General Engineering Parent's Reception
Friday, September 18, 2009
3 - 5 pm Holtzendorff Hall Lobby
We hope to see you there!
Welcome to the September edition of the Parent's Page.
The semester has begun and we are in full swing! The General Engineering faculty and advisors are very excited about the start of a new school year. We are enjoying getting to know your student and watching them bustle back and forth between classes.
Important Dates:
- September 1 - Last day to drop a class without a "W" grade
- September 4 - First Friday Parade
- September 14 - Chemistry 101 Test
- September 16 - TechConnect Career Fair 10 - 3 in Littlejohn Coliseum - Sponsored by Michelin Career Center
- September 16 - MTHSC 106/108 (Calculus I/II) Test
- September 18-19 - Parents' Weekend - GE Reception on Friday, 9/18 from 3-5 p.m. in Holtz lobby
- September 22 - CES 102 Test
A word from the advisors...
Each General Engineering student is assigned to an individual academic advisor by first letter of the last name. (See below.) The advisors have already visited CES class to re-introduce themselves and to let students know how to find them.
- A - G: Susan Smith (susans@clemson.edu)
- H - O: Janeen Putman (janeen@clemson.edu)
- P - Z: Lib Crockett (crockee@clemson.edu)
Please help us by reminding your student that if he/she has any questions or concerns the advisors are here to assist. Ask, "Have you talked with your advisor?" when they call home asking about Clemson policies and procedures. Freshmen can get incorrect information if they rely on an upperclassman or older sibling for advice. Advisors are the best and most reliable source. Students can make an appointment with their advisor using GEO, our on-line appointment system located on the GE website. Or they can simply drop by the Advising Center before or after class.
September will be a VERY busy month for your student. They will take the first major test in each of their core courses. During the week of September 14th, Calculus and Chemistry tests will be given. The following week students will take their first CES and Physics tests. If you've thought about sending a care package, this is a good time to do so! The first test in college can be quite a shock.
For many students this will be an awakening. They will realize that the pace and demands of college are very different from high school. Many will question whether they belong in engineering. Reassure them that this is only one test and by using it as a guide they can improve their grade on the next one. Please send them to talk with their advisor. We will encourage as well as help plan a different approach for the next test.
All of this can be overwhelming. However, Clemson has many resources to help your student be successful. Here is a list of resources that students should routinely use:
- Free tutoring through The Academic Success Center (http://www.clemson.edu/asc/tutoring/index.html)
- Supplemental Instruction in Calculus, Chemistry and Physics classes (http://www.clemson.edu/asc/si/index.html)
- CES 102 Undergraduate Teaching Assistants (UTAs) hold evening hours to help with engineering homework and test preparation, Sunday - Thursday 6 - 9 pm in Holtzendorff 200. This information has been conveyed to your student during class and is posted on their CES course information on Blackboard.
A list of other resources across campus can be found at http://www.clemson.edu/asc/resources.html.
When your student calls home:
Ask them about their classes, which activities they are
thinking about getting involved in and new friends they've made on their hall
or in their classes. Quiz them to see if
they know the names of their academic advisor and professors!
Musings of the Month
Your role as your student struggles with new challenges
Listening carefully and responding with one or two strategic questions is the most effective type of support a parent can provide. Encourage your student to take responsibility for their life decisions, actions, and plans. Help brainstorm to identify the appropriate resources for a problem. But clearly communicate that your student is the best person to contact that resource and begin the process of making a decision. Express confidence in their ability to sort through information and make the right choice.
We are here to help you and your student make it through the first year. Don't hesitate to call us if you are concerned about your student.
Children Are Like Kites
Author: unknown
