2014 Parent Orientation Power Point

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Welcome

PARENT ORIENTATION 2014

What do we do now?

Things to know about 1

st

year

1.Transition from High School to University

Students are responsible for their learning.

At university they are expected to think and behave as adults.

Academic standards are very different

Fewer lecture hours

Students are expected to work on their own

(time management, healthy choices)

Good grades in high school are a sign of potential to succeed.

Marks may be significantly lower during the first year

2. Cycle of University Life

The university schedule is different from High school

Being aware of some of the key events and dates during first year will help you support your student through this new experience.

Student Services: http://www.brandonu.ca/student-services , Counselling: http://www.brandonu.ca/studentservices/personal-counselling/ 204-727-9739

Important Dates: http://www.brandonu.ca/registration/2014-2015/2014-2015-important-dates/

Spring/Summer September October November December

Excitement and stress begin to build in anticipation of life at university.

Orientation:

September 2 nd

First day of classes:

September 3 rd

First term tuition fees are due

Students discover the differences between High

School and University.

Students may experience anxiety about classes, professors and campus life.

Summer job hunt starts -

Make an appointment at the

Career Resource Centre

First grades received

Students seek help from Student Services

(learning, writing, math, counselling)

Students may feel overwhelmed and begin to ask, "Is university for me?"

Many more assignments due

Final exam stress begins

Last day classes, Friday,

December 5 th

Campus-wide illness begins! (cold, flu, etc.) Excitement for semester

(Xmas) break

Final exams for First Term

December 11 th to 20 th

This is a great time to send a care package.

Testing their new freedoms students will begin to understand the need to create balance with school/life/work.

Students will have attended advising sessions and registered for classes.

As first assignments come due Students can get help from Student Services

(learning, writing, math, counselling) & the Library

Students and Parents are encouraged to attend

Orientation events in

September.

Sept 17 th - last day for

Registration and course changes (additions) for 1 st and Both term courses

Midterm exams and assignments are due

Midterm grades returned

Fall study break,

Monday, November

10 th .

University closed

Wednesday, December 24 th to Friday, January 2 nd ,

2015

Friday, November 21 st

Last date for

Voluntary Withdrawal from 1 st term fall courses

Monday, January 5 th

University opens and first day of classes

Residence: http://www.brandonu.ca/residence/ 205-737-7394

Scholarships/Bursaries: http://www.brandonu.ca/scholarships 204-727-9737

January February March April

Jan. 5th second term classes start

Receive grades from first term

- cause for celebration, relief or perhaps grief.

Adjustments to course selection

Winter weather brings “blues”

Care package time

Mid-term break Feb. 16 th – 20 th

This is a good time for a student to meet with their academic advisor (TREK) or to go to Student Services for direction.

Midterms and assignments pile up

March 4 th last day for voluntary withdrawal from “both” term courses

April 10 th

Last day of classes

April 14 th – 27

Final exams th

March 20 th

Last day for voluntary withdrawal form 2 courses nd term Selection of and registration in courses for next year

Summer job hunt gets underway (of course,

September is the best time to start).

Make an appointment with the

Career Resource Centre:

204- 727-9739 Excitement for summer break

Jan. 16 th :

Last day for 2 nd term registration and course change.

Reflection on 1 st year choices, successes & challenges

Beginning of final exam stress

Be Aware of Important Dates

Knowing tuition payment deadlines, class drop dates and exam schedules will help you understand what’s going on in their lives

Visit the following links on the BU website:

Undergraduate Calendar: http://www.brandonu.ca/calendar/files/2010/04/Undergraduate-

Calendar-2014-15.pdf

Important Dates:

• http://www.brandonu.ca/registration/2014-2015/2014-2015important-dates

• http://www.brandonu.ca/finance/student-resources/tuition-info/

Last date to change/add courses:

1st term: Wed. Sept. 17 th for 1 st and both term courses

2nd term: Wed. Jan. 16th, 2015 for second term courses

TUITION FEE REFUND SCHEDULE

FIRST TERM COURSES

Up to & incl. Sept 16, 2014 Full Refund

After Sept 16, 2014 No Refund

SECOND TERM COURSES

Up to & incl. Jan 16, 2015 Full Refund

After Jan 16, 2015 No Refund

BOTH TERM COURSES

Up to & incl. Sept 16, 2014 Full Refund

Up to & incl. Nov 21, 2014 50% Refund

After Nov 21, 2014 No Refund

Refunds are calculated from the date Financial & Registration Services is notified in writing

Voluntary Withdrawal:

Last date to drop courses

First Term Courses : Friday, November 21 st , 2014

Both Term Courses : March 4 th , 2015

Second Term Courses : Friday, March 20 th , 2015

Courses dropped by these dates are designated as “V.W.” on a student’s transcript

After the last date for V.W. courses can only be dropped by special permission

Your student can come to Student Services and meet with a

Counsellor or Advisor for guidance and support.

If a student just stops going, failure is likely – it is better to drop a course than receive a failing grade.

Remember: grades are permanent

3.

Supporting Success:

Services are Available to Students

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/ http://www.busu.ca/

Some changes in behaviour may indicate your son or daughter may need help

Some Typical Signs of Distress:

Withdrawal from typical activities and socializing

Emotional Overreaction

Substance Abuse

Distraction

Depression

Typical Signs of Distress:

Uncharacteristic behaviour

Failing Grades

Frequent absences from class

Complaints of loneliness

Weight loss/gain

Increase in risky behaviour

Reference to hopelessness/suicidal thoughts http://www.brandonu.ca/student-services/personal-counselling/

4

. Be Prepared for and Expect Change

University is a place where students will experience:

Growth greater self awareness self expression

Self exploration questioning and challenging: ideas, beliefs, values examination of self, friends and family

Increasing autonomy – Building independence

Changes may occur quickly

Each experience will be unique

Is your child the first in your family to go to university?

5. Balancing, Study, Home and Social Life

Discuss:

Expectations Rules

Perspectives Academics

A new and growing sense of independence can lead to friction – listen to your son’s or daughter's ideas, they are trying them on for size

Work/Academic/Home Balance – they will be learning to determine priorities

Students may change their program during or after their first year – this is normal

Encourage your student to become more independent

Communication

Have healthy curiosity about your son or daughter’s university experience

 Sometimes it may appear they don’t want to talk

They may not have the answers, or may feel embarrassed, frustrated, overwhelmed

Patience – they need your support even if they can’t/don’t say so.

6.

What Parents May Experience

Happiness

Excitement

Pride

and/or

Sadness

Loss

Fear

Concern

7. Money Matters

Talk openly about all issues regarding money and financing

Expectations

(shared/individual expenses, debit/credit cards etc)

Financial awareness – money management

• RESP’s and scholarships http://www2.brandonu.ca/Admin/Finance&Admin_main/student_financial_planning_guide.asp

8.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 in the term

Commuter/Long Distant Students

Family dynamics will likely change in the 1 st 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

9.Understand the Unique Experiences of

Students in Residence

More Changes to consider

They may have a roommate

They may experience a lack of privacy

They will be learning life skills such as doing the laundry, personal budgeting, socializing/studying

You can contact Residence for any questions or concerns: http://www.brandonu.ca/residence/

10. 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 son or daughter will face changes that will take time adjusting 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/

A Balancing Act

Choices

VS

A Week of Life:

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.

A Week of University:

Class 15 hours

(+ labs for some)

Study 53 hours

(varies from 40-60)

Extra-curricular 10 hours

Wellness 10 hours

Errands 5 hours

Commuting 5 hours

(varies)

Sleep 56 hours

Meals 21 hours

______________________________________

Total 175 hours

University is more than a full time job!

Creating Balance – You can help

Discuss course load

Discuss goals and dreams

Encourage time with friends and family

Suggest regular exercise and balanced nutrition

Brainstorm ideas for developing study habits and self care practices

Point out course change dates

Encourage your child to use the resources offered by Student Services

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 packages

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

4.

Meet academic demands: computer, day timer, back pack, wall calendar, alarm clock

5. 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

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 22nd)

Bus Pass – good for the year

Student Advocacy

Campus Recreation: Healthy Living Centre

Walking track, exercise room

Intra murals

Clubs

Workshops/clinics

Programs (yoga, zumba, judo, kick boxing, etc)

They’re on their way

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