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Ask Deanie
|
Archives Deanie Kepler's previously published columns | SMU Parent Liaison Deanie Kepler offers advice on helping your student. |
 |
Making the best of spring break
and the remaining school year
Q: How can I make sure my student has a safe spring break?
A: Many students spend months looking forward to their first collegiate "Spring Break" and going with friends to Mexico and the beach, or to a ski resort for one last run down the mountain, or to some new spot that holds memories that will last a lifetime. Of course, one worry is that your student will be safe. Here are two useful resources:
- The SMU Police Department for safety awareness
- The United States State Department for foreign travel, including Mexico.
Q: My student will be home during spring break. How can I help him plan ahead?
A: Spring Break is a great time to talk with your student. Spring "cleaning" and "pruning" are two ways to plan ahead.
Spring Cleaning - Just as it works to get our houses in order, it works to get your student's brain focused and ready to plan for next year! Consider these topics:- Where they are going to live next year, and with whom? If they want to stay
in the residence halls they need to check with Residence
Life and Student Housing about procedures for signing up for their same
room, another room, auxiliary housing (which includes the Service House) and
SMU-owned apartments.
- Do they want to consider an SMU Abroad
program or SMU in Taos?
- Will they attend summer school
at SMU or a college/university in their
hometown?
- Are they considering a summer
internship? Parents and friends can help students make appropriate
contacts within their hometown. They should also check with the SMU
Career Center to learn about internship
opportunities throughout the country.
- What courses do they want to
take next year? They need to make an appointment with their academic
advisor to discuss all their options.
- Focus on academics -- finals will be here before they know it! The
Learning Enhancement Center has tips on how to "Study Harder -- Not
Longer," multiple-choice test taking and how to build study time into
a busy day, etc.
- Pruning for a student becomes "planning" -- an activity that will clear the clutter in their lives so fuller growth and potential can take hold. Have a happy Spring!
Question for Deanie? Ask Deanie at gkepler@smu.edu or 214-768-4797.
