At this point in the semester, your student has most likely written papers, turned in assignments, or has taken tests and quizzes (and if they haven’t done any of these, they’re coming). Adjusting to college level course work is an adjustment and success doesn’t always happen immediately. If your student needs any assistance or support in the classes, there are a variety of resources that you can encourage them to utilize!

The Centers for Learning, Advising, & Student Success offers many programs and resources for your student. This includes tutoring, advising, and workshops on a variety of topics, including study skills and time management. Download their flier for a full description of resources offered by CLASS!

You and your student can also view a list of resources on the River Hawk Family Resource Hub, with more info and links to offices and programs that can help your student be academically successful.

If your student encounters any issues or problems in one of their classes, encourage them to contact their professor directly to set up a time to discuss the issue. Sometimes students might feel intimidated about reaching out, but professors are there to help your student learn and can work with your student to find solutions.

Our #1 piece of advice to students when it comes to academics is to reach out early before any problem or issue grows. Staff and faculty know that this is a big part of their transition to college and that there might be some bumps in the road. As parents and family members, encouraging your student to use these resources is important, and can be a big help in making your student feel comfortable and confident with reaching out.

The year has started and your student has begun their life as a college student. Whether your student lives on campus or commutes, the transition is a big one and can come with a lot of feelings…excitement, worry, nervousness, anxiety, hope…and those feelings can sometimes be tough for your student to manage.

So what do you do if your student calls you and is upset? Maybe they’re feeling homesick or feeling like they’re not fitting in or haven’t found their place at the university. Maybe they’re worried classes will be too hard and they’re afraid of not doing well. As parents, family members, and supporters, there are several ways you can encourage and support your student as they work through these feelings and their transition to college.

1. Don’t Panic! All of these feelings are completely natural and are feelings that most college students experience at some point in their transition. Entering into a new environment can be awkward and feel uncomfortable. Listen to your student vent and give them a chance to express how they’re feeling, and know that what they are going through is normal.
2. Encourage Your Student to Get Involved! The #1 way to help your student successfully transition into college is to encourage them to get connected on campus. This could mean:
   • Joining one of the many student clubs and organizations
   • Finding an on-campus job
   • Going to a program or event on campus – this can also help students get connected to offices that do a lot of amazing things, like the Office of Multicultural Affairs or Campus Recreation
   • If your student lives on campus, encourage them to talk to their RA or attend a program offered by staff in their residence hall. Also, know that RAs will schedule a meeting with every student on their floor, so a staff member will definitely reach out to your student.

• It’s really tough, but avoid being the problem solver or the urge to come to the rescue! We know it can be hard to watch your student deal with uncomfortable feelings, but challenge your student to put themselves out there and find their “home” on campus. If you can, avoid having them come home for extra visits, and avoid the urge to come to campus to visit them (if they live on campus). They’ll figure out how to navigate their new environment if they have the opportunity (and challenge) to do so.

• Let them feel the support from home! Send your student a care package or card if they do not live with you. If your student still lives at home and commutes, surprise them with a nice note in their bag or pack them a special snack. Your student will feel better about the transition with reminders of how much they are loved at home and that they have a solid foundation of people rooting for them.

• You know your student. While all students can struggle with the transition to college, you know your student best and know what to expect from their behavior and reactions. If your student is having an especially hard time, there are resources on campus to help them through it. Encourage your student to speak to someone from the counseling center. If you’re worried about your student’s mental wellness and safety, also consider reaching out to the STARs program.

There is an entire campus community here for you and your student! Please always reach out to us if you need anything!