November 2017 Parent Resource Message

November is a challenging month for freshmen.  Even though the newness of college passes with each day, students’ continue to face challenges like preparing for their third test in multiple courses or heavily weighted semester long projects. The Thanksgiving holiday seems like a lifetime away.

Now is a great time to send a care package!

During November your student may share that they are stressed, are having trouble sleeping or do not really like college.  They may tell you that they want to come home and go to the local college.  These are normal thoughts and feelings for first semester college students.  We encourage you to give a listening ear but remind your student that these feelings are normal.  You can encourage them to see their advisor to talk about their concerns. 

If you believe your student is feeling overwhelmed, ASU Counseling Services can help: https://eoss.asu.edu/counseling

Students often find that just speaking with a peer can help them recognize that they are not alone.  Our Peer Coaches can help! Your student’s peer coach contact information is on their MyASU page.

Papers

We encourage students to contact the ASU Writing Center when writing papers.  Staff in the Center will proof read drafts and give feedback on how students can make their paper stronger.  One-on-one writing tutoring is also available.

https://tutoring.asu.edu/student-services/writing-centers

Fall Final Exams

Another stress your student may be experiencing is final exams week.  Many faculty do give cumulative finals. The best way to prepare for cumulative finals is to begin material review in mid-November.  Feeling prepared is the best way to reduce test stress.  Reviewing material daily can not only help with exam preparation, but can also help students relieve their test anxiety as they are taking action by studying!

ASU has extensive tutoring services:  https://tutoring.asu.edu/

ASU has tutors that can help students build academic skills such as time management, goal setting, and study skills:  https://tutoring.asu.edu/student-services/academic-skills-tutors  

The final exam schedule varies from the semester class schedule.  A final exam can be on a different day than the regularly scheduled class and it might be at a different time than when (and where) the class meets.  Ask your student if they know when and where their finals are scheduled.  If they do not know, they need to ask their professor. 

Final exam schedule for Session C courses: https://students.asu.edu/final-exam-schedule#Fall%202017

Spring 2018 Class Schedules

Class registration for spring 2018 was in October.  In November, advisors will review your student’s schedule and will either approve or make suggestions for changes before the fall semester ends.

IMPORTANT:  Please ask your student if they have registered for spring.  If not, please remind them to do so soon as their POS/SGS 191 registration assignment is due prior to Thanksgiving break.