Can't believe it's over

Memories...

A few of the staff and students are still in Warde Hall tonight reflecting on some of the memories created over these past few weeks.  Memories that we will take with us forever!  We're missing everyone already and it's so strange hanging out without a bunch of people around, video games going, music blasting, and Nerf darts shooting.

It's been a stressful last few days with your final exam and three papers due this week.  But you did it!!  You finished!!  And you should be proud!!!  For those parents out there who are wondering just how serious your sons/daughters viewed this experience, I'd like to share a photo with you of a note that was on a student's door last night.  For many, this was the last opportunity they would have to break out the video games and kick around a soccer ball.  But this student took his academics very seriously:

We wish you all success in your future endeavors!!!  I've enjoyed getting to know and work with each and every one of you!!

~Christy "Jenks"

We'd love to hear your memories!!!  If you have a memory or photos/videos you'd like to share, please send an email to cjenki55@lakers.mercyhurst.edu and I'd be happy to post it for you!!

Goodbye!

Dear Students,
I can't believe this is the last week!!! Where has the time gone!?! I want to personally thank you for all your hard work and participation. With any program, there will always be concerns that arise and you learn to cope as you go. As a whole, this program has been a success, and the smiles and laughter have proved that. Thank you for a wonderful 3 week experience, and I'm glad I was able to meet each of you and get to know your uniqueness. I hope you enjoyed your time at Mercyhurst College, and be proud of what you've accomplished!!! :)

Dana

Goodbye from Amanda M, one of our Peer Mentors

As we are rapidly approaching the final day of our program, we have all come to know and enjoy the company of your sons and daughters and are starting to realize how much we will miss them all! As the final papers are being finished up, rooms are being packed up, and everyone is starting to quickly realize that the end is so very close. Some students are excited to be greeted by the smiling and eager faces of their parents tomorrow while some others have expressed how they will be sad to leave Mercyhurst. This has been an enjoyable, interesting and of course knowledge-filled ride through a typical college experience that has honestly been a great time for everyone involved in this Foundations program! We are so very happy that you have let us borrow your sons and daughters for this three week period of time and hope you have enjoyed a nice little break as well :)

See you all tomorrow!

Everything you ever wanted to know about college, but were afraid to ask

One of the activities we really wanted to have on campus was an "Ask the Experts" night when our Foundations students would throw questions out at our successful ASD peer mentors.  Sadly, that didn't happen.  Instead, we are posting the questions that your sons and daughters asked, along with answers written by Nick, one of our mentors. 

1.      How many classes do you have?  

This varies depending on how you set up your schedule. Generally speaking though, I have an average of 4 classes per term, which includes labs as individual  sessions.

2.      What time do your classes start?

Again, this varies depending on how I set up my schedule. Sometimes, your first class happens as early as 8 A.M or even as late as 6 P.M.

3.      How do you have time to do laundry with so few washers and driers?

 Generally, there isn’t an issue as everyone is in and out of the building throughout the day due to varying class setups. However, I wouldn’t advise doing it in the evening on the weekends. There is a general rush around this time

4.      How long do vacations last?

At Mercyhurst, not that long. Generally, Easter break is only from Thursday to Monday, while Christmas Break is often 2-3 weeks. In between terms is generally 10 days.

5.      Should I even be afraid of Jared the Res Life Guy?

 Why on earth should you be? He really doesn’t poke around you the whole time.  If you follow the rules, you’ll never meet him.

6.      Can you have the choice of sharing a dorm with a roommate or having one all to yourself?

Yes it is possible.

7.      Is it possible to get help about writing notes in class and studying for a test at the academic support office?

 I’d say yes, as those are what the Learning Differences  offices are primarily designed for.

8.      Alcohol Presence?

Not very obvious on campus, as anyone under 21 is prohibited from having alcohol. If there is a presence at all, it’s generally done indoors and pretty quiet.

9.      Finding respectable people to associate with.

That one you should figure out on your own. But if I have any suggestions that could help, its one simple word: SOCIALIZE.

10.   Is it possible to receive alternative assignments that still reflects what the teacher wants (i.e., instead of an essay, do a speech or act it out)?

Sadly, no. Most professors at college expect their students to complete their work as assigned. You can try to get this changed by talking to your teachers during office hours, but most likely, nothing will come of it.

11.   How are the professors?

At Mercyhurst, I’d say every professor I’ve ever had has been really great. While not always easy in terms of assignments and grading, they at least keep you interested in the course material.

12.   Is getting drunk and doing drugs the only social activity? Absolutely not! In fact, there countless activities every weekend provided by Student Life. Furthermore, there are clubs for interests such as Anime, History, Role-Playing, etc. In short, there’s quite a lot to do.

13.   Does Campus Police even enforce these rules?

 I’d say yes as whenever there are serious problems on campus, they get reported.

14.   Why does it cost so much?

 In the context of Mercyhurst, it’s because it’s a private institution in comparison to the more publicly funded universities and community colleges.

15.   Why is Warde so good but Mc Auley so bad?

Warde is simply a newer building with conveniences such as air conditioning, workout rooms, refrigerators, etc. Mc Auley is much older and thereby doesn’t have these features.

16.   Where do you go if your roommate locks you out?

Go straight to the AD on Duty or to  Police and Safety, simple as that.

17.   How much homework is each day?  Is it everyday?

Generally, most homework consists of assigned readings, but sometimes you might thrown short essays or responses. As for frequency, professors often expect that you have something done for each day.

18.   Do college kids ever fail on assignments and do professors even care to meet them to help them?

 Like in high school, there are times when a few students will fail on their assignments. Except when failures occur among the majority of the class, professors don’t come to you. In order to get help, you have to go to them.

19.   How many parties?

Plenty, though you have to be invited or part of a group to go to them.

20.   How many women?

Again, there’s a lot of them.

21.   Does freedom last “forever?”

If you’re talking about not being responsible with your actions and able to crawl back to your safe corner, then the answer is no. College will pass by quickly and you’ll soon have to prepare for adult life.

22.   How am I supposed to get so many assignments done when there are a lot of activities after class?

All I can say to that question is for you to manage your time in any way that will work.

Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened....Dr. Seuss

 

Today we are winding down. The students took their last exam today!  The general consensus was that all of the students went in with a positive attitude and were very much excited to be completing this class. A thanks goes out to Mrs. Tobin for all of her hard work in making this class such a success. 

For the rest of the day the students will be able to take a breather, finish packing for tomorrow and will also enjoy a dance party later tonight!  There will be lots of surprises coming to you parents tomorrow so be prepared for a wonderful and exciting time.  This group of young adults have really formed some great friendships along the way and have been given the tools to succeed in college.  This has been a learning experience for us all.  Without the help of the Foundations staff and families  this couldn't be possible.  This has most definitely been a successful and exciting endaevor.  Good luck in the future and congrats on completing the Foundations 2011 Program! 

And when things start to happen,
don't worry.  Don't stew.
   Just go right along.
      You'll start happening too.

OH!
THE PLACES YOU'LL GO!

           --Dr. Seuss--

 SUBMITTED BY STEPHANIE HARE ON BEHALF OF ALL OF US!!!

Saying goodbye

May the road rise up to meet you,

May the wind be ever at your back. 

May the sun shine warm upon your face

And the rain fall softly on your fields. 

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the hollow of his hand. 

*************Irish Blessing

~

Your sons and daughter  have made the first step in transitioning from the comforts of their homes to independence.  We are amazed at what they have accomplished in a short time.   Many were struggling to say goodbye to  parents when they left--at this point many of them are struggling with the thought of saying goodbye to  the good friends they have made at our school. It's been quite a process.................

For some,  living independently, doing laundry,  handling personal hygiene, managing money, taking medications, holding onto a key and ID card have been the toughest challenge.  For others the academic rigor--writing more papers in a three week period than many have done in a whole grading period--was the hard part.  Others had to come to grips with intense social challenges--living in a college community with its share of new noises, a fire alarm system that picked this week to go haywire,  and adjusting to new foods, new friends and new resposibilities. 

While we had a curfew, some learned the hard way that in order to be prepared for an early morning college class, you have to go to bed--or you'll sleep through your class.  Some had to come to grips with what results when you procrastinate.  But they have learned the consequences of their actions and are stronger and more independent because of these experiences. 

Just a few rules for Check Out:

When you arrive on campus on Friday, please come  to the Learning Differences Office in Old Main 314.  We do have a Parent Evaluation that we are hoping you will be able to complete and return to us as part of our Check Out process. We will not be able to allow parents to enter rooms until the students are dismissed from class, probably around 11:30.  As a final lesson in independence, please know that we are encouraging your students to pack up their own belongings Thursday night.  We plan to assist you in loading your car. 

Questions???  Email Dianne at drogers@mercyhurst.edu or call the Learning Differences cell phone at 814-397-0335 !!!!

 

FAQ How do I find out about my final grades in Human Growth and Development?

Q.  Will you be able to tell me my son or daughter's final grade in the class when I pick him or her up on Friday?

A.   Many of you will be wondering what your son or daughter's final grade is in the Human Growth and Devlopment class. Mercyhurst requests that faculty give final grades to the Registrar's Office within two weeks of the final exam.  While some faculty may post grades on Blackboard sooner, that is not their obligation.

Q.  How do I get a copy of my son/daughter's grade for his high school or college?

A.   Many of you will want a copy of that grade sent to either the current high school or to the college where your son or daughter will attend in Fall.  Here is a link to the appropriate  form that your son/daughter  must complete if they want a copy of their grade:

https://portal.mercyhurst.edu/Academics/Registrar/Documents/Transcript%20Request%20Form.pdf

The Registrar  does  not automatically send a transcript, unless the student directs us to do so.  Please note that a student copy is FREE.  However, if credit is to be transferred to another institution, your son or daughter will need to request an official transcript to be sent to the appropriate office. 

Q.  I have a special question about grades in this class.  Who do I ask?

A.  Sister Patricia Whalen, Registrar of Mercyhurst College will be available for individual questions from 12:00--12:45 in the lobby of Warde Hall on Friday, July 29th.  If you aren't able to meet with her at this time, her direct email is pwhalen@mercyhurst.edu.

FOSSILS exhibit at TREC

Everyone had a great time viewing films on the IMAX screen and getting a special VIP tour from Professor Scott  Mc Kenzie who is a Mercyhurst faculty member,  curator of the Fossils exhibit and  special friend of Mercyhurst's Asperger Initiative  (AIM).  He was assisted by one of AIM's sophomores, Patrick who at age 19 is co-authoring a research article with members of Mercyhurst's geology department.   

Students were permitted to choose from three different IMAX films including Beavers, Mysteries of the Great Lakes and Wild Ocean.  After the trip to TREC (Tom Ridge Environmental Center), everyone had dinner at Eat 'n Park.  Then back to the college to complete the three (yes, you read that correctly) papers that are due this week!!!

Special thanks to Kristi for her photography!!!

Emily and friends inside the jaws of something scary. 



Thank you for a special presentation by curator of the exhibit, Professor Scott Mc Kenzie



Tate really seemed to enjoy this field trip.

Denouement

Many of you may have heard me speak about Dr. Ken Schiff, one of our English Department faculty members and parent of a young man on the spectrum  who was very much involved in envisioning our Asperger Initiative at Mercyhurst and the Foundations Program.  I had a chat  with  Ken on Thursday night  as he  always has a fresh and interesting take on the situations we are experiencing with our "growing pains."  And he makes me laugh, which was something I really needed !!!                                                

While talking to him I remembered that in my college  English classes many years ago I learned about plot development.  First there is rising action, then climax, then falling action, then denouement.  This schematic very much sums up last week. 

Monday through Thursday were very rough.  The students were agitated, the staff frustrated, and problems abounded.  After a lot of phone calls (be thankful if you DIDN'T hear from me!!), several behavior contracts, many staff meetings, we achieved an "uneasy peace" on Friday.  Of course, that was after three fire alarms went off in Warde Hall and jangled everyone's nerves!!! 

I'm thinking we have reached "denouement"  which  translated from French means "untying" but in literary terms is  the outcome or result of a complex situation or sequence of events.  Everyone is quieter and reflective this weekend.  We have six more days to go, but we are untying ourselves and settling.  Hopefully we have resolved our complex problems--at least for a while.

My phone could ring at any minute.

Farewell, Chantal!

We're gonna miss you soooo much Chantal!  Girl's night last night was such a special night, and I wish that it could go on forever-you know how much I kind of love to throw parties...
Sincerely,
Rachel Moran

Save the date

Recreation activities

Nate and Johnathan get ready for water ballon warfare

 Andrew, Ryan and Kati negotiate the rules of UNO

Kevin, Mac, Colin, Christian and Zoe enjoying Dan's gaming collection

Nate, Megan and Johnathan show their stuff

More study pictures

Chantel studying for Test 2

Ryan finds highlighting his text helps him to remember.

Nobody even turned around to take a break from studying!!!

Thursday notes from one of our peer mentors, Kristi

Today was a difficult day! It was one of the hottest days we have had since the program started. 100 degrees = ughhhhhh. The heat seemed to be getting to everyone.  We started the day off with class and reviewed for the second test tomorrow. We did our daily recreational activities and a small change was made.  It was not met with resistance and was accepted by all of the students.  Dan decided to apply limits to the video game club (good grades and good behavior.) If these two requirements are met then the students will be able to enjoy these games!  All of the students decided that these limits were a good idea.  Furthermore, all of the other activities went well. 

We had dinner at the dining hall and after, got to studying for the second exam tomorrow.  The students split into study groups and some on their own to prepare for the exam.  The students have expressed that they are improving in their study skills and creating new study habits that they did not have before coming to the program. One student noted his improvement in retaining all of the material he had studied for the exam.  Overall, the students show vast improvement and seem more prepared for the upcoming exam than the first. 

Josh, Johnathan review notecards with Colin

Tate and Zoe hit the books

Words from Paulina

I have really enjoyed getting to know your sons and daughters through living with them in the Residence Hall and being co-director of the Art Therapy program.  Over these few short weeks we have learned that everyone is different in their own ways that makes them their own person. Its great getting to meet such amazing individuals that are here at Mercyhurst! There is not a day that goes by where you wouldn't learn something new. The important thing is to strive towards a goal which is not immediately visible but is yet possible. That goal is not the concern of the mind, but of the spirit. With given the ability to dream a size too big so that we are able to grow in them.
With each activity helps you see how we are enjoy the great smiles and laughs that come with it! Keep up the great work everyone!!!!!!!

Update from Professor Tobin…………………….

I am finding the students to be delightful.  They are engaged by the material, eager participants in class discussion, polite, and cooperative.  As I told them on the first day, the first test would be the most difficult that is why I encourage working hard on and handing the papers.  The next two tests should be much easier as long as people are reading the chapters and taking notes.  They have probably already noticed the content becoming more familiar.  I would remind the students again to FOCUS on the assignment rather than getting worked up by it.  

I've read six or seven papers on the Raising Cain movie and they are some of the best papers I've ever read. I am really enjoying this group of students.

I encourage all of my students to contact me if they have any questions or concerns about how they are doing in this class. 

I just failed my first college test--now what???

Dear Students and Parents. 

Here is a letter I probably could  have received  hundreds of times in my years as a college counselor.

Today I checked my grades online and I got a 69 on my first test. Seriously, a *****  69!!!!

 What the ***** !!!!  I am used to straight A's.  What has happened??

                                                                                                                        Signed, Hopeless

Dear Hopeless,

Take a deep breath. Relax.... The world will move forward. Your high school grades were NOT an accident. You can and will make it.

You might not be prepared for this particular class. Or you didn’t study as much as you should have . Or you failed to turn our test page over and missed answering a few questions. Or you lost your place on the Scantron form and/or your answers were missing/skipped in the grading.

Contact our staff and review study techniques with them. Try to identify your problem.  Did you make notecards?  Did you outline your chapters?  Did you actually read the chapters or just skim over important material.  Study hall is only two hours long.  For a 4 chapter test, you will need to put more time into working.  And remember there are many other grading opportunities.

Test taking in college requires a background in understanding what your particular professor wants and then delivering that. Talk to our staff—they are available just down the hall.  You will look back at this one single grade at the end of the year and laugh. And you will have forgotten this incident by graduation.

Hang in there. You're bright enough, you're strong enough and by gosh, most everyone I know failed at least one test their freshmen year of college.

Dig deep and get a good  mental attitude towards all grades and grading you will ever face. Do not cry. Call your Mom and tell her you love her, but  tell her you’re not coming back until the program ends.   Face unwanted challenges and unexpected adversity by working harder.   It’s OK to say, "What the ***** !!!"   But then  move forward.

I hereby return with interest, all the confidence you lost or misplaced.

Be well.......... and remember we are all here for you. 

Dianne

Nick and John playing mini golf

Tom, Josh, and Emily driving bumper boats

Saturday!

Saturday started off with a morning study hall followed by laundry and some free time. After lunch the students participated in a daily activity. The activities consist of an art project, recreation, video gaming, and a Dungeons and Dragons game.
The group took the Mercyhurst school vans to dinner at Eat'n Park. Then, we drove to Nick's Place in Edinboro, PA where the students played mini golf, hit some baseballs in the batting cages, and drove bumper boats. After an eventful day everybody got some much-needed downtime in the lounges of Warde Hall.

Here's a recent article from the LA Times that Janet shared with our group:

College for autistic students isn't easy, but it is possible

 

Kerry Magro knew from day one that college wouldn't be easy.

On the first day of classes, Magro distributed cards to each of his professors letting them know he had autism.

"I pretty much had to be very vulnerable and say I have a disability," said Magro, 23, of New Jersey. "One of the big problems for an autistic individual is usually the communication and social issue. It's asking you to do something that your disability says you're going to have a problem with." 

Magro will speak about "College on the Spectrum" Saturday during the Autism Society's national conference in Orlando at theGaylord Palms Resort.

In the United States, about one in 110 children are diagnosed with autism, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Waves of children diagnosed with autism during the 1990s are now approaching college age, said Jessica Dunn, director of an autism support program at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas.

And as Magro knows, the transition to university life can be especially rough. Many of the challenges — time management, independent living, making friends — are faced by all students, but autism's effects make them more difficult.

But programs to help college students with autism are sparse, Dunn said.

Jill Bonn, a Longwood resident attending the Orlando conference, said she sent her daughter to an out-of-state college when she couldn't find a Florida school that could adequately support her daughter.

Instead, a program at Southern Illinois University Carbondale offered a transition program that taught her 20-year-old daughter how to live with autism in a college setting. Ultimately her daughter decided the university was too far from home and dropped out.

"When you have people physical disabilities, they make accommodations," Bonn said. "It's just a different situation for [people with autism]. They have trouble socializing and making friends and knowing what the appropriate thing to do is. Things we take for granted, they have to be taught."

At the small Texas university where Dunn works, students created a peer mentor program that shepherded students with autism into the rhythms of college life.Many needed a social navigator to help them understand social situations or a mentor to help them manage time effectively.

Because autism is a "spectrum disorder" that affects people differently and to varying degrees, there are no one-size-fits-all solutions. For a student with Asperger's syndrome, Dunn said, a timer helped her focus when she got too absorbed in tasks and needed to know when to stop.

When Magro arrived at Seton Hall University in New Jersey, he found a campus that lacked services and accommodations for students like himself. So he started a student organization for those with disabilities to raise awareness and foster a sense of community.

In the process, he learned how to advocate for himself and tell people what he needed.

Although he graduated earlier this year, Magro is returning to Seton Hall to pursue a masters degree in strategic communication.

"You have to be vulnerable," he said. "Autism doesn't define me — I define autism."

adoughman@tribune.com or 407-650-6333

Notes from our recent staff meeting

Although it's impossible to please everyone, we are trying to respond to some suggestions our Foundations students had after one week of the program.  Here are some of the suggestions and our plans to address students' concerns.

1.  Include room locations  for all activites on schedule--we will do this, just an oversight. 
2.  Make us aware of changes--we thought we were, but just to formalize this, each day at 11:30 after class we will have a "briefing."  This will start on Tuesday as there is a staff meeting at 11:30 on Monday.
3.  Change the time of weekend breakfast.  We have spoken to the cafeteria about later breakfasts on weekends.  The cafeteria needs to check with the Dance Camp that is also eating in our cafeteria.  More details on this later. 
4.  Make recreational activities optional.  We tried this on the first few days and very few showed up.  We are paying our Recreation staff to plan and carry out activities.  It is hard for them to plan when they have no idea how many will show up.  Sorry, no change on this. 
5.  Let us pick some activites.  This weekend there was a choice of going to mini golf/driving range OR bowling.  Most of the group wanted mini golf, so that was what we did. 

Please remember that you guys are 'pioneers' who are paving the way for other young people on the spectrum.  Let's work together to make improvements that work for all of us.

A thank you from Erie City Mission

Dianne,
I just wanted to drop a note to say thank you for allowing the students from the Mercyhurst Foundations program to be a part of helping us wrap up and clean up from a week long Sports & Arts Camp ministering to kids in the inner city in 1st-5th grade.  With a team of 65 volunteers serving each and every day, it was quite a blessing for them to have your team of mentors and students taking that final clean up role.  And they rose to the occasion and did a great job.  It was very nice to see my son as well with a big confident smile on his face.
Please do extend our gratitude and appreciation to all of them for us on behalf of all that serve and are served here at the Erie City Mission.
Blessings,

RoseMarie Lackey,
Erie City Mission Volunteer Coordinator
1017-1023 French Street
Erie, PA  16501

Friday has finally arrived!

As the first full week of classes comes to an end, and with one test out of the way, students are excited that it's finally Friday!

Today after class, the students enjoyed a lot of "downtime" where they were free to enjoy their time with whatever they chose to do. While some wanted to relax after having a test earlier in the day, others took a walk around campus, played with Nerf guns, socialized in the lounge area, enjoyed a nap, or played soccer on the turf. The majority of the day was not very eventful, but it was a much needed day after a hard week's work!

Later in the evening we took a trip to Burton Elementary School to volunteer our help and to give something back to the community. Having arrived at the site with smiling faces, the students were very eager and ready to get the job done, and they all worked as a team to complete the task at hand. We are very proud of them for their contribution to the community, and for the positive attitudes they have had throughout this experience.

Here are some photos of our time at the elementary school:

Colin sweeping garbage off of the bleachers

Emily unhooking the speaker

John helping with the speakers

Matt and Christian posing for the camera

Huai, Emily, Christian, and Matt

Nick directing James of what to do next

Josh is doing some heavy lifting

Christian

Nick and Huai posing for the blog

Nick, Andrew, and Huai are excited to get started!

Kevin, Huai, Emily, and Christian are all working together to tear down the bulletin board.

Huai and Lucy

Josh and Nate

Christian and Matt

Rachel

Huai and Nate

Kevin

Tate

Thanks for all of your help guys and girls, the community really appreciates it!

This was just a test; if it had been an actual emergency....

Sorry to have frightened all of you with  the single ominous word “test”.  Dan P. was trying to see if the contact list he had imported for me was working.  That word had nothing to do with the test your sons and daughters  had taken earlier in the day.

As far as we know, the Human Growth test went fine.  The students seemed pretty relaxed going into it.  Everyone went to bed early the night before the test.  We provided them with a pretty detailed set of Powerpoints to use for studying and they made their own study guides. 

We had a very low key afternoon.   After the test, the cafeteria served up pizza (including a gluten free variety which I though was pretty good!)  a relish tray and "hot from the oven" chocolate chip cookies delivered to the 2nd floor of Warde Hall.

When I left some of the students were about to watch the   DVD , “Mary and Max”.  We showed it here at the college during Autism Awareness month and everyone seemed to like it.  Knowing that Zoe had a copy, I asked her to share it with the group.  It’s about a friendship between two individuals, an older man with Asperger’s and his penpal Mary. 

It has a wonderful message.    If you haven’t seen it, rent it from Netflix!!!

Matt relaxing in Garvey Park

Will this Extra Strength Tylenol help Kelly's headache??

Johnathan relaxing in Warde