|
> First Year Initiative
First Year Initiative
The Difference Between High School and College
FOR STUDENTS First of all, welcome to college! Whether you are joining the University as a non-traditional student, a transfer student, or fresh from high school, there are many adjustments that must be both recognized and made in order to succeed within the MSU college environment.
Essentially, personal responsibility is at the core of all collegiate success. That responsibility exists within an academic environment, with each institution having its own individualized climate. In order to aid you in your quest to obtain your personal goals, resources and support services, such as our First Year Initiative (FYI) program, are provided by the university. It is extremely important to remember that college is very different from high school at every level of your transition.
FOR PARENTS & GUARDIANS:
Parents often wonder what level of involvement is appropriate at the college level. First, while tough, realize that your student is a young adult and this may affect how much information an office or instructor can provide you. However, we encourage you to speak with your student about both of your expectations for communication and involvement.
Parent Differences Between
| |
|
High School
"Direct Involvement"
|
College
"Indirect Involvement"
|
| Information is generally freely given to parental figures since most students are under 18, and thus, minors. |
FERPA, or the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, prevents higher education officials and instructional staff from releasing any information to friends, family, or others without a written release from the student. |
| Parents and family are frequently involved in parent/teacher meetings, open houses, and other contacts with instructors. These contacts may be initiated by the instructors or parents at any time. |
Instructors and parents very rarely interact. As a result of the number of students, the level of expected self-advocacy, and FERPA, instructors will not initiate parental contact. |
| Parents generally see students daily and are able to inquire about school events, schedules, and progress. |
Parental contact may range from several times a semester to multiple times daily. Average student contact is once or twice a week. Please talk with your student about both of your expectations for contact via email, letter, visit, or phone. |
| Student conduct issues inside and outside of the classroom directly involve the parents or guardians. |
Students will deal exclusively with conduct issues both in and out of the classroom. Parents may coach students on how to confront conflict while respecting professional and personal boundaries. |
| Students may work throughout high school for spending money if he or she still lives with family members. Major financial obligations are generally parental responsibilities. |
Academic bills will be sent to students online and be his or her responsibility. Budgeting and spending issues will be the student responsibility. Parents and students are advised to talk about spending, earning, and borrowing expectations that may exist. |
| Parents are available to motivate a student regarding his or her schedule and academic progress. |
Students must motivate themselves to work, attend courses, study, get involved, and complete schoolwork. |
The key to a successful first year of college is understanding the fundamental differences between high school and college. These distinctions concern classroom behavior, study habits, performance expectations, understanding available resources, and student accountability. Each of these areas requires a student to be self-motivated and proactive in seeking assistance, answers, and advice.
Page 2: Resources and Support
|
