Sep 15, 2008
The Perfect Gift
Relatives Beware:
This is what can happen when a UT Freshman Christmas Shops!
• • •
Sep 7, 2008
Long Overdue Blog Update
I can't believe not only is freshman year over but so is the summer and several weeks of sophomore year. Freshman parents beware! the clock and calendar move at mach speed once your youngest enters college. Sophomore year "move in" and parent departure is a bit easier since your student has gained a first year confidence that is both amazing and a bit bittersweet. This year's "move in" was to Laurel Hall rather than Hess. Faith has, not only her own room almost as big as the one she shared last year, but also has a living area, small kitchen, and a bath to share with her roommate. The added amenities came with a price, of course, as most things in college do. Faith misses the central location of Hess, it's close proximity to the art department and communications building, and believe it or not living with her roomate from last year's fiasco#1, now her best friend at UT. I miss the security of knowing she was only a few steps from the safety of the dorm and every parent fears the reputation of the Fort area just a bit. But after visiting this weekend I was reassured by the University's committment to improving the reputation of the area and the safety of the young women living at Laurel. Police presence was heavy and the new lighting and security poles were reassuring. But as all mom's with adult children, I gave the usual personal safety reminders to Faith to reassure myself.
Our visit this weekend was great! She has "settled in" to classes, work, and the new dorm and loves having a "bigger place". We had a great time at the Knoxville shopping venues. Like many others, Turkey Creek is like a magnet to us. We gravitate in that direction whenever I go for a visit without Faith's Dad. We also had to stop by Serendipity, Kroger (as always) and Jerry's Artarama. I wanted to see Jerry's in person just to see where I was invested via VISA card. Attention any art major parents!---textbooks aren't the biggest extra for art majors. We capped off the visit with a great meal at Bonefish Grill and breakfast at Cracker Barrel. I left her around noon today in the breezeway at Laurel Hall to make the 5 hour plus drive home.---10 hours of drive for less than 24 hours of visit but it was well worth it!! It will probably be Fall Break before I see her again. I miss her already. No fiascos only highlights for now.
Our visit this weekend was great! She has "settled in" to classes, work, and the new dorm and loves having a "bigger place". We had a great time at the Knoxville shopping venues. Like many others, Turkey Creek is like a magnet to us. We gravitate in that direction whenever I go for a visit without Faith's Dad. We also had to stop by Serendipity, Kroger (as always) and Jerry's Artarama. I wanted to see Jerry's in person just to see where I was invested via VISA card. Attention any art major parents!---textbooks aren't the biggest extra for art majors. We capped off the visit with a great meal at Bonefish Grill and breakfast at Cracker Barrel. I left her around noon today in the breezeway at Laurel Hall to make the 5 hour plus drive home.---10 hours of drive for less than 24 hours of visit but it was well worth it!! It will probably be Fall Break before I see her again. I miss her already. No fiascos only highlights for now.
• • •
Feb 22, 2008
• • •
Feb 14, 2008
Another Fiasco and Highlights
Faith and I continue to try to think of the most valuable experiences to share with incoming freshmen and parents. There are so many unpublished things to learn!
Fiasco #3: Advisement Procedures.
If you have a specialized major, beware. Faith's intended major (Graphic Design) is classified in the Department of Arts and Sciences, but has requirements of which apparently some advisors in the Arts and Sciences are unaware. Consequently, she is often sent from Arts and Sciences to the Art Department, then back again, and so forth. Quite the lesson in frustration for unsuspecting freshmen. Parents of course have two levels of concern. One - we want our children to experience only so much frustration in one day's time, but truthfully, reason two is always a recurring theme with most parents. Reason Two - the overwhelming fear of paying the bill for unnecessary coursework-- A lesson I learned with Faith's older sister's fascination with psychology courses while completing a very structured engineering program at Tennessee Tech. Parent's Motto: One must graduate the same semester the lottery money and academic scholarships run out!
Constantly seeking information regarding the unwritten rules or for finding the secret society of class scheduling, Faith learned of an art major meeting while in one of her art classes from other students. When she asked someone in advisement if she should attend, she was told "go if you want". At the meeting she learned meeting attendance was the only way to gain admittance to her required art classes. We're not sure how she was supposed to have known this, but once again things worked out and we think she is taking the classes she needs. Lesson learned from Fiasco #3: Polite persistence MUST be a freshman's talent or quickly acquired skill. Freshmen planning to attend a university the size of UT must be ready to ask questions, read handbooks, notice signs, go to meetings (even if not required!), and be willing to self-advocate and carve a niche for themselves. Until freshmen learn the ropes, an active approach to creating your own academic success is important. Parents, when you get the phone call of despair and frustration, assure your student "there is no problem so great that it can not be solved" with inquiry and polite persistence!! Faith composed a list of common student pitfalls of which to be aware.
Faith's list of common Myths of Advisement which freshman and parents should be aware:
1. I can just walk in, anytime, and get advised.
Never wait for someone to tell you that you need to be advised (for subsequent semesters after the first one which is advised and completed at freshman orientation). The sooner you call and make your appointment the better. Faith was told through her sorority's academic chair to call as soon as she could to make her appointment, which she did in September and February and avoided a lot of hassle. You can't walk in at any time and expect to have your needs met, so call your department (arts and sciences, business, etc) and make a date to discuss your options for the following semester. The longer you put it off, the more you risk having to wait in long lines and endure a stressful situation when all the time slots are filled and everyone on campus realizes they have waited too long.
2. I can skip advisement all together.
To be able to register for classes the following semester, you must have a slip signed by your advisor allowing you to do so. So just go do it!
3. I don't have to worry about what I'm taking or my plans for next semester, the advisor will do all the work.
When meeting with your advisor BE WELL PREPARED. Before you go, sit down with your UNDERGRADUATE CATALOG (your new best friend) and determine the classes required for your major, courses you're interested in taking, and even map out a general idea of how your schedules could go for the next few semesters. I guarantee you will find you have a lot of questions once you get started, so remember those for your advisor. Also remember: The advisor doesn't make your schedule. YOU make YOUR schedule. So be informed about your academic future and act like you care that you're here to get a degree.
4. Someone told me I couldn't be advised when I wanted to be advised.
No one can tell you that you cannot have advisement when you need it. If anyone tries to tell you that you can't, look up any advisor in your department and call them. In the end, as with most things, you will get out of advisement what you put into it. End of Faith's List.
Since Faith sent me this list she attended a group advisement session for next semester. She was the only student to show up. Needless to say she received lots of individual attention and got all her questions answered!! Only thing is-- there are some unsuspecting freshmen and parents out there that may not realize an unexpected and maybe even expensive fiasco is in their near future.
Before I close, I must leave a highlight:
I am very proud of my freshman, her accomplishments, and how quickly she is learning to step up with polite persistence (if you just read her list, I bet you can see it too!). I always feel a great amount of pride and satisfaction when asked what Faith is doing. I love telling folks she is a graphic art major at UT. When asked if she is homesick, I say, "Sometimes, but she loves UT. She loves her roommate, she enjoys her classes, and is experiencing college away from home. She really can't imagine herself anywhere else. I think . . . "that's as good as it gets."
Fiasco #3: Advisement Procedures.
If you have a specialized major, beware. Faith's intended major (Graphic Design) is classified in the Department of Arts and Sciences, but has requirements of which apparently some advisors in the Arts and Sciences are unaware. Consequently, she is often sent from Arts and Sciences to the Art Department, then back again, and so forth. Quite the lesson in frustration for unsuspecting freshmen. Parents of course have two levels of concern. One - we want our children to experience only so much frustration in one day's time, but truthfully, reason two is always a recurring theme with most parents. Reason Two - the overwhelming fear of paying the bill for unnecessary coursework-- A lesson I learned with Faith's older sister's fascination with psychology courses while completing a very structured engineering program at Tennessee Tech. Parent's Motto: One must graduate the same semester the lottery money and academic scholarships run out!
Constantly seeking information regarding the unwritten rules or for finding the secret society of class scheduling, Faith learned of an art major meeting while in one of her art classes from other students. When she asked someone in advisement if she should attend, she was told "go if you want". At the meeting she learned meeting attendance was the only way to gain admittance to her required art classes. We're not sure how she was supposed to have known this, but once again things worked out and we think she is taking the classes she needs. Lesson learned from Fiasco #3: Polite persistence MUST be a freshman's talent or quickly acquired skill. Freshmen planning to attend a university the size of UT must be ready to ask questions, read handbooks, notice signs, go to meetings (even if not required!), and be willing to self-advocate and carve a niche for themselves. Until freshmen learn the ropes, an active approach to creating your own academic success is important. Parents, when you get the phone call of despair and frustration, assure your student "there is no problem so great that it can not be solved" with inquiry and polite persistence!! Faith composed a list of common student pitfalls of which to be aware.
Faith's list of common Myths of Advisement which freshman and parents should be aware:
1. I can just walk in, anytime, and get advised.
Never wait for someone to tell you that you need to be advised (for subsequent semesters after the first one which is advised and completed at freshman orientation). The sooner you call and make your appointment the better. Faith was told through her sorority's academic chair to call as soon as she could to make her appointment, which she did in September and February and avoided a lot of hassle. You can't walk in at any time and expect to have your needs met, so call your department (arts and sciences, business, etc) and make a date to discuss your options for the following semester. The longer you put it off, the more you risk having to wait in long lines and endure a stressful situation when all the time slots are filled and everyone on campus realizes they have waited too long.
2. I can skip advisement all together.
To be able to register for classes the following semester, you must have a slip signed by your advisor allowing you to do so. So just go do it!
3. I don't have to worry about what I'm taking or my plans for next semester, the advisor will do all the work.
When meeting with your advisor BE WELL PREPARED. Before you go, sit down with your UNDERGRADUATE CATALOG (your new best friend) and determine the classes required for your major, courses you're interested in taking, and even map out a general idea of how your schedules could go for the next few semesters. I guarantee you will find you have a lot of questions once you get started, so remember those for your advisor. Also remember: The advisor doesn't make your schedule. YOU make YOUR schedule. So be informed about your academic future and act like you care that you're here to get a degree.
4. Someone told me I couldn't be advised when I wanted to be advised.
No one can tell you that you cannot have advisement when you need it. If anyone tries to tell you that you can't, look up any advisor in your department and call them. In the end, as with most things, you will get out of advisement what you put into it. End of Faith's List.
Since Faith sent me this list she attended a group advisement session for next semester. She was the only student to show up. Needless to say she received lots of individual attention and got all her questions answered!! Only thing is-- there are some unsuspecting freshmen and parents out there that may not realize an unexpected and maybe even expensive fiasco is in their near future.
Before I close, I must leave a highlight:
I am very proud of my freshman, her accomplishments, and how quickly she is learning to step up with polite persistence (if you just read her list, I bet you can see it too!). I always feel a great amount of pride and satisfaction when asked what Faith is doing. I love telling folks she is a graphic art major at UT. When asked if she is homesick, I say, "Sometimes, but she loves UT. She loves her roommate, she enjoys her classes, and is experiencing college away from home. She really can't imagine herself anywhere else. I think . . . "that's as good as it gets."
• • •
Feb 3, 2008
Parent Weekend
UT Parent Weekend
Fall 2007
Me and Faith at the Delta Zeta Tailgate Event.
• • •
Jan 27, 2008
Highlights and Fiascos
This is my very first blogging experience. I had no thought of doing such a thing until asked by UT admissions to contribute to a blog for freshman parents. Since we are now into second semester I will reflect briefly on first semester highlights and fiascos. Since Faith, my UT freshman, is my youngest, her Dad and I are faced with "empty nest" as well as having a child over 5 hours away and in a different time zone. Even though I miss Faith, she is having a good year and doing exactly what she has wanted to do by attending UT and experiencing college life away from home.
Fiasco #1:
Overflow waitlisted for housing. If you are a prospective freshman or freshman parent and you have not applied for housing yet, you are sure to experience Fiasco#1. You will most probably get a room assignment right after you decide you (the student) or worse for parents; your child will be living in a car! In our case, Faith received her room assignment in a Presidential dorm, met her roommate on myspace, etc.--all set, right?? Three days before leaving for Knoxville, we received the dreaded letter from Residential Life--assignment change to Hess with the dreaded community bath and unknown roommate. Long story, short--Faith loves Hess, 2 minute walk to the Art Department, (community bath--not so bad) and she and her roommate are now great friends. Fiasco #1 averted.
Fiasco #2:
The inevitable and notorious parking situation. Learning the art of campus parking can be a frustrating and expensive lesson. Even the most cautious student will probably get a ticket. My advice to incoming freshman: study your parking map, watch the signs, know that yellow lines are restrictive and white lines are permissive, and know your windows of opportunity--park early on Sunday afternoon. Arriving late on Sunday night is a set up for Fiasco #2. Advice to parents: be ready for the phone call regarding tickets, "boots", and even a tow the first couple of weeks. The campus folks are more sympathetic than the private lots. I think some of the organizations and private lots make their signs unnoticeable or with vague restriction language so unsuspecting freshman will pay the upkeep for the lots. Long story short--after two tickets and a "boot", we've adjusted to Fiasco #2. Remember incoming Freshmen, if you don't see a white line on both sides of your vehicle Fiasco #2 may be your next call home.
Highlights of Semester 1:
1-Finding your little girl's sorority bid day photos on Boppspot.com.
2-Discovering you are actually talking to your child more than you did when she was at home and she actually seems to enjoy the conversations.
3-Dirty laundry shortage.
4-Parent weekend on the UT campus.
5-Despite all the adjustments and sometimes frustrations, your child is fulfilling the dream.
6-The hugs and excitement of home visits and holidays.
Fiasco #1:
Overflow waitlisted for housing. If you are a prospective freshman or freshman parent and you have not applied for housing yet, you are sure to experience Fiasco#1. You will most probably get a room assignment right after you decide you (the student) or worse for parents; your child will be living in a car! In our case, Faith received her room assignment in a Presidential dorm, met her roommate on myspace, etc.--all set, right?? Three days before leaving for Knoxville, we received the dreaded letter from Residential Life--assignment change to Hess with the dreaded community bath and unknown roommate. Long story, short--Faith loves Hess, 2 minute walk to the Art Department, (community bath--not so bad) and she and her roommate are now great friends. Fiasco #1 averted.
Fiasco #2:
The inevitable and notorious parking situation. Learning the art of campus parking can be a frustrating and expensive lesson. Even the most cautious student will probably get a ticket. My advice to incoming freshman: study your parking map, watch the signs, know that yellow lines are restrictive and white lines are permissive, and know your windows of opportunity--park early on Sunday afternoon. Arriving late on Sunday night is a set up for Fiasco #2. Advice to parents: be ready for the phone call regarding tickets, "boots", and even a tow the first couple of weeks. The campus folks are more sympathetic than the private lots. I think some of the organizations and private lots make their signs unnoticeable or with vague restriction language so unsuspecting freshman will pay the upkeep for the lots. Long story short--after two tickets and a "boot", we've adjusted to Fiasco #2. Remember incoming Freshmen, if you don't see a white line on both sides of your vehicle Fiasco #2 may be your next call home.
Highlights of Semester 1:
1-Finding your little girl's sorority bid day photos on Boppspot.com.
2-Discovering you are actually talking to your child more than you did when she was at home and she actually seems to enjoy the conversations.
3-Dirty laundry shortage.
4-Parent weekend on the UT campus.
5-Despite all the adjustments and sometimes frustrations, your child is fulfilling the dream.
6-The hugs and excitement of home visits and holidays.
• • •