What are some questions I can ask my student to better understand their college experience?
Parents and families support their students in many valuable ways. The following questions provide some discussion topics that you could have with your student:
Residence Hall Life
- Have you discussed the benefits/concerns of living on campus?
College Classes
- Have you encouraged your student to contribute to each class instead of being a passive observer?
- Have you discussed a plan with your student for working through any academic problems that may occur during the year?
- Has your student shared information with you about course requirements and his /her frustrations related to specific assignments?
- Have you inquired about when the busy times of the semester are and discussed how your student might manage those times?
Major Program and Future Goals
- Have you encouraged discussions about his /her objectives while in college?
- Have you discussed what your student wants to get out of their college experience?
- If your student is questioning his/her major, have you encouraged a discussion with his/her advisor?
-
Have
you accessed Truman State University’s
catalog
that is on-line? - Your student should also have a copy of this catalog. Has he/she used it?
Academic Advisor
- Has your student gotten to know his/her advisor?
- Have you encouraged your student to discuss his/her academic plan beyond the current semester with his/her advisor?
- Does your student know how to find the academic, career, and support services that are available on campus? If not, have you encouraged him/her to seek out these resources?
Extra-curricular or Co-curricular Activities
Research suggests that student involvement on campus is a factor in student success.
- Have you encouraged your student to become involved in campus life?
- Has your student attended any speakers or special events on campus?
The Family Handbook
The Family Handbook is available at http://www.truman.edu/pages/210.asp