Your son or daughter is about to leave home for an extended period, perhaps for the first time. When your student used to return home after the high school day was over, the conversation probably had its ups and downs, but at least you saw them in person on a somewhat regular schedule. But communicating primarily by phone, text, chat, FaceTime, or Skype is very different. You don’t see them in person, and they are navigating an entire new world of college life.
Using this new form of communication, how can a parent keep the conversation going to feel sure that all is well? How do you get past the initial “How are you doing” question?
Here are a few tips on how to understand the new world in which your son or daughter lives and how to communicate about the university culture.
- By August 30, all class schedules should be finalized. Any adding or dropping of courses needs to be done by that date. Has your student changed their schedule since the school year began?
- September 2 will probably be the first time your student has gone to school on Labor Day. Friends and family may be enjoying the day off while classes are in session at UP. Does your student have any feelings or thoughts about that?
- During the week of October 14–18, the University suspends all classes for Fall Break. How will your son or daughter spend this time? Is planning necessary?
- Some students may receive grades or evaluations that are very different from those that they are used to. Have the grades they’ve received upset your student? Have they visited the professor of the challenging course?
- Occasionally a staff or faculty member might reach out to your student inviting them to meet to discuss topics such as classes or career goals. Has your student ever received such an invitation, and if so, did they follow up?
- From November 11–14, your daughter or son will register for classes for the Spring semester. Is there preparation necessary to register for the proper classes?
- Thanksgiving vacation begins on Wednesday, November 27 at 4:00 p.m. and ends on Monday, December 2 at 8:00 a.m. when classes resume. Prolonged vacations are not acceptable. Arrangements for Thanksgiving vacation should be made early and planned for in advance. What are your student’s plans?
- Semester exams begin on December 9 and end on December 12. Start gently prompting your student to study for final exams about 2 weeks before they take place.
- Christmas vacation begins on December 13. What will be the best arrangements for Christmas travel for your student? As in the case of Thanksgiving, vacations should be scheduled according to the academic schedule.
- How will your son or daughter spend the long Christmas holiday?
These questions are mere suggestions to initiate conversation about the new culture that your student is navigating. If there are difficulties regarding any of these topics, family members are invited to contact the Shepard Academic Resource Center at 503.943.7895 for guidance and assistance.
Br. Tom Giumenta, C.S.C., who is the Learning Assistance Counselor in the Shepard Academic Resource Center, came to the University of Portland in 2010. He was born and raised in New York. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in Theology and Spanish from the University of Notre Dame, a Master of Science degree in Education from Hofstra University, and a Master of Arts degree in Theology from Xavier University. Prior to coming to the University, he spent sixteen years in the Holy Cross missions in Latin America. He has worked as a school administrator, counselor, and formator of young religious.
Br. Tom is known far and wide as the first stop for help with academics. In addition to occasionally teaching Spanish and mentoring any student who needs his expertise in learning, Br. Tom takes excellent care of the students living in Shipstad Hall.