Freshman Intensive Studies

Summer 2010 Family Orientation—Parents

Program

Your Q & A for Everything FIS!Presented by:

Mark Sapara, Assistant Dean and Director of FISProf. Mary Ford, Assistant Director/Learning

Specialist

Features of the FIS Program All students enter as Undeclared majors in Becton All students enter as Undeclared majors in Becton

College of Arts & SciencesCollege of Arts & Sciences Most students will have a reduced credit load during Most students will have a reduced credit load during

the first semester (13-14 credits, depending on the first semester (13-14 credits, depending on major)—Fall 2010 schedules created by FISmajor)—Fall 2010 schedules created by FIS

FIS pre-selected courses in English, Math and Social FIS pre-selected courses in English, Math and Social Sciences Sciences

An additional hour of instructional support for most An additional hour of instructional support for most pre-selected courses pre-selected courses

Individual and Group Learning Assistance, Study Individual and Group Learning Assistance, Study Groups and Academic Skills WorkshopsGroups and Academic Skills Workshops

FIS-only Freshman SeminarsFIS-only Freshman Seminars Midterm Grade Reporting/Academic Alert ProgramMidterm Grade Reporting/Academic Alert Program

Learning Assistance and Academic Support Individual appointments with

Learning Specialists to work on study skills and learning strategies

Group Workshops on Academic Skills

Study Groups Writing Assistance Reading Strategies Math Learning Assistance

What Types of Workshops are Available to FIS Students? Classroom Etiquette Time Management Note-Taking Skills Test Preparation & Test-Taking Strategies Memory Techniques Reading Strategies Research Strategies The Writing Process Tips for Taking Math Tests

FIS Learning Community for 2010-2011…..!!!!

FIS Learning Communities in the residence halls Linked Classes—English, Sociology and Freshman

Seminar Upgraded Housing—suite-style, study area, living

room, new furniture and central air conditioning. The chance to meet students from other programs

(Honors and Leadership) Special Programming Fun activities—social events Close contact with peers, professors and staff Space is limited to 16 students—act NOW!

Midterm Grade Reporting/Academic Alert

In mid-October and mid-March, faculty will submit a midterm grade for each student.

Students below a 2.0 at midterms will be on Academic Alert and restricted from participation in co-curricular activities, including Athletics and Clubs/Organizations.

Students on Academic Alert will meet with a mentor to devise an action plan for improvement.

Two additional financial benefits A grant to cover two (2) Tuition-Free

courses (6 credits) during the 1st Summer Session 2011 (May 23-July 1) taken at the College at Florham OR Metropolitan Campus

(course fees and housing not included) $2,000 annually renewable grant (up to 3

additional years) for students who successfully complete the FIS program.

Students must have a 2.0 GPA by the end of the summer session with 28 credit hours

successfully completed for the year, including non-credit developmental courses.

Academic Performance for FIS students in 2009-2010

2009-2010 Student Profile

73 students entered FIS; 67 completed Spring 2010 (5 students did not return for spring 2010; 1 student took a medical leave in

Spring 2010)

High School GPAs ranged from 2.1 to 4.0 (26% above a 3.0) Average HS GPA of 2.7 SAT scores range from 780-1130

Academic Standing at end of Spring 2010:

22.4% > 3.0 Highest GPA = 3.501 (HS profile of 2.85/880 SAT)52.3% between 2.0-2.9925.3% < 2.0

**3 FIS students were admitted into the Honors Program for Fall 2010

Misconceptions about FIS It is going to be easier for the student, as it is a guarantee for

success. As long as students do the work and try hard, they will pass. Missing class allows a student more time to make up the

work. The FIS staff will serve as the go-between for the faculty and

student. Professors will always adapt their lecture to the student’s

liking or learning style. Standards of behavior and etiquette are different for students

in FIS. Only FIS students take Developmental (pre-college) classes. FIS students are completely segregated from their peers. FIS can fix a roommate conflict, financial aid problem or

quality of food in the cafeteria. FIS will chase after students since we know their every move. FIS will contact parents when the student is not performing

well.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

What is it?FEDERAL LAW ENACTED 1974

PROTECTS THE PRIVACY OF STUDENT RECORDS

Except for directory information, the university cannot release confidential

educational records (example – grades & transcripts) without student

authorization

What if the student signs the FERPA Waiver Form granting consent? Since FERPA pertains to educational

records, the waiver form does not entitle parents or guardians to receive information about students’ progress (including grades) during the FIS year.

No information regarding grades and progress can be given out over the phone to anyone, including the student.

Students with Learning Disabilities

What support can FIS students get?

What is not provided by FIS?

If eligible, FIS students will receive accommodations as determined by the Dean of Students Office in compliance with ADA standards

The Learning Specialist offers assistance in general academic and study skills

We do not inform professors of students’ accommodationsWe do not provide specific Meta-cognitive Strategies for diagnosed learning disabilitiesWe do not proctor exams for students given extra time as part of their accommodations

How does a student go about receiving accommodations? Contact the Dean of Students Office(973-443-8935) Contact the Dean of Students Office(973-443-8935)

immediately to initiate the review of the IEP and immediately to initiate the review of the IEP and determine if you are eligible for accommodations. determine if you are eligible for accommodations.

Students are asked to report any accommodations to their professors at the beginning of the semester, even though professors are notified by letter of any accommodations. Students MUST NOT wait until the day of the test.

Students do not have to report their accommodations to the FIS staff—it is optional.

What does FIS expect from students? To rise to the high academic standards set by FDU,

regardless of their profile as an incoming student To be open to new learning and study strategies

that may differ from what they experienced in high school

To seek assistance, advice and support when needed

To communicate their challenges and successes to parents and relatives

To take charge in problem-solving, including conflict resolution, and not rely on others to do it for them

Are you a Helicopter Parent? Are you in constant contact with your student?

Are you in regular contact with school administration?

Do you make your student's academic decisions?

Do you call or text your student several times a day?

Do you read your student’s email?

Do you feel it is your responsibilityto solve personal problems for your student?

Do you feel you have failed if your student does poorly?

What are the Negative Effects of Helicopter Parenting?

Students do not learn how to advocate for themselves. Students do not develop problem-solving skills, often

relying on parents to “work it out” for them. Parents feel more anxiety. Administrators spend time that could be devoted to

students trying to alleviate parents’ worries and concerns.

How can you help without hovering? Stay out of roommate, social, and grading disputes.

Take a coaching role in areas of academics, finances, and student life.

Be aware of the difference between helpful involvement and unproductive hovering.

Encourage your student to communicate openly with you about their academic performance, rather than expecting the university to take on this responsibility.

Model good choices for your students (ex. Do not plan a family vacation during the semester; do not allow your student to miss a class or exam to come home)

Encourage students to contact FIS if there is a problem or concern. Don’t do it for them.

Encourage students to get involved in campus life—students who connect with their university often perform better academically!

Important Information for Parents Remind your student that the mandatory FIS Breakfast

Orientation is Monday, August 30th at 9:45 a.m. in Lenfell Hall, the Mansion.

If your student has a disability, contact the Dean of Students Office well before the start of the semester.

If interested in the Learning Community, encourage your student to approach us immediately.

Review “Resources for Parents” on the FIS Web site (www.fdu.edu/fis).

Be aware of university policy for extended absences (more than a week, contact the Dean of Students Office).

Summer Session 2011 begins Tuesday, May 23rd and runs through Friday, July 1st. Please plan family vacations accordingly.

What is the Key to Success in FIS….?

“What matters most is what students do, not who they are.”

-The National Survey of Student

Engagement-

And Now…

Any Questions???