Safety, Drinking and Drug Issues on Campus

 As one of my returning students once said to a group of seniors during a Senior Transition Day program, “Since you live at college 24 hours a day, a lot of learning goes on outside of the classroom.”  The college campus is a reflection of society--the same values and issues that are operating in the “real world” are represented in the daily life of a college campus.

Campus Security

Colleges feel strongly about the safety of their students and as a result, many campuses have instituted several levels of prevention and systems of intervention for campus security.  The physical measures that have been put in place on most campuses include electronic entry-card systems, escort services, telephones that are well marked and accessible throughout the campus, adequate illumination and frequent patrols by security staff members.

The educational programs that have become part of many freshman orientations are among the most effective intervention methods.  A typical program will have the Department of Student Affairs conduct several consciousness-raising sessions to create an awareness of the issue of safety on campus.  These programs are presented during large group presentations, but then staff members and RA’s take their message into the dorms.  Late-night dorm talks about coed relations and crime and safety information lend legitimacy to their presentations.  Because many of these staff members are also the ones who do counseling intervention when something does go wrong on campus, they are very motivated to get their message across--loud and clear.

Drinking and Drugs

What about drinking and drugs?  As I said above, college is a reflection of society.  Unfortunately, you probably know some students now who do drugs and abuse alcohol.  When you get to college, you will have to make the same kinds of decisions you made at some point in high school about where you stand.  The difference is that you will be in a new environment meeting everyone for the first time--and living with them. 

Life is all about choices--other people’s choices and yours.  It will take some energy and thought, conversation and reflection to establish your comfort zone at college.  You will be able to work it out, though, especially if your values are clear and you have your priorities straight.  Be prepared, however, that these adjustments will demand your attention and place a strain on your energy. 

Colleges and universities have realized the extent to which “drinking and drugging the weekend away” has become a problem to the students who do it and to their classmates who have to put up with the aftermath.  Schools have begun to make major changes in their attitude and regulation of student drinking.  Fraternities are not as welcome on campus as they used to be.  Rushing has dropped off on some campuses, and on others, administrations have suspended and even closed down some Greek houses.  Bars have been restricted to seniors only and in many cases replaced by coffeehouses.  Tobacco, alcohol and substance-free dorms are available on most campuses, and colleges pay more attention to the social events on their campuses.  Remember:  Drugs are against the law.  If you are caught with a controlled substance on campus, you can be suspended, expelled, or turned over to the law for prosecution.

Without getting into a litany of “dangerous drugs on campus,” I would just like to mention one drug that you may not have run into at the high school level -- Adderall.  Adderall is the brand name for an Amphetamine which is a strong psycho stimulant medication that should be used only under prescription. College students are involved in many activities, from part time jobs, heavy course loads and partying, and not finding enough time to study. To maintain a good performance many college students are in a precarious position and as a result try out different "tricks" to pull all-nighters. Known as the "smart drug" or "study buddy", the result of Adderall use is that they can study for days with a few hours of sleep. It makes the heart pound, blood rush and can provide a feeling of euphoria. The drug is classified as Schedule II meaning its abuse can lead to severe psychological and physical dependence.  Colleges have recognized the “fall-out” of drugs like this on their campuses and some like Duke University, has added "the unauthorized use of prescription medication" to the long list of activities that fall under the umbrella of academic dishonesty."

 What have been the results of these changes?  There are still places to go to drink or get drugs, and there always will be if that is the choice you want to make.  But now colleges and universities are making special efforts to provide other interesting and exciting options to choose from.  The choice is yours.

I Care About Your College Admission, But Care Much More About Whether You Stay In and Graduate!

 

As I work with students and families throughout the college exploration and decision-making process, it’s important to look beyond the immediate concerns about college admission to consider whether the college chosen is a place where the student will achieve satisfaction and accomplish their goals.

 

With the rising cost of a college education and the trend towards 6 year graduation rates, it’s become apparent that “Exploring Your College Options” before you apply is well worth your valuable time. Statistics quote that 46% of students who enter one college, change colleges within two years contributing to extended college attendance and the increase in the COA (Cost of Attendance) for students.  Of greater concern today, are the number of students who are dropping out of college prior to completion leaving them in serious debt and without the skills, certifications and the benefits that go along with college completion.  “The job market barely distinguishes between people who never went and people who dropped out,” said Kevin Carey of the New America Foundation, a Washington-based research institution. “

 

                                           Taken from http://americandream2-0.com/

What factors contribute to extended graduation and dropout rates in college?

 

1.       One factor in the higher drop-out rates, according to a Harvard study, is the rising cost of a college education. College tuition and fees today are "559 percent of their cost in 1985.”

2.       Research links financial difficulties to attendance length and dropout rates, citing that 41% of students from lower incomes manage to graduate within five years, while 66% of higher income students complete their degree.

3.       Students drop-out because college did not meet their expectations for academic or social reasons or because they had “unrealistic” views of what they could expect from the college experience.

4.       Poor study habits, lack of motivation, or inadequate preparation carry forward from high school.

5.       Lack of direction or focus and changing majors during college prolongs graduation and contributes to drop-out rates.

6.       Students need to work to pay college costs and lose track of their number one priority, College Graduation.

What Steps to Take To Choose The Right College For You?

There really are no hard and fast rules for making sure you’re headed for your “best-fit” college, but I do know that this decision begins with finding out more about who you are and what you want in your future. Although speaking with friends and relatives about their choices will add their perspectives to your knowledge bank; remember that these are “personal” decisions and what may have contributed to their “perfect” experience may not be the same factors that you are looking for in a college.

So given that disclaimer, here are some questions, I think might begin to help you explore your choices. When I’m asked by students, what colleges should be “on my list” my replies are:

1.       What are you looking to get out of the college experience? 

2.       What majors do you need to explore at college?

3.       Do you have an idea about your career direction?”

4.       Have you done any visiting, which size campus feels comfortable to you?

5.       How far away from home have you been, and have you stayed overnight by yourself?

6.       Do you have financial concerns about attending college, and have you spoken with your parents about college costs?

7.       Do the colleges that you’re considering have strong programs in your areas of interest?

8.       How good is the Academic Advisement at the colleges you’re considering?

9.       If a job after graduation is your primary goal, what corporations come to the campus to recruit students for employment?

10.   Have you explored what “campus life” is like at that college and how involved are the students in generating activities and driving decisions?

Lastly, I always emphasize “doing your homework” for the college exploration process and leaving enough time to research by starting early.  Take time to look at the curriculum in a major you’re interested in.  Are the courses presented in their online syllabus exciting to you and are they being presented in a way that’s engaging? Compare course offerings between colleges, look at graduation rates and financial support offered by colleges before you put them on your list.

Once you make the final decision on the “College of Your Choice,” maximize your success by following these simple suggestions:

1. Develop strategies, study skills, and a network of support!
2. Attend class.
3. Arrive on time, pay attention, and participate in class discussions and activities.
4. Talk to the instructor. Ask questions.
5. Complete and check all work. Turn in neat and clear assignments.
6. Monitor your progress. If you begin to fall behind, ask for help.
7. Stay in contact with your academic adviser and your professors.

Opening Doors Through Community Service

As I'm doing presentations for juniors throughout Palm Beach County, Florida we discuss their involvement in extracurriculars and linking those interests to the colleges that they decide to put on their "College List."  The other factor that comes into play, is how does this involvement contribute to a winning application and how to express their involvement so that colleges "read their passions" through their extracurricular and community service involvement.  Here's an article I wrote this month for "The Inside Track" newsletter. 

 

Opening Doors Though Community Service 

As a volunteer, you have the opportunity to make a difference—change lives, support a cause, or improve your community. Volunteerism makes you feel good about yourself, and is its own reward.  However, you will gain skills through your altruistic efforts. You get to develop your leadership style, hone your job-readiness skills, create a network of new friends and connect to businesses, schools, or other community-based organizations. You’ll explore career options, and (don’t forget the all-important) establish a powerful resume.  Your passion for helping others provides colleges with evidence of your strong character, commitment and motivation.  I’ve seen instances where community service involvement has generated “winning” college essays and more than that, students have really learned about their own abilities by doing good things for others. You will always get far more out of these experiences than you give!

This is not the place for the “Rebel without a Cause.”  Pick a cause that’s really reflective of your interests, that demonstrates who you are and then--stick with it.  It’s never too early to get involved, so start in middle or high school to explore your options. Look around your community, your school, your peer group--is there something needed that hasn’t been addressed before?  You can join existing community service groups or venture out on your own to “right a wrong” or help others help themselves.  Be inventive, creative, and resourceful, then-- actualize your dreams.  Thinking about it doesn’t “make it happen.”  What college or university wouldn’t want a student on their campus with those traits?

If you have a career goal, think about getting involved in community service activities that “mesh” with your “brand.”  We’ve talked about developing a marketing brand before as you approach your applications, here’s your chance to demonstrate your interests and gain “real-life” experience in your stated career zone.

Scholarship opportunities are abundant for the student who has demonstrated a commitment to their community service over time. Communities, corporations and individuals have established rewards for the student who stands out.  Inside Track To College puts together a monthly scholarship list of over 30 pages.  Many of those scholarships include Community Service as a component.  These scholarships are targeted to those who have a true passion for service. While many local high school and districts require service as part of the regular curriculum, to qualify for a community service scholarship, you’ll need to go above and beyond basic hour requirements. 

Scholarship committees will want to see proof of service, hear from references, and have an idea that you are committed to continuing service into the future. Typically winners of these awards began early in their high school careers and dedicate hours weekly throughout the year. We’re not talking about a one-time “Race For The Cure”. The kind of volunteerism that wins awards is sustained and genuine.

In addition to specific school-based scholarships, national scholarship opportunities are available, but the competition is tough. Here is a website for national scholarships available to high school students who are deeply involved in community service:  Fastweb.com and I recommend that all of the students that I work with sign up and complete a mini-profile to get scholarships delivered to their email everyday!

 

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