Parent Newsletter August 2007
Dr. Dawn Remmers, Director, University Advising, Student Success and Testing Services, University of Texas at Arlington
Welcome back to those of you returning for the 2007-2008 school year and a warm “Welcome” to our new subscribers!
It’s been a great summer and orientation sessions for incoming freshmen were filled with anticipation and excitement. For the returning student, the University Advising Center has assisted hundreds of students choose classes and prepare schedules for the new school year.
This issue brings information highlighting some of the news and events for the upcoming term. One special area of interest for you, the parent, is a new Parent Center – be sure to read the “Did You Know” section and discover all the details of this new endeavor.
“How much involvement is too much involvement?” Our “Topic of the Month” discusses staying involved but at the same time, giving your student some space.
Is there a topic you’d like to know more about? Or, are you looking for more information on one of UT Arlington’s departments? If so, please use your email reply button to send your suggestions or questions. During the upcoming school year, we’ll do our best to cover your topics of interest and answer your questions.
I hope you enjoy this month’s e-newsletter and I look forward to bringing you informative and enlightening topics as the school year progresses.
Helping Your Student Become Self-Reliant
There has been an observation made by many higher education professionals, such as admissions offices, student service professionals, new student orientation staff, professors, residence life staff, and academic advisors: Parental involvement has increased on college campuses across the nation.
There are many benefits in including parents and families in the college experience. Having parents feel like legitimate partners in their children’s education can be a great benefit to both the student and the institution. However, too much parent involvement can stifle the growth and independence of your student.
Therefore, encourage self-reliance and use these ten tips provided by College Board to help you get started.
1. Encourage Public Speaking – Developing the ability to stand up in front of a group and make themselves heard is key to boosting a student’s self-esteem as well as their communication skills (and, speech proficiency is required by the state for all majors).
2. Practice Negotiation – Teach students the invaluable skill of fair compromise and negotiation with authority figures.
3. Model Time Management and Organizational Skills – Students learn from what they see. If you’re late and disorganized, your student will generally follow suit. Post a calendar that highlights individual and group appointments and plans. Use a weekly planner, and make to-do lists.
4. Teach Self-Sufficiency – The more students can do for themselves, the more confident they’ll be when it comes to handling themselves in new situations. Encourage participation in on-campus clubs or associations that are affiliated with their major. This provides tremendous opportunity for personal growth and professional networking.
5. Encourage Independence at School – Students need to take responsibility for their academic careers. They should be keeping track of assignments and due dates, communicating independently with counselors and professors, and participating in the extracurricular activities of their choice. Clearly, parental advice is appropriate at times. However, students appreciate room to succeed, or to make mistakes, on their own.
6. Listen With an Open Mind – Students who are confident that they can talk to their parents without a major blow-up are more likely to be forthcoming.
7.Provide Structure – Support communication and independence. Students may bemoan life’s regulations but they must realize they will function better when they follow the rules.
8. Remember That Every Story has Two Sides – When students come home with tales of woe, keep in mind that you are hearing only one perspective. Before forming an opinion, get all the facts. Parents who know the facts can effectively help their student learn to respond to disappointing or difficult life scenarios.
9. Teach Self-Respect – When people feel good about themselves, they are able to stand up for themselves, and your student is no exception. Focus on helping your student develop good decision-making skills and solid self-esteem. A confident student will not be afraid to speak up.
10. Teach Logical Conflict Resolution – Parents are a great resource for finding alternatives in problematic situations. Encourage and model thinking calmly and critically, so your student learns to pick the solution that makes the most sense.
Parental involvement has become a fact of life for almost every college campus. If parents learn what is healthy and appropriate involvement in their student’s lives, students will benefit being allowed to handle the day to day challenges they face on their own. After all, problem-solving skills and conflict resolution are important lessons most colleges and universities wish to impart to their students.
Are you doing too much for your student? Take a fun and quick survey by clicking here.
Portions of this article are published with written permission from NACADA; National Academic Advisors Association, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
“MAVERICK STAMPEDE” TO OFFICIALLY WELCOME STUDENTS
The University of Texas at Arlington kicks off “Maverick Stampede,” a series of activities and events designed to welcome incoming and returning students beginning August 23rd and running through September 7th. Also, don’t miss the MavsMeet Convocation which begins at 4:00pm, Friday, August 24th.
Other events during this time include the MavsMeet After Party, the Mav Cookout featuring the Activities Fair Day, Waffleopolis, Maverick Sluggers Night at the Rangers Ballpark, a welcome back barbecue and movie, residence hall move-ins, parent/student information tours and sessions, and more.
The following schools or colleges are hosting an academic open house during Maverick Stampede
- EDUC/INTS/COLA/SUPA’s Maverick Round-up: August 29th; 11 – 1 pm – Palo Duro Lounge, University Center
- Nursing & Math BBQ: August 30th; 11:30 – 12:45 pm – Outside Pickard Hall and Parking Garage
- The office formerly known as CAACS’s Hitchin’ Post Emporium: August 30th; 11:30 – 1:30 pm – Palo Duro Lounge, University Center
- Honors College Game Night: August 29th; 5 – 8 pm – 100 College Hall
- College of Business Administration: September 5th; 10:30 – 12:30 – Business Building, 1st Floor Lobby
- College of Science Ice Cream Social: September 5th; 11:30 – 1 pm – Main Lobby of Life Science Building
- Engineering Welcome Bash Cookout: September 7th; – 1 pm – Engineering Mall
A complete calendar of activities is available at www.maverickstampede.com.
by Liz Hannabas, Coordinator of Advisor Outreach, University of Texas at Arlington
Beth Mancini
UT Arlington is known for many of its colleges and during the month of September, your student will have a great opportunity to get to know staff and faculty who work in these departments by attending a series of open house events. (see Maverick Stampede above).
One of the open house events allows me to highlight this month’s Maverick of the Month as well – Professor and Associate Dean for the Undergraduate Nursing Program at UT-Arlington, Beth Mancini.
Mancini is a tenured professor in the School of Nursing with clinical expertise in management and leadership. She has a Masters in Nursing Administration and spent 20 years as the Chief Nursing Officer at Parkland Health & Hospital System.
Beth says she is very involved in research in the practice and education of resuscitation, “I have been actively involved in initiating the CPaRlington Project and involving UT-Arlington and President Spaniolo as a founding member.” Beth is also involved in bringing the School of Nursing’s Smart Hospital to fruition.
Having been awarded “Nurse of the Year” in 2000 and chosen this year as an Honoree for the YWCA Tribute to Women In Business, Beth exemplifies her definition of a Maverick – “an active communitarian, a life-long learner and an enthusiastic leader.”
Although Beth has been at UT-Arlington for only three years, it is clear her vision and commitment to the University’s Nursing program will continue to enhance the excellent educational opportunities and experiences each nursing student will come to know. Congratulations Beth!
IT’S NEW! UT Arlington Parents & Family Center
The University of Texas at Arlington invites Parents, Guardians, and Families to catch the excitement of the launching of the Parents & Family Center. Our primary relationships will always be with our students; however, we recognize that their closest relationship is with their parents and guardians, and we must initiate a relationship with the individuals who have spent many years shaping our students lives.
The establishment of a partnership based on open communications will play a major role in the success of our students. The office will function as an informational office directing inquiries to the proper academic and non-academic offices. We invite Parents and Families to attend the programs being offered during your student’s university experience as well as the Parent’s Weekend October 26-28, 2007 (see “You’re Invited” following this article).
The Parents & Family Center will serve as the primary contact source for parents. The office is located in the Lower level of University Center in room 150 L. For additional information, please contact Casey Gonzales, Director Parents & Family Center or Assistant Director, Vanessa Balderrama at 817-272-2128. The mailing address is: Box 19363, Arlington, Texas 76019.
Please visit the Parents & Family Center website at www.uta.edu/parents and the Parents Weekend website at www.uta.edu/parentsweekend.
This e-newsletter and other information for parents, and guardians can be accessed through the website hyperlinks.
You’re Invited!
The University of Texas at Arlington would like to invite Parents, Guardians, and Families to catch the excitement of Parents Weekend the 26th – 27th of October. For additional information, please contact Casey Gonzales at 817-272-2128, or email parentsweekend@uta.edu.
FALL 2007
- First day of classes – August 27
- Late registration – August 27-31
- Labor Day (holiday) – September 3
- Census date – September 12
- Midsemester – October 19
- Last day to drop courses (with “W”) – November 2
- Thanksgiving holiday – November 22 – 25
- Last day of classes – December 7
- Final exams – December 8, 10-14
For Winter Session and Spring and Summer 2008 schedules click here
Want to find it all in one spot? Click on the full calendar link and you’ll find both the academic and featured events combined.