Roots and Wings: Supporting Your Student at the U of C

Welcome to the University of Calgary!! “Children have to be educated - but they also have to be left to educate themselves” - E. Dimnet

Academic Plan The University of Calgary has committed itself to providing a “high quality educational experience” for students …and that means YOUR student Student and Academic Services is an important part of that educational experience

What Matters at University Alexander Astin wrote What Matters In College based on studies of over 20,000 students at 200 different institutions. He identified four keys to student success at university: 1. Peer Group 2. Relationship with Faculty 3. Time dedicated to study 4. Involvement in co-curricular activities

A Year in Their Life “The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.” ~ Denis Waitley ~

A Year in Their Life September What to expect: Massive socialization as students become familiar with new peer groups and norms Various expressions of independence A move from parent-child relationship to an adult-adult relationship What is available: U of C 101 Residence Life  orientation & Community Advisors Get Involved in Life At U of C! Disability Resource Centre What to do: Talk to your student about situations they may encounter & responsible decision making Allow your students to learn and make mistakes; Remind them you believe in them Help them find the best (public transportation) route to campus Encourage them to use a day planner or calendar

A Year in Their Life October What to Expect: Fluctuations between a need to be supported and a need to be independent Spending a considerable amount of time either studying or interacting with new peers First holiday either away from home or returning to home after university Preparing for mid-term exams and first papers What is available Counselling Centre  services, workshops Professors’ office hours Academic club resources What to do: Ask your student how s/he is managing her or his time Encourage your student to talk to their professors & teaching assistants Show your student you care  care package, dinner, note, etc. Recognize that your student will probably need some time alone to study

A Year in Their Life November What to expect: November Blues Fallout from mid-terms and papers - concerns about time management Fear of failure, confusion around academic/course requirements What is available: Undergraduate Programs Office (UPO), Fine Arts Student Success Team (FASST) and other faculty advisors Counselling Centre What to do: Encourage your student to speak with his or her Academic Advisor

A Year in Their Life December What to expect: Exam stress Fear of disappointing friends and family - questioning the choice to go to university Anxiety about the holidays - do I have enough money to travel home? What will it be like? What is available: Student Awards & Financial Aid Multi-Faith Chaplains Centre What to do: Recognize that your student may need some time to be alone and study

A Year in Their Life January What to expect: New schedules! Mixed reactions - excitement about being back mixed with fear of finding out grades and academic standing Minor struggles fitting back into peer groups initiated in September What is available: Kinesiology & Campus Recreation Winter Workshops International Student Centre  Study Abroad workshops What to do: Discuss expectation regarding grades with your student --- you will not receive a copy of their grades Encourage your student to continue to participate in their on-campus activities or to give a new activity a try

A Year in Their Life February What to Expect: ‘Old habits die hard’ Typically a time where students reach out for help as time management/study skill issues re-emerge Stresses regarding living arrangements for the upcoming year begin to surface Summer job search begins in earnest Reading Week What is available Counselling Centre Students’ Union (SU) Residence Services Career Services What to do: Communicate with your student regarding your Reading Week expectations to avoid misunderstandings

A Year in Their Life March What to Expect: Gearing up for final exam/hours of studying and writing Stress/anxiety issues begin to re-emerge Possible distance between high school friends begins to set in Money problems resurface or continue to build Questions begin to rise about next year What is available Counselling Centre  services, workshops Student Awards & Financial Aid Academic Advisors What to do: Encourage your student to decide on a major if s/he hasn’t already done so

A Year in Their Life April What to expect: Period of reflection and self-assessment Saying goodbye to new friends Anxiety around returning home or moving elsewhere for summer employment Questions begin to rise about next year What is available: Residence life “farewell celebrations” Office of the Student Experience student leader celebration events What to do: Prepare yourself for your student’s new summer schedule, responsibilities & interests Recognize that your student will be more comfortable with exams this time around and that summer is only a few days away

A Year in Their Life What can you do?? 1.Encourage them to get involved! Involved students are better connected, develop peer support groups and feel more positive about their university experience. 2. Talk, talk, talk. Call to find out how/what they are doing. This will open the door for discussion when things become tough for them. 3. Encourage them to use the various support services we have available. Visit U of C web-sites and you will find that we have a variety of talented professionals on campus who offer a range of programs and services to assist students. Pass this information along…

A Year in Their Life What can you do?? 4. Try to understand what they are going through and accept that they make mistakes. 5. Send care packages or offer a treat once in a while. You have no idea how valuable treats and letters are in the middle of exams. 6. Feel proud!! You have supported and guided your student to attend the University of Calgary.

A Year in Their Life “There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots, the other, wings.” ~ Hodding Carter ~