The Millennials "Millennials” refers to a specific cohort of individuals born, roughly, between "Millennials” are primarily children of Baby Boomers, though some are children of the older Gen X adults. –“Boomlets” – 2001 and on A central characteristic of what defines "Millennials” is that they have no memory of the Cold War, just as Generation X has no memory of the Vietnam War and the Baby Boomers have no memory of World War II.

Common Beliefs and Behaviors Special Sheltered Confident Achieving Pressured Team-Oriented Conventional

Academic Preparation Weak in basic skills Learn best in ways different from how they are taught Pragmatic Career oriented

The Entitlement Generation Shockingly high expectations for salary, job flexibility and duties Mismatch between expectations and reality Raised on extensive praise and expect it Will share sensitive or private information Need to know WHY something needs to happen and make things task oriented Will work well with others from a different background Formality of Mr. and Mrs. and cleaning up are sometimes lost on them Need to learn what they’re good at and what they’re not –Not motivated by feelings of duty

Demographic Changes Ethnicity2008 FY Enrollment 2013 FY Enrollment Percent Change 2013 TU Diversity Profile African American %14.75% Asian or Pacific Islander %4.60% Hispanic/Latino %4.72% White %64.90% Two or More Races n/a %

TU’s Commitment to Diversity Towson University values diversity and fosters a climate that is grounded in respect and inclusion, enriches the educational experience of students, supports positive workplace environments, promotes excellence, and cultivates the intellectual and personal growth of the entire university community.

TU’s Commitment to Diversity

Campus resources Reporting hate/bias incidents Center for Student Diversity (CSD)

TU’s Commitment to Diversity

OneCard The OneCard is the student’s all-access pass to Towson University The OneCard acts as… o Student’s ID card o Holds meal plan o Holds dining and retail points o Access to residence hall Retail points o plcp plcp Important website o

Dining Plans

Parking Residential Permit (virtual) o Limited number of permits for a designated garage o Need housing assignment before applying for a permit Commuter Permit (virtual) o Designated spots on campus – specific to freshman status Cost o Full year: $330 o Per term: $190 Important website o

Textbooks Purchasing o University Store o Online or off-campus stores o Get receipts! Book rental program o Pay one flat fee per book for the semester then the book is returned to the bookstore at the end of the term Used Books o Used books are available to buy at the University Store Important websites o Search for University Storewww.towson.edu

Academic Advising First Semester Schedule o Student’s first semester schedule is based on the Academic Interest Form they complete before coming to campus. o FTP students’ schedules are created by the program coordinators. o ORIE 305 (not on FTP schedules) is a non-credit baring course hold for a time when advisors can meet with students. Advisor o All students assigned a First Year Experience (FYE) Advisors. All students are required to meet with their academic advisor at least three times a semester, including an advising meeting to discuss and learn how to register for Spring classes. Important website o

Stages of Parental Development Parental years –Expanding –Developing –Launching –Empty nest Not all families follow these stages in a linear way

LAUNCHING As students are adjusting, so are their family members

Family Feelings Can Come in any Combination Sadness and loss Excitement Relief Guilt –Not wanting to let go –Looking forward to new freedoms Worries –About how student will fare Normal developmental challenges Particular pre-existing challenges –About finances Uncertainty about new role

Your Childhood video

Continuum of Potential Responses Families need to figure out how to be supportive while also encouraging their student’s growing independence.

Scenario You begin a casual phone conversation with your student about how things are going with classes. You hear that classes are difficult but manageable and that it is taking some adjusting to get used to college-level expectations.

What do you do?

2 weeks later You talk again. Your student sounds more distressed and says that they have missed several classes because they are feeling overwhelmed. They also say they feel like it’s hard to make friends and they feel lonely.

What do you do?

And what resources might they access? Academic Advising Center Academic Achievement Center Counseling Center Student Activities Housing and Residence Life Staff Disability Support Services Center for Student Diversity Faculty You!

1 week later Your student tells you that they just don’t have the energy to talk to their professors or make an appointment with any of those services. They have continued to miss classes and they are falling further behind. They are wondering whether Towson is the right place for them.

What do you do?

How do you directly assist? Contact resources yourself to get guidance on how to help your child access them –Office of New Student Programs (410) or Contact Division of Student Affairs to consult on your child’s situation and potential sources of support –Lifeline - (410) 704-LIFE(5433) –

2 days later Your student calls in great distress. They have not left their room since you last spoke. They have no appetite and cannot sleep. They do not feel like they are able to reach out to any campus resources or friends.

What do you do?

How do you intervene? Consider coming to campus Determine whether the situation requires that your student come home or whether you might be able to assist your student with accessing campus resources If you bring your student home, consult with appropriate resource people on campus (Office of VP for Student Affairs, Housing & Residence Life, Counseling Center)

And now…. Let’s make it a little more challenging!

Scenario #3 Your student calls home late on a Friday night and tells you they are not feeling well and that the Health Center is closed.

What do you do?

Scenario #2 Your student got along great with their roommate first semester, but now the honeymoon is over. The roommate is borrowing clothes without asking, leaving the room unlocked, playing music too loudly, and eating your student’s Pop-Tarts.

What do you do?

Other scenarios?

When to directly access resource/ intervene Academic problems (missing classes, falling behind, low motivation) Interpersonal problems (social withdrawal, disruptive behavior, difficulty connecting) Behavioral problems (irritability, getting into trouble, poor self-care, substance abuse, disordered eating, non- suicidal self-harm) Emotional problems (depression, excessive anxiety, suicidal thoughts)

So how do YOU cope? Recognize that not only is your student adjusting to college, but so are you Reach out to others who have been through this experience Activate your own support networks Engage in self-care Find ways to enjoy your new freedoms

Overall Recommendations Set up guidelines for staying in touch Give advice sparingly Try to let your student use resources themselves Ask about classes, friends, activities Be self-aware about your own motives Pay attention to warning signs Take care of yourself as you adjust along with your student

What level of involvement is appropriate, healthy, and helpful? The 90/10 balance—90 percent of life is great, it’s the 10 percent that we learn from. 24 hour rule…act on something if it is still an issue 24 hours later. Allowing your child to be uncomfortable is important. Some Points to Ponder

Welcome to Towson Orientation Schedule Saturday 8/23Sunday 8/24 -Move-in (See website)& Orientation - Skills & Resourceswebsite Packet Pick-Up (9 am – 6 pm) -Commuter Celebration (6 pm) -Parent Send-Off (6 pm) Monday8/25Tuesday 8/26 - Academic Transitions- Exploration of campus and Towson *Classes begin Wednesday 8/27*

Bursar’s Office

eBill Itemized Billing Statement Monthly Account Statement

Methods of Payment Cash Check/Money Order ACH/eCheck Wire Transfer 3 rd Party Payment Credit Card (Convenience Fee)

Deferred Payment Plan How Does It Work?

Refunds and Financial Aid Rebates The “DOC” Disbursement Online Center

Your Student’s Financial Account andYOU Become an Authorized User

Higher Education Tax Credit and the T Tax Form

Your 5 Action Items “TO DO” Now

The Financial Aid Office

Have you completed a FAFSA? ( Student loans Parent Loans

Towson Online Services Account Accept/Decline awards Accept/Decline awards Check TU Check TU View To-Do List View To-Do List FERPA FERPA

Direct Stafford (student) loans Complete MPN and Entrance Counseling Complete MPN and Entrance Counseling Parent PLUS Loans Apply for loan (credit-based) Apply for loan (credit-based) Complete MPN Complete MPN

Alternative Loans Apply with private lenders Apply with private lenders Apply for Loans Now! Priority deadline was June 1 st Priority deadline was June 1 st May need to make other payment arrangements to avoid penalties May need to make other payment arrangements to avoid penalties

More Campus Department Guests Health Center & Housing and Residence Life

Dr. Teri Hall Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, Campus Life (410) Or Lisa Reagle Director of New Student Programs (410) and colleagues Presented by