STUDENTS AS EMERGING ADULTS: SECOND YEAR PARENT & FAMILY PROGRAMS The Second Year In terms of transition, there are many things going on for students as they navigate the second year of college that are significantly different than what is experienced during the first year. During the second year, students sometimes experience a “sophomore slump” which can be a time of dissatisfaction with the college environment and the self (Feldman & Newcomb, 1969). This is sometimes marked by students feeling as if the institution is not as supportive to their needs as they were previously, or as it is for current new college students. This “slump” can at times result in reduced motivation and or declining academic performance (Pattengale, 2000).
selected major and at times, sometimes causes students to reflect on whether to change their major. Also, for students who may still remain undeclared, pressure to declare a major or a course of study may exist; some of this pressure is created by students’ social circles, university policies, and individual pressure to determine a focus.
home.
For many students, the second year of college can be a time of intense reflection, considering their personal values and decisions as well as their identity and peer relationships. It isn’t unheard of for relationships to begin to change in a students’ second year, as they are no longer friends with others based off of While there are a multitude of convenience or proximity (living housing options on campus for the residence halls). Students now second year students, for students have to work toward maintaining who move off-campus, there can relationships with others, and at be unique challenges associated times the process of values with living independently for the clarification is related to this first time. These can include (but development of mature and are not limited to): learning how to meaningful interpersonal acquire basic life skills (paying relationships. bills, maintaining a clean living Additional challenges for students environment, working with While there are unique challenges during the second year can include landlords or leasing agents, living associated with the second year of entering an intensified curriculum with multiple roommates, etc.), college, this year provides the or a period in which academic and maintaining a sustained opportunity for students to difficulty increases as they begin connection to the CSU campus randomly explore, figure out what to take courses in their major. This community. It’s important for they are passionate about, and difficulty and/or exposure to students who move off-campus to truly reflect on their purpose and courses in their major may cause find and maintain a connection to how they are beginning to make second year students to reflect on CSU instead of just arriving for meaning out of their college their fit or interest with their class and then leaving to return experience.
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STUDENTS AS EMERGING ADULTS: SECOND YEAR
Issues Typically Experienced in the Second Year and Resources Available REDUCED MOTIVATION AND DECLINING ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
After the first year, students begin to get into a “rhythm” with their educational pursuits. This may cause students to lose interest in their courses as they continue throughout their second year. Courses get more difficult as students move through the All University Core Curriculum and move into their specified field and/or major. Students should continue to seek help and/or assistance as their courses increase in difficulty.
CSU RESOURCES:
Developing Competence
Learning Programs in The Institute for Learning and Teaching (TILT). Visit the TILT website for a list of tutorial resources and/or academic and study skills workshops. TILT also offers Academic Coaches to help with time management, study skills, test prep, and more! Learning Assistance Program (LAP): Aylesworth Hall NW, 491-6053 Located in the University Counseling Center, LAP is a great resources for assessment of learning disabilities or study skills coaching Tutorial Assistance: Russell George Great Hall, TILT Bldg. Provides tutorial services for math, science and some liberal arts classes. The Writing Center: Eddy 6, 491-0222 The Writing Center offers a free, confidential service with no appointment necessary to all writers within the CSU and Fort Collins community. Each session typically lasts about a half an hour. They also offer workshops through the semester.
NEWNESS” HAS WORN OFF, REALITY HITS: MANY STUDENTS FEEL AS IF THE INSTITUTION IS NOT AS SUPPORTIVE AS IN THE FIRST YEAR .
Managing Emotions
In the second year, students may not be as excited to return to campus as they were when they first arrived. Students become anxious as they do not hear of or see as many resources designed for them in their second year as they did during their first year on campus.
CSU RESOURCES:
Developing Interdependence
Year 2 @ CSU Year 2 @ CSU is an entire program dedicated to students in their second year. Students have the opportunity to participate in Academic Transition Workshops, True Faculty Dinner Series, Outdoor Experiences, an Alternative Spring Break, as well as read blogs from other students as they describe what it was like during their second year! Academic Advisors/Faculty Professional staff in and out of the classroom can be great resources for student in terms of feeling welcomed back to campus in the second year. It is recommended that students make sure they are making these connections with these professional staff members.
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INTENSIFIED CURRICULUM
As students progress through their CSU experience, the curriculum can at times become increasingly difficult as students begin taking course in their major of study. Once a student completes their basic courses, they move into courses for their specified field and/or major. Additionally, sometimes this intensified curriculum can cause students to question whether or not they are in the right academic college or major of study.
Developing Competence
CSU RESOURCES:
Learning Programs in The Institute for Learning and Teaching (TILT). Visit the TILT website for a list of tutorial resources and/or academic and study skills workshops. TILT also offers Academic Coaches to help with time management, study skills, test prep, and more! Tutoring at CSU Colorado State University offers a variety of tutoring services for students through TILT. Students can sign up for individual tutoring sessions, join study groups, access tools and resources online, or connect with online tutoring.
CHOOSING A MAJOR OR DEGREE PATH
As students begin their second year, many undeclared majors will begin the process of declaring a major. Students who declared a major in or before their first year may decide to change their major during their second year as they begin the process of reflection. During the second year, students in certain majors and degree programs will begin to look for summer jobs or internships as directed by their department.
Developing Competence Identity
CSU RESOURCES:
Center for Advising and Student Achievement (CASA) CASA provides advising for all undeclared students. Here, advisors will assist students in choices courses and declaring a major. CASA also hosts an Exploring Majors Fair where students are able to see a variety of majors and programs at one time. Advising @ CSU This online resource is designed to assist undergraduate students who are first learning about- or who are already participating in- the academic advising process. Students will find a variety of useful information regarding the requirements of their major, tracking academic progress, and the proper procedures for addressing and resolving academic disagreements. CSU Career Center The CSU Career Center provides many resources to prepare students for life after college as well as assist them in finding internships while still an undergraduate.
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STUDENTS AS EMERGING ADULTS: SECOND YEAR
AFTER MOVING OFF CAMPUS, FEELINGS OF LACK OF CONNECTION TO CAMPUS
Developing Interdependence
Unlike the first year, there is no requirement for students to live on campus during their second year, however there are outstanding options for second year students who wish to remain in the residence halls. Nevertheless, for some students, the second year is when they elect to move off-campus for the first time. As students move off campus, sometimes they will lose connections with other students they met while living in close proximity in the residence halls. This can cause some students to feel neglected or unsupported. Personal relationships may now take additional work to maintain.
CSU RESOURCES:
Mature Relationships
Off Campus Life (OCL) OCL provides students with many different housing resources. They answer questions about landlords, roommates, city ordinances and more! CSU Housing and Dining Services Second year students can still live on campus during their second year if they choose. There are many great on-campus housing options that are available! Year 2 @ CSU Year 2 @ CSU includes workshops on housing and life skills, as well as provides a means to connect with others and with campus in ways specific to students in their second year.
PEER CHALLENGES
As students move off campus, their friend group may change as they do not live in the same proximity as they did before while in the residence halls. Students may find their values no longer align with friends they had during their first year, thus causing reflection on who they actually have built meaningful relationships with.
CSU RESOURCES:
Mature Relationships
Off Campus Life (OCL) OCL provides students with many different housing resources. They answer questions about landlords, roommates, city ordinances and more! Year 2 @ CSU This program can help students think about who they are, as well as connect to other students in their second year. Student Leadership, Involvement & Community Engagement (SLiCE) SLiCE brings together student organizations, student leaders, and student volunteers under one banner; making campus a better community and a more involved place. Being involved in SLiCE programs allows students to enrich their academic and social experience at CSU as well as find new friends!
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Identity
IDENTITY EXPLORATION
Students will begin to explore their identities as they go throughout their second year and are more comfortable with themselves and the people around them.
CSU RESOURCES:
Diversity at CSU Diversity programs and services at CSU support students in a variety of ways and provides opportunities to successfully participate in, and contribute to, the diverse campus environment. Students have many resources to explore their many different identities as well as find a community they can identify with while at CSU. These include, Cultural and Resources Centers, International Programs, Student Organizations, and support for First Generation Students. CSU Health Network- Counseling Services Students that may want to talk with someone about exploring their identity, or the stress of balancing school during their second year are encouraged to visit CSU Counseling Services.
TIME MANAGEMENT AND BALANCING LEVELS OF INVOLVEMENT
With diverse course work and social lives, second year students may struggle to balance all of their work and involvements. Second year students at times become very involved in campus programs and organizations that can be overwhelming on top of an increasingly difficult course load.
Developing Competence Managing Emotions
CSU RESOURCES:
Learning Programs in The Institute for Learning and Teaching Visit the TILT website for a list of tutorial resources and/or academic and study skills workshops. TILT also offers Academic Coaches to help with time management, study skills, test prep, and more! Tutoring at CSU Colorado State University offers a variety of tutoring services for students through TILT. Students can sign up for individual tutoring sessions, join study groups, access tools and resources online, or connect with online tutoring. CSU Health Network- Counseling Services Sometimes the overwhelming nature of attempting to find balance can be greatly helped by talking with someone. Counselors with the CSU Health Network are skilled at helping students work through these challenges, develop skills, and even connect with others facing similar difficulties.
The Second Year
Can We Talk?
What is different about your first-year from your second year?
Tell me about your friends. Do you still keep in contact with friends you made last year?
Do you know your professors? Your academic advisor?
What do you know about your professors and academic advisors?
How are classes going this year?
What are ways in which you feel connected in your second year?
Have you heard about the Year 2 @ CSU program?
(If living off-campus): How long are you on campus each day? What do you do on campus beyond going to class?