A student’s college years are full of opportunities for growth and development. The move away from home and toward independence can be liberating as well as stressful for students and parents. Your support and encouragement will continue to play an important role during this transition.
How Parents Can Help
Encourage student to establish strong relationships with advisors and faculty.
Encourage student to get involved in campus clubs and organizations - this provides another connection to Western plus career-related exposure and skills.
Encourage student to seek help with difficult classes AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE - they would want to talk to their advisor as well as their faculty member.
Maintain open communication about grades and academic progress. The Advising Center will be happy to discuss any general concerns you have regarding your student's academic progress, but we are not at liberty to disclose actual grades, grade point average, or academic standing.
Although it may seem helpful, refrain from selecting or choosing a major (or even individual classes) for your student. Instead, help your student focus on personal interests, skills, likes and dislikes, and how these fit with the world of work.