| Getting
the Conversation Started with your Student
The transition
from the home environment to College and then back home
for visits/breaks can be challenging sometimes. As your
student begins to spread their wings you might find it difficult
to get the conversation rolling. Relax, this is normal!
Here are what we hope are some helpful conversation starters
as well as some examples for you to explore as you make
the transition with your student.
Budget
and Finances
Many
students come to College and will begin experimenting
with credit cards, student loans, and other budgetary
items for the first time. Before your student leaves for
college it might be helpful to sit down with them and
discuss financial basics and practices including:
-
Credit cards and student loans are not free money. Talk
with your student about their financial aid package,
demonstrate for them how to budget money each month
for expenses, and show them how to review a bank or
credit card statement.
-
It is important to pay credit card bills in full so
they should only charge what they can pay back in the
immediate future.
-
They should keep a record of purchases and reviewing
bank and credit card statements for accuracy. They should
also shred credit card offers, receipts, and statements
that have account numbers printed on them.
-
Encourage your student to keep PIN numbers confidential.
They should not give them out to anyone even close friends
or roommates.
-
Bills that are paid late will result in a financial
penalty being incurred. Also, loans and unpaid balances
on credit cards accumulate interest that must be paid.
-
How and what have you decided to spend money on?
-
How do you decide how much to save? Are you able to
do this consistently within your budget? What are you
saving for?
-
Where are you with your student bill in SAS?
-
Have
you filled out all of your paper work to receive your
financial aid?
Rockford College Resources
for your Student:
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Classes
and Grades
As your student
begins to get settled into their academic courses and
schedule it is natural for apprehension to take hold.
Studying for the first round of exams or turning in their
first paper may not always yield the results they were
hoping for or that they are used to getting in high school.
This is normal, but the earlier your student can identify
the additional steps they need to take to succeed the
better they’ll be. Rockford College faculty and
staff are always willing to work with your student to
help them succeed academically, but your student must
seek out the assistance and follow through on their recommendations.
Here are some signs to watch for:
-
Workloads for each class can vary depending on the course
and the instructor. Encourage your student to look at
each course, due dates for assignments, and figure out
a schedule that will help them avoid pulling “all
nighters” or getting behind in their readings.
-
Students
should meet regularly with their assigned academic advisor
to discuss the courses they are currently taking and
what courses they should be looking for in the upcoming
semester(s).
-
If
your student hasn’t decided on a program of study
they should also meet with faculty and their academic
advisor to discuss areas of interest and what Rockford
College can offer them.
-
The further along in a program of study the higher degree
of academic challenge. As students move into upper level
course work their work load will also increase. Students
may find it more and more difficult to balance all that
they want to do with what they need to do.
-
Graduate school exams and job searches can sneak up
on students. It is best for them to take advantage of
the programs and services offered by our Career Services
Office and in internships through their program of study.
-
How do you feel about the courses you are currently
taking? What’s coming up that you’re excited
about?
-
Have you discussed with your professor their comments
on your last paper, or the questions you missed on your
last exam?
-
What are you enjoying about your classes this semester?
What is difficult about your schedule and coursework?
-
What kind of research projects are you working on? Are
they group projects? How is that process going?
-
What activities are you involved in outside of the classroom?
How do they relate with what you’re learning inside
the classroom?
-
What programs have you attended or participated in?
What was the issue they were discussing?
Rockford College Resources
for your Student:
-
Their professors!
-
Faculty
advisors
-
First-year
advisors
-
Office
of Student Retention
-
Rockford
College Learning Center
-
Counselors
at Lang Center for Health, Wellness, and Counseling
-
Writing
Center, Math tutors, and other tutors for their course
work
-
Student
Government Academic Affairs Committee
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Mid-Term
Exams
Mid-term exams
will generally hit midway through the semester. They are
often marked on the syllabus by the professor. This can
be a stressful time for all students as it may be the
first time that they become aware of where they really
are grade wise in their classes. Inquiring with the students
a few weeks out can help make sure that they manage the
stress brought on by exams better, as well as make sure
that your student is planning adequate time to meet mid-term
demands.
Conversation
Starters:
-
Mid-term exams should be coming up soon, what does your
schedule of work look like?
-
What
are some exams or projects that you are worried about?
-
Have you checked out any resources like the writing
center or tutors to help you prepare?
-
How
are you studying for the exams? Do you have a quiet
study area?
Rockford College Resources
for your Student:
-
Professors
-
Academic Advisors
-
Writing Center
-
Tutors and study sessions put on by professors
-
Counselors at Lang Center for Health, Wellness, and
Counseling
-
Rockford College Learning Center
-
Residence Life Staff
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Final
Exams
Final exams
can sometimes become the last effort by a student to bring
up their grades. Preventing this kind of stress at the
end of the semester is important. Helping your student
brainstorm ways to avoid the stress or pressure that comes
with final exams can assist them in better managing the
workload. It is important that the conversation not focus
in on grades, but rather how the semester went, what they
anticipate the result to be, and what they’ve learned
about themselves that semester.
Conversation
Starters:
-
How do you feel about how you did this past semester?
Any surprises?
-
When
do you expect grades to be posted, I understand you
can access them online?
-
What classes went well? Why?
-
Were there some that you didn’t enjoy? Why?
-
Is your professor holding any study sessions that you
can take advantage of? Have you sought them out for
additional help on the side?
-
How are you studying for the exams? Do you have a quiet
study area?
Rockford College Resources
for your Student:
-
Professors
-
Academic Advisors
-
Writing Center
-
Tutors and study sessions put on by professors
-
Counselors at Lang Center for Health, Wellness, and
Counseling
-
Rockford College Learning Center
-
Residence Life Staff
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Getting
Involved
A major part
of the college experience is the opportunity and ability
for students, residential or commuter to take part in
organized activities. Whether they are involved in a student
club/organization, student government, hall council, athletics,
service projects, or other programs there is an unlimited
number of opportunities for your student to connect in-class
material with their out-of-class experiences. Academics
do come first, and so it is important for your student
to understand how to manage their time.
Conversation
Starters:
-
What clubs or organizations have you seen that interest
you?
-
Have you visited the Student Activities office to find
out what’s going on?
-
What types of activities and programs (dances, concerts,
game nights, etc) have you attended recently?
-
I
heard that there is always a pre-planned program going
on at the Lion’s Den at night, have you checked
any of those out?
-
How did your first residence hall meeting go? What did
you discuss?
Rockford College Resources
for your Student:
-
Student Activities
-
Jane Addams Center for Civic Engagement
-
Student Government Association
-
Athletic Department
-
Resident Advisor or other member of the Residence Life
staff
-
Professors
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Maintenance
Concerns for Residence Hall Rooms
Your student
may have questions or concerns about their residence hall
room. The first person that the resident should speak
with is their Resident Advisor. If College property is
broken, or in need of repair, the resident advisor will
assist your student by filling out a work order that will
alert maintenance to the area of concern. The Residence
Hall Director or the Director of Residence Life can also
assist your student if they are unable to locate their
RA.
Please remember
that your student is responsible for any damages to Rockford
College property. When your student moves into their residence
hall room they will be asked to fill out a Room Condition
Report (RCR). This report is for them to mark any damages
to the items provided to them by Rockford College. When
your student moves out at the end of the academic year
the RA will go through their room and determine if any
property is damaged beyond what is marked on the RCR and
will report it to the Director of Residence Life who will
assess fines as needed. The College is not responsible
for any damages to your student’s property. We encourage
all residents to obtain additional insurance for personal
items. If you are able to claim the student as a dependent,
their possessions may be covered while at college; however,
it is important to check with your homeowner’s policy.
Conversation
starters:
-
Have you alerted your RA to the problem?
-
Are
there any damages to Rockford College property that
you might be fined for?
Rockford College Resources for your Student:
-
Resident Advisor
-
Other members of the Residence Life Staff
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Roommate
Conflicts
One of the great
things about living in a residence hall is the opportunity
to meet new people and learn to live in a social, communal
setting. As in any living situation conflicts can arise
over topics like noise levels, guests, cleanliness, food,
and even personalities. The Residence Life staff is trained
in assisting residents in mediating conflicts between
roommates and other residents. Our goal is to help your
student and other residents learn how to successfully
communicate their needs and respect the needs of others.
This can take some time and patience. Families can help
their students navigate these relationships by supporting
and coaching their student in developing their conflict
resolution skills by letting them take control of the
situation.
Conversation
Starters:
-
How
are things going with your roommate? What have you found
that you have in common?
-
Have there been any conflicts between the two of you?
Anything that’s getting on your nerves?
-
Have you let your roommate know what your expectations
are? Have you asked about theirs?
-
How have you addressed these issues with your roommate?
Were you able to achieve resolution?
-
I understand that your RA has been trained in helping
to resolve these types of situations. Have you sought
out their assistance?
Rockford College Resources
for your Student:
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Alcohol
Use
Some students
choose to consume alcohol when they go to college while
others do not. Residents at Rockford College are allowed
to consume in their rooms if they are 21 years of age.
It is important that as a parent you are familiar with
the alcohol policy so
that you can speak with your student about the College’s
expectations as well as your own. Rockford College offers
alternative on-campus activities almost every weekend
for all students that are alcohol-free. There are also
plenty of students in the residence halls who choose not
to consume.
Families should
also be aware of the difference between high risk drinking
and low risk drinking. Getting to know more about alcohol
use and abuse can assist you in shaping your conversations
with your student about their alcohol use. Here are some
tips:
Low Risk Drinking:
-
Thinking
about what and how much you plan to drink before going
to a party.
-
Making sure to eat a full meal before starting to drink.
-
Keeping consumption down to 1 drink per hour.
-
Mixing in non-alcoholic beverages throughout the evening
like water.
-
Making plans with friends ahead of time as to what parties
they will or will not be attending, designating a driver
(if heading off campus) ahead of time, and sticking
together as a group.
-
Planning to get drunk.
-
Playing drinking games.
-
Drinking too much, too fast. Doing shots.
-
Consuming alcohol while on any type of medication.
-
Drinking
and Driving while under the influence, or getting into
a car with someone else who has been drinking.
-
What
is the Rockford College environment like when it comes
to parties with alcohol?
-
How will you decide whether or not to drink?
-
What will you do (or have you done) if your roommate
feels differently about partying and drinking than you?
-
What else is there to do on-campus besides go to parties
on the weekends?
-
What will you do if a friend of yours wants to drive
home and they are intoxicated? What if they don’t
listen to you?
-
What
will you do if your designated driver has been drinking
that night?
-
How can you go to the parties and be social without
having to drink?
-
What are the campus resources to help you or a friend
if you have concerns about alcohol?
-
Are you aware of the Rockford College alcohol policy
and potential consequences?
-
What’s your plan if you or a friend get in over
your heads regarding alcohol, will you agree to contact
us no matter what? A member of the residence life staff?
Rockford College Resources
for your Student:
-
Campus Safety and Security
-
Residence Life Staff
-
Professionals from Lang Center for Health, Wellness,
and Counseling (nurses and counselors)
Additional resources are available
to parents and students at the following websites:
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Physical
and Emotional Health
Rockford College
provides health service to all enrolled students through
the Lang Center for Health, Wellness, and Counseling.
Students can experience a variety of personal, social,
academic, and relational issues during college that they
cannot resolve on their own. Our professional counseling
staff is a great resource for students to talk about their
concerns.
Please take
the opportunity to visit their website to learn more about
health services offered at Rockford College: http://www.rockford.edu/lang/index.asp.
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Coming Home
As your student
prepares to return home for the first time or even after
a challenging semester, there can be, and often is, a
period of re-adjustment for the student and their families.
It is important to talk with your student ahead of time
about your expectations as well as theirs. Students are
often times on a completely different sleep, social, and
even meal schedule than their families back home. Talking
ahead of time about those boundaries and expectations
can aid in making the transition much smoother as they
return to your home.
Conversation
Starters:
-
What are your plans while you’re home? Are you
looking to reconnect with friends from high school?
-
What are your expectations for social activities while
you’re home? Do you remember our family rules
(i.e. curfew, guests, drinking, etc.)?
-
Are you thinking about bringing any of your college
friends back with you for the weekend? What is their
understanding of our house rules?
-
What time do you plan on arriving home? When do you
plan on heading back?
-
Are you bringing home any laundry?
Rockford College Resources
for your Student:
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