TIMES OF CHANGE
College = Change. Whether your son or daughter is going to continue
to live at home or whether they have moved into a residence hall,
college is a big change for everyone who lives under the same roof.
You are a family unit and when there’s a big change to one member
of the unit, it reverberates throughout the family.
It is important to recognize that change is not an event but a process.
It evolves over time. If you were to plot out a curve for the process of
change it would look like the letter W. In the beginning, at the top of
the W, a big change is exciting! It’s all new, all fresh. Think of the
last big change in your life: a new job, a new house, a new relation-
ship, etc. You were excited to begin your new adventure!
But a few days, or maybe even weeks later there’s a slump – a slide
down to the bottom of the W. You think, “What made me think this
job would be so great,” or “This house is much more work than I
thought.” When it comes to your students, you may hear comments
like, “I hate it here. This place stinks. Everybody’s so different.”
This can put you into a full-blown panic! You will want to grab your
car keys, buy a plane ticket – whatever it takes to help your child.
Chances are, however, that this is part of the change process and in a
few hours or a day or two, your student will adjust and feel fine
again. Then the pattern may repeat all over again. That is the second
V in the W. This is all a natural part of the process of change. It is
likely that your student is reaching out to you in the down times, not
because they want you to “solve” it for them, but because they rely
on you to be there for them.
So what can you do? Take a deep breath, listen carefully, and perhaps
make a suggestion or two. Try to encourage them to meet new people
with similar interests or be open to change.
Office of
First-Year
Experience
September 2017
Inside this Issue:
Times of Change
Money Matters
Rave Guardian App
Transition Tribulations
Grades First
Emergency Notifications
Parent Advice
Bursar Survey
Getting Involved
Your Student-September
Fall 2017 Calendar
Sept 22-23 Fa m ily
Weekend
Oct 4 Last day to drop
classes with a “W”
Oct 5-6 Fall Break
Oct 16 Academ ic Advising
for Spring 2018 Begins
Nov 23-24 Thanksgiving
Break
Dec 1 Last Day of Classes
Dec 4-5 Final Exam s
Dec 6 Mid Exam Study day
Dec 7-8 Final Exams
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Parent Newsletter
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MONEY MATTERS
To retain financial aid, each student must meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress
standards, otherwise known as SAP. At the end of each semester your student will
be evaluated according to the SAP requirements. To meet the SAP requirements for
the purpose of financial aid, your student must first have a minimum 2.0 GPA at the
end of the semester. Secondly, your student must complete at least 67% of all credit
hours attempted. At the end of the semester your student may use this simple calcu-
lation to check their completion rate: Credit hours registered for during the semester
x 0.67= Hours that must be completed (round up if the number is a decimal-
12x0.67=8.04~9). Hours completed do not include classes that the student has with-
drawn from, or these in which they receive an F, or has received an incomplete. A
student who is enrolled in 12 credit hours must complete 9 of those and receive a
minimum GPA of 2.0 to meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements.
Students who fail to achieve minimum standards for Grade Point Average (GPA)
and completion of classes could lose their eligibility for all types of federal & state
aid. SAP information can be found here. For questions please contact
finaid@louisiana.edu or call (337) 482-6506.
During your students’ first semester it can be difficult to balance school,
activities, and friends. But school is the top priority, especially if your student is
receiving financial aid, a scholarship, or TOPS. Here is some technical
information that you need to know for your student to retain their financial aid,
scholarships, or TOPS.
TOPS
FINANCIAL AID
Remaining eligible for TOPS:
- Students must have continuous full-time enrollment.
- Students must be registered for 12 or more hours as of the 15th day of the semester
to receive TOPS for that semester (fall & spring).
- A student must earn 24 hours between the fall, winter intersession, spring, summer
intersession, and summer semesters with a “D” or better in order to keep TOPS.
- Dual enrollment in high school and advanced placement do not count towards the
required 24 hours.
- Students must have a 2.0 cumulative GPA at the end of the fall semester to receive
TOPS in the spring. This applies to all three awards.
- Students must meet cumulative GPA requirements at the end of the spring
semester:
Opportunity Award
- 2.3 Cumulative GPA (1st academic year)
- 2.5 Cumulative GPA (all subsequent academic years)
Performance Award
- 3.0 Cumulative GPA
Honors Award
- 3.0 Cumulative GPA
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RESOURCES ON
CAMPUS
Academic Success
Center
Lee Hall
Rm. 115
(337) 482-6818
asc@louisiana.edu
Writing Center
H.L. Griffin Hall,
Rm. 107-108
(337) 482-6447
Counseling & Testing
Center
Saucier Wellness Center
O.K. Allen Hall
(337) 482-6480
counseling@louisiana.edu
Office of Disability
Services (ODS)
Conference Center,
Rm. 126
(337) 482-5252
ods@louisiana.edu
Student Support
Services
DeClouet Hall
Rm. 106
(337) 482-6828
specialservices@louisiana.edu
STEP Computer Labs
on Campus
Student Affairs
Division
Martin Hall
Rm. 211
(337) 482-6266
studentaffairs@louisiana.edu
The Rave Guardian app for mobile devices is a joint safety project between
the Student Government Association, University Police Department, and
Rave Mobile Safety company. It is aimed at providing custom security to
each user. Should your student ever feel unsafe, the app offers a Panic
Button, which when pressed automatically connects that mobile device with
the campus police and provides them with their information and GPS
location. It also allows students to anonymously text information to campus
police should they see something occurring on or near campus. Lastly, if stu-
dents have to walk across campus late at night, the app works as a timer,
alerting programmed contacts that the user did not make it to his or her
destination. We ask you to encourage your student to download the Rave
Guardian app.
THE RAVE GUARDIAN APP
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THE RAVE GUARDIAN
APP: HOW IT WORKS
Rave Guardian profile data is
stored privately and securely
within Rave’s redundant and
geographically diverse
databases. Guardian profile
data is provided by the
members of your community
through Rave’s secure
web-portal.
Watch our video about the
Guardian app. Read more
about the Guardian app
on Louisiana.edu.
This service is provided by
the Student Government
Association and the UL
Lafayette Police
Department.
classes don’t seem all
that hard.
never takes roll and we never
talk the assigned
Students often underestimate the
difficulty of the college
curriculum. Encourage your son
or daughter to make sure they are
taking notes in class, completing
assigned reading prior to class,
participating in study groups, and
making academics their top
priority. Often, professors expect
students to absorb reading
material outside of class.
feel so stupid in class. I’m
afraid to talk to professor
but I don’t what
is
Students often feel intimidated by
professors. Encourage them to ask
questions in class or after class, to
go to the professor’s office hours,
and to participate in study groups.
Students can also receive tutoring
assistance for free at the Learning
Center, located in Lee Hall.
Tutoring schedules are available on
studentsuccess.louisiana.edu/
tutoring.
TRANSITION TRIBULATIONS
wonder how that person
believe that or live that
UL Lafayette has students
from all over the state, country,
and world. Students often meet
people with different religious,
political, or moral beliefs, as
well as people from different
backgrounds. Encourage them
to think with an open mind and
to clarify their own values,
beliefs, and lifestyle.
I would have free
time, but I can’t find time to
do anything. I’m by
the amount of
Time management may be one of
the biggest challenges facing new
students. Encourage your student
to use a planner and schedule
their lives. Before classes began,
each student was provided an
academic planner that includes
campus events as well as room to
schedule class, work, and study
time.
Click here to open The
Learning Center UL
Lafayette website.
The first few weeks of
college offer tremendous
challenges for new students.
Adjusting to new time
schedules, academic and
social demands, and school/
life balance issues can create
some stresses and anxiety
that you can coach your
student through. Here are
some typical issues students
face and some insights on
how you can help your
student successfully navigate
through them.
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RESOURCES ON
CAMPUS
Academic Success
Center
Lee Hall
Rm. 115
(337) 482-6818
asc@louisiana.edu
Writing Center
H.L. Griffin Hall,
Rm. 107-108
(337) 482-6447
Counseling & Testing
Center
Saucier Wellness Center
O.K. Allen Hall
(337) 482-6480
counseling@louisiana.edu
Office of Disability
Services (ODS)
Conference Center,
Rm. 126
(337) 482-5252
ods@louisiana.edu
Student Support
Services
DeClouet Hall
Rm. 106
(337) 482-6828
specialservices@louisiana.edu
STEP Computer Labs
on Campus
Student Affairs
Division
Martin Hall
Rm. 211
(337) 482-6266
studentaffairs@louisiana.edu
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GETTING THE YEAR STARTED: GRADES FIRST
Your student will be getting feedback during the semester on attendance and
grades. This will come to students through Grades First. Students who have grades
below a C and/or excessive absences will receive an email from the Academic
Success Center encouraging the student to contact the instructor immediately about
seeking help. The first grade checks will take place between September 13-20,
October 18-25, and November 15-22.
Academic progress is an important focus of the University. While your student’s
academic journey is their own, you can support them by knowing about the various
support resources on our campus that help students academically and encourage
your student to take advantage of these resources.
The Academic Success Center, located in Lee Hall, provides academic counseling,
career information and tutoring. Counselors also assist students with dropping
classes and changing majors. Tutoring is held in the Learning Center where
students can get assistance with academic problems. The Center offers free one-on-
one tutoring, study group tutoring, supplemental instruction, computer lab
assistance, and other services. Tutoring is available for most 100 and 200-level
math and science courses as well as for accounting, economics, engineering,
French, psychology, Spanish, and statistics courses.
The Academic Success Center also offer a DIY Workshop Series. These
workshops have many different topics. A few of these are:
- Work Life Balance
- I Failed a Test, Now What?
- Find Out Your Learning Style
- Top 5 Ways to Master Your Time
The DIY Workshops have already begun and will be continued throughout the
semester. Encourage your student to take advantage of the workshops which are
pertinent to their struggles.
The English Writing Center is also a great place to receive academic assistance,
particularly for any writing assignments. The Center will assist students at any stage
of the writing process, including:
- Helping students enhance their writing skills
- Focusing on writing processes and the value of creating multiple drafts
- Helping students see strengths and weaknesses in their writing
- Helping students learn to proofread their writing
- Empowering students to own their writing
- Nurturing creative ideas in students
Studies have shown that students who seek academic assistance receive benefits
such as higher academic achievement, improved personal and social development,
and increased motivation. If your student is struggling academically or expresses
that he or she is overwhelmed, encourage them to seek out assistance.
RESOURCES ON
CAMPUS
Academic Success
Center
Lee Hall
Rm. 115
(337) 482-6818
asc@louisiana.edu
Writing Center
H.L. Griffin Hall,
Rm. 107-108
(337) 482-6447
Counseling & Testing
Center
Saucier Wellness Center
O.K. Allen Hall
(337) 482-6480
counseling@louisiana.edu
Office of Disability
Services (ODS)
Conference Center,
Rm. 126
(337) 482-5252
ods@louisiana.edu
Student Support
Services
DeClouet Hall
Rm. 106
(337) 482-6828
specialservices@louisiana.edu
STEP Computer Labs
on Campus
Student Affairs
Division
Martin Hall
Rm. 211
(337) 482-6266
studentaffairs@louisiana.edu
EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM
The University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) is designed to
provide immediate alerts for emergencies and threats on campus. All students
and employees must opt in to the Emergency Notification System to receive
the messages.
The ENS system is designed to provide immediate notification for emergen-
cies on campus. Even though the University may utilize the ENS for all emer-
gencies, it is not designed for incidents such as hurricanes, in which there are
days to prepare.
The University has the ability to send text messages with its ENS to any and
all of the following technologies:
To register for the Emergency Notification System, your student must register
under the Campus Services tab under the Safety & Emergency Notification
System section in ULink.
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PARENT ADVICE
Here is some advice from parents to parents to help you and your student get
through the month of September.
- “Every child is different. Listen to your children. If you were listening as a
parent you would hear what they need and let them make decisions. Make
sure the child understands that decisions have consequences. If you pick
them up every time they fall they will never learn to walk. A child doesn't
need as much as you think they do to be successful and productive.”
- “Stay involved. The students need to learn how to ask what to do, but
parents knowing can still guide them in a direction. They are learning.”
- “Let your freshman work part-time, they have a lot of time on their hands!
Have them join clubs. Go to Family Weekend, it was so fun.”
- “Encourage your child to get socially involved in school activities and to take
advantage of the help offered at the Academic Success Center.”
BURSAR SURVEY
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette Office of the Bursar is looking to
improve and get feedback on their website’s accessibility and ease of use. If
you would like to participate, click here. The Office of the Bursar would
greatly appreciate your participation.
- Text messages
- Cellular telephone calls
- Campus landline telephone calls
- University website
- University social media sites
- University hotline
Class of 2021
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GETTING INVOLVED
Student involvement on campus and in the community is an important aspect of college success. Research
shows that students who are engaged perform better academically than those who are less involved. As such,
we do all that we can to offer a variety of opportunities for UL Lafayette Students to find their comfort zone.
Below are some examples of on campus organizations for your student to get involved with:
Americorps
Campus Cats
Filmmaker’s Society
Peer Mentors
College Democrats
College Republicans
The Vermillion
The Big Event (TBE)
Video Game Club
These are just to name a few! There is an organization for everyone! Encourage your student to look at
the many student organizations ranging from sororities and fraternities to governing to pre-professional
societies to special interests! If your student is unsure of how to get involved with campus
organizations, have them find an organization listed in the link above and get in contact with the
president of that organization. Your student can do this by logging onto OrgSync with their UL logins.
The Emerging Leaders Summit will be held on October 29, 2017. This is an excellent opportunity for
freshmen and sophomore leaders. Participants will build a foundation of leadership development from
the very beginning of their career at University of Louisiana at Lafayette. In addition, participants are
challenged to think beyond positional leadership and are given the opportunity to explore what
leadership means to them, to assess their personal behavioral style, and to tackle such topics as personal
values, happiness, branding, body language, and communication. Click here for more information!
Contact Information
Visit us at our office:
230 Hebrard Blvd.
Lee Hall, Room 106
Monday-Thursday
7:30am-5:00pm
Friday
7:30am-12:30pm
firstyear.louisiana.edu
(337) 482-6599
ofye@louisiana.edu
Follow OFYE on
Social Media
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During the month of September, students may begin to have roommate issues. September might bring
some uncertainty within your student, they have been a college student for a few weeks and they might
be questioning things or experimenting with new things. Your student may have joined a campus or-
ganization. One major thing that will be new to students is football season and tailgating. Especially
being in the south, tailgating is a very fun and popular thing to do on the weekends. Encourage your
students to plan ahead and stay safe (and hydrated) during football home games.
As parents, here are a few things that you can do to help them:
1. Encourage your student to stay on top of their school work and to get ahead. While September may
not be as academically challenging as other months, many students will have their first tests or
projects due soon.
2. Be there for them when they need to rant or vent. If your student is having roommate problems,
encourage them to talk to their RA’s (resident assistants).
3. Encourage your student to step outside of their comfort zone. It is easy for them to continue to
hang out with their high school friends. Part of college is to meet new people and join different
organizations.
YOUR STUDENT THROUGHOUT THE SEMESTER: SEPTEMBER
Click here to see what freshman go through
during each month!