The First Semester In Review: It Is Reality Spring 2006

Beyond the Immediate Future What do you think of when we say … What do you think of when we say … It Is Reality?

Take a moment to consider… IT IS REALITY Care Packages Home Sickness New Faces Late Nights Mid Terms Time Management FINAL EXAMS

New Freshman Welcome and Convocation Saturday, August 19

Week 1: August Freshmen:  Adjusting to the “big” University  All new faces  Getting Lost  Class Schedules  Textbooks  On-campus Jobs  Roommates Parents:  Being proud  Fear of unknown  Anxiety and sadness  Not an end, a new beginning  Emotional thoughts Welcome Week

Week 2: Aug 27 – Sept 2 Freshmen: Student organizations Following the crowd Adjusting to lectures Places to hangout Study vs. Fun Waiting for mail Laundry Dining Services Homesickness Parents: New interests Quiet house Family car in garage Struggles with how often to contact student What to send in a care package

Week 3: September Freshmen:  First test preparation  Remembering why I am here  A feeling of confidence  Being sick for first time/Health Service Parents:  Not as confident as student  Concern about student being sick  Encouraging first visit home to assist with test preparation  Mail relevant clippings from local newspaper Labor Day Holiday - Sep 4

Week 4: September Freshmen:  1 ST University exam  Feeling overwhelmed  Boyfriend/Girlfriend  Roommate Conflicts  Getting used to fire drills  First visit home. Do my parents still love me? Parents :  Nervousness to ask about first exam  Analyze first visit home and start to recognize student’s independence

Week 5 & 6: Sept 17 – Sep 30 Freshmen :  Academic Success or Disappointment  Unsympathetic professors  Settling into daily routines  Roommate conflicts resolutions Parents:  Money requests  Always at the library?  Curious about student’s study habits  Would like to contact student’s professors  Adapting to student being gone

Week 7 & 8: October Freshmen :  Papers and group projects are assigned  Mid-terms  True friendships being developed  Establishing own identity  Skepticism about Family Weekend Parents :  Discussion begins with other college parents to compare reports  Academic concerns  Planning a visit on Family Weekend Family Weekend – 10/20-10/22

Week 9: October Freshmen:  Mid-semester goals  Second reality check  Re-think major?  Explore tutoring services Parents :  Questioning whether student is making correct decisions  Is my student making moral or ethical decisions?  Phone calls / Chats

Week 10-13: Oct 22 - Nov 18 Freshmen :  Need time to myself  No more summer savings  Busy with academics  Starting to think about where to live next year  Counting the days Parents:  Making Thanksgiving plans  I wonder if my child needs me for anything besides money

Week 14 & 15: Nov 19 – Dec 2 Freshmen:  Excited to see old friends  Crunch time begins  Pressure from parents regarding grades  Reality of high school is in the past Parents:  Great anticipation  Hope social life isn’t out of control  Crunch time?  Anxiety about student’s grades Thanksgiving Break Begins - Nov

Week 16 & 17: Dec 3 – Dec 16 Freshmen:  Everything is due  All-nighters are pulled  Library is packed  Serious love relationship  Appearance and dress attire is no concern Parents:  Dealing with stressed out student  Library?  Expression of love and concern  Send a care package OH NO!! Two More Weeks!

Week 18: December Freshmen: Stress / Excitement Holidays, no money for gifts Packing to go home Parents: Holiday Spirit Housekeeping Requesting days off Final Exam Week

Winter Break: Dec 16- Jan 7 Freshmen:  View grades on-line  Missing college friends  Relaxation  Adjusting to living at home Parents:  I don’t believe it! He wants to major in philosophy.  Student being home is not like it used to be  We just got used to living this way January 8 – Spring Classes Begin

The Semester In Review: It Is Reality The Top 10 Reasons For…. Freshman Success

Freshmen Success 1.Go to Class – Every day 2.Study - Do the work 3.Talk to professors early 4.Organize your time 5.Get involved

6.Support system of friends 7.Seek help early and often 8.Stay focused 9.Ask questions 10.Enjoy the ride Freshmen Success

And that is how to be... SUCCESSFUL Freshmen Success

Office of Admissions The First Semester In Review: It Is Reality