WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.000 music 00:00:05.000 --> 00:00:07.000 Hello, I'm Kristin Mauro. 00:00:07.000 --> 00:00:10.000 I serve as the Transfer Pathways Director here at Western. 00:00:10.000 --> 00:00:12.000 While my current role focuses on transfer students, 00:00:12.000 --> 00:00:15.000 my doctoral work was on first-year transition and I'm passionate 00:00:15.000 --> 00:00:19.000 about helping students successfully navigate their first year. 00:00:19.000 --> 00:00:22.000 I'm really excited that your student will be joining us in the fall. 00:00:22.000 --> 00:00:26.000 Now, let's talk about how we are partners in their transition. 00:00:26.000 --> 00:00:28.000 Why we're here today. The purpose of today's presentation 00:00:28.000 --> 00:00:32.000 is to give you information about Western, the student life cycle 00:00:32.000 --> 00:00:35.000 and how you, as a parent, can partner with us in their success. 00:00:35.000 --> 00:00:38.000 Parents are important to college success and transition. 00:00:38.000 --> 00:00:40.000 We encourage you to encourage your student 00:00:40.000 --> 00:00:43.000 to talk to their academic advisor, their faculty 00:00:43.000 --> 00:00:46.000 and also by helping us reiterate the importance of the skills 00:00:46.000 --> 00:00:49.000 learned in college are also applicable to the workplace. 00:00:49.000 --> 00:00:52.000 Student development in college is also key. 00:00:52.000 --> 00:00:55.000 College is a time in which students develop a lot. 00:00:55.000 --> 00:00:57.000 Parents are a strong influence in their childs' lives. 00:00:57.000 --> 00:00:59.000 Empower your student to advocate for themselves 00:00:59.000 --> 00:00:61.000 and step outside their comfort zone. 00:01:01.000 --> 00:01:04.000 Encourage your student to advocate for themselves. 00:01:04.000 --> 00:01:08.000 when it comes to campus involvement, internships, 00:01:08.000 --> 00:01:11.000 community engagement, both on and off campus, 00:01:11.000 --> 00:01:14.000 and taking advantage of all the experiences available to them 00:01:14.000 --> 00:01:16.000 during their college years. 00:01:16.000 --> 00:01:19.000 Self-care and stress management are also important. 00:01:19.000 --> 00:01:23.000 For example, if your student experiences the Freshman 15, 00:01:23.000 --> 00:01:27.000 this is an opportunity to ask them how they are managing their stress 00:01:27.000 --> 00:01:28.000 as well as to remind them 00:01:28.000 --> 00:01:32.000 that the health and wellness center is more than just a place to workout. 00:01:32.000 --> 00:01:36.000 They also offer health and resources in stress management, 00:01:36.000 --> 00:01:39.000 time management and function as a community 00:01:39.000 --> 00:01:41.000 that students join with one another. 00:01:41.000 --> 00:01:44.000 Remember, you have a relationship with your student 00:01:44.000 --> 00:01:45.000 that we will never have. 00:01:45.000 --> 00:01:49.000 No matter how much we care about them and their academic success. 00:01:49.000 --> 00:01:52.000 How can you be a partner in your student's success? 00:01:52.000 --> 00:01:55.000 Families contribute to student success in a variety of ways. 00:01:55.000 --> 00:01:56.000 The student life cycle... 00:01:56.000 --> 00:01:59.000 it's important to understand the student experience and what 00:01:59.000 --> 00:01:62.000 is going on with your student at different points throughout the term. 00:02:02.000 --> 00:02:04.000 Knowing campus resources... 00:02:04.000 --> 00:02:08.000 by being aware of the resources you're better able to give a more 00:02:08.000 --> 00:02:11.000 direct response should your student need to use those resources. 00:02:11.000 --> 00:02:15.000 Using the resources Western provides is not a weakness or a waste. 00:02:15.000 --> 00:02:17.000 Student's pay for these resources. 00:02:17.000 --> 00:02:19.000 Thus, they should feel empowered to use them. 00:02:19.000 --> 00:02:23.000 For example, degree tracks is an excellent tool for students to know 00:02:23.000 --> 00:02:25.000 where they are in their degree progression. 00:02:25.000 --> 00:02:27.000 It shows them what they've completed 00:02:27.000 --> 00:02:29.000 as well as what they still need to complete. 00:02:29.000 --> 00:02:32.000 Their academic advisor is also an excellent resource. 00:02:32.000 --> 00:02:36.000 And students should build a strong relationship with their advisor. 00:02:36.000 --> 00:02:38.000 If the advisor is not a good fit, 00:02:38.000 --> 00:02:39.000 student's should request another one 00:02:39.000 --> 00:02:42.000 who better fits their unique style. 00:02:42.000 --> 00:02:45.000 Third, supporting Western's goals for student learning outcomes. 00:02:45.000 --> 00:02:49.000 While we have a philosophy & mission based on being a liberal-arts institution, 00:02:49.000 --> 00:02:51.000 that's not really the most important thing to your student right now. 00:02:51.000 --> 00:02:54.000 What they need to know is that what their learning is 00:02:54.000 --> 00:02:56.000 valuable for them when they move into the workplace. 00:02:56.000 --> 00:02:60.000 Fourth, again I cannot say this enough, empowering your student 00:03:00.000 --> 00:03:03.000 to advocate for themselves is a necessary life skill. 00:03:03.000 --> 00:03:05.000 The more you empower your student the better. 00:03:05.000 --> 00:03:08.000 Also keep in mind that college is a safe place to fail. 00:03:08.000 --> 00:03:12.000 In that, there's a campus full of people ready to support 00:03:12.000 --> 00:03:15.000 your student through any challenges they may face, 00:03:15.000 --> 00:03:18.000 regardless of whether those are personal or academic. 00:03:18.000 --> 00:03:21.000 Fifth, providing appropriate support while respecting student privacy. 00:03:21.000 --> 00:03:24.000 It's important that student learn to manage their privacy now 00:03:24.000 --> 00:03:27.000 so that they know how to do that in the future. 00:03:27.000 --> 00:03:29.000 For example, with all the social media going on 00:03:29.000 --> 00:03:31.000 it's really important that students are aware 00:03:31.000 --> 00:03:34.000 of the image that they are projecting. 00:03:34.000 --> 00:03:37.000 Healthy parent involvement...as hard as it can be 00:03:37.000 --> 00:03:39.000 refrain from calling or texting your child. 00:03:39.000 --> 00:03:41.000 Let them reach out to you. 00:03:41.000 --> 00:03:44.000 Allowing your student to advocate for themselves 00:03:44.000 --> 00:03:48.000 is a critical skill that will be needed when they enter the workplace. 00:03:48.000 --> 00:03:51.000 Learning to successfully navigate and resolve disputes 00:03:51.000 --> 00:03:55.000 is one of the most necessary life skills they will learn. 00:03:55.000 --> 00:03:58.000 For example, most likely we've all worked on a team project 00:03:58.000 --> 00:03:60.000 whether that's in our professional lives, 00:04:00.000 --> 00:04:02.000 volunteering for an organization, 00:04:02.000 --> 00:04:04.000 or even something as simple 00:04:04.000 --> 00:04:06.000 as organizing a local garage sale. 00:04:06.000 --> 00:04:11.000 Every time there is a goal to achieve or event to plan, 00:04:11.000 --> 00:04:15.000 there are steps that must be taken to complete this goal. 00:04:15.000 --> 00:04:18.000 During this process, there are opportunities for 00:04:18.000 --> 00:04:20.000 people to disagree with one another 00:04:20.000 --> 00:04:23.000 and how we learn to navigate those disagreements 00:04:23.000 --> 00:04:27.000 the better we are able to come up with a solution or compromise 00:04:27.000 --> 00:04:29.000 that works best for everyone. 00:04:29.000 --> 00:04:32.000 Plan a budget with your student and help them 00:04:32.000 --> 00:04:36.000 be fiscally responsible. For example, if they are living 00:04:36.000 --> 00:04:39.000 on-campus, help them budget money for 00:04:39.000 --> 00:04:42.000 food, necessities and fun. 00:04:42.000 --> 00:04:44.000 It is important to plan for fun money so 00:04:44.000 --> 00:04:48.000 if they begin to feel overwhelmed, they know they can go to a movie 00:04:48.000 --> 00:04:53.000 or buy a DVD, or rent a DVD, without it ruining their monthly budget. 00:04:53.000 --> 00:04:56.000 This will also give them a sense of knowing 00:04:56.000 --> 00:04:60.000 how they are spending their money and how much money they need 00:05:00.000 --> 00:05:03.000 to save if they plan on not working during the school year. 00:05:03.000 --> 00:05:06.000 Since they will have learned this skill while living on-campus, 00:05:06.000 --> 00:05:11.000 they can now apply their budgeting savvy to living off-campus. 00:05:11.000 --> 00:05:14.000 Encourage your student to engage in activities 00:05:14.000 --> 00:05:16.000 that are personally and academically rewarding. 00:05:16.000 --> 00:05:19.000 Student government, clubs, study abroad, etc. 00:05:19.000 --> 00:05:22.000 Western has something truly for everybody. 00:05:22.000 --> 00:05:25.000 It is important for parents to set appropriate boundaries with their child. 00:05:25.000 --> 00:05:28.000 It is also important to know when you are being 00:05:28.000 --> 00:05:32.000 helpful and when to let your student make the decision. 00:05:32.000 --> 00:05:34.000 Now, we're going to move into the student life cycle. 00:05:34.000 --> 00:05:36.000 And we're going to talk about what questions 00:05:36.000 --> 00:05:37.000 you should ask your student and when. 00:05:37.000 --> 00:05:42.000 So we're going to cover September, October, November & December. 00:05:42.000 --> 00:05:44.000 So what to ask in September? 00:05:44.000 --> 00:05:47.000 How is living on campus or commuting? 00:05:47.000 --> 00:05:48.000 How are your professors? 00:05:48.000 --> 00:05:51.000 Which one(s) are your favorite? Least favorite? Why? 00:05:51.000 --> 00:05:53.000 Are you staying organized? 00:05:53.000 --> 00:05:55.000 If working, how flexible is your schedule? 00:05:55.000 --> 00:05:58.000 What are the important deadlines for this term? 00:05:58.000 --> 00:05:61.000 And are you involved in any student organizations? 00:06:01.000 --> 00:06:04.000 Asking why is important because it helps us critically 00:06:04.000 --> 00:06:07.000 think about why we are reacting the way we are. 00:06:07.000 --> 00:06:09.000 So if there's something your student isn't liking, 00:06:09.000 --> 00:06:12.000 make sure you ask those why questions so you can help them 00:06:12.000 --> 00:06:15.000 figure out, why, their feeling the way they are 00:06:15.000 --> 00:06:18.000 and help 'em move forward with a solution that will be helpful. 00:06:18.000 --> 00:06:20.000 What to ask in October? 00:06:20.000 --> 00:06:22.000 Some of these questions you'll want to ask earlier in the month 00:06:22.000 --> 00:06:25.000 while others are more appropriate for later in the month. 00:06:25.000 --> 00:06:27.000 Are you struggling in any of your classes. 00:06:27.000 --> 00:06:30.000 Have you talked to your faculty during office hours? 00:06:30.000 --> 00:06:32.000 How are you adjusting to your roommate? 00:06:32.000 --> 00:06:35.000 Have you been checking your university email regularly? 00:06:35.000 --> 00:06:39.000 Are you responding to emails from faculty, advisors, etc...? 00:06:39.000 --> 00:06:41.000 Are you keeping up with your finances? 00:06:41.000 --> 00:06:43.000 When is your next advising appointment? 00:06:43.000 --> 00:06:47.000 Have your completed a four-year plan with your academic advisor? 00:06:47.000 --> 00:06:49.000 Mentally and emotionally it is important to have 00:06:49.000 --> 00:06:52.000 thought out your degree path and the goal of degree completion 00:06:52.000 --> 00:06:55.000 as early in you academic career as possible. 00:06:55.000 --> 00:06:61.000 This is important because knowledge is comforting in times of stress. 00:07:01.000 --> 00:07:03.000 The reality is that life happens to us 00:07:03.000 --> 00:07:05.000 no matter how well we try to prepare for it. 00:07:05.000 --> 00:07:08.000 For example, at the end of my freshman year I was involved in a 00:07:08.000 --> 00:07:12.000 motorcycle accident and caused me to delay my academic journey. 00:07:12.000 --> 00:07:15.000 However, because I had my four-year plan on file 00:07:15.000 --> 00:07:17.000 I was able to focus on my recovery throughout the summer 00:07:17.000 --> 00:07:20.000 and go back to fall just as I had left it. 00:07:20.000 --> 00:07:23.000 This is why we recommend that you have your four-year plan 00:07:23.000 --> 00:07:26.000 done as early as possible in your academic career. 00:07:26.000 --> 00:07:28.000 What questions to ask in November? 00:07:28.000 --> 00:07:30.000 How did your your mid-terms go? 00:07:30.000 --> 00:07:32.000 Have you talked to your academic advisor about next term? 00:07:32.000 --> 00:07:35.000 Have you planned a schedule for next term? 00:07:35.000 --> 00:07:37.000 Do you have a plan B scheduled, just in case? 00:07:37.000 --> 00:07:39.000 Are there any holds on your record? 00:07:39.000 --> 00:07:41.000 How are your grades in your classes? 00:07:41.000 --> 00:07:44.000 What you'll want to ask in December? And again, some of these 00:07:44.000 --> 00:07:47.000 you'll want to ask earlier rather than later. 00:07:47.000 --> 00:07:49.000 But what are you enrolled in winter term? 00:07:49.000 --> 00:07:51.000 Are you taking care of yourself? 00:07:51.000 --> 00:07:54.000 Managing your stress going into final exams? 00:07:54.000 --> 00:07:56.000 For winter term, are you wait-listed for any courses 00:07:56.000 --> 00:07:59.000 or do you plan on changing your schedule? 00:07:59.000 --> 00:07:61.000 When is your last final exam? 00:08:01.000 --> 00:08:03.000 What all are you bringing home with you? 00:08:03.000 --> 00:08:05.000 Are there items you no longer need? 00:08:05.000 --> 00:08:07.000 Are there things you need that you didn't bring to campus? 00:08:07.000 --> 00:08:10.000 Do you now how to calculate your GPA in college? 00:08:10.000 --> 00:08:12.000 If not, ask your academic advisor. 00:08:12.000 --> 00:08:16.000 They will be more than happy to help you calculate your GPA. 00:08:16.000 --> 00:08:18.000 Thank you for taking the time to learn how you can 00:08:18.000 --> 00:08:19.000 be a partner in your student's success. 00:08:19.000 --> 00:08:22.000 If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. 00:08:22.000 --> 00:08:24.000 My information is on the screen. 00:08:24.000 --> 00:08:26.000 We're really excited that your student's will be joining us in the fall 00:08:26.000 --> 00:08:28.000 and we look forward to serving them. Go Wolves! 00:08:28.000 --> 00:08:35.000 music