Academics 101/LU CAREs How to provide support for your first year student

Academics 101/LU CAREsHow to provide support for

your first year student

…programming unique to First Year Students helps them become part of our learning &

living community• New Lancer Days• First Year Common Reading (FYRE)• Longwood Seminar– General Education, Goal 1

• Introduction into the habits of the mind that characterize an educated person.• Help students make the transition to college life at

Longwood.

…all students change & experience transition

High School College

“Parent/Teacher” directed support

“Student initiated” support

Less formal interaction with teachers

More formal interaction with teachers

Teachers test frequently, providing re-takes and makeup

Teachers give fewer tests & may not allow for make-ups or retakes

Structured blocks of time during “school” day

managing time in a more unstructured context

Homesick….or not?Living with othersTransitions @ home

…being involved on campus & in the community enhances in-class

learning & vice versa

…it is important for family members to create their own connection to LU

• Parents Association—membership is automatic and with no fee.

• Talk to a member of the Parents Council today.• Meal plan use• Longwood website, Facebook

• Family Weekend will be September 21-23, 2012.

…experiencing diversity helps prepare students for the 21st century world

• Course work/majors/minors• Residence Hall programming• Office of Diversity and Inclusion• Office of International Affairs

…the more you know, the better support you can offer

• Follow the school’s academic calendar and offer support during times you know will be stressful for them, such as mid-terms and finals.

• Undergraduate catalog

…challenges create opportunities for growth

• Don’t panic at the first sign of an academic related problem. Give them a chance to work it out on their own.–Professor/advisor–Department Chair–Dean• The Skinned Knee Effect

…students can exercise their independence & be connected to their

families• Support their major decisions.• Encourage exploration into internships

and/or independent studies• Consider study abroad • Help process living off campus/on-

campus decisions

…it is important to have difficult dialogues with your student

• If you are assisting with paying for your student’s college education, negotiate expectations upfront about things like grades, spending money, etc.

• Financial Aid• Discuss important family issues before they

leave for college

…you should trust your instincts

• If you think that something is wrong….CONTACTus.

…your relationship will change• Be open to the possibilities.–New phase in your relationship.–Communication expectations–Trust that they are getting good

advice.–Know enough to recommend that they

ask more questions.

Your questions…