Seasonal Student Issues
There’s a seasonal ebb and flow when it comes to student issues. Here are a few things your student may be experiencing this month:
- Feelings of happiness/restlessness from break
- Resolve to do better academically
- Renewed interest in classes
- New leadership skills starting to emerge
- Unwanted weight gains
- Cold weather blues
- Not many social activities scheduled
- Possible roommate changes
Approaching Academics in the New Year
Now that grades have been distributed and your student is preparing for a new term ahead,
there may be some academic concerns to face.
- Reconsidering a Major/Minor. There may be some questioning going on, as your student rethinks her major or minor. Talk through the pros and cons with her, while also suggesting that she discuss it with her academic advisor or another trusted faculty/staff member.
- Failing a Class. Does your student need to retake a course? If so, encourage him to be attentive from day one and to engage the professor should he need assistance. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that!
- Shaken Confidence. Not doing particularly well academically can shake students’ confidence. Hard work and <<smart>> work will help her get back on track. The learning center and campus counselors can help with a confidence crisis, too.
- Needing More Study Time. Lower grades often mean that students need to study more – and to learn how to maximize their study time. Folks in the learning center can provide tips. Help your student reconsider <<where>> he studies, too. If he sits on his bed, the temptation to nap can be great. If he studies in a noisy lounge, the distractions can be great. Brainstorm other options, from library cubicles to the laundry room, as your student takes a good look at his study mode of operation.
- Focusing Too Much on Grades. If your student is only focusing on grades, rather than what she is learning, she’s not getting the most out of her academics. So, ask her about classes from a “what are you learning?” perspective now and then. Sometimes having to verbalize it can help students really take a look at what they’re getting out of a particular class.
- Not Approaching Professors. Most faculty members have office hours and stick around after class because they want to be available to students. Encourage your student to seek clarification in person if he has questions. Face-to-face encounters are often much more valuable than emailing professors because students become <<known>> that way, in a positive light.
Academics don’t have to be a taboo subject. Reserve judgments when possible so that you can be open to helping your student examine their current approach, both what’s working and what’s not. With your assistance, she can dig into a more positive academic career.
