<p>not sure what happened to the rest of my post. It sounded like a good way to develop close relationships with students with common interests. Our concern was it could make for a small circle of friends.</p>
<p>NCalRent,
I concern is the same as yours. I was hoping that FIG participants shared their experiences at the admit day. My D wonât be applying until next year, so Iâll continue to look into it. The adventure one, where they get off campus on weekends appeals to her and it doesnât sound like there is a ton of things going on otherwise. Was that your impression or did you hear that the dorms plan a lot of weekend activities. Thanks.</p>
<p>They did talk about the Adventure FIG specifically, they were on a hiking trip in the Marin Headlands. I guess they do quite a bit of outdoor stuff and you can come - or not. I surmised there was one adventure a month more or less.</p>
<p>There were signs about movie nights and other activities but, from walking around, last weekend and a few other times, it felt like lots of kids leave for the weekend.</p>
<p>I was in the FIG program as a first-year student and really enjoyed it. You arenât housed with solely students who are in your own FIG (or at least you werenât when I was in the program), so you make outside friends that way. I also met a lot of good friends in classes.</p>
<p>The biggest advice I have about Sonoma is to GET INVOLVED AND DO IT EARLY. Find a club, join student leadership, do something. The campus does sort of empty out on weekends, but the ResLife office also offers getaway trips to various places. Some are free and others cost a bit of money, but itâs not outrageously expensive. One of the most popular events are the trips they take to the Orpheum theatre to see plays/musicals. Usually they run about $25-$35.</p>
<p>If anyone has questions donât be shy 
I was both a CSA and Summer Orientation Leader for two years and I couldnât have loved my time at SSU more.</p>
<p>My D went to session last Saturday where students talked. The main point was get involved in something as a way to get to know people</p>
<p>Campus rep said that FIG, FLC etc are designed to get people mingling as the dorm setup can be somewhat isolating as it isnât the typical layout with 50 kids on a floor</p>
<p>I guess the bottom line is whether you like small communities or not. My D wants that small campus feel; others like colleges where there are hordes of students and lots of activities.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone, for the great information and opinions. Remembering my Sâs freshman year, from three years ago at CSULB, I think these programs could remove a lot of the bumps in the road.</p>
<p>crizelloâthat sounds exactly right. Itâs definitely a small feel. We sometimes had a hard time getting students out of their room because they have everything they need (living space, kitchen in most areas, etc.). But once you find your niche itâs a great place to be IMO :)</p>
<p>Hello. Sonoma Mom here. My dd is finishing up her 3rd year at Sonoma and absolutely loves it. There are so many opportunities to get involved in different activities and the dorms are great. Freshman year she decided to try a sport she had never done, sophomore year she did some things with the theater department and this year she is a CSA and has joined a sorority. I know that the CSAâs and RSA works really hard to put on programs for the residents. From what she says, residents donât always come out to the different activities, but there is definitely alot to do.</p>
<p>The CSA/RSA thing has run through my mind a few times since my D his a resident camp counselor during the summer. How heavy is the workload; has it been a problem to balance academics? </p>
<p>Also, I read in the Sonoma Star recently that the community college had added a ton of classes in anticipation of the Prop not passing. This got me thinking that perhaps it would be wise to give my D a car when she goes, so she could fill some of her requirements over there, if need be. I would appreciate your opinion on that plan.</p>
<p>DD has been able to balance academics with CSA duties, but she is definitely busy busy busy! CSAâs have to do on call shifts and service desk shifts. They also have to plan programs for residents (not sure if those are once or twice a week or a certain number per semester), have one on one meetings with residents and handle resident disputes. She has training which I think is every Friday. She said CSAâs often go to each others programs to lend support. I think she said it averages about 20 hrs a week work. The benefits are good (free housing, $900 dining dollars a semester and a monthly stipend) but she said you have to do the job because you love it, not for the free housing (although we her parents love that benefit!)</p>
<p>Last message should have read that I wasnât sure if programs are once or twice a MONTH (not week). I think she would die if she had to put on a program once or twice a week!</p>
<p>sharichka,
Thanks so much for the information. 20 hours a week is a huge commitment and it occurs to me that itâs the same amount as an internship - if youâre going into the counselling field, student affairs field, etc. this type of experience would be super valuable. You must be super proud of your D. She is definitely getting the maximum out of her college experience. I hope my D will, too.</p>
<p>otc2010-I was a CSA for two years and am now finishing my first year as a Student Affairs grad student at Indiana State. My experience as a CSA was definitely helpful and I got a lot of transferable skills from that work.</p>
<p>I think there were some weeks when the work load was less, so it all evens out. She has definitely learned and experienced so much from this job. Iâve seem tremendous growth in her during this first year of doing it. Who knows if she will go into a field where she will directly use what she has learned, but the experience in dealing with a diverse group of people will come in handy in whatever she ends up in. Plus she has made some AMAZING friends amongst her fellow CSAâs.</p>
<p>What is a CSA? Is it the same as an RA?</p>
<p>CSA is what Sonoma calls RAs.</p>
<p>sharichka,
That is a really good point. Experience with working with a diverse group of people will shine on her resume and during interviewing.</p>
<p>HisGraceFillsMe,
My d and I have looked into the Student Affairs career. The whole field really appeals to her, but when she learned that it was a masters program she got quite intimidated. Sheâs going to pursue a business management major and revisit the idea once she gets rolling in college. If she doesnât opt to go to grad school, she plans to go toward human resources.</p>
<p>otcâit is possible to get entry-level jobs in SAHE with âjustâ a Bachelorâs but a Masterâs will definitely help. I was very intimidated also at first, especially being a first-gen student, but am really enjoying grad school. And IMO a Masterâs is becoming more and more necessary, no matter what field. One of my best friends here at ISU is in the Human Resource Development field. The nice thing about Student Affairs, HRD, etc. is that most of us have assistantships which greatly reduce the cost of our grad school. If you or your daughter have questions, feel free to reach out. Sonoma sends a lot of people to SA grad school every yearâŠI think there were at least 2 or 3 of us who went from my âcohortâ of student leaders that I came in with. I know of 2 or 3 more going this coming fall. Itâs becoming more and more popular and gives you a ton of options as to where to go.</p>
<p>I donât mean to hijack the thread. CSA is a really great job for anyone. You learn a lot of really essential skills: time management, crisis management, some basic counseling/active listening skills, relating to a very diverse group of people, etc etc. I could go on forever.</p>
<p>My D has been accepted to Sonoma State - Psychology major. We live in the East Bay and have not visited the campus yet. We plan to visit in about two weeks before deciding between Sonoma State, CSU Channel Islands, Whittier and Southern Oregon.</p>
<p>I would appreciate any advice regarding this school, psych major there, freshmen housing and any pointers for the visit.</p>
<p>Thank you, everyone!</p>
<p>it is a very nice campus - and not too far of a drive. You should take tour when you can. The dorms get lots of kudos from the students. They are laid out like an apartment complex rather than the old style cinder block halls of yore. This makes them somewhat less social - thereâs no walking by an open doors on your way to eat. The school has lots of activities for residents Itâs the only CSU where Jr and Sr students living on campus is common. They have some great/accelerated programs for teaching and nursing. Those students are somewhat secluded from the general population which makes the school even smaller than the headcount suggests.</p>
<p>I donât know alot about SoOregon other than having driven by it several times. Ashland is pretty⊠and I think they participate in WUE which keeps tuition reasonable. </p>
<p>CSUCI is small and new so, they donât have much of a track record yet. I donât know what the housing situation is. The coast is beautiful down there. </p>
<p>Whittier is private, small and expensive. </p>
<p>I donât claim to be an expert on all of them - but, Sonoma was my sonâs second choice. (heâs a freshman at Chico now) For a female psych major SSU would be a great choice.</p>