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]