Families in Transition: Checklists, Tips and Resources for Transitioning Students and Families

Darby Plummer  Director, ‘Cane Success Center  One-on-One Advising to address any challenges that you may face during your undergraduate years  Financial Concerns  Academic Challenges  How to Get Involved  Need time away from the University  Charting path to Graduation Kim Martin, LCSW  Outreach Coordinator, Counseling Center  Confidential Individual, Group, Couples Counseling  Brief Assessment  Psychiatric Services  Clinical Care Coordination  Psychological Testing  Outreach & Consultation Services  Emergency Services

National Data College Students  Over 80% of college students report feeling overwhelmed by all they had to do in the past year (  51.9% of freshman undergraduates reported finding it somewhat or very difficult to manage their time effectively (  65% of freshman undergraduates frequently or occasionally felt lonely or homesick and 50% frequently or occasionally felt isolated from campus life ( content/uploads/2015/07/ChallengeSuccess-DoYouKnow-College.pdf) content/uploads/2015/07/ChallengeSuccess-DoYouKnow-College.pdf  More than 25% of college students have been diagnosed or treated for a mental health condition (  Nearly half of young adults who stopped attending college because of mental health related reasons did not request accommodations or mental health support (

The W Curve-First Year of College

UM Counseling Trends  25% of the undergraduate student population accessed Counseling Center services  Top 5 reported student client concerns:  Anxiety  Depression  Relationships  Substance Abuse  Adjustment

Tips and Checklists

For students, going to college can mean…. For families, sending a child to college can mean… Saying many good byesMissing your child Moving out and/or leaving townFeeling left behind New experiencesHaving more free time New stressorsChanging relationships at home Academic independenceTransition from manager to consultant Financial independenceLoss of control Social independenceHaving to trust More responsibilitiesNegotiating rules - curfew, drinking, dating

Adapting to Changing Family Dynamics  Communicate expectations before school begins  Develop plan for consistent communication  Set healthy boundaries  Be honest  Trust the process

Adapting to Changing Family Dynamics  Resources  Chaplains Association    Resident Assistant    Student Counseling Center    Trusted Faculty or Staff    Fellow ’Canes  Student Group Advisors

Adapting to Changing Family Dynamics  If Challenges Occur …  Ombudsperson    Dean of Students Office  

High School vs. College

Academic Success  Take Responsibility for your learning  Be Assertive  Go to class EVERYDAY  Know the Syllabus  Be on time  Engage with your peers  Find a Study place  Treat College like a job  Set Goals  Evaluate the Fit of your Major

Academic Success  Resources  Professors  Per individual class   Teaching Assistants  Per individual class  Academic Advisors  Per individual school   Academic Fellows    Peers  Planner Apps  iStudiez Pro  Evernote  Notella  SelfControl – blocks websites for certain periods of time.

Academic Success  If Challenges Occur…  Academic Resource Center    Writing Center    Tutoring    Toppel Career Center    ‘Cane Success Center  

Social Success  Get out there! Get Involved!  Take care of yourself and others  Ease into things gradually  Engage with your peers  Expect and address challenges  Explore your Spiritual Side  ‘Cane Buddy

Social Success  Resources  Department of Student Activities    Butler Center for Service and Leadership    Peers  Housing and Residential Life    Canes After Dark  / /  ‘Canes Care for ‘Canes  

Social Success  If Challenges Occur …  Counseling Center   / /  Dean of Student’s Office   /  ‘Cane Success Center   /  ‘Cane Buddies   University Trouble Shooters  

Health and Wellness Be aware and mindful Expect and prepare to for ups and downs Go to Doctor and Dentist for regular check ups Evaluate the fit-friends, interests, etc… Be physically active Participate and prioritize-know your limits Explore new interests and places Eat regular balanced meals Stay Connected to support system and ask for help when needed Establish sleep routine

Health and Wellness  Resources  Student Health Services    Wellness Center    Student Counseling Center    Chaplain’s Association    Dining Services  

Health and Wellness  If Challenges Occur…  University Police    Dean of Students Office    Ombudsperson    ’Cane Success Center  

Kim Martin UM Counseling Center (305) Mon, Wed, Fri 8:30AM –5PM Tues & Thurs 8:30AM – 7 PM Darby Plummer ‘Cane Success Center (305) Mon – Fri 8:30AM-5PM