How Parents Can Help

Parents have a big stake in the success of their children in college. You are the experts in understanding their needs and talents.  You can play a vital role in your child’s transition to academic and professional life by encouraging your son or daughter to partner early with their assigned University Division advisor.

How you can help:

• Communicate regularly with your son or daughter. Ask about their assignments and exams, and about their grades. 
• If you sense potential problems, encourage them to schedule an appointment right away with their academic advisor. The help that advisors are eager to give can seem too little, too late when students come to them near the end of the semester with academic difficulties that have been quietly building to a crisis. The earlier the meeting happens, the more likely it is to make a difference.
• Most of all, be supportive.  It’s common for new students to have difficulty with the social and academic aspects of the transition to college life.  It is important that they learn to make their own decisions about how best to move through these challenges. Parents and advisors can be there for them, offering specific help and letting them know we’re on their side.