Transitions Activity
Video
Purpose
- To address any concerns that students might have about transitioning to WSU.
- To share with students the resources available to help them with that transition and in their future college experience.
Ground Rules
Ground Rules should be stated in a calm tone at the beginning of the activity, before explaining or starting “Four Corners.” Remember, you are setting the tone for this exercise and need to bring the group into focus.
- Ask them to respect, and be sensitive to, the ideas, feelings, and opinions of others.
- Ask them to agree to disagree. You can listen respectfully to a person without having to change your opinions, your beliefs, or your values. (We don’t ask you to change your beliefs, so please don’t ask others to change theirs.)
- Ask them to keep an open mind and respect different communication styles/ways of expressing oneself
- Ask students to speak from their own experiences and use “I” or “We” statements—not tell stories about “my brother’s best friend’s aunt’s ex-boyfriend”
- Don’t talk over others or interrupt.
- Give them the option to “pass.” “You may be called on or encouraged to speak, but no one will force you.”
- Full participation is appreciated – the more you invest the better your return. Ask them to take risks and trust the group.
- Ask them to ask for clarification if they don’t understand something (e.g. “What did you mean when you said _____________?”)
- Agree that most of the discussion will be confidential, especially when a personal experience is shared. (What is said in the group, stays in the group). However, if a student says anything that suggests they may be in harm’s way or could be a harm to others, it must be reported. (Please refer to Title IX/Mandatory Reporter training.)
- Ask them to share any “Ground Rules” they may want to add.
Procedure
1. Explain that the way you are going to discuss Transitions is through a diversity exercise called “Four Corners”
2. Explain the “Four Corners”
a. [Always] [Sometimes] [Rarely] [Never]
3. Explain that you are going to ask a series of questions, - one at a time and then ask them to move to one of the corners based on their own personal experiences, thoughts, or feelings.
- Allow them to see the corners on a continuum. Always melts into sometimes, sometimes into rarely, rarely into never.
- Explain that once they have moved, you will go around the square and ask them to share with everyone why they chose that corner/location. Topics they discuss can relate to the Transitions presentation, or to their own personal thoughts or experiences.
- Start asking the questions – beginning with a relatively neutral, non-threatening question. Progress to more risky questions as you go along. Relate the questions you ask back to what was seen in transitions.
- After students have finished sharing their thoughts/experiences for a particular question, discuss with them the resources available that relate to that issue.
- Act as a participant in this exercise, as well as a facilitator.
How often do you think about what your roommate will be like?
How often do you think about the future?
How often do you think about your safety?
How often do you think about your race or ethnicity?
How often do you think about drugs and/or alcohol?
How often do you think about your mental or emotional wellbeing?
How often do you think about your sexual orientation?
How often do you think about your relationships?
How often do feel pressured academically (to succeed or to choose a certain major etc.)?
How often do you think about making new friends?
Utilize questions above first, if you have time remaining, use additional questions below.
How often do you think about your physical features?
How often do you think about your responsibilities toward your family?
How often do you feel uncomfortable in social situations?
How often do you think about your gender?
Closure
- Thank your group for participating and willingness to be vulnerable.
- Leave time to discuss any resources that you didn’t get to during the actual exercise.
- Recognize/confirm that there were some very serious and weighty issues addressed. Let them know that if they have additional questions about issues, resources, etc. you would be happy to talk to them in the evening or the next day.
- Take your group to the SRC backyard for dinner.
- Follow up privately with any students who seem concerned or upset.
Abbreviated Resource list:
- Roommate issues: Talk to your roommate first and try to resolve the issue, R.A.’s and R.E.D’s are available resources as well.
- Counseling and Psychological Services: available to all students. Included in Health and Wellness fee.
- Cougar Health Services: Wellbeing workshops available throughout campus during the year.
- Safety:
- Pullman Transit—runs late, paid for by Transit fee
- Cougar Security patrols campus (WSU police 335-8548, or 911 for emergencies)
- Blue Light phones, provide easy access to call for help if necessary
- Diversity & Inclusion (race & ethnicity):
- WSU wants ALL students to feel valued, included, and safe.
- Multicultural Student Services-open to ANYONE and offers mentoring services and retention counselors to students.
- Compliance and Civil Rights, file harassments complaints, talk to someone about options
- Sexual orientation/gender identity:
- Academic Resources:
- Office hours—professors want you to do well
- ASCC offers tutoring and workshops to help you succeed
- Your academic advisor-visit them early and often
- Other tutoring options—Stephenson, eTutoring, writing center, etc. (ASCC should have a list of most of the tutoring options available to WSU students)
- Access Center: for those who may need a physical or learning accommodation
- Ombudsman: protect rights, interests, and privileges of students, staff, and faculty. Neutral mediator for intra-university conflicts.
- Student Legal Services: free consultation (can take some cases, but may refer out)
- Dean of Students: Resource if students have a concern but don’t know where to start.
*Feel free to mention other resources you may have found helpful in transitioning.