ADVISING SERVICES PARENT AND FAMILY PROGRAM NEWSLETTER

SEPTEMBER VOLUME I 2014

IDENTIFYING IDENTIFYING AND REFERRING AND REFERRING STUDENTS IN DISTRESSSTUDENTS IN DISTRESS

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The Buff Support Parent and Family Program, coordinated by

Advising Services, is designed to engage, inform, and encourage

parents and family members to become partners in the

academic journey of their students. Our services strive to make

parents and families part of the West Texas A&M University

community.

Our commitments to parents and family members are to:

Develop a partnership to become a source of support for

students

Provide timely, relevant, and current information about the

WTAMU student experience

W e are glad to welcome you to the West Texas A&M University family. This is a major transi-

tional time for you and your student and we look for-ward to the opportunity to support you and your student during this exciting time! ACCESS TO INFORMATION Once your student turns eighteen, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) take effect and unless your student gives you access, you may not be able to get all the infor-mation you previously received. In other words, your student controls all access to his or her grades, finan-cial information, registration, academic files, health information, etc.

GETTING COMFORTABLE TAKES TIME Most of the time, students will have an amaz-ing college experience, but some days they will strug-gle. It happens. This, however, is not a reflection of the institution, but rather the natural college experi-ence. Getting comfortable takes time and, at some point, students may seem to begin to question their confidence and excitement about college. Family and parent support, then, becomes highly important. Stu-dents do not need to be shielded from difficulties, but they do need to be taught how to work through these situations and thrive in them without losing sight of their goals. Working through difficult times build character, emphasizes values, and creates a strong confident adult!

WHO ARE OUR FRESHMEN? Cellphones, computers, tablets are part of their everyday life; students are connected to the world around them 24/7 and are used to getting an-swers in seconds; they multitask; and they are con-stantly overwhelmed. The good news is that, now more than ever, students also have access to more resources such as counseling, tutoring, support

groups, academic advising, career counseling, disabil-ity services, etc. WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP Remember that in order to allow your stu-dent to grow; you, as a parent or family member, must patiently wait, listen, and intervene only when necessary. Letting students deal with challenging professors, classmates, roommates, and university staff on their own will teach them the life skills to deal with a challenging boss, manage relationships with coworkers and peers, learn how to be a good roommate/spouse, and gain leadership skills that will help him or her create positive change. Be confident that, as students begin to ex-plore the world around them, they will value the principles in which they were raised and will seek pa-rental and family advise. Therefore, it is important to develop an appropriate level of parental and family involvement that helps students develop the skills needed to be successful at the University while also developing a partnership and providing support. Most importantly, the staff in the office of Advising Services at WTAMU wants to work with you to em-power students to take personal responsibility for their academic and social choices. You are not alone! Please feel comfortable calling the Advising Services office if you are concerned about your student’s aca-demic or personal well-being, or if you need help learning to be supportive.

Advising Services Student Success Center, Room 110

Phone: 806.651.5300 Fax: 806.651.5274

Email: advisingservices@wtamu.edu

ADVISING SERVICES

Services Offered

Career Services , Student Employment, and Experien-

tial Education help student find career-related experi-

ences such as part/full-time jobs, on-campus and off-

campus jobs, and internships. Together, these three

offices, offer many resources for WTAMU students in-

cluding resume workshops, mock interviews, network-

ing events, job fairs, a database with job listings, intern-

ships, etc.

Student Counseling Services houses licensed profes-

sional therapists who have the knowledge, skills, and

abilities to assist students in managing stressors and to

keep their focus on their personal, educational, and ca-

reer goals. Common concerns that can be alleviated

through counseling are homesickness, anxiety, relation-

ship struggles, depression, alcohol and drug abuse, fam-

ily distress, grief reactions, etc.

The Office of Financial Aid acts as the connection be-

tween your student, the University, and various govern-

ment agencies in the application, awarding, and deliver-

ing of financial aid. Although the main Financial Aid

office is located in old main, an additional satellite

office is conveniently located in the SSC.

The Nationally Competitive Scholarships office is dedi-

cated to help students prepare to apply for some of the

most prestigious and competitive merit-based awards,

also known as fellowships, that include the Rhodes, Ful-

bright, Marshall, and Truman.

Study Abroad will not only expose students to a differ-

ent culture, but will open doors in academic areas and

future employment opportunities. The office of Study

Abroad assists students with any questions they may

have regarding any program. Students can study abroad

as early as their second semester for a summer, semes-

ter, or full academic year. Students also have the op-

portunity to join a WTAMU faculty-led program for 2-4

weeks and, at the same time, receive course credit.

Educational Services has an array of tests available in-

cluding tests for graduate/professional school, Texas

Examination of Educator Standards (TExES), College-

Level Examination Programs (CLEP), etc.

The Tutoring Assistance Program is an appointment

based, one-on-one and pair/group tutoring program for

students. Although core-curriculum subjects in the

math and science areas are covered, tutoring is not lim-

ited to these subjects. Other tutoring programs also

include Smarthinking (24/7 online tutoring), Supple-

mental Instruction (SI), and Academic Study Skills.

The University Writing Center provides one-on-one tu-

toring for any assigned paper at any stage of the writing

process. Students receive help with paper organization,

argument, grammar/mechanics, or just getting started

with a paper.

The office of First Year Experience and Transfer Ser-

vices assists students in the transition to WT whether

they are a freshman or a transfer student. The first

year programs are designed to connect students to

WTAMU and assist them to be a better student. The

office serves students as a context through which stu-

dents will thrive academically, professionally, and cul-

turally.

The office of Student Disability Services provides aca-

demic accommodations to students with learning, psy-

chological or physical disabilities. In order to be provid-

ed accommodations through the Student Disability Ser-

vices office, a student must provide documentation of

their particular disability. The diagnosis remains confi-

dential and accommodations are determined individual-

ly depending on need. Some accommodations might

include extend time on tests, tests in a distraction-

reduced location, and textbooks in an audio/digital for-

mat.

The Student Success Center , located in the first floor of the Classroom Center just down form the WTAMU Bookstore, is a one stop shop to encourage success. As the

central “hub” of services, the SSC makes it easy for students to access many services in one convenient location. Offering so many services under one roof endures that stu-

dents get the help they need, when they need it. If your student has questions, have him/her call the SSC at (806) 651-CARE (2273).

By Kali Arredondo, Student Success Center Graduate Assistant

Services Offered

Career Services , Student Employment, and Experien-

tial Education help student find career-related experi-

ences such as part/full-time jobs, on-campus and off-

campus jobs, and internships. Together, these three

offices, offer many resources for WTAMU students in-

cluding resume workshops, mock interviews, network-

ing events, job fairs, a database with job listings, intern-

ships, etc.

Student Counseling Services houses licensed profes-

sional therapists who have the knowledge, skills, and

abilities to assist students in managing stressors and to

keep their focus on their personal, educational, and ca-

reer goals. Common concerns that can be alleviated

through counseling are homesickness, anxiety, relation-

ship struggles, depression, alcohol and drug abuse, fam-

ily distress, grief reactions, etc.

The Office of Financial Aid acts as the connection be-

tween your student, the University, and various govern-

ment agencies in the application, awarding, and deliver-

ing of financial aid. Although the main Financial Aid

office is located in old main, an additional satellite

office is conveniently located in the SSC.

The Nationally Competitive Scholarships office is dedi-

cated to help students prepare to apply for some of the

most prestigious and competitive merit-based awards,

also known as fellowships, that include the Rhodes, Ful-

bright, Marshall, and Truman.

Study Abroad will not only expose students to a differ-

ent culture, but will open doors in academic areas and

future employment opportunities. The office of Study

Abroad assists students with any questions they may

have regarding any program. Students can study abroad

as early as their second semester for a summer, semes-

ter, or full academic year. Students also have the op-

portunity to join a WTAMU faculty-led program for 2-4

weeks and, at the same time, receive course credit.

Educational Services has an array of tests available in-

cluding tests for graduate/professional school, Texas

Examination of Educator Standards (TExES), College-

Level Examination Programs (CLEP), etc.

The Tutoring Assistance Program is an appointment

based, one-on-one and pair/group tutoring program for

students. Although core-curriculum subjects in the

math and science areas are covered, tutoring is not lim-

ited to these subjects. Other tutoring programs also

include Smarthinking (24/7 online tutoring), Supple-

mental Instruction (SI), and Academic Study Skills.

The University Writing Center provides one-on-one tu-

toring for any assigned paper at any stage of the writing

process. Students receive help with paper organization,

argument, grammar/mechanics, or just getting started

with a paper.

The office of First Year Experience and Transfer Ser-

vices assists students in the transition to WT whether

they are a freshman or a transfer student. The first

year programs are designed to connect students to

WTAMU and assist them to be a better student. The

office serves students as a context through which stu-

dents will thrive academically, professionally, and cul-

turally.

The office of Student Disability Services provides aca-

demic accommodations to students with learning, psy-

chological or physical disabilities. In order to be provid-

ed accommodations through the Student Disability Ser-

vices office, a student must provide documentation of

their particular disability. The diagnosis remains confi-

dential and accommodations are determined individual-

ly depending on need. Some accommodations might

include extend time on tests, tests in a distraction-

reduced location, and textbooks in an audio/digital for-

mat.

The Student Success Center , located in the first floor of the Classroom Center just down form the WTAMU Bookstore, is a one stop shop to encourage success. As the

central “hub” of services, the SSC makes it easy for students to access many services in one convenient location. Offering so many services under one roof endures that stu-

dents get the help they need, when they need it. If your student has questions, have him/her call the SSC at (806) 651-CARE (2273). Living Away From Home Talk to your student about the

importance of sa fety Teach your student how to do

laundry and iron Have a conversat ion about a lco-

hol use and your expectat ions Finances Discuss loans usage Help your student plan a budget

and st i ck to i t Talk about credit and credit card

usage Time Management Discuss school as a pr ior i ty Encourage your student to get

involved on campus Suggest the use o f a planner Keeping in Touch Set c lear expectat ions of commu-

nicat ion Do not encourage your student

to come home every weekend Do not check his or her social

media accounts constant ly to check on what they are doing

Most important ly , l i s ten and let them know you wi l l be avai lable when they need you

FAMILY CHECKLIST

U niversity students can encounter a great deal of stress at times (i.e., academic, social, family, work, financial) during the

course of their educational experience. While most students cope successfully with the demands of col-lege life, others can experience these pressures as overwhelming and unmanageable. The inability to cope effectively with emotional stress poses a seri-ous threat to a student’s learning ability. Students in distress have a number of resources available to them. As parents and family, your expression of in-terest and concern may be a critical factor in helping a struggling student re-establish the emotional equi-librium necessary for academic survival and success. On campus, these resources include Student Coun-seling Services as potential sources of empathy and support in times of trouble. Some signs and symptoms indicating your student may be in distress include: Repeated absence from class, especially if the

student has demonstrated consistent class attendance.

A depressed, lethargic mood, excessive activity and talking, swollen and red eyes, marked change in personal hygiene, sweaty and hot when room is not hot, falling asleep in class.

Visible changes in weight. Unusual or exaggerated emotional response

which is obviously inappropriate to the situation. References to escaping, disappearing, and/or

running away from stressors; subtle statements of wanting to die or getting into an accident to relieve self from responsibilities.

Highly disruptive behavior (hostile, aggressive, violent, etc.)

Inability to communicate clearly (garbled, slurred speech, unconnected or disjointed thoughts)

Loss of contact with reality Overtly suicidal statements or homicidal threats

Helping Your Student from a Distance Stay in touch. Despite experimenting with independence, your student still needs to know that you are there and available to help with everyday things as well as difficult issues. Allow your students to set the agenda/subject for some of your conversations. If your stu-dent needs your help/support, the subject is more likely to come up if they aren’t being asked pointed questions. Be realistic about financial matters. Students should come to school knowing who will pay for tui-tion, books, fees etc. They should also know what the family’s expectations are about spending money to help avoid any misunderstandings later. Along with educational fees, parents and families are en-couraged to remember the “cost” of social activities which are an important part of the college experi-ence. Be realistic about academic achievement. This is to say that while your student may have ex-celled in high school, they may have to develop or refine the skills necessary to work independently and consistently along with demonstrating mastery in college. So a suggestion would be to keep this in mind when discussing grades.

Becky is a Professional Counselor

in Student Counseling Services.

If you need to additional resources, please call one of these numbers:

Counseling Services: 806.651.2340 Student Medical Services: 806.651.3287

Reach Crisis Hotline: 806.359.6999 or

800.692.4039 University Police Department: 806.651.2300

or 806.651.5000 in case of emergency

IDENTIFYING AND REFERRING IDENTIFYING AND REFERRING

STUDENTS IN DISTRESSSTUDENTS IN DISTRESS

By Becky Warren, MA, LPC-Intern

Monday, Sept. 29

Maroon Out Monday On Monday, we want to see your maroon, Buffs! We’ll be decorating all day on campus and be on the lookout for a social media challenge!

Tuesday, Sept. 30

Midnight Weenie Roast Midnight @ Buffalo Sports Park sponsored by Resi-dence Hall Association Tuesday night, head out to the Buffalo Sports Park to enjoy some late night hot dogs at the Midnight Wee-nie Roast. Yum!

Wednesday, Oct. 1

Tractor Pull 5-9 p.m. @ Terrill Lawn sponsored by Residence Hall

Association Gather your super strength on Wednesday for the Tractor Pull on Terrill Lawn.

Thursday, Oct. 2 Pancakes and Karaoke at The CAF 10 p.m. - Midnight @ The Dining Hall is more late night eats and super vocal treats with Pancakes and Karaoke at The Caf sponsored by Residence Hall As-sociation.

Friday, Oct. 3

Pigskin Revue 7 p.m. @ The Box Procession and Maroon Block Party 8-10 p.m. @ Buffalo Sports Park, Grand Lawn Friday kicks off Homecoming weekend with the time-honored tradition of Pigskin Revue in The Box at 7 p.m., then join the procession to the Buffalo Sports Park to celebrate at the Homecoming Maroon Block Party until 9:30 p.m. Live music from Seven Miles South and a fireworks show.!

6

Buff Alert is an emergency notification service that gives the University the ability to communicate and quickly pass-on safety-related information through e-mail or text message regardless of your location. HOW TO ENROLL: Students must log in with their username and password to the Buff Alert registration page (www.wtamu.edu/buffalert). Students can provide up to two email addresses and two cell phone numbers.

What is the Math Lab? Math is a skill that needs to be practiced like music and athletics. Math also builds on itself, it is vital for students to stay on top of past knowledge as well as the new concepts. It is very important for a student taking a math course 1) to go to class, 2) to practice and 3) to ask math questions as soon as they have them, other-wise it will snowball on them before they know it. In addition, student’s chances of being retained at the university increases if they have a connection to the university (professor, a group on campus, or a student support service). The Math Lab (Classroom Center 411) can help with the above. Math Lab regulars tend to have a higher pass rate and GPA in their math class com-pared to their math peers overall. It runs like a study hall, students can come and go as they please, they can hang out, do their homework and ask math questions from Beginning Algebra to Cal-culus II. We welcome math haters and math lovers, people who have 0 questions or 100 questions, and every-

thing in between. We know that math can be an intimidating subject to some, so we try to create a laid back atmosphere as if students are coming into our home. Students can use our equipment (whiteboards, calculators, textbooks, computers, etc… ) and of course if they have a burning math question they can raise their hand and a tutor will come running over to help them. We have front desk people and a group of tutors that students can network and connect with that will meet differ-ent learning styles, personalities and reasons for visiting. In short, the Math Lab is a wonderful place for any student to hang out, get math help, build their con-fidence and find a connection to a great group of WT students.

The Math Lab (Classroom Center Room 411) Fall 2014 hours of operation are:

Monday/Tuesday 8:30 am –7:00 pm

Wednesday/Thursday 8:30 am– 5:00 pm Friday 10:00 am– 2:00 pm

By Kim Seward Math Instructor and Director of Math Lab