Academic Advising

Parents - Pointers for Parents

 

   

 


Pointers for parents & families  
                                                           
                                            

  • Encourage your student to seek out her/his own solutions. Your role is one of supporting rather than fixing. As you will discover, the university has many tools for students to use. Feel free to offer advice when asked, but allow your student to be responsible for solving issues and problems.
  • Be supportive of your student--listen to your student, ask questions and discuss issues brought up. Though your student is now in college and more independent, your support and encouragement continue to be very important.

     
  • Help your student utilize the right tools: including the catalog, his/her advisor, faculty office hours, and the diverse array of support services on campus. Encourage your student to be proactive in learning about university resources as well as university rules, regulations, and expectations. We want students to make their educational experience their own. Faculty and staff on campus can give them the tools, suggestions, and context with which to make informed decisions.
  • One of the important things for your student to learn while here is how to effectively advocate for himself or herself. It is natural for young adults used to relying on parents to turn to them for assistance. It is important for parents to support and encourage their students to learn to do it for themselves. Your role is to encourage your student to accept this responsibility rather than attempting to fulfill the advocacy role for him or her. 

 

adapted from The University of Colorado Web site

Comments or Questions regarding this Website should be directed to the GVSU Advising Council


















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 




Page last modified February 7, 2011