July 2009
The Enlightened
Parent
A welcome message from the
Student Experience Office
Inside this issue:
Parent do’s
P.3
Academic and finan­
cial resources
P.3
P.4
On­ and Off­Campus
housing
P.6
Important registration P. 2
dates
Orientation and visit­
ing campus
P.5
Being prepared!
P.3
FAQ
P.7
Special points of interest:
· CU service spotlight
· A parent’s perspective
· Featured student and
saculty
· Helpful links and re­
sources
· A message from the Stu­
dent Experience Office
· The transition from high
hchool
It is my great
pleasure to wel­
come you to the
Carleton community and the
Student Experience Office.
Our Enlightened Parent
Newsletter is designed to
provide you with the informa­
tion you may need to start
your student off on a success­
ful academic experience.
Whether this is your first child
or whether you are a sea­
soned expert, attending uni­
versity can be a difficult tran­
sition for both the student and
the parents. It is very likely
the first of many life­changing
journeys your student will
embark on.
As a parent, you will al­
ways worry how your child is
doing, whether they are
adapting, making friends,
becoming involved on cam­
pus. And as each child is dif­
ferent, so are their needs and
expectations.
At Carleton, we have a
wide range of student ser­
vices and resources on cam­
pus to help your child suc­
ceed academically, person­
ally, and professionally and
the Student Experience Office
is your students’ first stop
when they arrive at Carleton.
From Orientation activities, to
leadership programs, there is
a lot available to help your
child get involved in the
Carleton and Ottawa commu­
nity.
6 for our Parent Reception
where you will have the op­
portunity to meet with fac­
ulty, staff and other parents.
Wishing you a great summer,
Jan Patterson,
Manager
Student Experience Office
To welcome you to the
Carleton community, the Stu­
dent Experience Office and
the Department of University
Advancement invite you to
join us on Sunday, September
Saying goodbye
University can be life chang­
ing for both students and
their families. For some stu­
dents, this is their first time
moving away, living away
from home, and experienc­
ing independence and self­
exploration. Fostering the
transition and adjustments to
a new academic journey is
important towards a stu­
dent’s successful academic
experience. Parents play a
key role in the academic suc­
cess of students. Carleton
University understands that
parents may be feeling ex­
cited and anxious about their
student attending university.
The Student Experience Of­
fice is dedicated to relieve
these emotions and helps
both parents and students
make a successful transition.
Carleton University offers a
network of support systems
which will be highlighted
throughout The Enlightened
Parent newsletters. It is time to
let the baby bird fly out of the
nest.
Page 2
The Enlightened Parent
CU spotlight! Featured student
Kristina
2nd Year Bachelor of Science, Major: Neuroscience
Hometown: Kanata
Q: How did your relationship change with your parents in your
first year at Carleton? Honestly, I did still call my mom everyday
but overall I did become much more independent. I lived in resi­
dence so I saw my parents less often. When you have no one
watching over you, you have to monitor your own behavior. My
parents weren’t there to tell me I had to do my homework or be in
bed by a certain time so I was able to develop time management
skills.
Q: What is the biggest difference between high school and uni­
versity? The biggest difference is the amount of independence
you gain. It can be a difficult adjustment when you have nobody
checking to make sure you are in class or that you have completed
an assignment on time. I also had to learn how to balance all of my
classes and still make sure I took time for myself. I don’t think there
is anyone who immediately can balance classes and extracurricu­
lar activities. I wasn’t fully able to manage everything until my sec­
ond semester.
Q: What is your favorite service offered by Carleton Univer­
sity? The Science Student Success Centre (SSSC) which is partnered with
the Student Academic Success Centre. They really helped me learn ap­
propriate study habits for my science courses like how to approach multi­
ple choice exams and organizing my notes based on my learning style.
The skills I learned with SSSC ultimately helped me to feel less over­
whelmed and I was able to find a balance between academics and my
personal life.
Q: Did you find it difficult to get involved and meet new people?
I came from a very small high school where I was always involved so com­
ing to university where everything is larger seemed intimidating. At first I
felt that as a first year student I wouldn’t have much opportunity to get
involved but I learned early that a first year student’s view is just as im­
portant as a fourth year student’s view. The most important thing is to try
new experiences and have an open mind. There are so many opportuni­
ties to get involved, you just have to find something that interests you.
Q: What advice do you have for first year students? It is really impor­
tant to focus on something outside of classes. Although their schedule may
seem too demanding, students need to remember to take time for them­
selves and focus on something they enjoy, such as joining one of the many
clubs on campus, playing intramurals or being with friends. Taking time
for yourself gives students a much deserved break and allows them to
relieve stress and focus on academics when its most important.
Important dates and deadlines
June 24 ­ Carleton Central open for registration
July 3, 10, 17, 24 ­ Experience Residence at CU
July 3, 4 – Open Orientation Sessions
Faculty Specific Orientation Sessions:
July 6 – Sprott School of Business
July 7 – Faculty of Science
July 8 – Faculty of Engineering
July 9 – Faculty of Public Affairs
July 10 – Faculty of Arts and Social Science
July 11 – Open Orientation Session
July 15 – Cancelation of residence offer receives a refund
of $350.00
July 16­ No longer eligible for residence cancellation
refund
July 16 – Mature, Transfer, and Special students Orienta­
tion Session
July 17, 18 – Open Orientation Session
July 23 – First Generation Orientation Session
July 24, 25, 31 – Open Orientation Session
Aug 1, 8, 15 ­ Open Orientation Session
Aug 16 ­ First installment of entrance scholarships are
automatically applied to tuition fees
Aug 22, 23 ­ Off Campus Commuter Connection (O3C)
Aug 31 – Tuition payments due without late fees
Sept 5, 6 – Move In Weekend (Residence)
Sept 6 ­ Ravenspalooza
Sept 6 ­ Parent Reception 5:00pm­8:00pm
Sept 6 to 12 – Orientation Week (aka Frosh week)
Sept 7 ­ Labor Day (university closed)
Sept 9 ­ Academic Orientation Day
Sept 10 ­ Classes Begin
·
·
·
Registration Dates
·
First day of Classes
Orientation Sessons
Payment Deadlines
Sept 16 ­ IKEA student madness
Sept 23 – Last day for fall/winter term registration
Sept 26 ­ Carleton serves
Sept 30 ­ Last day to withdraw from course with a full fee refund
Oct 6, 7 ­ Career Expo
Oct 8 ­ Opt Out for dental and health plan deadline
Oct 9 ­ 12 ­ Thanksgiving weekend
Nov 16 ­ Last day to withdraw from fall course (without refund)
The Enlightened Parent
Page 3
CU spotlight! Featured service: Student Academic Success Centre
The Student Academic Success Centre
(SASC) serves to support students and
help students identify and reach their
academic goals. SASC offers academic
advising that can assist students with
study skills, choosing a major and minor
develop improvement plans, and more.
It also provides learning support ser­
vices (LSS) such as time management,
note taking, active reading, stress and
exam prep workshops. The LSS provides
a tutor referral service and Writing Tuto­
rial Service that assists students with the
academic writing process. SASC also
coordinates Peer Assisted Student Ses­
sions (PASS) that provide students in
selected undergraduate courses with
support sessions that helps students un­
derstand course materials and readings.
The sessions are directed by upper year
facilitators and are generally lead by an
interactive student discussion. PASS is a
great way to review course material,
meet other students in the class, and
increase your grade. SASC advisors can
also assist students with first year regis­
tration, help calculate grade point aver­
ages, read an audit, and ensure that a
student is on the right track to gradua­
tion. SASC provides sessions and 10 tips
series for new students, writing essays,
time management, critical thinking, de­
veloping study skills, avoiding pro­
crastination, etc. SASC provides ongo­
ing support and assistance to students
in all years and all programs who
thrive to succeed in their education.
SASC provides ease to parents re­
garding academic concerns for their
students. For more information please
refer to carleton.ca/sasc or call 613­
520­7850.
How to prepare your student academically, emotionally and financially
Your son or daughter has been ac­
cepted into an academic journey start­
ing this fall! This is an enormous accom­
plishment and a proud moment. By be­
ing an encouraging and supportive par­
ent, your student will experience a posi­
tive transition into the next four years of
their life. To help prepare your student
academically, ensure that they are on
the right track! Meeting with first year
registration assistance, academic
advisors, and student success centers
Carleton resources
can ensure that your student is taking an
appropriate course load and the re­
quired courses to send them on their
way to graduation. Help your student
devise a month budget plan with their
savings for the entire year. This will
allow them to plan how much of their
income is devoted to education and
personal expenses. Throughout the
summer, give your student responsi­
bilities and freedom. This will allow
them to start making their own deci­
sions to ensure they are on a healthy
path to successful education. Being
supportive and encouraging is es­
sential for a smooth transition.
Parent Do’s:
·
Do get involved and take advantage of
resources
·
Do get to know Carleton’s policies and
procedures
·
Do keep in contact with your student
·
Do encourage your child to get involved
·
Do attend Summer Orientation
·
Do encourage indepedance and self
discovery
Paul Menton Centre ­ coordination and
integration of academic accommodations
Registrars Office ­ assistance when regis­ and support services for student with visi­
tering for courses, produces transcripts and ble and non visible disabilities. 613­520­
certificates of enrollment, processes RESP
6608 [email protected]
forms, resets Carleton Central pins, man­
Awards and Financial Aid Office ­ proc­
ages student files/records.
ess scholarships and OSAP funding,
613­520­3500 [email protected]
budgeting resources. 613­520­3560
Housing ­ residence inquiries, promote
Student Experience Office ­ provide a
positive housing experience, room
positive transition and engagement op­
changes, off­campus housing listings.
portunities for students.
613­520­5612 [email protected] 613­520­7595 [email protected]
Student Academic Success Centre/
Learning Support Services ­ provides
study skills appointments and academic
workshops, first year registration assis­
tance, tutor referral, writing tutorial
service , academic planning.
SASC 613­520­7850 [email protected]
LSS 613­520­2600 ext.1869 learningsup­
[email protected]
Campus Card ­ activate campus cards,
bus pass photos, student plans.
613­520­3547 [email protected]
Page 4
The Enlightened Parent
CU spotlight! Featured faculty member
Chris Motz , Depart­
ment of Psychology,
Q: What advice do
you have for first year
students and parents?
This is an exciting time
for parents as well as students – it is a
transition for both. The parents, as well
as the students, may have conflicting
emotions about the transition to univer­
sity. The student will want support (I’m
referring to emotional support!) and
encouragement. But at the same time,
the student is making that transition into
greater independence. Thus, the stu­
dent would most likely appreciate sup­
port and guidance, balanced with allow­
ing them the freedom to find their own
path. This includes recognizing that
they will make mistakes and change
their mind, and this is not the end of the
world.
Q: What do you hope students will
take with them from you and your
courses? I do try to foster an under­
standing and appreciation of all of the
diversity in the human experience. I
hope the course will help us to better un­
derstand ourselves and the people
around us. But I also hope that the student
takes away a sense of accomplishment. I
try to set up the course as an intellectual
challenge, and I try to support their learn­
ing along the way. Thus, when they fin­
ish, they can look back with a sense of
pride in what they have accomplished. If
you think of the university experience as
an opportunity to gain exposure to a vari­
ety of new ways of thinking, instead of just
focusing on marks, then you will find en­
joyment in your learning. And in the long
run, this approach will translate into bet­
ter academic success.
fice hours. Bring a list of questions. I am
here to help you master the course con­
tent, and I really do enjoy working
through a problem with a student. I also
provide material on academic success
through my course web site; this informa­
tion is there to help, provided that the
student is willing to take the time to read.
In addition, I promote our Student Aca­
demic Success Centre here on campus.
The Centre offers really amazing support
on a wide variety of topics related to aca­
demic success.
Q: How do you ensure a successful
transition for first year students? Rec­
ognizing that this transition is important.
In class, we talk a bit about the change in
academic style and the transfer of respon­
Q: What can you recommend if a stu­
dent is struggling in a class? One of the sibility to the student. I also make an at­
big problems that I run into with strug­
tempt to provide additional opportunities
gling students is that they avoid the issue. for students to get help – from me, from
If you are having trouble with the course other students, and from academic sup­
content, talk to someone, and do it proac­ port staff. Another factor that will really
tively. Come and visit your professor, or help a first year student adjust to their
your Teaching Assistant, during their of­ new environment is for them to get in­
volved with their university.
Investing in the future!
The cost in the investment of education for a first year student
averages to be around $16,585 (depending on whether the
student is on­ or off­campus). Tuition, room and board, per­
sonal expenses, transportation, and books/supplies are all
areas to be considered. There are several sources of income
to finance education. This includes scholarships and bur­
saries. Scholarships are based on academic merit while bur­
saries are based on financial need. The Student Experience
Office offers the First­in­family program contributing mone­
tary value to students who are first in their family to attend a
post secondary institution. These sources of income do not
have to be repaid. OSAP and bank loans also serve as finan­
cial aid. These are based on financial need and are repaid.
OSAP serves as a government loan, interest free, until a stu­
dent is no longer full time and registered with post secondary
education. When applying for OSAP, apply early and apply
Funding
1.
2.
3.
4.
Scholarships and Bursaries
OSAP
Bank Loans
Part Time Work
online! This will avoid incurring late fees on tuition and allows
the financial office at Carleton to process it for September. An­
other source of income includes part­time employment. Em­
ployment opportunities can be found at the Career Develop­
ment and Cooperative Education office or online at myCareer.
It is recommended that part­time employment not exceed 15
hours for a full­time student.
For more information on financial services, awards and scholar­
ships, please refer to: carleton.ca/awards. For more informa­
tion on part time employment and opportunities, refer to: carle­
ton.ca/cdce. For more information on OSAP, refer to:
osap.gov.on.ca. For more information on the First­in­family pro­
gram, refer to: carleton.ca/admissions/first_in_family.php or
email [email protected].
Page 5
The Enlightened Parent
CU spotlight! Featured faculty
excellence. Internships and co­op
options are available to link students
into the community. Students have the
opportunities to work with companies
such as Cisco, National Research
Council of Canada, Industry Canada’s
Communication Research Centre and
many more. The Faculty of Engineer­
ing and Design has specific under­
graduate academic support available
to students, including Math Matters
which helps students transition into
university level math. Engineering
and Design also has their own orienta­
tion week called EngFrosh which in­
Faculty of Engineering and Design
The Faculty of Engineering and Design
is an accredited program designed for
students interested in engineering, ar­
chitecture, industrial design and infor­
mation technology. In first year, the
faculty of engineering generally has 15
hours of class plus 15 hours of labs, and
then additional required course work
and readings. Engineering offers pro­
grams in aerospace, communications,
environmental, mechanical, civil, man­
agement and more. Engineering and
design has a long­standing reputation of
cludes white water rafting, boat races,
and games. This gives first year engi­
neering and design students a chance
to meet other students in their program
and get involved at Carleton University.
A parent’s perspective
Darlene, Long distance parent of two
Carleton University students (BA and
BEng), As a parent, I want my children to
experience a safe, friendly, comfortable
and balanced environment. It is important
that universities communicate to students
about the resources that are available
especially in first year. I think that it is
important to professors to encourage stu­
dents to approach them and offer clarifi­
cation and guidance when needed. It is
important that universities also provide
students with both academic and engag­
ing opportunities to develop the life skills
needed. It is important that universities
provide counseling and guidance through­
out all years to ensure a successful gradua­
tion and help students with their next steps
in their studies (i.e. graduate school).
Throughout the past few years, I have
learned that Carleton makes my children
feel like special people, rather than a num­
ber, and provides support in a comforting
manner. The most difficult part is being a
long distance parent when my child is
struggling, although I have experienced
that Carleton’s services provide caring
support in difficult and stressful times. In
my experience, Carleton University
has provided flexibility with my family
especially in community disruptions
(i.e. the transit strike) where transpor­
tation was provided by Carleton at no
cost to struggling students. Carleton
has made my student’s experience
easier and pleasant and I look forward
for my second student to start his first
year in the fall!
What to expect from Summer Orientation sessions?
Summer Orientation sessions give students
and parents an introduction to the first year
experience. Orientation sessions provide
families with an overview of services avail­
able and includes a tour of the campus. Ori­
entation will help you and your student
make decisions and navigate your options.
Students will also have the opportunity to
receive one­on­one assistance with regis­
tration (but are encouraged to register ac­
cording to their time ticket), pick up their
campus card, meet upper year students, as
well as future classmates in other programs
and explore Canada’s Capital city. If you
have already attended Orientation, Step
two is to finalize housing and financial ar­
“ Carleton makes my children feel
like special people, rather than a
number, ” Parent of two CU
students
rangements, and register for Fall
Orientation week which begins Sep­
tember 5, 2009. For additional first
year preparation, visit an academic
advisor in SASC to set up goals for a
successful year!
Page 6
The Enlightened Parent
Student housing ­ the basics: What you want to know!
On­Campus Living in residence is a
convenient and safe place to call home.
It is a great way to get involved and
meet other students. Residence consists
of two living styles, traditional and
suites, and they all come furnished.
Students also have the option to live in a
single or double room if available.
Room assignments can be based on
age, faculty, and answers to the per­
sonal questionnaire. Residence also has
a combination of meal plans to meet all
dietary needs. The 24/7 desk staff pro­
vide students with information and help
throughout the year. Residence is also
accessible to both buses and the O­
train.
Be sure to read over a tenants rights
and responsibilities and the lease
agreement carefully. Always ask for
receipts especially when writing a
check or paying cash. Listings are
available on carleton.ca/housing.
Living at home Living at home can be
a rewarding and challenging experi­
ence. When students are living at
home, communication is more open
and parents are able to provide first
hand support for their students. There
are also challenges that come with liv­
ing at home, such as too much or too
little freedom and responsibilities. Be
sure to encourage your student to get
involved!
Off­Campus The Department of Housing
and Conference Services provides ser­
vices to help students find off­campus
housing. When looking for housing, re­
search areas that are closest to the uni­
versity and accessible transportation. The
Glebe and Hogs Back are both areas sur­
rounding the university. Start looking for
housing as soon as possible due to the
large student population in Ottawa. Ask
question such as:
How much is rent? Are utilities included?
Is a deposit required? What is the tenant
responsible for and what is the landlord
responsible for? What is the proximity to
campus? Is parking available? Is it fur­
nished? Is the building up to standards?
Transitioning from high school to university… What’s the difference?
·
·
·
Classes, campus, and student
population are much larger in
university than in high school.
In university, students are re­
sponsible for seeking registration
advice and academic assistance.
Students are also responsible for
completing assignments on time
and time management.
University is taught through a
lecturing style and it is the stu­
dents responsibility to keep on
track and make up missed
classes.
and decisions in university.
·
Students dedicate more time to
·
preparation, reading, and studying.
·
In university, most lecture material
is to be studied and read before the
lecture begins.
A student will generally not be told
if they are lacking skills or falling
behind. It is the students responsi­
bility to ensure they are seeking out
extra help and are on the right path.
·
Grades are usually based on exams
and fewer assignments.
·
Continuation requirements need to
be achieved in order to continue on
with a desired program of study.
·
Students need to be more inde­
pendent and make more choices
·
In university, students need to make
the most out of resources and the
library.
·
·
·
·
·
Larger classes
More preparation
Time Management
Less Assignments
Multiple Choice Exams
Your student’s safety on campus
Carleton University Student Emergency Re­
sponse Team (CUSERT) provides 24/7 emer­
gency medical response on campus. The
CUSERT team is highly trained in first aid and
has access to standard supplies and equip­
ment. Volunteer opportunities for students are
available. CUSERT provides fast responses to
anywhere on campus and is part of Carleton’s
Department of Safety. The Department of Univer­
sity Safety offers free women’s self defense train­
ing, a free “check in” service for students who
are working late on campus/after hours, help/
assistance phones, lights, and cameras, as well as
24/7 staff . CUSA’s Foot patrol service offers a
safe walk home to anywhere on campus and
within a 30 minute radius off campus.
The Enlightened Parent
Online Resources
http://www.ottawatourism.ca
SEO ­ We’re here to
Help!
http://www.carleton.ca/cuparents
http://www.ottawacitizen.ca
carleton.ca/seo
613­520­7595
430 Tory Building
Hours 8:30­4:30
[email protected]
Staff:
Jan Patterson, Manager
Joe Lipsett, Serivice
Learning and Leadership
Coordinator
Jeremy Brzozowski,
Student Development and
First Year Coordinator
http://www.usedottawa.com
http://www.ottawamuseums.com
http://www.ottawa.ca
http://www.education.com/topic/college­transition/
We’re on the web!
carleton.ca/cuparents
Find our Facebook Group!
“Linking Parents to Parents at
Carleton University”
Special Thanks to Professor Chris Motz
FAQ
What can I do from a distance if my
student is struggling academically?
If your student is struggling academi­
cally, suggest they see an academic advi­
sor at the Student Academic Success
Centre. You can also make a plan with
your student and set goals on how to im­
prove.
What can I do from a distance if my
student is struggling emotionally?
Keep in touch with your student and be
open to listen. Act as a mentor. Keep the
lines of communication open. Suggest a
visit to Health and Counselling Services
or the library for “stress relieving” tips.
Suggest to your student extracurricular
activities that can keep their mind off
studies temporarily. This could include
dance classes or joining a soccer intra­
mural club. The most important is to be
available and supportive.
How can I ensure my student is safe
on campus?
Get to know the services available to en­
sure your student’s safety. Carleton offers
a network of safety services including Foot
Patrol, Working after Hours, Safe Paths
and Assistance phones. For information
visit, carleton.ca/safety
Why am I unable to see my students
academic records and access registra­
tion?
Carleton abides by the Freedom of Informa­
tion and Protection of Privacy Act. This en­
sures the protection of all student’s personal
information. Discuss with your student about
signing a Third Party Release Form, if this is
something of interest to the both of you. For
more information visit, carleton.ca/fippa
How can I get involved in my students
education?
Attend the Parent Reception on Septem­
ber 6 and make visits to Ottawa. Attend a
lecture hosted by Carleton Alumni Asso­
ciation or donate to the Parents Cam­
paign.
What can I do if my child is feeling
homesick?
Send your child mail, cookies, hometown
news, or some of their favorite things to re­
mind them of home. Keep in contact regu­
larly.