the first semester in review: it is reality spring 2006

The First Semester In Review: It Is Reality

Spring 2006

Beyond the Immediate FutureBeyond the Immediate Future

What do you think of when we say…

What do you think of when we say…

It Is Reality?It Is Reality?

Take a moment to consider…

FINAL EXAMS

Time Management

Mid Terms

Late Nights

New Faces

Home Sickness

Care Packages

IT IS REALITY

New Freshman Welcome and Convocation

New Freshman Welcome and Convocation

Saturday, August 19Saturday, August 19

Week 1: August 20 - 26

Freshmen:Adjusting to the

“big” UniversityAll new facesGetting LostClass SchedulesTextbooksOn-campus JobsRoommates

Parents:Being proudFear of unknownAnxiety and sadnessNot an end, a new

beginningEmotional thoughts

Welcome Week

Week 2: Aug 27 – Sept 2

Freshmen:• Student organizations• Following the crowd• Adjusting to lectures• Places to hangout• Study vs. Fun• Waiting for mail• Laundry• Dining Services• Homesickness

Parents:• New interests

• Quiet house

• Family car in garage

• Struggles with how often to contact student

• What to send in a care package

Week 3: September 3 - 9

Freshmen:First test

preparationRemembering why I

am hereA feeling of

confidenceBeing sick for first

time/Health Service

Parents:Not as confident as

studentConcern about student

being sickEncouraging first visit

home to assist with test preparation

Mail relevant clippings from local newspaper

Labor Day Holiday - Sep 4

Week 4: September 10 - 16

Freshmen:1ST University examFeeling overwhelmedBoyfriend/GirlfriendRoommate ConflictsGetting used to fire

drillsFirst visit home. Do

my parents still love me?

Parents:Nervousness to ask

about first examAnalyze first visit

home and start to recognize student’s independence

Week 5 & 6: Sept 17 – Sep 30

Freshmen:Academic Success

or DisappointmentUnsympathetic

professorsSettling into daily

routinesRoommate conflicts

resolutions

Parents: Money requests Always at the library? Curious about student’s

study habits Would like to contact

student’s professors Adapting to student being

gone

Week 7 & 8: October 1 - 14

Freshmen:Papers and group

projects are assignedMid-termsTrue friendships

being developedEstablishing own

identitySkepticism about

Family Weekend

Parents:Discussion begins

with other college parents to compare reports

Academic concernsPlanning a visit on

Family Weekend

Family Weekend – 10/20-10/22

Week 9: October 15 - 21

Freshmen:Mid-semester goalsSecond reality

checkRe-think major?Explore tutoring

services

Parents:Questioning whether

student is making correct decisions

Is my student making moral or ethical decisions?

Phone calls / Chats

Week 10-13: Oct 22 - Nov 18

Freshmen:Need time to myselfNo more summer

savingsBusy with academicsStarting to think

about where to live next year

Counting the days

Parents:Making Thanksgiving

plansI wonder if my child

needs me for anything besides money

Week 14 & 15: Nov 19 – Dec 2

Freshmen:Excited to see old

friendsCrunch time beginsPressure from

parents regarding grades

Reality of high school is in the past

Parents:Great anticipationHope social life

isn’t out of controlCrunch time?Anxiety about

student’s grades

Thanksgiving Break Begins - Nov 18 - 26

Week 16 & 17: Dec 3 – Dec 16Freshmen:Everything is dueAll-nighters are pulledLibrary is packedSerious love

relationship Appearance and dress

attire is no concern

Parents:Dealing with stressed

out studentLibrary?Expression of love and

concernSend a care package

OH NO!! Two More Weeks!

Week 18: December 11 - 15

Freshmen:• Stress / Excitement• Holidays, no money

for gifts• Packing to go home

Parents:• Holiday Spirit

• Housekeeping

• Requesting days off

Final Final Exam Exam WeekWeek

Winter Break: Dec 16- Jan 7

Freshmen:View grades on-lineMissing college

friendsRelaxationAdjusting to living at

home

Parents:I don’t believe it! He

wants to major in philosophy.

Student being home is not like it used to be

We just got used to living this way

January 8 – Spring Classes Begin

The Semester In Review: It Is Reality

The Top 10 Reasons For….

Freshman Success

Freshmen Success

1. Go to Class – Every day2. Study - Do the work3. Talk to professors early4. Organize your time5. Get involved

6. Support system of friends 7. Seek help early and often8. Stay focused9. Ask questions10. Enjoy the ride

Freshmen Success

And that is how to be...

SUCCESSFUL

Freshmen Success

Office of Admissions

admissions@siue.edu

The First Semester In Review: It Is Reality