Transcript Educational Development Centre
Transition to University
Head Start Parent & Family Program University of Windsor
◦ Follow us on Twitter: @UWindsor (#UWinHeadStart) ◦ Uwin App: www.uwindsor.ca/app ◦ ◦ Facebook: Students: NewAtUWindsor2013-2014 Parents: Parents of UWindsor Students
… Actively involved in students’ university choice through the decision process …Seen by students as their supporters & advocates … Involved in all aspects of their students’ lives … Concerned about safety
◦ … Consider education as a significant financial investment Sometimes contributes to view of education as a consumer commodity but students need to put forth effort to achieve goals ◦ … Enjoy stronger, continual communication with their children Family calling plans, Email, Texting, Social networks, Skype
Students lives are more structured This generation is more protected Societal trend towards prolonged adolescence ◦ Greater adjustment in university Must accept that they are largely responsible for their own learning at university
University Students Parents
As the parent or family member of a first year student, what do you see as your role?
In what areas might you encourage more independence in your student?
The University provides quality services to meet students’ needs Students’ needs don’t always match their wants & expectations Students are responsible for their own success
Families support student success by helping support the University’s goals for student development outcomes ◦ ◦ ◦ Our goal is to enable students to: Develop self-management skills Problem solve independently Become effective self-advocates This is the foundation of the whole learning environment and helps to shape their skill set as adults
• • • • • • • • • • Together, we can help students develop: Sense of responsibility/accountability Self-management skills Goal-Orientation Self-Confidence Resilience Appreciation of differences Tolerance of ambiguity Learning from mistakes Feeling empowered to advocate for themselves Problem solving strategies
Work with university partners to facilitate not just achievement but personal development Accept that “fixing” hampers personal growth Continue to be supportive while encouraging greater independence, and self sufficiency
Role change: Manager Consultant Onsite supervisor Mentor/Coach Help students manage their physical and mental health
◦ ◦ ◦ ◦
May be difficult to distinguish between normal & worrisome behaviour related to:
P artying Grades & level of achievement Depression, changes in mood or personality Relationships ◦ ◦ ◦
You can:
Listen & ask questions Follow tips provided in your handbook Refer to campus services
Begin the process now by encouraging more independence ◦ Some life skills examples: Alarm Clocks (establish routine & encourage independence) ◦ Laundry, cooking and household responsibilities (t each the basic skills now & let them practice) ◦ Give students tools to manage their finances
Tips for Transitioning
(Handbook: Page 14)
Encourage students to get involved on campus:
◦ Windsor Welcome Week (September 1-7) ◦ Student Clubs & Societies (Club Days at WWW) ◦ ◦ UWSA/OPUS Elections [email protected]
◦ Volunteer Website ◦ ….and so many more!
Only students (even those under 18 years) have access to their grades (password protected) Confidentiality of student records is governed by Senate By-Law that restricts direct release of grades to anyone but the student, even parents/guardians Be open, positive and non threatening with your student and he/she will probably be more likely to share this information with you
Course Selection
Students should seek academic advising each and every semester (especially if unsure about academic direction) ◦ Departmental Advisors ◦ Advising Centre (Student Success Centre in the fall) ◦ Exploration of career avenues should begin in first year and continue throughout their academic program Centre for Career Education (Student Success Centre in the fall)
◦ Many students may have already chosen courses & registered but they will still meet with advisors this morning to discuss choices & ask questions Timetabling & registration assistance is available from 11:30 – 2:00 today in the Leddy Library Students should become familiar with: ◦ Web based course calendar ◦ ◦ Program requirements Course requirements in syllabus Allow students to develop independence & confidence by doing this on their own
Many students experience a decline in grades from secondary school (must adjust to new expectations and teaching style) At the same time, we do not expect that they will all be on probation Do have to actively plan to meet deadlines, seek out assistance & adjust study habits Students access their grades via Student Information System (SIS)
Moving from a 13.0 grading scale to a % based grading system Transcripts will list achieved % out of 100% Cumulative Average: Average of grades in all courses ever taken Major Average: Average of grades in all major courses completed Semester Average: Average of all courses taken in a particular semester
Karen Benzinger (ext. 3461) ◦ [email protected]
Marty Lowman (ext. 3950) ◦ [email protected]
Susan Page (ext. 3952) ◦ [email protected]
Brooke White (ext. 3287) ◦ [email protected]