Welcome PARENT ORIENTATION 2014

What do we do now?

Things to know about 1st 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.

Spring/Summer

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

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

Students will have attended advising sessions and registered for classes.

Students and Parents are encouraged to attend Orientation events in September.

September

Orientation: September 2nd

First day of classes: September 3rd First term tuition fees are due

Students discover the differences between High School and University.

Summer job hunt starts - Make an appointment at the Career Resource Centre

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

As first assignments come due Students can get help from Student Services (learning, writing, math, counselling) & the Library

Sept 17th - last day for Registration and course changes (additions) for 1st and Both term courses

October

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?"

Midterm exams and assignments are due

Midterm grades returned

November

Many more assignments due

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

This is a great time to send a care package.

Fall study break, Monday, November 10th .

Friday, November 21st Last date for Voluntary Withdrawal from 1st term fall courses

December

Final exam stress begins

Last day classes, Friday, December 5th

Excitement for semester (Xmas) break

Final exams for First Term December 11th to 20th

University closed Wednesday, December 24th to Friday, January 2nd, 2015

Monday, January 5th University opens and first day of classes

Student Services: http://www.brandonu.ca/student-services, Counselling: http://www.brandonu.ca/studentservices/personal-counselling/ 204-727-9739Important Dates: http://www.brandonu.ca/registration/2014-2015/2014-2015-important-dates/

January

Jan. 5th second term classes start

Receive grades from first term - cause for celebration, relief or perhaps grief.

Adjustments to course selection

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

Jan. 16th:Last day for 2nd term registration and course change.

February

Winter weather brings “blues” Care package time

Mid-term break Feb. 16th – 20th

Midterms and assignments pile up

March

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

March 20th Last day for voluntary withdrawal form 2nd term courses

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

Reflection on 1st year choices, successes & challenges

Beginning of final exam stress

April

April 10th

Last day of classes

April 14th – 27th Final exams

Selection of and registration in courses for next year

Excitement for summer break

Residence: http://www.brandonu.ca/residence/ 205-737-7394Scholarships/Bursaries: http://www.brandonu.ca/scholarships 204-727-9737

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/2014-2015/2014-2015-important-dates

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

Last date to change/add courses:

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

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

courses

Last date to change/add courses:

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

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

courses

TUITION FEE REFUND SCHEDULE

FIRST TERM COURSESUp to & incl. Sept 16, 2014 Full RefundAfter Sept 16, 2014 No Refund

SECOND TERM COURSESUp to & incl. Jan 16, 2015 Full RefundAfter Jan 16, 2015 No Refund

BOTH TERM COURSESUp to & incl. Sept 16, 2014 Full RefundUp to & incl. Nov 21, 2014 50% RefundAfter 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 21st, 2014

Both Term Courses: March 4th, 2015

Second Term Courses: Friday, March 20th, 2015

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

Voluntary Withdrawal: Last date to drop courses

First Term Courses: Friday, November 21st, 2014

Both Term Courses: March 4th, 2015

Second Term Courses: Friday, March 20th, 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

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

3.3. 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 OverreactionSubstance AbuseDistraction Depression

Some Typical Signs of Distress:

Withdrawal from typical activities and socializing Emotional OverreactionSubstance AbuseDistraction Depression

Typical Signs of Distress:

Uncharacteristic behaviourFailing GradesFrequent absences from class Complaints of loneliness Weight loss/gainIncrease in risky behaviourReference to hopelessness/suicidal thoughts

http://www.brandonu.ca/student-services/personal-counselling/

Typical Signs of Distress:

Uncharacteristic behaviourFailing GradesFrequent absences from class Complaints of loneliness Weight loss/gainIncrease in risky behaviourReference 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

and/or

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 Experiencesof 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 1st 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/

Choices

VS

A Balancing Act

A Week of Life:A Week of University:

24 x 7 = 168 hours per week

Class 15 hours (+ labs for some)

Study 53 hours (varies from 40-60)

Extra-curricular 10 hoursWellness 10 hoursErrands 5 hoursCommuting 5 hours (varies)

Sleep 56 hoursMeals 21 hours______________________________________

Total 175 hoursUniversity is more than a full time job!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.

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

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

Ways to help your student adjust

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 ResourcesStudent Services: BUSU: Student Saver Discount CardAdvising International Identity CardCounselling Health & Dental Plan (opt out before September 22nd)

Career Resources Bus Pass – good for the year Disability Services Student AdvocacyLearning Centre

Campus Recreation: Healthy Living CentreWalking track, exercise roomIntra murals Clubs Workshops/clinicsPrograms (yoga, zumba, judo, kick boxing, etc)

http://www.brandonu.ca/future-students/families/http://read101.ca/brandonu.html

They’re on their way