Parent Orientation 2014

1. Welcome Parent Orientation 2014 What do we do now?

2. Things to know about 1st year Orientation

3. 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

4. 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. Orientation

5. 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/2014-2015/2014-2015-important-dates/

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

7. 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/

8. 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

9. 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 Refund Refunds are calculated from the date Financial & Registration Services is notified in writing

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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/

13. 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 Overreaction • Substance Abuse • Distraction • Depression

14. Typical Signs of Distress: • Uncharacteristic behaviour • Failing Grades • Frequent absences from class • Complaints of loneliness • Weight loss/gain • Increase in risky behaviour • Reference to hopelessness/suicidal thoughts • http://www.brandonu.ca/student-services/personal-counselling/

15. 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

16. 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?

17. 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

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

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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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/

24. 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/

25. A Balancing Act Choices VS Orientation

26. 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 A Week of Life: 24 x 7 = 168 hours per week 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!

27. 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

28. 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

29. 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

30. Benefits and Resources Student Services: BUSU: Student Saver Discount Card Advising International Identity Card Counselling Health & Dental Plan (opt out before September 22nd) Career Resources Bus Pass – good for the year Disability Services Student Advocacy Learning Centre Campus Recreation: Healthy Living Centre Walking track, exercise room Intra murals Clubs Workshops/clinics Programs (yoga, zumba, judo, kick boxing, etc) http://www.brandonu.ca/future-students/families/ http://read101.ca/brandonu.html

31. They’re on their way Orientation