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The University of Mary Hardin Baylor

August Issue

Making Sophomores

Research shows that 50 percent of all freshmen in the U.S. do not remain in their initial school beyond their first year.  That means that half of them either transfer or drop out.  It is our goal at UMHB to make sophomores out of this year's freshman class.  However, we can't do it alone.  Parents play a critical role.  So, let's work together and make sophomores!

Since your son or daughter has recently arrived at UMHB, let me share an article that I found from an anonymous author.  Although the article is serveral years old, I believe these tips are very relevant even today.  Hopefully this will give you some ideas for conversation with your student.

20 Tips to Surviving the Freshman Year

  1. Go to class!  It is the kiss of death to miss class.
  2. Set ground rules with your roommate.  You'll never regret knowing exactly where both of you stand.
  3. Be considerate to your roommate.  Selfishness has no place at college.
  4. If you commute to UMHB, don't just stop in for classes.  Stay on campus and get involved.
  5. Set a goal for your grade point average (GPA).
  6. Get to know all your professors and where their offices are located.
  7. Visit with your academic advisor at least four times during the course of the semester.
  8. Find the quietest place on campus and visit it for three hours, three times a week.
  9. Develop a sense of belonging, get involved, and make friends.
  10. Know where you can receive academic assistance.  (For example, our Advising and Retention Center offers free tutoring for all freshman courses.  Take advantage of the help!)
  11. Sleep is very important.  Staying up until 3:00 a.m. will take its toll with missed morning classes.  (See tip #1.)
  12. Always have someone read over a paper you're ready to turn in.
  13. Be very careful about disobeying UMHB rules.  Drug/Alcohol use, pulling fire alarms, etc. could get you expelled.
  14. Be prepared for some homesickness.  It goes away.
  15. Keep lines of communication open:  talk with parents, friends, pastors, and professors.
  16. File for financial aid before Spring Break of each year.  Failure to file early could cost you big dollars.
  17. Treat other students with respect.
  18. Fully understand:  "You are responsible for your actions."  You will have an incredible amount of freedom.  Do not abuse it.
  19. Parents:
    • College is one more milestone.
    • Listen!  Listen!  Listen!
    • Don't rush in to save the day.
    • Let your son or daughter work through the dilemma.
  20. This is not high school.  Be prepared to work hard!