Academics 101/LU CAREs
How 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 others
Transitions @ 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
st
students for the 21 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 midterms 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/oncampus 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….CONTACT
us.
…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…