What is the difference between a high school and college environment?

Beginning college after high school is a real transition – the student will face some adjustments during their first semester here.   The college environment requires students to function independently, be self-directed, and be mature enough to handle adult subject matter and a diverse population. College students are expected to contribute to the learning environment and behave in a manner that will not disrupt instruction, the classroom, events, or other campus settings. The college workload averages two hours of homework for every hour of class time.  No one tells the student when to start or what to do each day, or reminds them to go to class or when to turn in their homework; they should know when everything is due.  Be aware that the decisions they make in college may decide their future so remember that students are here for an education.  Also remember – if they don’t know something they should not hesitate to ask questions.  Things for them to remember:

• Personal responsibility “In college there is freedom to do as you please…to go where you wish…to do as you wish.  Unfortunately, this freedom is easily abused.
•  In college, the student carries 98% of the responsibility and control.”
• Class attendance:  “In college, the student must decide whether they want to go to class or not.
• Being absent will certainly hurt the student in the long run – cause a failing grade or cause the student to be dropped/withdrawn from the class for non-attendance.

What does New College Orientation do to help students adjust to the first week of classes?

We encourage all new students to attend the new student orientation or welcome that is held on each campus prior to the first day of the semester. During this orientation the student will learn about the college, the library services, other services the college has for students, the importance of the student ID and ID card, and be introduced to Faculty and Staff and meet other students. 

What if my student is struggling academically? How can I help?

Students, particularly new students, can encounter academic difficulties. The adjustment to a college environment can be challenging for the high school graduate. If you find signs of declining interest in a subject or increased frustration you should refer your student to contact their advisor or the Counseling Office – also the Tutoring Center, on each campus, is a great starting point for students to find assistance in individual subjects. 

Once they are enrolled in a college class they are considered to be a responsible adult.  Students (regardless of age) are expected to take the initiative.   “If my student is having problems with the teacher, how can I set up a teacher conference?”  Trying to arrange teacher conferences or making personal phone calls to the instructor to discuss your student’s performance is inappropriate at the college and university level.  The college provides advisors, and counselors to assist students in overcoming academic difficulties, up to and including a grievance process if students feel they have been treated unjustly.  However, it is entirely inappropriate for parents to contact faculty or academic administrators about their child’s performance – this is no longer high school or grade school – it is now the responsibility the student assumes when registering for college level classes.  

What if my “child” has math anxiety? 

 Instructors and counselors are well aware that many students have fear and anxiety around taking math classes and are willing to provide help and resources to the student.  There are several on-going sources of support for math anxious students. The College Success Skills, SDV 100 class, provides students with a comprehensive set of skills related to college success, which include strategies for general test anxiety and for math anxiety.   In addition, the Tutoring Center offers several hours a day of math tutoring during the semester. Students can get one-on-one help with questions in their current math classes. A student experiencing math anxiety can also meet with a counselor in the Counseling Center to talk about their concerns and fears. The counselors will help the student to identify strategies to help them overcome math anxiety and be successful in their math classes.

Issues Identified by Students

• Personal responsibility “In college you have freedom to do as you please…to go where you wish…to do as you wish.  Unfortunately, this freedom is easily abused.
• In college, the student carries 98% of the responsibility and control.”
• Class attendance:  “As a college student, you will decide whether you want to go to class or not.
• Being absent will certainly hurt you in the long run.
• Time Management:  always have a weekly schedule to go by – otherwise time slips away and the student will not be able to account for it – there is more free time in college than high school and the student has to learn to manage their own time wisely – it is not managed for them.

College Success Tools and Tips

• Be Present in Class! Some classes do not take attendance, but it is important to be present. The information you may miss will affect the success of your learning process.
• Keep your Course Syllabus. Your syllabus is your contact with your instructor. It includes instructor contact information, required course texts, class objectives, assignment deadlines, and grade computation and other important information.
• Be Prepared for the CLASS – have the necessary supplies and textbooks needed for the class, and also be prepared for engaging in class discussions, ask questions and take good class notes.