Page 18 - Washburn Unversity New Student Orientation

As a college student, it is important to take academics seriously and meet course expectations. High school is different from college, and to be successful, you should challenge yourself with good study skills. Washburn staff and faculty are eager to support (and challenge) you along your academic journey.
HIGH SCHOOL
COLLEGE
Teacher/Student Contact
Competition/ Grades
Status
Counseling/ Dependence
Motivation
Freedom
Distractions
Value Judgments
Contact closer and more frequent (five days a week).
Academic competition is not as strong; good grades can often be obtained with minimum effort.
Students establish a personal status in academic and social activities based on family and community factors.
Students can rely on parents, teachers and counselors to help make decisions and give advice. Students must abide by parents’ boundaries and restrictions.
Students get stimulation to achieve or participate from parents, teachers and counselors.
Students’ freedom is limited. Parents will often help students out of a crisis should one arise.
There are distractions from school, but these are partially controlled by school and home.
Students often make value judgments based on parental values; thus, many of their value judgments are made for them.
Faculty are available during office hours (only a few hours a week) and by appointment to address students’ concerns.
Academic competition is much stronger; minimum effort may produce poor grades.
Students can build their status as they wish; high school status can be repeated or changed.
Students rely on themselves; they see the results of making their own decisions. It is their responsibility to seek advice as needed. Students set their own restrictions.
Students apply their own motivation to their work and activities as they wish.
Students have much more freedom. Students must accept responsibility for their own actions.
The opportunity for more distractions exists. Time management will become more important to students.
Students have the opportunity to see the world through their own eyes and develop their own opinions and values.
Mullendore, R.H., & Hatch, C. (2000). Helping Your First-Year College Student Succeed: A Guide For Parents. Columbia, SC: University of South Carolina, National Resource Center for the First- Year Experience and Students in Transition. All rights reserved.
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
Be curious about learning, don’t hesitate to ask questions and take advantage of our academic resources (e.g., Tutoring & Writing Center, Academic Advising, Mabee Library, faculty office hours).
ORIENTATION 16