Academics—Asking for Help
No matter what year your student is, they are likely still learning how to advocate for themselves and ask for help when needed. Asking for help can be a challenge for anyone, especially a generation of students who spent important development years on Zoom. Building connections with faculty, academic advisors, tutors, and other campus supporters can make a huge difference in your student’s success in the classroom and down the road in their career search. The key is to get through the door.
Encourage your student to go to office hours, schedule a meeting with their advisor, or just pop into the Academic Success Center before any issues occur. In building these relationships early, they will be more comfortable if they have to have more challenging conversations in the future. While email is a necessary part of our lives, in-person conversations are more memorable and will give your student a leg up when they need to ask for advice or for a job reference.
Conversation starters:
- How are you feeling about your new classes? Do you anticipate any challenges?
- Do you know where you can find support when you need it? Have you heard of the Academic Success Center and the support courses they offer?
- What questions would you like to ask your professors about the classes they teach? Have you ever visited a professor’s office hours?
- What conversations have you had with your academic advisor?
Campus Engagement—FreezeFest
At RIT, we look for ways to celebrate winter! FreezeFest is RIT’s annual winter festival that encourages students to embrace the cold Rochester weather and enjoy many planned activities. FreezeFest 2023 is Feb. 1-12. It is a great way for students to take a break from their academics, get out of their residence hall room or apartment, and experience many fun, diverse, and free activities, events, food, and giveaways. Students can learn more on CampusGroups
and by following RIT Student Life on social media.
Conversation starters:
- What FreezeFest activities do you plan to attend?
- Are you excited for more snow this winter?
- What RIT coffee shop has the best hot chocolate?
Campus Living—Campus Weather Closures
Occasionally, RIT will close due to bad weather, and we know parents often wonder how this decision is made. Every effort is made to keep the university open because of the large resident student population and to minimize interruptions to the academic calendar. In the case of severe weather, the safety of the community is a major consideration. During a snowstorm, information from various sources is considered, including the Monroe County Office of Emergency Management, National Weather Service, Department of Transportation, NYS Thruway Authority, television news, etc. After careful consideration of weather advisories or warnings, states of emergency, travel bans, travel restrictions, road closures, road conditions, plowing operations, and other universities, a decision is made by the university leadership.
Conversation starters:
- Is your phone number updated in SIS so you get RIT Alert notifications?
- Have you used the tunnels at RIT yet?
- Is your winter clothing warm enough for the cold days?
Wellness—Establishing Goals
A start of a new year brings motivation to set new goals. Spring semester is a great time to reflect upon what went well last semester, challenges, and what will help students accomplish new goals in the areas of academics, involvement, health, relationships, etc. In helping your student think about their 2023 goals, remind them to:
- Be realistic and make goals achievable
- Consider how they will prioritize goals
- Write down goals or share with others to create accountability
- Set deadlines and re-evaluate as needed
- Ask for help when encountering roadblocks
- Celebrate achievements
Conversation Starters:
- What are your academic/ campus/ health goals for this semester?
- What potential barriers will stop you from accomplishing your goals?
- What campus resources will help you accomplish your goals?
