On-Campus Bachelor of Arts Program
Parents’ Handbook 2011–2012
Prescott College For the Liberal Arts, the Environment, and Social Justice
Getting to Prescott College From Phoenix, you can take a commuter flight or a van shuttle into town, or you can rent a car. The airlines and airport shuttle both require advance reservations—contact numbers are listed below. Prescott is approximately 100 miles northwest of Phoenix (two hours by car). Take I-17 north to Highway 69 north into Prescott. Once in Prescott, continue west through town on Gurley Street to Grove Avenue. Turn right on Grove and proceed two blocks north to the Admissions Office at 302 Grove Avenue (at the light, on the corner of Grove Avenue and Sheldon Street). Parking is available next to the Admissions building. From Flagstaff, you can arrange for a rental car or take a van shuttle. Prescott is approximately 100 miles southwest of Flagstaff (2 hours by car). Take I-17 south to the Highway 169 exit toward Dewey. Turn right on Highway 69 north to Prescott. Once in Prescott, continue west through town on Gurley Street to Grove Avenue. Turn right on Grove and proceed two blocks north to the Admissions Office at 306 Grove Avenue (one building north of the Grove and Sheldon intersection). Parking is available next to the Student Services building, at the corner.
Marie Smith Parent Programs 220 Grove Avenue • Prescott, AZ 86301 (877) 350-2100 ext. 4502 • (928) 350-4502 Fax (928) 776-5228 msmith@prescott.edu www.prescott.edu
Resident Degree Program 2011-2012 Academic Calendar
Helpful Contact Information
Fall 2011
Prescott College Website Toll Free
Block Classes Begin August 30 September 5 Labor Day – No Classes September 23 Block Classes End September 26–30 Student Directed Days October 3 Semester Classes Begin October 10 Indigenous People’s Day – No Classes November 11 Veterans’ Day – No Classes November 23-25 Thanksgiving Break December 16 Last Day of Classes – Baccalaureate December 18 Graduation December 24–January 2, 2012 Winter Break
January 10 January 16 February 3 February 6–10 February 13 February 20 March 12–16 April 6 April 14-15 May 4 May 5
www.prescott.edu (877) 350-2100
Emergency
911
Alumni Relations
(928) 350-4502 msmith@prescott.edu
Bookstore
(928) 350-4307
Business Office
(928) 350-4000
Crossroads Café
(928) 350-1400
Financial Aid
(928) 350-1111
Kino Bay
Spring 2012 Block Classes Begin Martin Luther King Jr. Day – No Classes Block Classes End Student Directed Days Semester Classes Begin Presidents’ Day – No Classes Spring Break Intercultural Day – No Classes Parents Weekend Last Day of Classes/Baccalaureate Graduation
Visitor Information
011-52-662-242-0024
Office of the Registrar
(928) 350-1102
Parent Programs RDP Dean’s Office
(928) 350-4502 msmith@prescott.edu (877) 350-2100 ext. 2000
Accommodations
Hiking Trails and Outdoor Recreation
Hotels Forest Villas Hotel, 3645 Lee Cir. Prescott, AZ 86301 (5 Miles from PC)
(928) 717-1200 (800) 223-3449
Hampton Inn, 3453 Ranch Dr. Prescott, AZ 86303 (4.7 Miles from PC)
(928) 443-5500 (800) HAMPTON
Hassayampa Inn, 122 E. Gurley St. Prescott, AZ 86301 (1/2 Mile from PC)
(928) 778-9434 (800) 322-1927 (in AZ)
Holiday Inn Express, 3454 Ranch Dr. Prescott, AZ 86303 (4.7 Miles from PC)
(928) 445-8900 (800) HOLIDAY
Hotel St. Michael, 205 W. Gurley St. Prescott, AZ 86301 (1/4 Mile from PC)
(928) 776-1999 (800) 678-3757
Hotel Vendome, 230 S. Cortez St. Prescott, AZ 86303 (1 Mile from PC)
(928) 776-0900 (888) 468-3583
Prescott Resort & Conference Center, 1500 Hwy. 69 Prescott, AZ 86301 (2 Miles from PC)
(928) 776-1666 (800) 967-4637
Springhill Suites by Marriott, 200 East Sheldon St. Prescott, AZ 86301 (1/2 Mile from PC)
(888) 466-8440 (928) 776-0998
Service Center/Mail Room
(928) 350-2200
Motels
Student Services/Housing
(928) 350-1005
America’s Best Value Inn, 1105 E. Sheldon St. Prescott, AZ 86301 (1 Mile from PC)
(928) 776-1282
Comfort Inn, 1290 White Spar Rd. Prescott, AZ 86303 (2 Miles from PC)
(928) 778-5770 (800) 889-9774
Best Western Prescottonian, 1317 E. Gurley St. Prescott, AZ 86301 (1 1/2 Miles from PC)
(928) 445-3096 (800) 528-1234
Motel 6, 1111 E. Sheldon St. Prescott, AZ 86301 (1 Mile from PC)
(928) 776-0160 (800) 466-8356
Student Billing
(877) 350-2100 ext. 4004
Glossary of Common Terms Block and Quarter Blocks are approximately four weeks in length and take place during September, January, and, if desired, in May. An eleven week quarter follows each one. During the block, students enroll in only one course and learn through intense involvement in the subject. During the quarter, students enroll in three classes to balance and integrate their coursework. Breadth A concentration of related courses relevant to a minor field of study.
Camping Visit the Prescott National Forest Website’s camping information http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/prescott/recreate/rec_camp.htm
Competence A concentration of related courses relevant to a major field of study.
Dining
Experiential Education Many courses have strong field components, and some are conducted entirely in the field. Internships, apprenticeships, independent studies, community service, and study abroad are encouraged so that students may study and live in cultural contexts outside your normal experience.
All restaurants listed have vegetarian options ($ = More expensive) (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Used to apply for all Federal aid. Interdisciplinary Designates a combination of subject matter from two or more disciplines within a course or program. Internship Involves working with an organization related to a student’s major program and/or career plans. Usually involves earning college credit and may involve receiving payment. Portfolio A collection of work (e.g., paintings, writings, photos, etc.) used to demonstrate competency in an academic area. Prerequisite A requirement, usually the completion of another course, which must be met before a student may register for a course. Registration The process of enrolling in and paying tuition and fees for courses each term. Student Employment Part-time jobs made available to students with financial need through a federally-funded program (Work Study) and to students without need through the Student Employment Office. Transcript A copy of a student’s permanent academic record including all courses taken and quarter hours. Transfer Credit Credit earned at another accredited institution and accepted toward a PC degree.
129 1/2 American Jazz Grille (D) ($) Apple Pan (B/L) Café St. Michael Restaurant(B/L/D) Coyote Joe's Bar and Grill (Bar and Grill) Genovese’s Ristorante (L//D) Golden Gate Chinese (L/D) Gurley St. Grill (L/D) Hugo’s Mexican Cantina (L/D) Iron Springs Cafe (L/D) Lone Spur Café (B/L) Maya’s Mexican Restaurant (L/D) Monk’s (B/L/D) Murphy’s (L/D) Prescott Brewing Company (L/D) Prescott Coffee Roasters (Coffee Shop) Raven Café (B/L/D) Roman Deli/Restaurant (Italian L/D) Taj Mahal (Indian L/D) Thai House Café (L/D) The Office (L/D) ($)
129 Cortez St. 510 W. Gurley St. 100 South Montezuma St. 214 S. Montezuma St. 217 W. Gurley St. 620 E. Gurley St. Gurley and Granite Sts. Montezuma and Sheldon Sts. 1501 W. Iron Springs Rd 106 W. Gurley St. 512 South Montezuma St. 123 N. Cortez St. 201 North Cortez St. 130 W. Gurley St. 318 W. Gurley St. 142 N. Cortez St. 623 Miller Valley Rd. 124 N. Montezuma St. 230 N. Cortez St. 128 N. Cortez St.
Granite Mountain Continue driving north on Grove Ave. until you reach Iron Springs Rd. Take a left onto Iron Spring Rd. and drive west approximately 3.5 miles until you arrive at the Granite Basin turn off. Take a right here, onto Granite Basin Rd. and continue driving to the Playa or Metate Trailhead parking lot. Here you can access a variety of trails from easy to difficult terrain. $3 parking fee. Watson Lake Drive south on Grove Avenue back to Gurley St. Take a left onto Gurley St. heading east through downtown. Continue on Gurley St. until you see the junction of Hwy. 89N and Hwy. 69. Go left onto 89N and continue driving until you reach your first traffic light. At this traffic light take a right into Watson Lake Recreational Area. Fee is due upon entry. Thumb Butte Drive south on Grove Ave. back to Gurley St. Take a right heading west onto Gurley and continue on as it bends southwest and turns into Thumb Butte Rd. Follow Thumb Butte Rd. approximately 1 mile and enter right into the parking lot for the recreation area. Trails are located across the street from the parking lot. $3 entry fee. Lynx Lake Drive south on Grove Ave. back to Gurley St. Turn left (east) onto Gurley and continue on as it turns into Hwy. 69. Follow Hwy. 69 to Walker Rd. (just pass the mall) and turn right (south). Follow Walker Rd. approximately 3 miles to the North Shore parking area; turn left into the entrance drive; $2 entry fee.
Movie Theatres Harkins Prescott Valley 14 7202 Pav Way, Prescott Valley
775-2284
Shopping Prescott Gateway Mall Mon.–Sat., 10 am – 9 pm, Sun., 11 am–6 pm 3250 Gateway Blvd. (Hwy 89 between Prescott/Prescott Valley)
Books Book Nook, 324 W. Gurley St. Prescott College Bookstore, 371 Garden St.
778-2130 350-4307
Grocery Stores Farmers Market, Yavapai College parking lot New Frontiers Natural Foods, 1112 W. Iron Springs Rd.
776-9880 445-7370
Outdoor Gear Bikesmith Cycle & Fitness, 723 A N. Montezuma St. Granite Mountain Outfitters, 320 W. Gurley St. The Hike Shack, 210 S. Montezuma St. Manzanita Outdoor, 1841 E Hwy. 69, Ste. 10
445-0280 776-4949 443-8565 778-0980
Records, Tapes, CD’s Video Rentals Hastings Books/Music/Video, 940 Willow Creek Rd. Show Business, 405 W. Goodwin St.
778-3733 445-8558
Residence Life In keeping with the College’s philosophy that students develop valuable life skills through independent living, most students live in off-campus housing. The Student Life Office assists incoming students with securing housing in the local community. Housing options are plentiful and varied, and typically more affordable than in larger, more urban communities. Notices of available housing are advertised on the Prescott College website and on a houscan live in dormitories at the local community college or privately owned dormitories.
vesting systems, and screening structures to minimize visual impact on surrounding residents. Weddle Gilmore Architects and Haley Construction Company have been contracted to work with a college-wide Steering Committee on design and build stages of the project. Construction is expected be completed by fall of 2012 and is targeting a LEED Gold designation upon completion from the US Green Building Council.
Central Campus Commons The College continues to work on the development of its central campus in Prescott in order to improve the functional and aesthetic benefit to students, employees, and visitors. Beginning in 2008 the College worked with the City of Prescott and the local neighborhood to acquire the alleyway that cuts through the main section of campus. This acquisition in 2009 allowed the college to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety and also to begin development of a central campus commons area with native landscaping, fruit trees, outdoor meeting spaces and many other design features.
Student Housing
Landscape design will include preservation of existing native trees, planting of new native plants, courtyard spaces with fruit trees and edible gardens, irrigation from rainwater har-
Dear Parents and Families, The sense of family that exists within the Prescott College community serves to enhance each student’s connection with the campus, current students and alumni. Prescott College is committed in our efforts to support you and your student’s educational success and tie the bonds of a lifelong affiliation with the College. This Parent Handbook is just one way in which we would like to reach out and provide you with valuable information about Prescott College and the Prescott Community. The Office of Parent Relations exists to act not only as an educational resource regarding our campus and to promote understanding of topics relevant to your student’s college years, but to connect parents to Prescott College by engaging them in meaningful service through participation in active liaison groups. The Parent Education Liaison Group serves to assist with the transition of incoming students and their families. The PC Parent Scholarship Fund is a great way for every parent to get involved. Every gift will support opportunities for current students to expand their educational curriculum. By contributing to “Trails Home” the PC Parent Newsletter, parents can connect with each other and share their experiences. I encourage you to fill out the enclosed Parent’s Association participation flyer and return it in the enclosed SASE. In addition, I suggest that you frequent the Parent Relation’s website at: http://www.prescott.edu/parents/ In order to make sure that you receive the monthly parent enewsletter, Trails Home, I encourage you to update your contact information at: http://pcparent.kintera.org
The college has undertaken a $6 million project to develop on-campus student housing for up to 104 students. The proposed project consists of 13 new multi-story townhome style apartment units, for up to eight students in each three-level unit, and one staff unit for the Director of Residential Life. The project design includes new ADA accessible paths and other improved pedestrian connections to the central campus, as well as expanded parking for cars and bicycles. The project will also maintain the high environmental standards that define Prescott College through material and product selection, use of recycled and recyclable floor covering, energy modeling optimization of heating and cooling systems, integration of passive and active solar energy technology, low-flow fixtures and water conservation strategies, EnergyStar appliances and other elements that will reduce impact on the environment.
Welcome
Join us in promoting that same connection with our parents. I look forward to meeting you when you visit campus and I invite you to contact me with any questions that you may have. With Warmest Regards,
A coordinating committee of faculty, staff, and students has been engaged in the design of the central campus commons area over a period of several years. Faculty and staff with key expertise and interest in the significant components of the project were specifically recruited to both guide the design process as well as to connect students and the learning community more fully to the project.rooms, shared kitchen, dining and living areas, and laundry room.
Marie Smith Office of Alumni and Parent Programs msmith@prescott.edu (877) 350-2100 X4502
FERPA: Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act is a Federal law designed to protect the privacy of a student’s education records. When a student reaches the age of 18 or begins attending a postsecondary institution, regardless of age, FERPA rights transfer to the student. As such, it is the policy of Prescott College to limit disclosure to others of personally identifiable information from education records without students' prior written consent, subject to the following limitations and exclusions. Directory Information The following categories of information have been designated directory information: Name; all addresses; Email address; Website address; all telephone numbers; field(s) of study, including competence, breadth, and primary program area; all previous school(s) attended; photographs; date and place of birth; participation in officially recognized activities; dates of attendance and full-time/parttime status; all degrees earned at Prescott College and elsewhere; anticipated graduation date; advisor name, and awards This information will be disclosed even in the absence of consent unless the student files written notice requesting the College not to disclose any or all of the categories. The notice must be filed with the Office of the Registrar. The College will give annual public notice to students of the categories of information designated as directory information. Directory information may appear in public documents and otherwise be disclosed without student consent unless the student objects as provided ove. All requests for non-disclosure of directory information will be implemented as soon as publication schedules will reasonably allow. The College will use its best efforts to maintain the confidentiality of those categories of directory information that a student properly requests not be publicly disclosed. The College, however, makes no representations, warranties, or guarantees that directory information designated for non-disclosure will not appear in public documents.
Prior Consent Required In all other cases, the College will not release personally identifiable information in education records or allow access to those records without prior consent of the student. Unless disclosure is to the student himself or herself, the consent must be written, signed, and dated, and must specify the records to be disclosed, the identity of the recipient, and the purpose of disclosure. A copy of the record disclosed will be provided to the student upon request and at his or her expense.
E C N A C
D E LL
Prescott College Student Clubs, Organizations, and Leadership Opportunities Opportunities for leadership and involvement include participating in student government, clubs and organizations. Students are encouraged to run for positions and to form and join clubs as part of their academic and personal journey at Prescott College. often times, student senior projects or independent study projects continue on as established student organizations. The Aztlan Center – Dedicated to celebrating and increasing diversity, particularly through bringing Latino and Anglo communities closer together. Capoeira Club – The Prescott Capoeira Club aims to promote the African-Brazilian Art form of Capoeira through classes and performances provided free and bydonation to the community. Equine Adventure Club – This club welcomes horse lovers, experienced equestrians, and those of you who would like to learn. This is a great opportunity to meet new people, learn new horse skills, and have fun! Go Team for Justice – The Go Team for Justice is a student-led collaboration with the aim of supporting and activating social justice work through connecting a community of activists dedicated to social change, knowledge-sharing, peer support, accountability, resource networking, and community outreach and education. H.U.B (Helping Understand Bikes) – Provides a community workspace oncampus and offers events and workshops on biking and bicycle advocacy as well as promotes bicycle use as an alternative form of transportation. Peace and Justice Center – The Peace and Justice Center (PJC) at Prescott College utilizes research, action, and education to promote a more just and peaceful world. Peer Education and Resource Center (P.E.R.C.) – P.E.R.C. encourages students' success by providing information and support to the Prescott College community. The Peer Educators communicate with faculty, staff, and students, in an effort to provide programs and events that are accurately representative of student needs.
Prescott College Jugglers – The juggling club provides an opportunity for learning skills and sharing the circus arts while providing camaraderie and exercise that is good for the body and the brain. Prescott Freeskool – Prescott Freeskool is dedicated to empowering our community to share skills and knowledge freely, fostering awareness, self-reliance, and personal growth. Secular Student Alliance – Secular Student Alliance affiliates promote the ideals of scientific and critical inquiry, democracy, secularism and naturalistic ethics. We accomplish this through five areas of focus: education, service, activism, community and cooperation. Student Arts Council – Working to involve the Prescott College and greater Prescott community through art appreciation and creation. Village Life – African inspired dance gatherings, drumming and workshops. The Women’s Empowerment Breakthrough (WEB) – A women’s empowerment group that meets once a week, plans events to raise awareness about feminist issues, holds an annual conference for teenage girls that is staffed by college women, and hosts year-round programming and workshops at Prescott College and in the community at large.
Staying in Touch Sending Mail Every On Campus Undergraduate Student currently enrolled at Prescott College is issued a student mailbox. Student mailboxes are housed within the Service Center, which is located on the first floor of the San Juan Building (Prescott Campus). Student mail and packages are distributed to student mailboxes throughout the course of the day. Students can check their student mailboxes Monday – Friday anytime between the hours of 8am and 5pm. For your student’s protection a valid photo id is required for all mail and package pickups (No Exceptions). Valid forms of photo identification include: Prescott College Student ID, Passport, or State Issued Driver’s License/Identification Card. When sending mail and pack-
ages to your student, please utilize the following address formats to expedite the handling process: During Wilderness Orientation: (For Care Letters/Packages Going To Students Out In The Field)
Students Full First and Last Name (No Nicknames, Please) Wilderness Orientation Prescott College 220 Grove Ave. Prescott, AZ 86301 For Everything Else: Students Full First and Last Name (No Nicknames, Please) Prescott College 220 Grove Ave. Prescott, AZ 86301 Questions Regarding Mail? Please direct all mail questions to Service Center personnel at: (877) 350-2100 EXT 2200, or by e-mailing: servicecenter@prescott.edu.
E-mail All students are issued a Prescott College e-mail address through the technology department. Typically, student e-mail addresses are first letter of student’s first name + last name@prescott.edu. So, for example, John Doe's email address would be jdoe@presoctt.edu. Please check with your son or daughter for their address.
Fax A fax machine is available at the Service and Mail Center for incoming and outgoing faxes: 928-776-5256. Be sure to include your son/daughter’s name, and put "RDP Student" on the fax so that it is delivered promptly. For students sending faxes, local and Phoenix faxes are free, in-state faxes are $1, out of state are $2, and international are $5.
Emergencies In case of emergency, you can call the RDP Dean’s Office at 877-350-2100 ext. 2000 to get in contact with your child.
Prescott College FAQs
Welcome From the Vice President of Student Affairs It’s my pleasure to welcome parents to the Prescott College community. As the Dean of Student Life, I am committed to providing our students with the essential services and programs for creating a successful living and learning environment. With twenty-five plus years working in college student services and development, I am constantly rewarded with the opportunity to have a significant impact on so many students’ lives.
What is the relationship between the College and the people of Prescott? • Prescott is a college town with two other colleges in the community (EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University and Yavapai College). • Prescott is also an artist colony, a tourist haven, a ranching center, and a retirement community.
The Student Life staff offer a number of services including Housing and Residence Life, Student Leadership and Events, Student Government and Organizations, Educational Access and Disability, and Counseling. Students who are experiencing any kind of difficulty or challenge or just have a question are invited to seek assistance from our staff. Students are also encouraged to become involved in campus life by participating in student clubs, organizations and other leadership opportunities. The Office of Student Life is located in the Student Life Center.
• Prescott College is often seen as the environmental conscience of the Prescott area and the nucleus of its progressive thought and action. Prescott College enjoys a good relationship, founded in mutual respect, with the Prescott Community. Throughout the academic year the College sponsors many educational and social events that are open to the public. Many of our faculty, staff, and administration take active roles in community organizations and in the Prescott area schools. Students are also encouraged to take part in the Prescott community and frequently find internships and other learning opportunities there.
How is the student’s advisor chosen? Advisors are selected according to the student’s primary area of academic concentration. Advisors are assigned prior to a student’s arriving at Prescott College for orientation. Students meet with their advisors before registration to discuss program interests and long-range academic and career goals. If the student’s area of academic interest changes, he or she would be assigned a new advisor whose focus is more in line with the student’s new program area.
With such small classes how can students be certain of getting into the classes they desire? Some areas of the curriculum such as Outdoor Action, Human Development, Photography, and Environmental Studies are becoming more and more popular with students. We have added significantly to the core faculty in these areas to accommodate student needs, and we hire adjunct faculty to teach additional courses as needed. Students register for classes in person at the Records and Registration office. Registration times are assigned by student rank (seniority), hence priority is given to seniors, then juniors, sophomores, and freshmen, respectively. The Registrar may request that the Dean add extra sections of classes when indicated by demand.
How do we encourage a sense of community within the College? The atmosphere at Prescott College encourages a sense of community. Our size, informal ambience, and commitment to individual attention and respect promote that atmosphere. School-sponsored activities and Student Directed Days bring the community together for social, cultural, athletic, and intellectual events.
Laurie Silver, Vice President of Student Affairs lsilver@prescott.edu – (928) 350-1005 – (928) 776-5100 (fax)
Services for Students The Student Life staff provides essential services and programs that promote and ensure an effective living and learning environment for our students. The office serves as a resource center to help students take advantage of the many opportunities available at Prescott College and to attain their full potential as students and members of the community. Services include: Academic Counseling Educational Access and Disability Services Services include assistance with general study and reading skills, time management strategies, general advising questions and other matters related to academic success. Students with documented learning-related disabilities/ challenges are eligible to receive reasonable and appropriate ADA accommodations. Services include, but are not limited to, professional tutoring with the Learning Specialist, peer tutoring, testing accommodations, note-takers and audio textbooks, and sign language interpreting. Personal and Career Counseling Short-term, confidential counseling and referral services are available at no charge to all students. Sessions usually incorporate educational materials, journaling, visualizations, and behavior tracking techniques to increase awareness. All counseling contact is confidential. For those students who require more extensive or additional services than are available through the College counselor, a referral to local therapists will be made. Students may also meet with a counselor to explore career options and resources, including résumé, cover letter, and portfolio development; interviewing techniques; job search strategies; networking opportunities with the Prescott Col-
lege Alumni Association; and access to local and national volunteer and service-based learning opportunities through the Ripple Project. Chris Hout, M.Ed. Prescott College Personal Counselor Student Life Center (Corner of Grove Ave. and Sheldon St.) Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. M-F Phone number: (928) 350-1003 Email: chout@prescott.edu Chris began his relationship with Prescott College as a 17 year old freshman in 1988. He graduated in 1992 and went on to be employed by a variety of social service organizations in OR, PA and AZ. After completing his Master’s degree and gaining state licensure in counseling, he returned to PC He provides enrolled students with 3 to 6 confidential personal counseling appointments a semester and is able to refer out to a variety of professionals in the community. Student Accident and Sickness Insurance All resident undergraduate students are required to have insurance coverage. Complete policy information describing the College’s group insurance benefits, procedures and exclusions is available on the Prescott College website in the Student Life section. Contact the Student Life Office for specific details: studentlife@prescott.edu or (928) 350-1005. Student Events and Activities Working together, the Student Union Board and the Student Leadership and Events Coordinator produce meaningful student events and activities that both enrich the learning environment as well as unite the Prescott College community with the greater community of Yavapai County. Events include live musical performances, guest speakers, community forums, community dinners, films and plays, open mics, and dances.
Five Easy Steps to Assisting a College Student in Transition
Focusing on the Future
1. Encourage self-reliance while acting as a safety net
What career planning is available to students?
A big transition such as entering college or going on an extended backpacking course inspires excitement, wonder and feelings of connection and unity. Everyone deals with change differently. Occasionally people experience periods of stress, sadness or fear. Each of us has the ability to handle our hard times through our own self-care or coping systems.
2. Help students to connect with appropriate resources When assistance is needed in strengthening one’s self care system, Prescott College makes every effort to educate and empower students. One way we assist students is through personal counseling. Personal counseling sessions for students are limited to short term, solution based therapy. After an initial intake assessment with the college counselor, a student is offered 3 to 5 sessions of counseling. These sessions usually incorporate educational materials, journaling, visualizations, and behavior tracking techniques to raise awareness. All counseling contact is confidential. For those students who require more extensive or additional services than are available through the college counselor, a referral to local therapists will be made. Students may also meet with a counselor to explore career options and resources.
3. Stay connected and provide supportive encouragement Write an email or a letter, call, and remember special occasions. Care packages are welcome anytime. Make sure to get involved in the Parent’s Association! Praise accomplishments and be enthusiastic about your student’s goals.
4. Provide balance Students may not realize that while their transition may be uncomfortable, it is temporary and they will likely flourish in time.
5. Encourage active involvement in campus clubs and activities College-sponsored activities, student groups, and individuals throughout the College provide opportunities for students to meet and enjoy themselves outside of classes. Music and dance performances, photography exhibits, slide shows, poetry and fiction reading, yoga, lectures, panel discussions, plays, talent shows, and numerous campus sponsored clubs all serve to bring students together.
The Student Services Office maintains job listings and internship possibilities for students. The College counselor is available to students for one-on-one career counseling, consisting of interest identification, role playing interviews, and resume review.
What direction is given to students in planning their course work with career objectives in mind? Students can receive career counseling from several sources and are expected to take the initiative in shaping their course of study to their career objectives by working with their faculty advisor. Most of our faculty have worked in their field professionally before entering academia and can help in planning course work and in identifying internship and job opportunities. Prescott College’s flexibility and emphasis on experiential learning allows students to build a resume as well as a transcript.
Will the student get enough of a traditional education at Prescott College to be accepted into a graduate program in the student’s field of study? Prescott College students have an excellent track record in getting into graduate programs of their choice. It is important to recognize that much of the Prescott College curriculum, especially on the introductory level, is similar to curriculum studied by undergraduates preparing for graduate school at more traditional colleges. What is different at Prescott College is the approach to learning. We find that our relatively small class size results in students learning the foundations of their chosen field more effectively, with substantial motivation to purse advanced studies. Also, the quality of independent study available to students allows them to focus on specific academic interests in ways that are compatible with graduate study programs. The narrative transcripts used by Prescott College are well accepted throughout higher education. Students who aspire to graduate study should inform their advisor as soon as possible so that an appropriate course of study can be undertaken. The feedback we receive from our graduates who go on to graduate school indicates they were well prepared for advanced study; they consider themselves more motivated and more self-directed than their fellow graduate students; they have a better working understanding of their chosen field than graduates from more traditional colleges. Above all, it is our students’ skills as learners which seem to set them apart. Genuine motivation for advanced academic work and a demonstrated ability to envision, plan, and carry out an independent project are probably the most highly valued attributes in the graduate admissions process. The narrative transcript provides an advantage over the conventional transcript’s course list and grade point average because it is more holistic and comprehensive.