College

Transitions

Seidler Foundation | College Transitions Workshop

Introductions & Logistics

Seidler Foundation

Facilitators

Camry Ivory & Seidler Foundation College Ambassadors

1

Interactive Session

Polls and word cloud activities — add questions or comments to the chat at any time

2

Student Q&A Panel

Featuring Seidler Foundation College Ambassadors

3

Post-Event Follow-Up

Slide deck, resources, and ICAN links will be sent after the meeting

4

Overview

• After Admission: Your First Moves
• Navigating Your College Portal & Communication
• Orientation & Registration
• Managing Tasks, Deadlines & Your Time
• What Will Actually Change
• Getting Emotionally Ready
• Keeping Your Seidler Foundation Scholarship

Poll #1

Where are you right now in your college journey?

I've been admitted and paid my deposit — now what?

A

Still deciding between schools

B

I have my orientation date and I'm nervous

C

Already enrolled — looking for tips to stay on track

D

01

After Admission:

Your First Moves

Right After Acceptance

TYPICAL TIMELINE: SPRING OF SENIOR YEAR

Pay Your Enrollment Deposit

Most schools require this by May 1 (National Decision Day) to hold your spot.

1

Notify Other Schools

Withdraw your applications from schools you won't attend.

2

Set Up Your College Email

All official communication goes here. Check it daily.

3

Accept Your Financial Aid

Log into your portal and accept, decline, or modify your aid package.

4

Submit Final Transcripts

Your high school sends final transcripts to your college after graduation.

5

Complete Loan Entrance Counseling

Required before student loans are disbursed at StudentAid.gov.

6

Summer Before College

MAY – AUGUST

• Submit housing application & deposit
• Contact your roommate to coordinate who brings what
• Review the college packing list (ICAN has one!)
• Understand meal plan options and costs

Housing

​

• Set up a student bank account if you don't have one
• Create a personal college budget with your family
• Look into work-study and part-time jobs on campus

Financial

• Complete health and immunization forms
• Submit proof of health insurance or enroll in college plan
• Set up your student ID and parking if applicable
• Review billing statements from your college

Administrative

• Review required placement tests (math, writing)
• Research your intended major and required courses
• Look into AP/dual enrollment credit transfer
• Start gathering school supplies

Academic

02

Your Portal &

College Communication

Understanding Your Student Portal

Your college student portal is a one-stop dashboard. Most colleges use systems like MyKirkwood, Canvas, Blackboard, or similar platforms.

Messages & Alerts

Deadlines, reminders, and important notices from your college come here.

1

Billing & Aid

See what you owe, what's been applied, and your disbursement schedule.

2

Registration

Search for and enroll in courses. Your advisor must often clear you first.

3

Grades & Transcripts

Track your academic progress each semester.

4

Financial Aid Status

Track what you've accepted, what's pending, and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

5

Forms & Requests

Submit enrollment verifications, appeals, and other administrative requests.

6

Pro Tip

Check your college email and portal at least every 48 hours. Missed emails = missed deadlines = lost money or dropped classes.

03

Orientation &

Course Registration

Orientation: What to Expect

1

Sign Up Early

Orientation sessions fill up fast. Register for the earliest date available — earlier dates = more course selection options.

2

Meet with an Academic Advisor

At orientation, you'll meet with an advisor who helps you select your first-semester courses.

3

Register for Classes

This usually happens during or right after orientation. Know your intended major and have backup options ready.

4

Campus Tour & Key Locations

Note where financial aid, advising, the tutoring center, and your classrooms are located.

5

Connect with Other Students

Orientation is one of the few moments everyone is equally new. Introduce yourself.

Building Your Schedule

Your first semester schedule sets the tone. Build it intentionally.

• Start with 12–15 credit hours for full-time status
• Balance difficult and easier courses each semester
• Consider your work schedule and commute
• Ask your advisor about degree map/plan
• Add a waitlisted class — spots often open up

Do This

• Scheduling 8 AM classes if you're not a morning person
• Overloading your first semester
• Skipping required prerequisite courses
• Ignoring deadlines to add/drop classes
• Selecting courses without checking degree requirements

Avoid This

Key Dates to Know

Add/Drop deadline (change schedule without penalty) · Last day to withdraw (W on transcript, no refund) · Tuition payment deadline

04

Managing Tasks &

Deadlines

Your Time Management Toolkit

Use a Planner

Add every syllabus deadline on Day 1. Google Calendar, Notion, or a paper planner all work.

1

Read Every Syllabus

Your syllabus is a contract. It contains grading policies, due dates, and professor contact info.

2

Weekly Planning Block

Spend 15–20 minutes every Sunday previewing the week ahead. Identify heavy days.

3

Break Big Projects Down

A research paper due in 3 weeks = choose topic, research, outline, draft, revise.

4

Know the Difference

Urgent: Due tomorrow. Important: Affects your grade. Prioritize both — don't only put out fires.

5

Communicate Early

If you're falling behind, contact your professor before the deadline — not after.

6

05

What Will

Actually Change

What Changes: Academics & Structure

• Teachers remind you about due dates
• Structured school day (7 AM – 3 PM)
• Parents manage your calendar
• Small class sizes with personal attention
• Grades based on homework, participation, tests
• Someone notices when you're absent

In High School

• You track all deadlines yourself
• You design your own schedule with gaps
• You are your own time manager
• Large lectures with minimal interaction
• Grades often based on 2–3 major assessments
• No one tracks your attendance in many classes

In College

What Changes: Social & Personal

Your Social Circle Shifts

You may not keep your same friend group. That's normal. College friends form through shared experiences — clubs, study groups, dorms.

You'll Need to Self-Advocate

No one will remind you to eat, sleep, or go to office hours. You become your own support system.

Family Dynamics Change

Your parents may be adjusting too. Communicate openly about expectations, visits, and independence.

Identity & Growth

College is where many students discover who they are beyond their hometown. That process can feel exciting and uncomfortable.

Word Cloud Activity

In one word, what is your biggest concern about starting college?

Type your response in the chat

or use the word cloud link provided

06

Emotional

Readiness

Preparing Your Mindset

It's OK Not to Know Everything

No one expects you to have it figured out on day one. Give yourself permission to learn as you go.

1

Homesickness is Normal

Missing home, your family, or your high school friends is part of the transition, not a sign you made the wrong choice.

4

Ask for Help Early

Waiting until you're failing to seek help is too late. Use tutoring, office hours, and counseling from week one.

2

Comparison is a Trap

Social media shows highlights; Everyone is struggling with something, even the person who looks like they have it together.

5

Build a Routine

Structure creates stability. Even small habits like a morning routine or weekly study blocks help you feel grounded.

3

Celebrate Small Wins

Got through your first week? Passed your first exam? Made a friend? That matters.

6

07

Campus Resources

& Support

On-Campus Support Services

Academic Advising

Course planning, degree maps, and major exploration

1

Tutoring Center

Free peer and professional tutoring for most courses

2

Financial Aid Office

Questions about FAFSA, scholarships, and billing

3

Counseling Services

Confidential mental health support, crisis help

4

Career Services

Internships, resume help, and career planning

5

Disability Services

Accommodations, accessibility, and learning support

6

Pro Tip: Visit each of these offices during your first two weeks, before you need them.

ICAN Resources for You

Seidler Foundation

Iowa College Access Network (ICAN) provides free college planning and financial aid help.

Free FAFSA Help

ICAN advisors help you complete and review your FAFSA at no cost.

College Planning

One-on-one advising for college search, applications, and financial aid decisions.

Scholarship Search

Access to Iowa scholarship databases and application guidance.

Virtual & In-Person

Services available by phone, video, or at locations across Iowa.

ICANsucceed.org • Free for all Iowans • Available year-round

08

Your Seidler

Scholarship

Scholarship Requirements

Renewal Requirements

• 12 credit hours/semester (24/year)
• 3.0 annual GPA

Renewal Documents

• June 1: Annual Renewal Form (complete every year)
• June 15: Senior Year Eligibility Check Form (complete once)

Important: If your circumstances change (financial, academic, or personal), reach out to your advisor immediatelyy

Appeals Process

Submit appeal online if you do not meet renewal criteria

Appeals approved/rejected on a case-by-case basis

​

Your College Ambassador

Your College Ambassador is a current college student who has been where you are. They're here to answer questions, share real advice, and help you navigate the transition.

Mentor

A real student who understands the challenges of starting college and can share first-hand experience.

1

Resource Connector

They can help you find the right office, person, or tool for any challenge you encounter.

2

Accountability Partner

Someone who checks in, follows up, and makes sure you're staying on track with tasks and deadlines.

3

Cornell College ---- Kirkwood Community College --- Iowa State University�University of Iowa – University of Northern Iowa

Poll #2

After today's session, I feel more confident about starting college.

Strongly Agree

A

Agree

B

Neutral

C

Disagree

D

Key Takeaways

1

Complete all post-admission tasks before deadlines — deposit, housing, orientation, financial aid.

2

Set up and regularly check your student portal and college email.

3

Build a routine and use campus resources from day one.

4

Prepare emotionally — change is hard, and asking for help is a strength.

5

Lean on your Seidler Foundation Ambassador, ICAN, and your campus support network.

Thank You!