Transcript University Bound . . . Now What???

Guidance Counsellor Day
Transition & Effective Helicopter Parents:
Resources for Guidance Counsellors & Teachers
Presented by Gail Forsyth
Director, Learning Services
Summer Transition Programs
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Encourage students and parents/guardians to attend summer transition
programs
Vary in length and content (1/2 day, full-day, two-days with overnight)
Most charge a fee to recover costs
Exceptional programs that prepare parents and students before they start their
post secondary studies
Parent programs often include:
– overview of the typical first-year student experience
– services and resources to support students in their first year
– Information on transactional issues such as fees, dates, parking, safety
– campus tours, refreshments/meals and/or residence overnight stay
Summer Transition Programs
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Student programs includes:
– Overview of program expectations – how university differs from high
school
– Provides important advising and registration information
– Offers strategy sessions on how to be academically successful
– Explains what students can expect in first year (O-Week, student life)
– Demystify the residence experience: explain off-campus experience
– Importance of getting involved and asking questions!
Most institutions offer sessions beginning in May and continue through
to August. Some offer them as part of their Orientation Week activities.
Check the post-secondary institution for details.
First Year Counts!
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First year grades matter! Very important!!!
If the program does not feel right, tell students this is normal – be open to
changing programs!
Encourage the students to make an appointment with an academic advisor
− just like meeting with a guidance counsellor
Make an appointment with a career advisor – careers are changing
regularly as the world changes to adapt to new economies
4 B’s are better than 5 C’s and F grades are never good! Be open to
reducing the number of courses in first year – check with the academic
advisor before making the change!
Ask Questions!
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Ask questions! Help students understand that professors
are people first, experts second
Encourage students to be proactive
University faculty and staff want students to succeed!
Every question is a good question!
Ask the question!
Time Management
Effective time management skills lead to academic success!
Tips for students
• Strongly encourage students to purchase a desk planner
• Tell them to write down all due dates, activities and extracurricular activities
• Fake dates for important projects – build in extra time to polish and revise
your work
• Attend a workshop or meet with a learning strategist
• Effective time management skills are life skills and they can reduce stress!
Responsibility
Students must take responsibility and balance social life, work
commitments, and school work!
• Encourage students to use the resources available to support
their learning
– Learning Services (advising, learning, math, writing)
– Health Centre and Counselling Services (performance coaching, managing
conflict, loss, anxiety, personal)
– Accessible Learning (support for students with documented physical and
learning disabilities)
– Residence and Off-campus Dons (senior students who can guide students to
resources)
Get Involved
Encourage students to get involved!
• Reduces homesickness
• Expands network of friends
• Campus Clubs – academic and special interest
• Intramural sports and recreation
• Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union positions
Studies indicate that students who are involved in
campus activities earn higher grades!
Orientation Week
Encourage students to attend Orientation Week!
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Opportunity to meet new friends
Become familiar with the campus
Getting ready socially and academically
Provides advice on how to deal with the transition
Student Services & Resources
Varies at each institution, examples include:
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Accessible Learning Centre (persons with disabilities)
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Career Development Centre
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Counselling Services
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Faculty, Instructional Assistants
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First-Year Experience Offices
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Health Services
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Mathematics Assistance Centre
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Program Advisors, Central Academic Advisor
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Registrar’s Office and Student Awards
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Residence dons, senior mentors, TA’s
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Study Skills and Supplemental Instruction Centre
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Writing Centre
Apply for Funding
Encourage students to apply for funding!
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Bursaries (financial need)
Scholarships/Awards (academics + other)
Government loans
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May – August
Talk to a Student Awards or Financial Aid Officer
Money is available BUT students MUST apply for it!
Final Thoughts
 Encourage parents and students to attend transition
programs
 Remind students to be open to change
 First-year grades matter
 Apply for financial assistance
 Get involved
 Plan your time
 Ask questions!