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 !!!!