How to Help Your Student

Academic planning & career development are ongoing processes in which students make and implement vocational decisions over the lifetime. Family members can play an important role in students’ academic and career success.

Ways to support your students:

• Provide non-judgmental listening and honest feedback. College is a time when students are encouraged to form their own opinions and take on more responsibility. They are also exposed to new experiences, people, and beliefs, so patience and non-judgmental listening are crucial support factors in their transformation into adulthood. It’s also helpful to try and see situations from your student's perspective.
• Offer support for their interests.
  Supporting your student’s interests, course study decisions, and career goals are important. Remember that their passion has the ability to fuel their success.
• Initiate conversations on major & career plans.
  Choosing a major and creating a four-year plan can be complicated. Your student will appreciate your advice and democratic involvement. You can do this by helping your student clarify ideas, priorities and concerns. Encourage your student to avoid procrastination and begin planning processes early, even during the first year.
• Recognize your student’s success.
  Celebrate successes both large and small. A little recognition goes a long way and adds to your student’s self-confidence.
• Encourage independent decision making skills.
  Students will learn from their successes and from their failures. Fostering independent decision making encourages responsibility and self-confidence.
• Know your resources.
  Encourage your student to take advantage of all resources available, particularly if she is experiencing academic difficulty. Your student has a lot on her plate, and you can help her by staying updated on events around campus as well as other opportunities/experiences that can add to
  her success.
• Find Connections.
  Refer your student to colleagues, friends, neighbors, family and community members with experiences related to her interests. This may be helpful as she makes major decisions that could lead to internship, co-op, and job opportunities.