Parents & Students in Transition

CHANGE IS INEVITABLE… CHANGE CAN BE GOOD! Transition time is approaching Anxiety is expressed in very different ways Make the most of the time you have Don’t press for more than your s/d can give Let Go Let Go Let Go Let Go

BEST WAYS TO PREPARE Discuss things NOW….. such as: Academic expectations A financial plan Schedule expectations Relationships

COMING TO CAMPUS Move In Day: Friday, August 29th Plan to be there all day…. Be prepared to be invisible and expendable! Be prepared for a lot of emotion/no emotion It will be a good, but tough day!

LEAVING CAMPUS Recommendations/Reminders: Make Friday evening your time of separation Be prepared for many emotions Don’t expect immediate communication Don’t make the first call! Three-week policy

Just because they have a cell phone and an address doesn’t mean you will hear from your son/daughter! When you do, you may hear about … Homesickness Academic Struggles Roommate Difficulties Your response should be… “WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT THAT!” GOOD NEWS, BAD NEWS!

Getting the information you need (non-intrusively): What’s your favorite class? Who’s your favorite professor? Tell me about your church? Tell me about your new friends?

ANCHORS VS. HELICOPTERS HELICOPTERS Your son/daughter needs you to… Listen with an open mind and be supportive Encourage them Express your belief in them Share your wisdom and counsel Send mail/money

Vectors of Development ACHIEVING COMPETENCE BECOMING AUTONOMOUS DEVELOPING INTERPERSONALLY CLARIFYING PURPOSE MANAGING EMOTIONS ESTABLISHING IDENTITY BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS DEVELOPING INTEGRITY - Arthur Chickering

University Mission Statement Mount Vernon Nazarene University exists to shape lives through educating the whole person and cultivating Christ- likeness for lifelong learning and service.

Understanding Our Students: To understand this generation…we must understand their parents We’ve seen a trend where parents are interceding for the student instead of coaching them “you can be anything you want to be” - Experience: Travel extensively, eating out, seen & done - Protected: bike helmets, car seats, cell phones, baby on board signs - Individual: own bedroom, car vs. bus, choices (kids meals) - Rewards: Millennials have been rewarded for everything (Dr. Howard Gardner)

Culture they have grown up in… High school mission statements from the 70’s: “students will learn to read, write, and complete basic math skills” High school mission statements today: “CEHS will challenge students to reach their potential; to demonstrate self-confidence, respect for others, and responsibility for their community; and to embrace and welcome diversity.”

Expectations: Study They don’t do it much In high school maybe studied 7hrs a week …in college they’ll be expected to study 5 or 6 hours a day… This isn’t even comprehendible. What happened to personal responsibility? Focus on Rights…not responsibility. “What are my rights?” vs. “What are my responsibilities?” Expect a lot from others and have high expectations for themselves…but are uncomfortable with others expect something of them.

MVNU SERVICES 24 hour security service Health services office/Residential Health Advisors Professional staff (Resident Directors) in each residence hall Peer mentors: small group leaders, resident assistants University Crisis Response Team On-call emergency counseling services

Student Development Provide opportunities for students to achieve competence in academic and non-academic arenas Challenge students while also providing support Help students learn to manage their emotions, from anger to love and everything in-between Support the development of positive relationships

Student Opportunities Participate in assigned small groups Freshmen experience class Seek academic assistance as needed Seek career and personal counseling Be a positive member of the community Follow lifestyle expectations

Student Opportunities Student Government Association Class/club officers Residence Hall Councils Peer Judicial Councils Intramural sports: participants, scorekeepers, referees, site workers, clerical Event volunteers: SonFest, concerts, activities Upperclassmen: Resident Assistants, Residential Health Advisors

Student Responsibilities Prohibited behaviors, on and off campus: Alcohol possession, use, consumption Illegal Drugs Sexual Promiscuity Harassment Damaging pranks Excessive chapel absences Theft/Destruction of property

MVNU’S SUPPORT RESPONSE Encourage students to communicate concerns directly to parents Follow all F.E.R.P.A. guidelines Communicate with parents whenever possible in emergency situations Receive parent phone calls regarding your concerns about your student

Mount Vernon Nazarene University Living within the context of community offers personal freedom, yet provides helpful boundaries. Our goal is to establish a positive environment that will facilitate growth in all areas of a student’s life, and will build on the foundation that’s been laid at home.