AUGUST 2020

Miami Family,

Supporting a child in college is a big transition in your relationship with them, even more so in a time of such uncertainty. This is true for both the student and their family! Remember that you've worked hard to help shape your student into the young adult they are today. And sending that young adult to college marks a new phase of your relationship with them. You still have influence and an important role to play.

This issue of Miami Family Focus has information to assist you in that transition, including ways to help your student adjust to remote learning, mental health resources, and a comprehensive guide of resources, conversation topics, and other advice. As always. find previous issues of Miami Family Focus on our Newsletters page.

Love and Honor,
Mark W. Pontious, Ph.D. '19
Director, Parent & Family Programs

Study habits for remote learning

Weekly schedule grid with class and study times noted

We recognize the challenges new Miami students likey face as they start college classes online. Our Rinella Learning Center provides academic support to students throughout their time at Miami. Services include learning assessments, academic counseling and coaching, academic interventions, a study strategies course, a workshop series on effective study strategies, individual and group tutoring in high-demand subjects, and Supplemental Instruction, all of which will be available virtually this fall.

One important resource for new students is Rinella's remote learning page, which includes 7 in-depth tips for success in remote/online/hybrid courses. Remind your student to address any concerns about a course first with the instructor, then the chair of the department in which the course is being taught, finally with the dean of the college that houses the department, if needed.

College transitions: Mental health resources

student sitting on a bench on campus, looking at phone

The college transition often stirs up mixed feelings for students (and family members). Some students find the transition emotionally challenging. They may keep their distress a secret, concerned about worrying you or fearing they have failed.

As a family member, how can you help? Encourage your student to acknowledge their doubts and remind them that this is completely normal. Remind them that you understand and accept their anxiety, sadness, and/or homesickness (once they move in). If these feelings continue beyond a few weeks or seem too intense, encourage them to seek campus resources. Their Resident Assistant (RA) is a great place to start, as is the Student Counseling Service (SCS).

The Student Counseling Service offers services to help all students have a positive experience. Services address anxiety, homesickness, relationship issues, substance abuse concerns, and more. SCS matches students to with appropriate services: workshops, individual counseling, and group counseling. Telecounseling is available for students physically located in the state of Ohio (due to licensing requirements). For all students, SCS offers urgent care triage to assess critical concerns during the week and the H.O.P.E. Line is available 24/7 for emergent mental health needs.

All services are confidential and are only shared with a student's written consent. Counseling records are never a part of a student's educational record.

Many students are currently in treatment for mental health concerns. We know that SCS may not offer the appropriate level of care for all students. Read the Scope of Practice to determine if SCS has an appropriate level of care for your student. Students who need extended care should connect with a community provider. We encourage students to maintain a relationship with a current provider, if possible. Consult the list of providers in the Oxford area or speak with a counselor from SCS for more information.

Additional resource: Miami University Insider Guide

Supporting a college student doesn't come with a handbook in normal years, let alone in the midst of our current situation.

Miami partnered with CollegiateParent to create an Insider Guide to provide you with resources for you and your student.

You'll find wisdom about the first year from older college students, ways to find community on campus, and some of the biggest differences between high school and college.

But those are for your student. The guide also contains several articles specific to you as the family member, including suriving the first weeks as a college parent, tips for communicating with your student, and supporting your student during finals.

View the Miami University Insider Guide online »

Miss an issue of Miami Family Focus? All past issues are on our Newsletters page.

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