Like everyone, my week was absolutely crazy.  I thought it might be good to document what it looked like. For an administrator in higher education that typically doesn't do anything 'fast' this past week made my head spin at times.

Shout out to www.marcyholder.com for being such a rock hair 'therapist' for me. Love ya, girl!

Summer 2020 plans- COVID-19 edition

Both new and continuing students:

• Do your homework regarding your risks in conjunction with your underlying health condition.
• If you haven’t done it already, find your in network providers (doctor, clinic, hospitals) nearby and how your student can get there.
• Work that builds highly valued skills
• Communication, problem solving, leadership, teamwork
• Volunteer
• Related to your career choice, have a goal to accomplish, potential resume builder
• Online classes at your college
• In  person classes at home
• Read

For the new admit

• Can you travel to get to campus or travel advisory?
• Check your universities website for plans to address anyone that won’t be able to make it to campus to start on time. Online offerings etc...check out my Pinterest board I created for my email subscribers. 

Continuing student

• Consider if you will be permitted to travel back home over summer
• If no, check with your university for options to...

What is dual credit?

Dual or concurrent credit is a course taught in high school that can earn a student both high school and college credit. It can be taught by highschool or college faculty but is almost always in the highschool setting.

How is it earned?

Students are offered the opportunity in highschool to participate in a dual credit course. There is typically a cost per credit hour associated with the course. Free and Reduced lunch students will generally get a fee waiver.

Who should take it?

Students that are already doing well in highschool…..students looking for a greater challenge….students considering college

Where can it be taken?

Many public and private institutions offer. 

When should it be taken?

Most regulations dictate not before the 8th grade.

Warnings:

Transferability and how it's used

150% of attempted credit ceiling

Bonus considerations:
Project Lead the Way 

other pathway or two plus two programs...

I'll go into some details that are most common in these programs.

There is some debate that the only draw to attend a face-to-face orientation in the summer is course registration. I would argue that. There is still a draw to attend Summer Orientation programs. Let’s review.

• Some are free while others may charge. ASK.
• one day, 1 ½ days, or two days almost always  in June/July:

1. the opportunity to get to meet your academic advisor in person to allow the start of a personal relationship.
2. Students may complete an information form prior to their advisor meeting. 
• strengths and weaknesses
• hobbies and interests
• what they're most looking forward to
• what they're most concerned about 
3.  includes helpful information 
   • Disability Resource center
   • Student Health (submit or upload immunizations)
   • Dean of Students
   • Student Success/Academic Success Center
   • Student organizations
   • IT help...student apps how tos.
   • Get ID card
   • co-rec
• Take placement exams for math...

 Talk about it before you drop them off

• • Start having those conversations about what life may look like while they are away.
  • They will be in charge of their own schedules and curfew.
  • Be honest with why you need/want communication
  • It’s a transition for you too
• You worry about their safety
• What is a frequency of calls for you both that would be comfortable?
• Your schedule
• Their schedule
• Make a video call
• See if room is a mess
• do they look sick, depressed
• are they taking care of themselves
• gauge depression/anxiety or other potential health concerns that isolation may be a symptom
• If you are best friend and it continues then they aren’t making friends there.
• Set agreed upon time-span without hearing from student before you will contact roommate, RA or dean of students.
• This way you are both on the same page with the elevation of concern
• Helps to keep student accountable
• Practice this now
• Pay attention to your words when discussing this
• Remove you...

If you have a student with a chronic illness these are the three things you have to do before dropping them off freshman year.

Three things to do before dropping off your student with a chronic illness.

1. Find a local healthcare provider

• Start with a referral from your current doctor. It’s always best to get a recommendation from them to help streamline care with the doctor on or near campus.
• Connect with parents of older students, a Parent Group from the university or local parent group unaffiliated with the university for recommendations.

2. Contact the disability center on campus

• Determine steps necessary to receive accommodations
• Work with doctor to determine what accommodations are appropriate
• Educate your student how to advocate for themselves
• to ensure accommodations are met
• To learn how to comfortably discuss their illness with faculty and advisors

3. Plan ahead

• Notify housing for illness that require consideration
• asthma/allergies
• Food...

 University Jargon podcast

Chronicle of Higher Education article July 2019

https://www.chronicle.com/article/Why-Do-We-Have-So-Many/246839

Great article talking about a UCLA post for First Year experience asking about any confusing or confounding terms. In a recent study of 455 colleges...[they] found 136 different terms for the same unsubsidized student loan. 

...first-generation students, who sometimes stumble in navigating the invisible rules and unspoken expectations often called colleges’ “hidden curriculum.” 
Incomprehensible lingo can “flare that impostor syndrome,” said Sarah Whitley, senior director of the Center for First-Generation Student Success at NASPA, a national student-affairs organization.  

Misunderstanding institutional language can lead to missteps — withdrawing after a deadline, for example, so students pay for credits they don’t receive.

Terms defined in show:

Commencement...