Welcome PARENT ORIENTATION 2014 What do we do

Welcome PARENT ORIENTATION 2014 What do we do now?

Things to know about st 1 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.

Student Services: http: //www. brandonu. ca/student-services, Counselling: http: //www. brandonu. ca/studentservices/personal-counselling/ 204 -727 -9739 Important Dates: http: //www. brandonu. ca/registration/2014 -2015 -important-dates/ Spring/Summer Excitement and stress begin to build in anticipation of life at university. Students may experience anxiety about classes, professors and campus life. September October Orientation: September 2 nd First grades received First day of classes: September 3 rd First term tuition fees are due Students seek help from Student Services (learning, writing, math, counselling) Students discover the differences between High School and University. Students may feel overwhelmed and begin to ask, "Is university for me? " Summer job hunt starts Make an appointment at the Career Resource Centre Students and Parents are encouraged to attend Orientation events in September. As first assignments come due Students can get help from Student Services (learning, writing, math, counselling) & the Library Sept 17 th - last day for Registration and course changes (additions) for 1 st and Both term courses Many more assignments due Campus-wide illness begins! (cold, flu, etc. ) December Final exam stress begins Last day classes, Friday, December 5 th Excitement for semester (Xmas) break Final exams for First Term December 11 th to 20 th Testing their new freedoms students will begin to understand the need to create balance with school/life/work. Students will have attended advising sessions and registered for classes. November This is a great time to send a care package. Midterm exams and assignments are due Midterm grades returned Fall study break, Monday, November 10 th. University closed Wednesday, December 24 th to Friday, January 2 nd, 2015 Friday, November 21 st Last date for Voluntary Withdrawal from 1 st term fall courses Monday, January 5 th University opens and first day of classes

Residence: http: //www. brandonu. ca/residence/ 205 -737 -7394 Scholarships/Bursaries: http: //www. brandonu. ca/scholarships 204 -727 -9737 January Jan. 5 th second term classes start February Winter weather brings “blues” Care package time 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. 16 th: Jan. Last day for 2 nd term registration and course change. March 4 th last day for voluntary withdrawal from “both” term courses March 20 th Last day for voluntary withdrawal form 2 nd term courses Mid-term break Feb. 16 th – 20 th 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 Midterms and assignments pile up Reflection on 1 st year choices, successes & challenges Beginning of final exam stress April 10 th Last day of classes April 14 th – 27 th Final exams Selection of and registration in courses for next year Excitement for summer break

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

Last date to change/add courses: 1 st term: Wed. Sept. 17 th for 1 st and both term courses 2 nd term: Wed. Jan. 16 th, 2015 for second term courses

TUITION FEE REFUND SCHEDULE FIRST TERM COURSES Up to & incl. Sept 16, 2014 Full Refund After Sept 16, 2014 No Refund SECOND TERM COURSES Up to & incl. Jan 16, 2015 Full Refund After Jan 16, 2015 No Refund BOTH TERM COURSES Up to & incl. Sept 16, 2014 Full Refund Up to & incl. Nov 21, 2014 50% Refund After Nov 21, 2014 No 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 21 st, 2014 Both Term Courses: March 4 th, 2015 Second Term Courses: Friday, March 20 th, 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

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: ØWithdrawal from typical activities and socializing ØEmotional Overreaction ØSubstance Abuse ØDistraction ØDepression

Typical Signs of Distress: ØUncharacteristic behaviour ØFailing Grades ØFrequent absences from class ØComplaints of loneliness ØWeight loss/gain ØIncrease in risky behaviour ØReference 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 Perspectives Rules 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

Communication ²Have healthy curiosity about your son or daughter’s university experience ² Sometimes it may appear they don’t want to talk ² They may not have the answers, or may feel embarrassed, frustrated, overwhelmed ² Patience – they need your support even if they can’t/don’t say so.

6. What Parents May Experience • Happiness • Excitement • Pride and/or • • Sadness Loss Fear Concern

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: //www 2. brandonu. ca/Admin/Finance&Admin_main/student_financial_planning_guide. asp

8. Understand the Unique Experiences of 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 1 st 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/personal-counselling/

A Balancing Act Choices VS

A Week of Life: 24 x 7 = 168 hours per week A Week of University: Class 15 hours (+ labs for some) Study 53 hours (varies from 40 -60) Extra-curricular 10 hours Wellness 10 hours Errands 5 hours Commuting 5 hours (varies) Sleep 56 hours Meals 21 hours ___________________ Total 175 hours 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. University is more than a full time job!

Creating Balance – You can help ü Discuss course load ü Discuss goals and dreams ü Encourage time with friends and family ü Suggest regular exercise and balanced nutrition ü Brainstorm ideas for developing study habits and self care practices üPoint out course change dates ü Encourage your child to use the resources offered by Student Services

Ways to help your student adjust 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

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 Resources Student Services: Advising Counselling Career Resources Disability Services Learning Centre BUSU: Student Saver Discount Card International Identity Card Health & Dental Plan (opt out before September 22 nd) Bus Pass – good for the year Student Advocacy Campus Recreation: Healthy Living Centre Walking track, exercise room Intra murals Clubs Workshops/clinics Programs (yoga, zumba, judo, kick boxing, etc)

They’re on their way