|
Welcome to the Titan Family!
A student’s first year of college brings many changes which can result in a wealth of valuable opportunities and outcomes if the student successfully navigates his or her way through the process of transition. Transition is not always comfortable or easy; as a matter of fact, it can be awkward, challenging, and at times, intimidating. This is particularly true for freshmen who are new to college life, to Cal State Fullerton’s campus, and who are striving to build a foundation of academic and social success during their first year as a college student. To assist first time freshmen in making the most of their college experience academically, personally, and socially, the Freshman Programs learning communities have been designed and developed to address the unique needs of these students. By offering and providing guidance, support, resources and opportunities, Freshman Programs students are given the tools and knowledge needed to build networks of support, define academic and social goals leading to a four-year graduation, and lifetime friendships while strengthening academic skills through guided learning experiences in and out of the classroom.
Before Your Student Arrives on Campus
The months before can be hectic with high-school celebrations, vacations and preparing for move-in day. Communication is crucial during this time between parents and students. Below are a few topics that students have found helpful to discuss with parents during this period:
- Budget (spending money, job, bills, checking accounts, credit cards)
- Communication (how often, via phone, mail, email, text or instant messenger)
- Health coverage (insurance coverage, prescription plans)
- Car/no car (insurance coverage information, parking)
- Computers/laptops
- Campus involvment (membership in clubs/organizations, fraternity/sorority, sports)
- Academic expectations (grades)
- Move-in day plans
FERPA
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education. FERPA assigns to the student who is 18 years of age or older, not the parent, certain privacy rights regarding their educational record. This means that students need to give their permission for the release of information about their educational record, even to release information to parents.
Supporting Your Student 101
As students prepare to enter their first year of college, parents and family members often question what are the best ways to support their student. Below is a list of tips we have compiled that we hope will be of help to you and your student.
Be understanding and a good listener.
Listen to your student’s feelings about their classes, grades, new friends, and activities. Support your student by understanding the stress that first time freshmen experience as they try to adjust to their new environment.
Keep an open mind to their new ideas, experiences, and opinions.
College provides an opportunity for young adults to grow and establish an identity through the exploration of ideas, values, interests, majors, professions, and the many faces of diversity. Trust that you have done an awesome job as a parent with your student and try to be supportive of your student’s exploration by providing him or her with the freedom to discover different interests.
Be positive and patient.
Adjusting to college life can take time. Remember that students tend to mirror back your level of anxiety. Calmness is contagious.
Encourage a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Encourage your student to make choices that are conducive to maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Encourage out-of-class academic pursuits.
Encourage your student to develop relationships with professor, teaching assistants, and student service professionals.
Let your student make mistakes.
Some of our most valuable learning experiences are a result of learning from our own mistakes. Allow your student to make mistakes and encourage him or her to learn from them.
But know where to look for help.
Cal State Fullerton has many resources on campus to help your student adjust to college life. In addition, Freshman Programs staff are here to assist in directing your student in the right direction to seek help. We understand that you may also like some guidance, we are here to assist. Give us a call!
Encourage your student to get involved.
There are a wealth of involvement opportunities at Cal State Fullerton. Encourage your student to take experience all that we have to offer by getting involved and feel connected to the campus community!
Click here for key resources and support services available to your students!
|
