Student Resources for Success

Now that your student has completed their first semester and has begun second semester classes, you may be wondering about what campus resources to assist with your student’s academic success.

Student satisfaction and success research suggests that students who are satisfied with their university experience tend to perform well in college. Factors that contribute to student success include connecting with others, utilizing faculty office hours, getting involved in activities and events, staying healthy, and taking advantage of campus resources.

Some examples of important campus resources include the Dean of Students Office which provides support to students in the event of absences from class, crisis intervention, illnesses, bereavement support and notification of instructors in the event of absence from class, and personal safety.

Other examples of campus resources include Academic Advising which provides personalized developmental advising to first-year, new transfer, and undeclared students. Through one-to-one and group sessions, students receive information and support to help them become good decision-makers and managers of their academic career. Another campus service commonly used by students is Tutoring Services offering one-to-one and group tutoring services for a variety of courses.

The Wellness Center offers on-campus counseling and health services including free counseling services by licensed professional counselors and limited psychiatric services. The center also offers access to nurses for minor illnesses, vaccinations, and much more.

Silver Cloud is now available to UW-Green Bay students, faculty and staff. This confidential online mental health tool is available to the  UW-Green Bay community at no cost. Users will receive immediate access to programs that will assist with the management of things such as stress, anxiety and depression. Although Silver Cloud us not a replacement for traditional counseling, its’ modules offer information, tips and interactive activities to assist in the management and understanding of one’s emotional well-being.

If your student is someone who copes with mild to moderate mental health issues, this tool can provide the support and guidance they will need to help them through life’s day-to-day stressors and will provide techniques that can help sustain you between counseling appointments. If your student would like to speak to someone directly about this service, please contact the The Wellness Center at 920-465-2380. See more about Silver Cloud.

Finally, the Housing and Residential Education employs four Residential Education Coordinators (RECs) each supervising the Resident Assistant (RA) Staff in an “area” of residence hall and apartment buildings. Our goal is to provide guidance and advisement to students who need an RA or REC’s assistance, and to make appropriate referrals to campus offices and services. Students may schedule an appointment with their REC by contacting Housing and Residential Education, (920) 465-2040.

From the Director

Hello Parents and Families:

Happy New Year! I hope 2022 is treating you well thus far, and that everyone remains in good health. As for those of us in Housing and Residential Education, we’ve missed our students over Winter Break and are so happy to have them back on campus.

Speaking of students living on campus, we invite your student  back to campus for the 2022-2023 year. We have changed from a $225 deposit to a $50.00 application fee. Students who complete the re-contracting process by March 16 will be able to participate in Room Selection, March 22-25, 2022.  Your student will be able to form a roommate group and select their room or apartment for next year.  We offer private bedroom apartments, shared bedroom apartments, and shared residence hall rooms.

Students who choose to return next year will be able to take advantage of the following:

    • Safe and conveniently located housing, which includes the amenities of wired/wireless high-speed Internet access in every room
    • Living in close proximity to a variety of university programs, services, and leadership involvement opportunities that contribute much to your experience as a UWGB student
    • The option of retaining your room or apartment for the upcoming academic year
    • Staff who provide programming and other engagement experiences, and who foster a strong and connected community

I hope that your student plans to return to university housing for 2022-2023. Students should monitor their emails for important information regarding the Re-Contracting and Room Selection processes.

If your student has questions, they can stop by or contact the Community Center, call us at 920-465-2040 or Housing@uwgb.edu.  Information is also available online. We look forward to the opportunity to serve your student in 2022-2023!

Sincerely,

Michael Cocuzza
Interim Executive Director of Housing
920-465-2040
housing@uwgb.edu
www.uwgb.edu/housing

 

Making the Most of the College Experience

Living on campus has many benefits that enrich the university experience and impact student lives.  Students who live on campus tend to be more involved in campus activities, earn better grades, and are more likely to graduate than their peers who live off campus.  Students also report that living on campus provides an opportunity to meet new friends, get help with coursework, and live near resources.

Some strategies you can discuss with your student to enhance their success are described in the remainder of this article. It is never too late to have these conversations!

Getting Involved in Campus Life

There are many on-campus events and activities for your student.  During the current pandemic, extra precautions are being taken to ensure student safety at these events, while still providing meaningful interactions and experiences for students. Resident Assistants (RAs) plan activities in each building and promote student participation in larger campus events. Participation helps promote a sense of belonging, will help your student meet other students, and learn new things. Students who are involved in campus life report being more satisfied with their college experience.  Ask your student if they are attending any events or activities.

Help Your Students Develop a Budget
For many students, this may be a “first” time they are truly in charge of their own spending. Many are not very good at stretching their money between paydays, not to mention, the entire semester! Discuss developing a budget with your student and assist them in doing so. Have periodic detailed conversations (weekly or monthly) about how they are doing with their finances. Many students go to fast food places or have food delivered to them, which is more expensive than learning to make food at home or having a campus dining plan.

Sending a Student to College is an Adjustment for Families
Many of the parents we speak with mention this adjustment. Parents may under-estimate the sense of “loss” they feel when sending a student to college for the first time. This is a normal transition. Encourage your child to engage in their experience and reach out to meet people on campus instead of coming home every weekend. Students need your support to make their own decisions while at college.

Discuss How Often Your Student & You Will Talk
Students need to be responsible for their own decisions at college. Consider stepping back just a little to let your student learn to work things out for themselves. Yet, don’t step back too far that they feel you have abandoned them.

One parent suggested using FaceTime or Skype to communicate because one can notice non-verbal and verbal cues to how your student is doing. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear from your student as often as you would like. This is most likely a good sign that they are adjusting to college, meeting friends, and getting involved in campus life. On the other hand, don’t be afraid to reach out to your student if you haven’t heard from them in a while. If you talk with them about the expected frequency of contact, it may save both of you some frustration.

Anticipate What Coming Back Home Will Be Like For Your Student
Things may not feel the same for your student when they come home. They may change – their hair, their dress, their music, their expectations, etc. They may have a different type of friend group. Don’t be alarmed, this may be very good for them! Several parents have recommended leaving their bedroom as is, so they have a comfortable and familiar place to return home. You may want to discuss which “house rules” apply when they come home the first few times, now that your student is a young adult who has been living with different rules and expectations while at college.

Ask About Roommates
Having a roommate is most often one of the best and most positive experiences a student can have while away at college. For some students it can also a challenging experience. Ask your student about their roommate relationships. Offer tips and advice about adjusting to a new roommate. Please encourage them to speak with their student Resident Assistant if they have any issues with their new roommate and not to wait too long. They are also welcome to speak with the professional staff member who oversees their building, the Residential Education Coordinator (REC).

Encourage Your Student to Use Campus Resources
There are many offices and people who are here to help students. Encourage your student to use campus resources such as the Dean of Students Office, The Wellness Center, Academic Advising, and Housing and Residential Education, just to name a few. Contact information can be found on the University’s web site using the directory.

Encourage Your Students to Use Faculty Office Hours
Faculty have scheduled office hours which are available for student visits and questions about assignments, course content, and just establishing a positive relationship with faculty and instructors. During the pandemic, many faculty are hosting these hours virtually, which makes them even easier to connect with!

We Are Here To Help!
You may contact the Housing and Residential Education Office, (920) 465-2040, housing@uwgb.edu  with questions.  Although we are not able to share private information, a question you can ask is “if a student is in need of help regarding a particular issue, what would you recommend they do?”

 

Is Your Room Ready for Winter?

Housing Resident,

With the cold weather upon us, the Office of Residence Life reminds you to close your windows in your room and/or apartment. Windows left open can cause broken water pipes, and can lead to damage charges.

Here are the top 3 ways you can prepare your room and/or apartment for Wisconsin winter temperatures!

      1. Make sure the storm window is closed to prevent excess cold air from entering the room.
      2. Keep the window(s) closed and do not place a fan by the window.
      3. Submit a maintenance request online or by calling the Community Center front desk at (920) 465-2040 to report any issues in a timely fashion.

The thermostats are set to approximately 68 degrees, but will vary from 67 degrees to 72 degrees depending on where the system is in the heating cycle.  Students should not open windows to regulate heat because it the temperature drops too quickly pipes can freeze.  The person who left the window open is held responsible for damages so it is important to keep windows closed and let the room maintain a consistent temperature.

If you are experiencing issues please report it immediately!  You should also report issues with exterior doors that are beeping or not latching completely because of ice buildup.  We want to keep the buildings comfortable and also help ensure the safety of residents.

Welcoming Your Student Home

Many parents and families recently enjoyed having their college student at home for the Thanksgiving holiday. This was more than likely a good time to reconnect and to learn all about the student’s college experiences thus far. However, some may have been left feeling less joyous about this reunion. Most of these instances probably occurred because the student who returned home for the holidays was noticeably different from the one families moved to campus a few short months ago.

For many students, some of the most intense and obvious personal growth occurs during the first year of college. This often means that the student who comes home to visit might be a new (and improved?) version of the student their families have known and loved their entire life. Meer weeks ago, family structure, curfews and house rules were nothing to balk at. Now having gained a sense of independence, loved ones may have been surprised to find these same individuals staying out until the early morning hours, sleeping until noon and cringing at the thought of having to assume former house chores.

The student likely viewed their time at home as a reprieve from the rigors of academics. They regarded their ‘days off’ as a time to rest and refuel before returning to campus to face the challenges of final exams. Given the experience from Thanksgiving or other visits home, families may either be left feeling excited because a few weeks from now they will get to spend the month-long Winter Break with their student or they may be wondering how everyone involved will be able to survive for that long under the same roof.

It’s a challenge, but families should try to remember that in all likelihood, their student was sent to college so that he or she would grow, learn, and develop in all kinds of ways. This new growth and awareness will occur both academically and personally.  As a parent or family member, it’s important to be patient during this time of evolvement, but it’s also important to keep up with some kind of structure when the college student returns home to visit. In preparation to welcome the student home for the next break period, families should try considering the following:

Communication of Expectations

In the coming days, have a conversation with your student that begins with, ‘These are the family plans for the holidays – tell me your plans. What were you thinking you’d do?’ At the same time, it’s completely reasonable to expect the student to participate in family plans and traditions. One just has to remember that the student is probably a much more independent person coming home than they were before they left and they may have formulated their own plans without first consulting with the family.

Be Open-Minded

College students are exposed to new information and knowledge on a daily basis from faculty, staff and peers, much of which challenges many of their values and beliefs; often causing them to reconsider core values and sometimes change position. When this happens, families should try their best to listen and then reflect back what the student is saying. Keep in mind that they are trying to find their own way in life and become the person they believe they should be.

Make Memories

Families may find their college student resistant of ‘old’ house rules, and they may find a variety of ways to express their new found freedom that life on campus has afforded them. However, most still enjoy the comforts of home; things like sleeping in, enjoying their favorite home-cooked meals and time with siblings should be thought of as memories in the making. It’s appropriate to set boundaries, but also try to understand that these moments may be fleeting. Enjoy the time remaining with the student as further separation may lay ahead.

A small amount of friction may be inevitable in welcoming college students back into their family homes, but a little compromise, respect and love will go a long way to ensure time together is both meaningful and memorable. Best wishes for a happy holiday season!

Living on Campus in 2021-2022

It is that time again! Students who currently live in housing will soon need to decide if they are living on-campus for the 2021-2022 academic year.

Students who choose to return next year will be able to take advantage of the following:

      • Safe and conveniently located housing which includes high-definition cable television and wired/wireless high-speed Internet access in every room.
      • Living in close proximity to a variety of university programs, services, and leadership opportunities that contribute much to your experience as a UWGB student.
      • The option of retaining your room or apartment for the upcoming academic year.
      • Staff who provide programming and other engagement experiences, and who foster a strong and connected community.

The re-contracting process opened on Monday, November 16 and ends on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at 11:59PM. On March 22 – March 26, students who have contracted will be able to select their apartment or residence hall room. The time and date for students to select their room or apartment is determined by a student’s number of semesters on campus and academic credits earned.

Regardless of accommodation type, students enjoy the following amenities: private bathrooms, furnished rooms and apartments, high-speed internet access including Wi-Fi, high definition cable television service, and laundry facilities in each building.

We hope that your student has had a positive living experience on campus, and chooses to return to campus housing for another year. Many of our students remain on campus through graduation due to the variety of living options, and the many opportunities to grow and learn in a residential setting.

If your student has questions about the re-contracting process, please have them visit the Office of Residence Life, call (920) 465-2040, email housing@uwgb.edu or visit our web site.

Care Packages for Final Exams

Finals week is coming…all the hard work and stress UW-Green Bay students have experienced this semester will come to a head in a matter of days. How can you help brighten their day? Send them some love from home in the form of a care package or letter. Getting an unexpected package or letter is always exciting!  You do not even have to create it from scratch.

If you’d prefer, you can contact UWGB’s preferred care package provider, On Campus Marketing and buy directly from them. They have multiple options you can choose from and they are easy to work with. You can contact their Customer Service by calling 1-877-942-7887. On the other hand, if you have your student’s favorite cookie recipe no one can beat, send them your own care package filled with goodies from home. Already stocked them full of food to last awhile? Send them an encouraging letter! Support for your child can be shown even from far away. Stressful times are when you need loved ones the most.

A Word From The Director of Counseling

College can be a stressful place, and adjusting to college as a new student even more so. In addition, we are all living through a complicated extremely challenging time in the world. We want you to know we are here for students to discuss any stress, struggles, or worries they are having.  If your student comes home or calls you feeling overwhelmed and in need of additional support, please remind them they have access to see one of our licensed professional counselors from The Wellness Center at no cost.

We are currently offering short term 1:1 personal counseling sessions virtually using Microsoft Teams, so it’s more convenient than ever.  Our counselors also can provide crisis intervention if needed as well as provide support and resources for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.

Some of the top reasons students see a counselor include: feeling stressed, symptoms of anxiety or depression, relationship issues and adjusting to college.

As a parent/legal guardian you can always call us if you have concerns about your student during business hours, and share your concerns and we will gladly explain our protocols and how we can outreach to your student. However, due to privacy laws, we will need to have your student sign a release of information form before we can exchange information with you or confirm they are already aware of our services.

Our University Police can also be contacted 24/7 at 920-465-2300 if you have concerns about the safety and welfare of your student.

New this semester, regardless of whether or not your student is working with a counselor, your student has access to Silver Cloud, an online mental health tool at no cost which offers self-guided programs for anxiety, depression, stress, resilience, or insomnia. The self-guided programs are available any time, on any device. Aimed at helping to address mild to moderate issues, Silver Cloud allows individuals to manage day-to-day stressors personally and anonymously. To check out Silver Cloud or click on the link on our website.

No issue is really too small or too big. Our counselors can either help your student directly or help connect them to additional resources in the community if needed.

Simply encourage your student to call us at 920-465-2380 to make an initial appointment.  You and your student can also visit our website at or email us at counshealth@uwgb.edu.

Stay safe, stay well.

Amy Henniges
Director Counseling and Student Support
The Wellness Center

We’re Open During the Semester Break

Housing at UW-Green Bay is open year-round so residents can come and go as they please throughout the semester break. The Hendrickson Community Center will remain open as a resource for students. The Community Center offers an unlock code if your student locks themselves out, carts, and a car booster pack if they are unable to get their car started in the cold weather.

The Office of Residence Life and Community Center will remain open during the semester break. Beginning December 19, the hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 7:45 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. and on weekends and holidays from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.  Students may contact our office by calling (920) 465-2040, by visiting our office, or by email: housing@uwgb.edu

The Student Mailroom, located in the lower level of the Community Center is also open during semester break.  Beginning December 20, the mailroom will be open on Sundays, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

The Student Mailroom is closed on all legal holidays. Student mailboxes are accessible to students during the hours of operation for the Community Center.  Regular semester hours for the Community Center and Student Mailroom will resume on Friday, January 22, 2021.

Please let us know if you have questions and concerns by calling (920) 465-2040 or by email, housing@uwgb.edu

Resident Assistant (RA) Selection for 2021-2022 Positions

If your student is in need of job for next academic year, make sure they check out the upcoming RA selection process starting soon!

The Resident Assistant (RA) position is among the most respected student employee opportunities on the UWGB campus. Being an RA is more than a job for most, it is a self-development opportunity. Residence Life strives to build leaders, not just hire student employees. If your student is ready for a great experience, send them our way! The RA selection process will begin for candidates soon after the February 3, 2021 application deadline.

RAs work 15 hours a week during the academic year and up to 40 hours a week during 2-3 weeks of pre-semester training. They receive training, support and mentoring by professional staff unparalleled in the student employment arena. For the 2021-2022 school year, it is expected that RA benefits will include waived housing costs (ranging from $4100 – $5200 per academic year), a Chartwells meal plan and a stipend of $900/year.

Successful RA candidates will have a minimum of 2 semesters living on a campus (which includes Spring 2021), a grade point average of 2.4 or better, a passion to learn about themselves and others, and a commitment to serve students. More information, including applications and a job description can be found online on our web site.  For initial consideration, applications including references should be completed by February 9, 2021.

The primary RA selection process begins in early February, however applications are accepted at any time. The benefits of being a RA truly complement the academic experience and give students transferable skills that are applicable to their new careers after graduation. For more information, please contact Nicole Kurth, Coordinator of RA Selection, at RA_Selection@uwgb.edu.