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Parent Orientation 2012

Parent Orientation 2012. Welcome. Or: Now what?. Orientation. Top 10 Things for Parents of First Year Students to Know. Orientation. Academic Expectations are Different from High School Academic standards are very different Fewer lecture hours

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Parent Orientation 2012

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  1. Parent Orientation 2012 Welcome Or: Now what? Orientation

  2. Top 10 Things for Parents of First Year Students to Know Orientation

  3. Academic 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

  4. 2. 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

  5. Be 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.

  6. Some changes in behaviour may indicate your student needs help • Some Typical Signs of Distress: • Withdrawal from typical activities and socializing • Emotional Overreaction • Substance Abuse • Distraction • Depression • Poor connection with reality • Uncharacteristic behaviour • Anxiety/Panic • Failing Grades • Frequent absences from class • Complaints of loneliness • Weight loss/gain • Increase in risky behaviour • Reference to hopelessness/suicidal thoughts

  7. What 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

  8. Balancing, 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

  9. Be 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

  10. Last date to change/add courses: 1st term: Wed. Sept. 19th 2nd term: Wed. Jan. 16th

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. Money 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

  14. 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 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

  15. Understand 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/

  16. 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/

  17. A Balancing Act Choices VS Orientation

  18. A Balancing Act A Week of Life: A Week of University: 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 24 x 7 = 168 hours per week 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!

  19. Creating Balance – You can help • Discuss course load • Discuss goals and dreams • Point out course change dates • Encourage time with friends and family • Suggest regular exercise and balanced nutrition • Brainstorm ideas for developing study habits and self care practices • Encourage your child to use the resources in Student Services Orientation

  20. 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 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

  21. 4. Meet academic demands: computer, day timer, • backpack, wall calendar, alarm clock • 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 Orientation

  22. Communication 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. Orientation

  23. THE CYCLE OF UNIVERSITY LIFE Orientation

  24. Orientation

  25. Orientation

  26. Orientation

  27. 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 26th ) Bus Pass – good for the year Campus Recreation: Intra murals Clubs Workshops/clinics Programs (yoga, zumba, judo, kick boxing, etc) Orientation

  28. They’re on their way Orientation

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