Parents and guardians of Jump Start College students are an essential part of the team that supports student success. Be reassuring to your son or daughter, express confidence that he or she can succeed in the college environment. Talk about study skills and time management, and encourage him/her to utilize WNC campus resources.
Also encourage your student to approach his or her instructors for help. Realize that children in college don’t become “college students” overnight and consequently try not to initially expect the same grades in college that the student got in high school classes.
It takes time to learn how to be a college student – how to study, how to manage time, how to handle lower grades and make the adjustments that are necessary. Be patient and understanding – this process requires about one semester by which time students will have studied for and taken major exams, written papers, given in-class reports, messed up, done well, and are learning what it takes to balance college classes with the high school experience.
Parents experience a significant adjustment, as well, because their child’s college workload is significantly different than in high school. It is the student’s responsibility, rather than their parent’s responsibility, to communicate with their instructors. Parents are invited to contact the Jump Start Counselor for assistance with the transition.
Dear Jump Start Parents,
Jump Start College classes are in full swing, and students are getting feedback on their progress, including mid-term exams. Some are experiencing shock at the amount of work they have for their classes and may be struggling with managing their time. Others are disappointed about grades on their first exams or papers. Most importantly, most are making the necessary adjustments in their classes that will help them finish strong and earn their credits.
We wanted to reach out to you to reiterate some of the discussions that Jump Start staff had with you last spring.
- To be reassuring to your son or daughter, express confidence that he or she can succeed in this environment. Talk about study skills and time management, and encourage him/her to utilize WNC campus resources. Also encourage your student to approach his or her instructors for help.
- Realize that children in college don’t become “college students” overnight and consequently try not to initially expect the same grades in college that the student got in high school classes. It takes time to learn how to be a college student — how to study, how to manage time, how to handle lower grades and make the adjustments that are necessary. Be patient and understanding– This process requires about one semester by which time students will have studied for and taken major exams, written papers, given in-class reports, messed up, done well, and are learning what it takes to balance college classes with the high school experience.
- The WNC Coaches assigned to your child’s cohort are another source of support. They began the semester developing working relationships with the cohort. They are mentoring and coaching your child through this major transition and are encouraging them to make appointments with the instructors and to seek tutoring at the Academic Skill Center. The coaches lead the Supplemental Instruction sessions.
Class registration opens in November for Spring classes. We will be meeting with your child to help with the registration process and to discuss his or her Jump Start College experience.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns that you may have—and congratulations to you and your child for all of your efforts toward a successful first college semester!
Sincerely,
Tricia Wentz, Jump Start Counselor
tricia.wentz@wnc.edu
775.445.3250