Guidance Counsellor Day Transition & Effective Helicopter Parents: Resources for Guidance Counsellors & Teachers Presented by Gail Forsyth Director, Learning Services

Summer Transition Programs Encourage students and parents/guardians to attend summer transition programs Vary in length and content (1/2 day, full-day, two-days with overnight) Most charge a fee to recover costs Exceptional programs that prepare parents and students before they start their post secondary studies Parent programs often include: –overview of the typical first-year student experience –services and resources to support students in their first year –Information on transactional issues such as fees, dates, parking, safety –campus tours, refreshments/meals and/or residence overnight stay

Summer Transition Programs Student programs includes: –Overview of program expectations – how university differs from high school –Provides important advising and registration information –Offers strategy sessions on how to be academically successful –Explains what students can expect in first year (O-Week, student life) –Demystify the residence experience: explain off-campus experience –Importance of getting involved and asking questions! Most institutions offer sessions beginning in May and continue through to August. Some offer them as part of their Orientation Week activities. Check the post-secondary institution for details.

First Year Counts! First year grades matter! Very important!!! If the program does not feel right, tell students this is normal – be open to changing programs! Encourage the students to make an appointment with an academic advisor − just like meeting with a guidance counsellor Make an appointment with a career advisor – careers are changing regularly as the world changes to adapt to new economies 4 B’s are better than 5 C’s and F grades are never good! Be open to reducing the number of courses in first year – check with the academic advisor before making the change!

Ask Questions! Ask questions! Help students understand that professors are people first, experts second Encourage students to be proactive University faculty and staff want students to succeed! Every question is a good question! Ask the question!

Time Management Effective time management skills lead to academic success! Tips for students Strongly encourage students to purchase a desk planner Tell them to write down all due dates, activities and extracurricular activities Fake dates for important projects – build in extra time to polish and revise your work Attend a workshop or meet with a learning strategist Effective time management skills are life skills and they can reduce stress!

Responsibility Students must take responsibility and balance social life, work commitments, and school work! Encourage students to use the resources available to support their learning –Learning Services (advising, learning, math, writing) –Health Centre and Counselling Services (performance coaching, managing conflict, loss, anxiety, personal) –Accessible Learning (support for students with documented physical and learning disabilities) –Residence and Off-campus Dons (senior students who can guide students to resources)

Get Involved Encourage students to get involved! Reduces homesickness Expands network of friends Campus Clubs – academic and special interest Intramural sports and recreation Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union positions Studies indicate that students who are involved in campus activities earn higher grades!

Orientation Week Encourage students to attend Orientation Week! Opportunity to meet new friends Become familiar with the campus Getting ready socially and academically Provides advice on how to deal with the transition

Student Services & Resources Varies at each institution, examples include: Accessible Learning Centre (persons with disabilities) Career Development Centre Counselling Services Faculty, Instructional Assistants First-Year Experience Offices Health Services Mathematics Assistance Centre Program Advisors, Central Academic Advisor Registrar’s Office and Student Awards Residence dons, senior mentors, TA’s Study Skills and Supplemental Instruction Centre Writing Centre

Apply for Funding Encourage students to apply for funding! Bursaries (financial need) Scholarships/Awards (academics + other) Government loans May – August Talk to a Student Awards or Financial Aid Officer Money is available BUT students MUST apply for it!

Final Thoughts Encourage parents and students to attend transition programs Remind students to be open to change First-year grades matter Apply for financial assistance Get involved Plan your time Ask questions!