If your student is considering studying abroad, we wanted to share a few steps that you and your student can take.

·   Passports – If your student is considering studying abroad, you can support them with applying for a passport if they don’t already have one. If your student has a current passport, have them check the expiration date to make sure it will be valid long enough and they don’t need to renew it.

·    Student Experience Abroad – If you haven’t already, you and your student can follow us @UPStudyAbroad on Instagram to hear from UP students abroad (Check out the saved highlights on our profile to see “takeovers” from UP students abroad in various parts of the world!).

·    Research Options – You and your student can learn more about study abroad at UP here.

·     Student Advising – If your student has questions and would like to talk with a staff member in the study abroad office, they are welcome to schedule a meeting with us

·   Attend Sessions – Parents can sign up to join our Study Abroad Webinar on Wednesday, September 25 at noon via Zoom. We will have opportunities for families to learn more about study abroad at UP, get questions answered, and hear about next steps! Encourage your student to keep an eye on our social media @UPStudyAbroad for updates, events, and other opportunities in Fall semester on campus.

Starting this month, UP’s Wellness Center will be providing conversation tips and information for parents on how to navigate wellness conversations with your student.

Research has shown that keeping regular contact with your student and checking in on how they’re doing can help to reduce high-risk drinking (bonus points if you have some understanding of campus mental health resources, and can direct them to where to go if they are struggling).

This Fall, check in with your student about how they plan to stay safe at major events like Riverboat, Halloween, and move-in.  Let them know that drinking does not have to be a part of their college experience, but if they choose to drink, they should prioritize keeping themselves and their friends safe.

For more communication tips check out this link: https://www.collegeparentsmatter.org/communication-tips

For any additional questions about resources or research about wellness for college students feel free to reach out to wellness@up.edu.

No matter if your student is new to UP or is returning for their sophomore, junior, or senior year, here are some great conversation starters to consider for the month:

Questions for parents/supporters to consider:

What are your expectations as a parent or person of support regarding frequency of communication with your student? Work with your student to establish a comfortable communication plan.

What are your expectations regarding grades? Be sure to set up Parent Proxy Access if you haven’t already done so.

Topics to discuss with your student:

What will you miss most about home?

Do you understand health insurance?

What things worry or excite you about the upcoming semester?

For incoming first-year and Transfer students: What do you envision move-in day to look like, and who do you want with you?