First Year Focus—October 2009

"The Honeymoon is Over"
These were my first words to my Freshman Focus last week, and every head in the room nodded. Some students spontaneously spoke out about the tests they were having, the papers that were due, and the other demands on their time.

This is college.  College is all about major assignments and tests—balancing them against other demands.  I often think that for the freshmen at this point in the semester—this is their first time at the rodeo. They're bound to get thrown off at some point.

If some students do experience that jolt from failing a first exam or having some other disappointing experience at this time, we try to stress that it's the time to reach out and get some help.  When things aren't going well, it's time to try something different.

There is a rhythm to the semester.  At this point, the roller coaster may feel like it's in free-fall as students get used to the academic demands of college.  However, the ride will even out; students will find their way.  Many of them will make changes in their study schedules, re-adjusting the numbers of hours that they study, work, socialize.  Many will focus on developing skills that lead to success in their classes. 

On the other hand, the fall is a beautiful and fun-filled time with some major campus events like Hillside and Ball on the Belle.  College life contains so many contrasting experiences; they're all a part of learning to balance the major elements of our lives—work, play, making friends, responsibility for individual achievement.  It's the time when adolescents grow up.

At Bellarmine we don't hold their hands, but we are close by on the sidelines, coaching the students through the challenging times of the semester.

Dr. Catherine Sutton
Dean of Academic Advising, Academic Resource Center (ARC)
csutton@bellarmine.edu
(502) 452-8071

Dr. Sutton and Pioneer Scolars Advisor, Amy Siegel, were interviewed for a Velocity article on shyness in college students. To read that article, click here.

In honor of the recent fall equinox, BU English Department Chair, Fred Smock, recently published a reflection on autumn in the Louisville Courier-Journal. Click here to read his piece.

For more about what's going on at BU, check out the Parent's Facebook Page, the Bellarmine photos page, or Bellarmine news releases. For information about H1N1, click here.

From the Academic Resource Center: Midterm Grades
Professors of 100- and 200-level courses report on students' performance in the form of midterm grades. Primarily designed for freshmen, this process allows students to gain a sense of their overall progress in their academic coursework. Since the grades represent approximately the first third of required assignments, there is still significant time remaining in the semester for students to make improvements by changing study habits. Freshman advisors will review midterm grades on an individual basis with their advisees, making recommendations and offering encouragement. As you discuss your child's midterm grades with him or her, keep in mind the some thoughts regarding several midterm grade "profiles." Click here to read more about the "profiles."

Withdrawal Symptoms: What Parents Should Know about Student Withdrawal from Classes
Now that most students have completed the first big wave of tests, students who achieved a less-than-desirable grade may be wondering what to do next. But before your student decides to throw in the towel and withdraw from the class, it is important that he or she carefully consider the situation. To read important info from Erica Osborne, Developmental Advisor for the ARC, about the consequences of withdrawal, click here.

Learning Curve: Creating Balance Between Academic and Social Interactions
A large part of the university experience is social in nature, whether that involves organized involvement opportunities, or the way students choose to utilize their free time while out of classes.  To hear from Patrick Englert, Director of Student Engagement, about how best to support your student's balance between social and academic activities, click here.

The Pioneer Spirit: Pioneer Scholars Program Supports First-Generation Freshmen
Last year, with a grant from Wal-Mart, Bellarmine University created a program to addresses the specific and unique needs of students who are the first in their families to attend a four-year college: the Pioneer Scholars program. To read more about the Pioneer Scholars program, click here.

Falling into Athletics: The Obstacles and Advantages for Fall Athletes
Students participating in fall athletics—field hockey, volleyball, cross-country, soccer, and golf—often deal with a particular set of challenges and expectations from the moment they arrive on campus (and sometimes even before). To read more about fall athletes and hear from Academic Advisor for Athletes, Andrew Schroeder, click here.

The "High Stakes" Course: History 116
In their first collegiate history course, students are often intimidated by the depth and amount of content they are expected to learn. Though many young students associate history courses only with rote memorization of isolated facts, what they don't anticipate is the expectation for them to understand history, and how it relates to their disciplines, their interests, and the contemporary world for which they will be held responsible in just a few short years.  Click here to read more about what your freshmen might be experiencing in History 116.

The "High Stakes" Pay Off: Follow Up Information about Biology 108, Anatomy & Physiology
In the last newsletter, we profiled Biology 108, Anatomy and Physiology. In order to help students prepare for the critical first test in this course, the Academic Resource Center—in conjunction with review session leaders and professors of Biology 108—created practice tests in Blackboard Learning System. These tests were designed to give students an idea of the types of material which might appear on the test, and the ways in which they might be presented. All students enrolled in the course had access to the practice tests in advance, and they were able to come to group test review sessions with questions. Overall, students who took the practice test were likely to perform better on the first test. To see an example of the Blackboard practice test, click here.

The Academic Resource Center offers many options to support and promote your student's academic success, especially with challenging classes. Click here to see a full listing and schedule of the review sessions offered.

NO SMOKING: BU Campus Goes Smoke-Free
As new members of the Bellarmine community, freshmen are an important part of a vibrant campus. I am proud to let you know that Bellarmine is taking an important step toward making our community healthier for everyone. Based on information gathered during a campus-wide survey and year-long study, Bellarmine will become a tobacco-free campus on January 1, 2010. To hear more about smoke-free BU, click here.

Game On! Save the date for Family Weekend
This year's Family Weekend, October 23-25, offers students and their families both formal and informal opportunities to enjoy the Bellarmine community, as well as to explore the surrounding Louisville neighborhood. For more information on family weekend, click here.

Meet Your RAs: Lauren Schwierjohann
As students grow accustomed to college life, you may wonder about the people facilitating their adjustments. Who is my student's nearest touchstone in the residence life hall? Who's keeping tabs on all the residents and making sure everything's OK? The answer is, of course, the Resident Assistant ("R.A."). Upcoming newsletters will feature devoted Residence Life staffers, so you can get acquainted with the people guiding your students through their daily lives. This month's selection features Lauren Schwierjohann, RA and junior Elementary Education and Learning/Behavioral Disorders major. Lauren is originally from Northern Kentucky, but now makes her home on the ground floor of Kennedy Hall. Click here to hear from Lauren about being an RA.

Rhodes' Reads
This year the University decided to begin the year with a recommended book that each new student would read prior to classes.  The selection was Becoming Who You Are, Insights On The True Self From Thomas Merton And Other Saints, by James Martin.  The University welcomes and embraces all students and encourages them to become their own unique and true selves.  The reading and discussions related to the book helps our students examine and reflect on their academic and personal journey while at Bellarmine.

I encourage you to read the book and share your insights and thoughts with your son and daughter.  I think you will enjoy the book and discussions related to finding your true self.

UPCOMING EVENTS

October 10-13:
Fall Break, NO CLASSES

October 23-25:
Family Weekend

November 3:
Hillside concert, Maroon 5

November 20:
Pioneer Dance

November 25-29:
Thanksgiving Break

Do you or your student have a question about?

Living in the residence halls?
Leslie Maxie-Ashford, Director, Residence Life; 502-473-3000, lmaxie-ashford@bellarmine.edu

Trouble with a class or an assignment, or making a change in class schedules?
Dr. Catherine Sutton, Dean of Advising and Director of Academic Resource Center; 502-452-8071, csutton@bellarmine.edu

How to find something fun to do on campus?
Sarah Fromm, Assistant Director of Student Activities; 502-452-8433, sfromm@bellarmine.edu

Financial Aid?
Alie Spahiu, Fianancial Aid Assistant 502-452-8124, aspaihu@bellarmine.edu

Workstudy?
Jennifer Likes, Financial Aid Counselor, 202, 502-452-8134, jlikes@bellarmine.edu

Getting a terrific summer job or internship?
Ann Zeman, Director of Career Development and Counseling, 502-452-8151, azeman@bellarmine.edu
Todd Reale, Assistant Dean, Career Services and Experiental Learning; 502-452-8242, treale@bellarmine.edu

Joining an intramural sports team?
Chuck Vogt, Director of Intramural sports; 502-452-8348, cvogt@bellarmine.edu

What to do when sick or injured?
Alice Kimble, Director, Campus Recreation and Health Services; 502-452-8493, makimble@bellarmine.edu

Who to talk to about personal problems?
Dr. Gary Petiprin, Director of Counseling Center; 502-452-8480, gpetiprin@bellarmine.edu

Studying abroad?
Hannah Holler Egea, Study Abroad Advisor; 502-452-8423, hholler@bellarmine.edu

Spiritual programs, service, or faith-based networks?
Dr. Melanie Prejean-Sullivan, Director of Campus Ministry and Service; 502-452-8051, mpsullivan@bellarmine.edu

Disability Accommodations?
Ronda Purdy, Coordinator of Disability Services; 502-452-8480, rpurdy@bellarmine.edu

A more general question about life on campus?
Helen Grace Ryan, Dean of Students; 502-452-8426, hryan@bellarmine.edu