With spring weather arriving and coursework becoming more rigorous during the final stretch of the semester, it is not uncommon for students to experience spring fever and disengage after spring break. While students can use a little extra encouragement, sometimes parents might feel hesitant to ask questions.
Various names have been coined to describe parents of recent generations, including “helicopter” parents. Far from being helpful, these names often conjure up negative connotations. As a result, parents might avoid asking their students very reasonable questions for fear of being labeled with one of these names.
Instead of worrying about labels, we encourage our parents and families to have healthy, active, and engaged conversations with their students throughout their time at UP to address their academic and overall well-being. As the saying goes, “it takes a village,” and familial support is key to student success in college. It’s good to check in, especially now that students need a little extra encouragement!
Here are a few tactics to encourage your student to stay focused during the last six weeks of classes:
Help Prevent Spring Fever
- More than any other time of the year, after spring break we notice an uptick in students skipping class. Why? The weather in Portland starts to improve and the sun begins to come out more often. On top of that, coursework becomes more rigorous at this point in the semester. “Spring fever” is in full effect, and while students may be tempted to disengage from their classes, encourage them to stay focused! Not only is every class important for gaining knowledge to do well on final exams, many professors will deduct points for missing more than the allotted number of classes.
Midterm Check-In
- Midterm grades are given for all 100 and 200 level classes, and are currently available at this point in the semester. We encourage parents to simply ask their student about their midterm grades and whether they’ve checked them in “Self Serve.” If your student isn’t happy with their midterm grades, have they talked to their professor or visited the Shepard Academic Resource Center? Additionally, if your student has added you as a Proxy through Self-Serve for the student information view, remember that you have permission to view their grades. You can access grades online via the Banner Self Serve Proxy system.
Plan for the Final 6 Weeks
- The last 6 weeks of the semester will probably look different for each class in terms of workload, final projects, test prep, etc. If your student is feeling a little lost in their class and not sure what to expect for the rest of the semester, now is a great time for them to revisit their syllabus or attend office hours to check in with their professor.
Utilize Campus Resources
- It never hurts to remind your student about the resources available to them on campus, including the services offered through the Learning Commons in Buckley Center 163. The Learning Commons can help students learn better study habits, prepare for exams, practice language skills, receive math and writing tutoring, or improve memory strategies. Please encourage your student to visit http://www.up.edu/sarc to learn how to set up appointments or call 503.943.8002 to get any questions answered.
- Self-care and your student’s overall well-being is as equally important right now. You can remind students of the health, counseling, and wellness services offered through the Health and Counseling Center.
Provide Messages of Hope
- Sometimes the greatest gift a parent can give a student is the confidence that they can do it! Remind them that they can handle the piles of work in front of them. They are smart and strong and capable adults. You believe in them and are there for them. These simple messages can go a long way in providing your student the boost they need to power through a big project or important exam ahead.