Helpful Tips for Parents
● DISCUSS YOUR STUDENT’S ACADEMIC GOALS AND EXPECTATIONS AHEAD OF TIME. A student’s first semester of college can be challenging. In comparison to their previous institution or school, courses might be taught at a different pace, and, often times, at an advanced rigor. Ask your student what they hope to accomplish during their first year. It is important for your student to take ownership of their education. ● BE A COACH INSTEAD OF SOLVING YOUR STUDENT’S PROBLEMS YOURSELF. Encourage your student to utilize the on-campus resources provided by USC. This is a crucial time for students to learn independence, which they will utilize for the rest of their personal and professional lives. ● COMMUNICATE. Attending college is a new transition for you and your student. Listen carefully and provide reassurance for your student when things are not going well, and celebrate the small and exciting milestones. Additionally, keep your student informed about any changes happening at home. ● ENCOURAGE YOUR STUDENT TO GET INVOLVED. With so many diverse activities happening at USC, it can be overwhelming for new students to know where to start. Encourage your student to join organizations and meet new people so that they can maximize their USC experience. While students may want to become involved in multiple organizations, make sure to emphasize that their priority must be academics and they should develop strategies to maintain a healthy balance between their academics and extracurricular activities. ● HELP YOUR STUDENT REMAIN CALM WHEN COURSES SEEM DIFFICULT AND/OR YOUR STUDENT IS NOT GETTING A 4.0. Viterbi is known for having rigorous coursework, and as a parent, you may see your student experiencing stress or anxiety due to not receiving the grades they expect. Be a support system, while also referring them to the appropriate resources, such as their Academic Advisor, a Career Advisor, academic resources, the Math Center, and the Writing Center (see back cover for a complete list of resources). You should also encourage students to always speak to their professors if they are facing academic difficulty in a particular course.
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USC VITERBI SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
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