Parents and Family Members: Partners in Student Success

Right now, I am…

A. Feeling stressed about leaving my student at this big place

B. Glad that I am finally getting my student out of the house

C. Overwhelmed by the Day on Campus schedule

D. Ready for a nap!

Question Time:

How do I help my student navigate through the challenges he/she will face during

his/her first year?

Moving Out/ Moving In

Recognize that preparation for the transition may be emotional/stressful for student

Affirm transitions with excitement of what lies ahead

Prepare for emotional phone calls

Decide on how often you will call and when those calls will take place (ex: every Sunday night)

Question Time:

How often will you communicate with your student when classes start in August?

A. Once per day

B. Once per week

C. Once every two weeks

D. I don’t know

Question Time:

Please be sure to have a conversation with your student about how and when you will communicate (e-mail, cell phone, snail mail, etc).

Setting up expectations in the beginning will make for better communication throughout the school year.

Building a Support Network

Friends and family from home

Roommate and other new friends on campus

Encourage staying on campus during the weekends

Faculty members, academic advisors, university staff

Getting Involved

Higher satisfaction with college experience

Meet new people and connect with university staff

Leadership development

Stronger connection to the university

Choosing a Major

Exhibit patience, tolerance, and support

Encourage exploration of a variety of interests

Encourage visits to the career center and academic advisor

Communicate genuine understanding and support when final major is chosen

Question Time:

What percentage of students will change their major at least once in their academic career?

A. 20 %

B. 40%

C. 50%

D. 80%

Question Time:

What percentage of students will change their major at least once in their academic career?

The answer is 40%

Source: Purdue University Enrollment Management/Office of the Registrar

Developing Habits for a Positive Learning Experience

Encourage treating academics like a full-time job

Remember attending class is crucial

Encourage students to make connections with faculty and classmates

Question Time:

For every hour in class, my student should be studying a minimum of ___ hours out of class?

A. 1

B. 2

C. 3

D. 4

Question Time:

For every hour in class, my student should be studying a minimum of ___ hours out of class?

The answer is 3!

This means a student with a full 12-credit class load should spend 36 hours every week studying outside of class. You may find that this number is a lot higher than your student expects that it will be.

Accessing Campus Resources

Academic Resources

Career Services

Counseling Center

Faculty, Academic Advisors, University Staff

The Academic Advising Partnership brochure

Residence Hall Staff

Health Services

Student Success Guide

Question Time:

___% of Purdue University students have consumed alcohol in the past 30 days (according to a 2006 survey)?

A. 45.6%

B. 61.5%

C. 71.9%

D. 88.2%

Question Time:

___% of Purdue University students have consumed alcohol in the past 30 days (according to a 2006 survey)?

The answer is 71.9%

You will find a section on talking with your student about alcohol in the Student Wellness section of the Parent Handbook.

Source: SIUC/Core Institute Core Alcohol and Drug Survey, July 2006.

Becoming Responsible

Help your student learn to solve problems independently

Be resourceful- utilize the Parent Handbook

Talk through options with your student, but allow him/her to make the decisions

Question Time:

What is the biggest cause for procrastination in college students?

A. Lack of motivation

B. No interest in the subject

C. Video games and the computer are more interesting

D. Students don’t know how to manage their time

Question Time:

What is the biggest cause for procrastination in college students?

While your student, may be distracted by the other categories mentioned- most students struggle with how to successfully manage their time

Preparing for the First Visit Home

Prepare a favorite meal

Affirm changes in appearance

Be ready for new ideas, values and opinions

Student may prefer time with friends over time with family

Negotiation of freedom

Tips to Helping Your Student Succeed

Be continually loving and supportive

Listen, listen, listen

Send care packages or Boiler Treat Packs

Set-up weekly phone dates

Tips to Helping Your Student Succeed (Cont.)

Let your student learn from their mistakes

Don’t show up unannounced

Accept choice of major; it rarely determines career

Help your student tackle challenges him/herself

TRUST YOUR STUDENT!

Question Time:

If my student was having a roommate problem, I would…

A. Call the President of the University

B. Offer advice and then let my student work it out with their roommate

C. Suggest they speak with their Resident Assistant

D. Call the roommate’s parents and speak with them about the situation

Question Time:

If my student were having a roommate problem, I would…

The best advice we could offer is to empower your student to become responsible for their success. We suggest that you advise your student on what their options are and then let them work it out with their roommate.

Questions or Concerns?

Student Access, Transition and Success Programs

(765) 494-9328

www.purdue.edu/sats

University Residences

(765) 494-1000

www.housing.purdue.edu

Helpful Resources:

www.purdue.edu/helpdesk

www.purdue.edu/parents