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 Senior Vice President for Administration & Chief Operating Officer. One of the areas of my responsibility includes Student Life. This division now headed by Vice President, Dr. Byron Weathersbee envelops Campus Activities, Residence Life, Student Organizations, Campus Recreation, Community Service/Cultural Affairs, University Chaplain, Baptist Student Ministries, Career Services, and Counseling, Testing & Health Services.
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 Updateis 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.
Phase 1: Early Summer Anticipation
High school senior graduates and looks to the future. Mixed feelings of sadness, accomplishment, and anticipation.
Phase 2: Midsummer Anxiety
Realize they will soon leave home, family, and friends, and those feelings of security.
Phase 3: Late Summer Panic
Student is plunged into the college environment complete with roommate, university red tape, classes, and a foreign social world.
Phase 4: The Honeymoon
Student meets many new friends during Welcome Week and there are no tests for three weeks! It’s (can seem like) play time!
Phase 5: End of the Honeymoon
“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.
Phase 6: The Grass is Always Greener
“There’s no doubt I would do better somewhere else. Can I transfer?” These feelings are common and usually subside.
Phase 7: You Can’t Go Home Again
This happens the first time a student goes home. They realize that life for the rest of the family goes on without them.
Phase 8: Primitive Coping Behavior
Well into the first semester, they have finally learned to use the library and hold a reasonably intelligent conversation. They are excited about learning.
Phase 9: Realization
Usually right before finals, they see the great amount of study time ahead of them and realize their future depends on their academic success.
Phase 10: Putting It All Together
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.
