School to University
• Students are responsible for their learning.
At university they are expected to think and behave as
adults.
• Academic standards are very different
• Fewer lecture hours
• Students are expected to work on their own
(time management, healthy choices)
• Good grades in high school are a sign of potential to
succeed.
• Marks may be significantly lower during the first year
2. Cycle of University Life
•The university schedule is different from High school
•Being aware of some of the key events and dates
during first year will help you support your student
through this new experience.
Student Services: http://www.brandonu.ca/student-services, Counselling: http://www.brandonu.ca/studentservices/personal-counselling/ 204-727-9739
Important Dates: http://www.brandonu.ca/registration/2014-2015/2014-2015-important-dates/
Spring/Summer
September
October
November
December
Excitement and stress
begin to build in
anticipation of life at
university.
Students may experience
anxiety about classes,
professors and campus
life.
Orientation:
September 2nd
First grades received
First day of classes:
September 3rd
First term tuition fees are
due
Students seek help
from Student Services
(learning, writing,
math, counselling)
Students discover the
differences between High
School and University.
Students may feel
overwhelmed and
begin to ask, "Is
university for me?"
Students and Parents are
encouraged to attend
Orientation events in
September.
As first assignments come
due Students can get help
from Student Services
(learning, writing, math,
counselling) & the Library
Sept 17th - last day for
Registration and course
changes (additions) for 1st
and Both term courses
Final exam stress begins
Last day classes, Friday,
December 5th
Campus-wide illness
begins! (cold, flu, etc.)
Summer job hunt starts Make an appointment at the
Career Resource Centre
Excitement for semester
(Xmas) break
Final exams for First Term
December 11th to 20th
Testing their new freedoms
students will begin to
understand the need to
create balance with
school/life/work.
Students will have
attended advising
sessions and registered
for classes.
Many more
assignments due
This is a great time to
send a care package.
Midterm exams and
assignments are due
Midterm grades
returned
Fall study break,
Monday, November
10th .
Friday, November 21st
Last date for
Voluntary Withdrawal
from 1st term fall
courses
University closed
Wednesday, December 24th
to Friday, January 2nd,
2015
Monday, January 5th
University opens and first
day of classes
Residence: http://www.brandonu.ca/residence/ 205-737-7394
Scholarships/Bursaries: http://www.brandonu.ca/scholarships 204-727-9737
January
Jan. 5th
second term classes start
February
Winter weather brings “blues”
Care package time
Receive grades from first term
- cause for celebration, relief
or perhaps grief.
March
March 4th
last day for voluntary
withdrawal from “both” term
courses
March 20th
Last day for voluntary
withdrawal form 2nd term
courses
Mid-term break Feb. 16th – 20th
Adjustments to course
selection
This is a good time for a
student to meet with their
academic advisor (TREK) or to
go to Student Services for
direction.
Summer job hunt gets
underway (of course,
September is the best time to
start).
Make an appointment with the
Career Resource Centre:
204- 727-9739
Midterms and assignments pile
up
16th:
Jan.
Last day for 2nd term
registration and course
change.
Reflection on 1st year choices,
successes & challenges
Beginning of final exam stress
April
April 10th
Last day of classes
April 14th – 27th
Final exams
Selection of and
registration in courses for
next year
Excitement for summer
break
Be Aware of Important Dates
•Knowing tuition payment deadlines, class drop dates and
exam schedules will help you understand what’s going on in
their lives
•Visit the following links on the BU website:
Undergraduate Calendar:
http://www.brandonu.ca/calendar/files/2010/04/UndergraduateCalendar-2014-15.pdf
Important Dates:
•http://www.brandonu.ca/registration/2014-2015/2014-2015important-dates
•http://www.brandonu.ca/finance/student-resources/tuition-info/
Last date to change/add courses:
1st term: Wed. Sept. 17th for 1st and both term
courses
2nd term: Wed. Jan. 16th, 2015 for second term
courses
TUITION FEE REFUND SCHEDULE
FIRST TERM COURSES
Up to & incl. Sept 16, 2014 Full Refund
After Sept 16, 2014
No Refund
SECOND TERM COURSES
Up to & incl. Jan 16, 2015 Full Refund
After Jan 16, 2015
No Refund
BOTH TERM COURSES
Up to & incl. Sept 16, 2014 Full Refund
Up to & incl. Nov 21, 2014 50% Refund
After Nov 21, 2014
No Refund
Refunds are calculated from the date Financial & Registration Services is notified in writing
Voluntary Withdrawal:
Last date to drop courses
First Term Courses: Friday, November 21st, 2014
Both Term Courses: March 4th, 2015
Second Term Courses: Friday, March 20th, 2015
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 by special permission
Your student can come to Student Services and meet with a
Counsellor or Advisor for guidance and support.
If a student just stops going, failure is likely – it is better to
drop a course than receive a failing grade.
Remember: grades are permanent
3.
Supporting Success:
Services are Available to Students
• 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/
http://www.busu.ca/
Some changes in behaviour may indicate your
son or daughter may need help
Some Typical Signs of Distress:
Withdrawal from typical activities and socializing
Emotional Overreaction
Substance Abuse
Distraction
Depression
Typical Signs of Distress:
Uncharacteristic behaviour
Failing Grades
Frequent absences from class
Complaints of loneliness
Weight loss/gain
Increase in risky behaviour
Reference to hopelessness/suicidal thoughts
http://www.brandonu.ca/student-services/personal-counselling/
4. Be Prepared for and Expect Change
University is a place where students will
experience:
• Growth
greater self awareness
self expression
• Self exploration
questioning and challenging: ideas, beliefs, values
examination of self, friends and family
• Increasing autonomy – Building independence
• Changes may occur quickly
• Each experience will be unique
• Is your child the first in your
family to go to university?
5. Balancing, Study, Home and Social Life
• Discuss:
Expectations
Perspectives
Rules
Academics
• A new and growing sense of independence can lead to
friction – listen to your son’s or daughter's ideas, they are
trying them on for size
• Work/Academic/Home Balance – they will be learning to
determine priorities
• Students may change their program during or after their first
year – this is normal
Communication
Have healthy curiosity about your
son or daughter’s university experience
 Sometimes it may appear they don’t want to talk
 They may not have the answers, or may feel embarrassed,
frustrated, overwhelmed
 Patience – they need your support even if they can’t/don’t
say so.
6. What Parents May Experience
• Happiness
• Excitement
• Pride
and/or
•
•
•
•
Sadness
Loss
Fear
Concern
7. Money Matters
• Talk openly about all issues regarding money and
financing
• Expectations (shared/individual expenses, debit/credit cards etc)
• Financial awareness – money management
• RESP’s and scholarships
http://www2.brandonu.ca/Admin/Finance&Admin_main/student_financial_planning_guide.asp
8.Understand the Unique Experiences
of Commuter/Long Distant 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 in the term
Commuter/Long Distant Students
• 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.Understand the Unique Experiences of
Students in Residence
• More Changes to consider
• They may have a roommate
• They may experience a lack of privacy
• They will be learning life skills such as doing the
laundry, personal budgeting, socializing/studying
• You can contact Residence for any questions or concerns:
http://www.brandonu.ca/residence/
10. 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 son or daughter will face changes
that will take time adjusting 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/
A Balancing Act
Choices
VS
A Week of Life:
24 x 7 = 168 hours per
week
A Week of University:
Class 15 hours (+ labs for some)
Study 53 hours (varies from 40-60)
Extra-curricular 10 hours
Wellness 10 hours
Errands 5 hours
Commuting 5 hours (varies)
Sleep 56 hours
Meals 21 hours
______________________________________
Total 175 hours
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.
University is more than a full time job!
Creating Balance – You can help
 Discuss course load
 Discuss goals and dreams
 Encourage time with friends and family
 Suggest regular exercise and balanced
nutrition
 Brainstorm ideas for developing study
habits and self care practices
Point out course change dates
 Encourage your child to use the
resources offered by Student Services
Ways to help your student adjust
1. Help personalize living & study space: posters, pictures of
family and friends, memorabilia, some familiar things from home,
care packages
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
4.
Meet academic demands: computer, day timer, back
pack, 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
Benefits and Resources
Student Services:
Advising
Counselling
Career Resources
Disability Services
Learning Centre
BUSU: Student Saver Discount Card
International Identity Card
Health & Dental Plan (opt out before September 22nd)
Bus Pass – good for the year
Student Advocacy
Campus Recreation: Healthy Living Centre
Walking track, exercise room
Intra murals
Clubs
Workshops/clinics
Programs (yoga, zumba, judo, kick boxing, etc)
They’re on their way