1. Helping Your New College Student Succeed
TIPS FROM UCA FACULTY
FOR FAMILY MEMBERS

2. A Welcome from the UCA Faculty!
We’re glad you and your student are here!
INTRODUCTIONS

3. First-Year Challenges
Whether 18 or 50 years-old, new students are in transition
New environment, people, schedule
New responsibilities
New expectations from faculty
More independent work
Longer timeframes
“Adulting”

4. Six Areas of Adjustments for First-Year College Students

5. The First Semester Experiences
August
September
October
November
December
Fitting in, finding new friends
First exams and projects due
College expenses become “real”
Balancing family expectations (holidays)
Finals “crunch” and finishing strong
Homesickness
Time management issues
Roommate and relationship issues
Managing stress
Managing time, stress, and tasks
Adjusting the pace of new semester
Lower-than-usual grades
Planning for the rest of the semester
Maintaining good health and health habits
“Culture and expectations shift” at home
Social busy-ness
Accessing resources
Getting into a rhythm
Degree plans and advising
Moving out for the break

6. Challenges of New Students for Faculty
Our students come to us with a variety of
Needs
Goals
Motivation levels
Academic preparedness
Communication skills
Our students are “adults,” legally, so we must work directly (and only) with them
FERPA

7. Supporting Your Student
Parenting as “coaching”
Hold conversations about their concerns
Ask questions, instead of giving answers
Encourage self-advocacy, persistence, and patience
Encourage them to use campus resources

8. How do I Support my UCA Bear?
Understand that there will be rough patches in among the good times (and help them understand that this is part of the process)
Understand
Counsel persistence and celebrate achievements
Counsel
Ask questions and hear their responses
Ask
How do I Support my UCA Bear?

9. What do you think is the purpose of going to college?
Question 1: Why college?
What do you think is the purpose of going to college?
Unlike HS, this is optional …maybe
Motivation and persistence will be key to completion
What academic/career goals do you have?
Choosing a major(s)...

10. Question 2: How will you take care of yourself?
Eat breakfast every day!
Get enough sleep
Set an alarm that you will hear
Make your bed and keep your room organized
Know how to “say no” to distractions

11. Question 3: What do you know about your finances?
Missed classes are money lost
Students without books get behind quickly
Part-time work is good; full-time work is too much
Requirements of Scholarships, Loans, Grants
Easier to keep up in class than catch up!
Be wary of credit cards
TUITION/FEES
ROOM/BOARD
BOOKS/SUPPLIES
TRANSPORTATION
MISC.

12. Question 4: How are you going to be a successful student?
Prioritize academics
Engage in your studies
Participate! Use active learning
Become a better student
Attend workshops, use resources
Read the syllabus/plan ahead
Time management
Put academics first!

13. The Syllabus Course location, days, times
Required of all faculty in every course
Course location, days, times
Professor contact information & office hours
All due dates
Reading assignments
University Policies:
academic integrity, disability
Course attendance policy

14. Successful Students Use Resources!
Academic
Faculty
Academic Advising Center, Degree Works
Office of Student Success (tutoring, coaching)
Library Research Coaches
Center for Writing and Communication
Department of Student Transitions
Personal
Student Health/ Counseling
Housing & Residence Life
RAs
RC and Commuter College Faculty & Mentors
Disability Resource Center
Financial
Financial Aid
Student Accounts

15. Question 5: How can families help?
Explore the UCA website at uca.edu
Bear Book
Student Handbook
Undergraduate Bulletin
Academic Maps
Know the services and personnel available
Dean of Students – for emergencies
Office of Student Success programs
Join the UCA Family Network (newsletter, facebook)
See uca.edu/families!
Coach, coach, coach!

16. How can I learn more about the transition to UCA?

18. Summer Start Programs & Welcome Week
Encourage your student to attend!
Summer Start: August 13-17, 2018
Welcome Week: August 19-22, 2018

19. First one going to college?
If your student is part of the first generation to go to college in your family, please stop by tomorrow’s FIRST2GO reception
11:30am-1:00pm, Student Center 213