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Ask Deanie
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Archives Deanie Kepler's previously published columns | SMU Parent Liaison Deanie Kepler offers advice on helping your student. |
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Help your students prepare for next year
Finishing the first year in college is a big deal so if you haven’t done so already, now is a great opportunity to celebrate your student’s accomplishments. Don’t be surprised to learn that a student with a year of college under his or her belt is not the same one you moved to campus a short 10 months ago. Though they may still seem like “kids,” they’re well on their way to adulthood.
So now that you have them home again, what can you do to help them prepare for next year? Here are some suggestions:
- Summer is a good time for parents and students to look back
and evaluate how the first year went and to set goals for the
coming year.
- Students also need some down time, but suggest that they read
a good book, instead of playing too many video games. Remind them
that reading will keep their minds engaged in skills useful in the
classroom.
- Beginning the search for fall part-time jobs or internships can help students explore various career opportunities that might be related to their major interests of study. Be sure and offer any family or business contacts you have if they begin a search. Campus resources, including the Hegi Family Career Development Center, the Counseling and Testing Office, and the Altshuler Learning Enhancement Center, are all open in the summer should you or your student need additional help.
The first day of class for Fall 2008 is Monday, August 25. It will be here before you know it. Have a happy and safe summer!
Question for Deanie? Ask Deanie at gkepler@smu.edu or 214-768-4797.
