The Crusader Update

Introduction - 10 Phases in Preparing for and Adjusting to College

Thank you for entrusting your son or daughter to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.  My name is Dr. Steve Theodore and I am the Vice President for Student Affairs.  My areas of responsibility include the Enrollment Management department (Undergraduate Admissions & Recruiting, Financial Aid, and International Student Services), the Student Life Department (Campus Activities, Residence Life, Student Organizations, Campus Recreation, and Cultural Affairs), and the Student Services Department (University Chaplain, Baptist Student Ministries, Career Services, and Counseling, Testing & Health Services).  Basically, Student Affairs oversees everything that has to do with students, except for the academic environment.

I have been at UMHB for 20 years and have seen the following scenario play out all too often: High school senior and parent(s) work together to find the right place to attend college.  They search the Internet together, look at inviting college brochures from a number of different institutions, they take the time to visit the campuses and get a “feel” for the place that best fits.  After weighing their options and carefully praying about it, they come to a mutual decision.  They work together to complete all the necessary paperwork and then attend an orientation session designed to get the student registered for classes.  Together they pack up clothes, bedding, and an assortment of things that bulge the car trunk.  They come together to move into the residence halls and after a while, the parent(s) give a tearful goodbye.  At that moment, it seems that a significant amount of communication between the institution and the parent(s) come to a screeching halt.

The purpose of The Crusader Update is to keep the lines of communication open between UMHB and parents of freshmen.  No doubt, some of you are “first-time college parents” – meaning that this is your first child to go off to college.  You may be wondering:

• What is she going through?
• Is he homesick?  Is he studying?
• Why doesn’t he call?  Or why does she call so often?
• What if my student has a conflict?

The Crusader Update will keep you informed on these and other issues, as well as offer some practical advice for your student’s first year.  I hope you find them informative and useful.

Some time ago, I found the following “timetable” called “The 10 Phases in Preparing For and Adjusting to College.”  It will give you some insight into what’s ahead for your son/daughter.

High school senior graduates and looks to the future.  Mixed feelings of sadness, accomplishment, and anticipation.

Realize they will soon leave home, family, and friends, and those feelings of security.

Student is plunged into the college environment complete with roommate, university red tape, classes, and a foreign social world.

Student meets many new friends during Welcome Week and there are no tests for three weeks!  It’s (can seem like) play time!

“Where did all this work come from and where did the time go?”  Homesickness may appear at this stage as the student feels somewhat overwhelmed.

“There’s no doubt I would do better somewhere else.  Can I transfer?”  These feelings are common and usually subside.

This happens the first time a student goes home.  They realize that life for the rest of the family goes on without them.

Well into the first semester, they have finally learned to use the library and hold a reasonably intelligent conversation.  They are excited about learning.

Usually right before finals, they see the great amount of study time ahead of them and realize their future depends on their academic success.

Sometime during the second semester (hopefully), they see college as a total experience.  They realize that hard work and fun can go together.

You can expect to receive The Crusader Update approximately every two weeks during your student’s freshman year.  In addition to the different topics we will cover this year, I will try to keep you informed about important dates and events that are approaching.  For example, Welcome Week is right around the corner.  Welcome Week is a must for all college freshmen (and even new transfer students).  Welcome Week will help them acclimate to UMHB quickly, develop lasting friendships, and establish a good foundation for their freshman year.  Is your son/daughter signed up?  If not, go to www.umhb.edu/welcomeweek and sign up now!

Go Cru!

Steve