Ruth Darling's presentation to parents at new student orientation

1. Dr. Ruth A. Darling
Assistant Provost
Student Success

2. Welcome Class of 2016!

3. Questions parents ask me -
• My child was a good student in high
school. How can I be sure he/she will
do well at UT?
• What’s expected of my son/daughter
in college?
• What does UT offer to help my
son/daughter?
• How can I best help my son/daughter
succeed?

4. What have you learned about
student success in the last 36
hours at UT?

5. UTK – 2012 Fall Cohort
• Average ACT – 26.70
• Average HS Core GPA – 3.85
• 40% with HS GPA of 4.0 or better
(Average fall term GPA of 2011 cohort - 2.98)

6. Some issues to consider…
• There is no direct relationship
between class attendance and course
grades.
True or False?

7. Some questions to consider…
• Students who earn mostly “A’s”
typically spend how many hours of
work outside class on academic
studies?
a. 0 -10 c. 20 - 30
b. 10 - 20 d. 30 and above

8. Some issues to consider…
• In order to be successful, students
should consider attending classes and
studying a full time job, i.e. 35 – 40
hours a week.
True or False?

10. http://studentsuccess.utk.edu/support/tips/tips-time.shtml

11. Work with an academic coach
at the Student Success Center
• Daily planners and "to do" lists
• Weekly Schedule
• Semester Calendar
• Realities, boundaries, priorities, and
rewards

12. Some issues to consider…
• All first-year students are required to
take a first-year seminar.
True or False?

14. First-Year Courses
• FYS 100: The Volunteer Connection
– Online course for ALL first-year students
– Focuses on engagement and provides structure
for the Life of the Mind Program
• FYS 101: The UT Experience
– Focuses on personal and academic transition to
college
– Helps students adjust to life at UTK
• FYS 129: Freshman Seminar
– Small groups meet with professors
– Topics of interest to faculty and students
BA 100, UH 100, ANR 100

15. Life of the Mind
http://torch.utk.edu/lifeofthemind/

16. Some questions to consider…
• Test questions on college exams
come from:
a. course text
b. library sources
c. the internet
d. students’ notes/instructors’ lecture
e. class discussions/group work/labs
f. homework
g. all of the above

17. Some issues to consider…
• Academic advisors will register my
son/daughter each term.
True or False?

18. Academic Advising
http://www.utk.edu/advising/

19. Academic Advising Goals
• To foster a campus culture that supports academic
advising as a shared responsibility essential to the
educational experience and student success
• To assist students in becoming responsible, self-directed
learners and skilled decision makers
• To assist in the development of educational plans that are
consistent with students’ personal values, goals, and
career plans
• To encourage holistic engagement with the college
experience (academically, socially, culturally, and
professionally) preparing students for a life of learning in a
global society

20. Some issues to consider…
• First-year students have made a firm
decision about a major by the time
they enter college.
True or False?

21. • Add the picture I sent to you of
Jonathan blowing glass

23. Creating the path to
graduation

24. Some issues to consider…
• Students who use academic support
services tend to be the students who
are struggling.
True or False?

25. Academic Success Workshops
http://studentsuccess.utk.edu/support/workshops/

26. Success=Graduation

27. Student Success = AIM

28. Coping with adversity
• Encourage students to…
– Learn through frustrations
– Develop coping skills
– Reach out for help
Parent’s role…
- Challenge
- Support
- Refer
- Communicate

29. Last question to consider…
• How can parents help their college
student be successful?
a. Do his/her laundry
b. Text and/or call during class to
“check-in”
c. Learn the on-line library
resources so you can help with
his/her research
d. Communicate, refer, challenge and
support

30. Welcome and best wishes to
the parents of the
Class of 2016!