four students walking in front of the Clark Library
SHEPARD ACADEMIC RESOURCE CENTER
 PARENT NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 2017

Dear Families,

While you may have had doubts that your students could endure on their own when you delivered them to the University in August, they have successfully made it through their first semester of college.  From laundry to budgeting, students are learning to handle their lives as adults.  Watching your student become a self-sufficient adult can be tremendously gratifying--that is until that self-sufficient adult moves back in with you for an extended holiday break.  Not only have you been apart from each other for more than three months, but those first months of college have also been a time of considerable growth for your student and very likely a time of great change for the rest of the family.  Your students have been trusted with considerable personal responsibility this semester. It is not surprising that they might be reluctant to give up that self-sufficiency now and defer to the same rules that governed their conduct when they were minors in your home. 

One source of discomfort for returning students is the realization that family life has gone on in their absence.  Younger siblings may have assumed more responsibility and freedom.  Parents may have taken on new interests or commitments.  Returning students often have difficulty figuring out where they fit in the family picture, and families sometimes exacerbate that feeling by treating them like guests rather than family.  Remember that your student will most likely feel a little awkward when they first come home, but with some minor adjustments, they should feel like a member of the family again.

Many parents report being disappointed that their child spent most of the break visiting friends rather than staying home with the family.  While seeing family is important, many students wish their families understood their desire to reconnect with local friends while they are home.  Vacations during the break can also be a point of conflict.  However, if students and parents make holiday and travel plans together, they are unlikely to have their plans conflict.  Let your student know well in advance about any family outings or special events, and ask that he or she consult with you before making plans with friends.

Christmas break also gives you an opportunity to talk to your student about ways to improve academically in the coming semester.  You may notice that your student will sleep much more than usual upon arriving home.  While it is not unusual that most students do not get a lot of sleep during “dead week” and finals, you and your child should discuss how much sleep they are getting.  Most freshmen students are not sleeping enough because they save all their studying until late nights and early mornings.  You may wish to re-emphasize that it is important to use time between classes to do homework, and not catch up on sleep.  Most freshmen are studying a lot, but are not studying wisely.  Some students have problems because they are studying in their rooms, which hold too many distractions.  Studying somewhere quiet (like an open classroom) is much more effective than studying in a dorm room. 

Grades will be posted for classes and be available to students on December 19th. Grades are posted in Self-Serve and not mailed unless the student makes this request.  After reviewing grades, you may notice a difference in the grades your student got in high school and the grades they are getting in college.  Many freshmen students struggle in classes such as calculus, chemistry, biology, philosophy, physics, and macroeconomics.  This struggle is partly because some come unprepared for college-level classes because they did not receive the basics in high school.  Others struggle because they think two hours of studying per day is enough—it is not.  There is help available for students who need to know how to better manage their time and get outside assistance to pass their courses.  Remember that many freshmen struggle first semester but then do very well.  It is all part of the learning process. 

Brother Thomas Giumenta, C.S.C., the Learning Assistance Counselor for the Shepard Center, can provide assistance with time management, test taking, note taking, reading strategies, test anxiety, learning and memory strategies, and individual academic counseling. Brother Tom is also offering a course next semester for students who experience difficulties and challenges with academic work.  The class is open to any interested students.  Interested students should register for this 1 credit course (ED 102) through Self-Serve.

Finally, the Financial Aid Office has asked that we remind you of the important upcoming dates. For more information, please call them at (503) 943-7311.

  • January 15, 2018 – Priority deadline for receipt of FAFSA for maximum consideration for scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans. Visit the Financial Aid website under the “Scholarships and Grants” tab to learn how to apply for outside scholarships.  Deadlines will vary over the spring. To see more Financial Aid deadlines, take a look at the financial aid dates and deadlines website.

While peace on earth may not occur on Christmas this year, with a little understanding, forethought, and clear communication, a peaceful, joyous holiday can be a reality in your house. 

Happy Holidays!
Shepard Academic Resource Center

View our past Parent Newsletters.
sarc@up.edu | 503.943.7895 | 5000 N. Willamette Blvd., Portland, OR 97203
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