1. Academics 101 SOAR 2014

2. Why go to college? 1.Improve yourself as a person 2.Have better earning potential 3.Mature in your independence 4.Help others 5.All of the above

3. From our Mission Statement: Mind for Excellence Spirit for Peace and Justice Heart for Service Have better earning potential $2.1 - $1.2 Million = $900,000 Become “Well-Rounded” Core skills, Career discipline, Impact (minor, internship, service, research, study abroad, leadership)

4. Why is it important for you to be at SOAR? 1.Learn about SFU policies and procedures, support systems 2.Meet key college contacts 3.Get a sense of your new community 4.Meet other parents and students 5.Get excited about coming in the fall 6.All of the above

5. What are the challenges of first-year college students? 1.Time Management 2.Academic Performance 3.Long Distance Relationships 4.Roommates and New Friends 5.All of the Above

6. What is the MOST essential factor in earning successful grades? 1.Good study habits 2.Daily class preparation 3.Regular class attendance 4.Homework/quiz scores

7. Where does a student go for academic help? 1.Professors 2.Classmates 3.Center for Academic Success CAS, Tutoring/Writing Center 4.Academic Advisors 5.All of the Above

8. Parents: What is the BEST way to get information about your student? 1.Speak to your Student 2.Call CAS 3.Call Associate Provost 4.Contact Professors 5.All of the Above

9. How We Help 1.Give mid-term grades 2.Track attendance 3.Watch for “red flags” 4.Intervene with students 5.Involve and help parents

10. Students: What can you do? 1.Go to class. Yes, EVERY one! 2.Check your e-mails daily 3.Communicate with the professor 4.Meet with your academic advisor 5.Manage your time wisely (planner) 6.STUDY, STUDY, STUDY (30 per) 7.Open your mind, find your way 8.Talk to your parents

11. Parents: What can you do? 1.Stay connected 2.Be supportive/encouraging 3.Be realistic 4.Encourage your students to ask for help 5.Contact us with concerns

12. What’s Next? 1.Meet with your Academic Advisor 2.Review your requirements (major, collateral, General Education) 3.Review your Schedule(contact advisor or CAS for changes) 4.Read your Summer Book (Yes, you have homework already!)

13. The End. Thank you! What questions do you have? Yes, you should ask questions. In the book, Jennifer Pharr Davis “learns that she can depend on other people to help her in times of need.” This is the beginning of the next path of your life, and you should ask anything you are thinking about!

14. Dr. Pete Skoner Associate Provost (814) 472-3085 pskoner@francis.edu Ms. Renee Bernard Director, Center for Academic Success (814) 472-2766 rbernard@francis.edu