SUPPORTING YOUR STUDENT’S SUCCESS

1. Transition to University SUPPORTING YOUR STUDENT’S SUCCESS Head Start Parent & Family Program University of Windsor

2. UWindsor Social Media • Follow us on Twitter: • @UWindsor (#UWinHeadStart) • Uwin App: • www.uwindsor.ca/app • Facebook: • Students: NewAtUWindsor2013-2014 • Parents: Parents of UWindsor Students

3. Parent Website (www.uwindsor.ca/parents)

4. We Often Find That Parents Are… • … Actively involved in students’ university choice through the decision process • …Seen by students as their supporters & advocates • … Involved in all aspects of their students’ lives • … Concerned about safety

5. We Often See That Parents … • … Consider education as a significant financial investment • Sometimes contributes to view of education as a consumer commodity but students need to put forth effort to achieve goals • … Enjoy stronger, continual communication with their children • Family calling plans, Email, Texting, Social networks, Skype

6. What Does This Mean for Students? • Students lives are more structured • This generation is more protected • Societal trend towards prolonged adolescence • Greater adjustment in university • Must accept that they are largely responsible for their own learning at university

7. Partnering

8. Discussion Time • As the parent or family member of a first year student, what do you see as your role? • In what areas might you encourage more independence in your student?

9. University and Students as Partners • The University provides quality services to meet students’ needs • Students’ needs don’t always match their wants&expectations • Students are responsible for their own success

10. University and Parents as Partners • Families support student success by helping support the University’s goals for student development outcomes • Our goal is to enable students to: • Develop self-management skills • Problem solve independently • Become effective self-advocates • This is the foundation of the whole learning environment and helps to shape their skill set as adults

11. University and Parents as Partners • Together, we can help students develop: • Sense of responsibility/accountability • Self-management skills • Goal-Orientation • Self-Confidence • Resilience • Appreciation of differences • Tolerance of ambiguity • Learning from mistakes • Feeling empowered to advocate for themselves • Problem solving strategies

12. University and Parents as Partners • Work with university partners to facilitate not just achievement but personal development • Accept that “fixing” hampers personal growth • Continue to be supportive while encouraging greater independence, and self sufficiency

13. University and Parents as Partners • Role change: Manager Consultant Onsite supervisor Mentor/Coach • Help students manage their physical and mental health

14. Balancing Concerns with Establishing Independence • May be difficult to distinguish between normal & worrisome behaviour related to: • Partying • Grades & level of achievement • Depression, changes in mood or personality • Relationships • You can: • Listen& ask questions • Follow tips provided in your handbook • Refer to campus services

15. Tips for Transitioning(Handbook: Page 30) • Begin the process now by encouraging more independence • Some life skills examples: • Alarm Clocks (establish routine & encourage independence) • Laundry, cooking and household responsibilities (teach the basic skills now & let them practice) • Give students tools to manage their finances

16. Tips for Transitioning (Handbook: Page 14) • Encourage students to get involved on campus: • Windsor Welcome Week (September 1-7) • Student Clubs & Societies (Club Days at WWW) • UWSA/OPUS Elections • Lead@UWindsor.ca • Volunteer Website • ….and so many more!

17. Confidentiality Policy • Only students (even those under 18 years) have access to their grades (password protected) • Confidentiality of student records is governed by Senate By-Law that restricts direct release of grades to anyone but the student, even parents/guardians • Be open, positive and non threatening with your student and he/she will probably be more likely to share this information with you

18. Course Selection • Students should seek academic advising each and every semester (especially if unsure about academic direction) • Departmental Advisors • Advising Centre (Student Success Centre in the fall) • Exploration of career avenues should begin in first year and continue throughout their academic program • Centre for Career Education (Student Success Centre in the fall)

19. Course Selection • Many students may have already chosen courses & registeredbut they will still meet with advisors this morning to discuss choices & ask questions • Timetabling & registration assistance is available from 11:30 – 2:00 today in the Leddy Library • Students should become familiar with: • Web based course calendar • Program requirements • Course requirements in syllabus • Allow students to develop independence & confidence by doing this on their own

20. Academic Performance • Many students experience a decline in grades from secondary school (must adjust to new expectations and teaching style) • At the same time, we do not expect that they will all be on probation • Do have to actively plan to meet deadlines, seek out assistance & adjust study habits • Students access their grades via Student Information System (SIS)

21. Academic Performance • Moving from a 13.0 grading scale to a % based grading system • Transcripts will list achieved % out of 100% • Cumulative Average: Average of grades in all courses ever taken • Major Average: Average of grades in all major courses completed • Semester Average: Average of all courses taken in a particular semester

22. Contact Information • Karen Benzinger (ext. 3461) • zinger@uwindsor.ca • Marty Lowman (ext. 3950) • lowman@uwindsor.ca • Susan Page (ext. 3952) • mspage@uwindsor.ca • Brooke White (ext. 3287) • mouse@uwindsor.ca