Tips
Student success
Remind your student that attending class and keeping up with assignments are keys to academic success. Encourage your student to participate in class and meet with instructors during office hours.
Time management
Assure your student that feeling overwhelmed is normal for new college students. Encourage your student to build a time-management schedule.
Money
Discuss budget planning with your student so financial issues do not interfere with academics.
Stress
Offer encouragement and support to your student as stressful final projects, tests and deadlines approach. If your student seems anxious or depressed or expresses feelings of hopelessness, recommend an appointment with the MU Counseling Center.
Housing and responsibility
If your student is planning to live off campus, discuss how study habits, finances and other responsibilities may change.
Wellness
The Wellness Resource Center plans ongoing activities and events that support various wellness issues such as alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse, nutrition, body image, stress reduction, depression, as well as problem gambling prevention, and safe driving issues.
Talk with your student about the importance of a healthy diet, adequate sleep and relaxation. Recommend regular exercise at the Student Recreation Complex and visits to the Student Health Center.
Activities
Suggest that your student get involved with volunteer opportunities that can add to the college experience and provide a larger view of the world.
Career planning
Be supportive of your student’s options for the best career path. Remind him or her to check HireMizzouTigers.com for career fairs and events.
Jobs
If your student works part time on or off campus, communicate the importance of balancing work and social activities.
Better breaks
While at home during a break, your student may express some loneliness for college friends. Encourage your student to stay in touch and reconnect with friends from home.
Summer plans
Discuss study-abroad programs, internships, employment and summer courses. Encourage a visit to HireMizzouTigers.com.
Family harmony
If your student is returning home during a break, discuss your expectations in advance.