st

•
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

•
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

•
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/

1st term: Wed. Sept. 17 th for 1 st and both term courses
2nd term: Wed. Jan. 16th, 2015 for second term courses

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

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

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

•
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 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
•
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?

•
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


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.
•
Happiness
•
Excitement
•
Pride
•
Sadness
•
Loss
•
Fear
•
Concern

•
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

•
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

•
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

•
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/

• 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/

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!


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

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

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)