New Student Transitions - Helpful Resources

September

By Carmen M. Vazquez

Vice President, Student Affairs

Greetings Torero Parents,

I was able to meet some of you at this past weekend’s Torero Days Parent Orientation Welcome.  For those who didn’t meet me, I am Carmen Vazquez, the Vice President of Student Affairs at USD. 

During my welcome comments, I mentioned that I would share monthly “Transition Tips” with you.   September’s transitions are below.  The corresponding “tips” include web links and references to the relevant campus support services available to students.  I encourage you to review the transitions and keep them in mind as you speak with your student throughout the month.  Active listening and a timely referral may help your student avoid a transition pitfall and instead, result in a successful adjustment to the university environment. 

The staff members within the division of Student Affairs look forward to partnering with you to support your student’s success at USD!  Please take the time to review the rich resources available to your student at USD and contact our offices if you have any questions or concerns.

September Transitions

-Finalizing their academic schedule         

Students should meet with their Preceptor to discuss possible changes in their schedule. 

- Feeling lonely, lost, or wondering how/if they will fit in

Encourage your student to consider talking with a roommate, Resident Advisor, or Resident Director.

If they are looking for ways to get involved, refer your student to the First Year Experience On-Line Resources that outline all of the different ways students can find their niche on campus: http://www.sandiego.edu/sli/documents/GettingInvolvedatUSD.pdf or

http://www.sandiego.edu/sli/documents/IfOnlyIKnew.pdf

If they are feeling isolated and lonely, consider referring them to the campus Counseling Center.  

-Money concerns

Parents should set clear expectations about the level of financial support students can expect throughout the year.  Have specific conversations about how money can, should, or should not be spent.  Inquire about your student’s spending habits and discuss their monthly budget.  Credit card debt remains a huge risk factor for college graduates.  Check out the USD Guide to Money Management for more information.   

-Preconceptions of college life challenged

Ask your student how they are doing:  Is USD what they thought it would be?  How so?  If not, how is it different?  Being able to vocalize these challenges and disappointments with you will allow your student to move through the challenge and into the discovery process of what USD actually IS.          

-Fears about first exams and papers       

There are a variety of academic success tips outlined in the FYE Online Resources for Academic Excellence.   

-Time management adjustments

Time management is frequently cited as the biggest struggle First Year students face when adjusting to university life.  Encourage your student that they are not alone in feeling lost when it comes to balancing curricular, co-curricular, social and work schedules!  Have your student check out a time management resource or attend a First Year Experience Workshop on Time Management.

Students can also visit the campus Counseling Center to discuss issues of balance and time management from a wellness perspective:  

See you in October!