Preparing Your Student for the Semester Ahead

Sept. 15, 2022
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It probably feels like it was just yesterday that your Wildcat was arriving on campus with armfuls of Target bags. Now suddenly, they’re nearing their first exams, and soon enough - midterms! As these ‘firsts’ draw near, your Wildcat will be feeling all sorts of emotions.  

It’s a great time to offer encouragement and support. It’s also a great time to let them try out navigating these new milestones primarily on their own. Ultimately, what many students need most is for you to listen and be understanding of what they’re going through.

Below are some academic and wellness-related resources we’ve shared with your student (that we thought you might be interested in learning about, too):

Find a Study Buddy Using Courses in Common

Courses in Common is a unique benefit to living on campus that provides students a searchable list to help them find others living in their dorm who share their same classes. This makes it easy for students to link up and form study groups, compare notes, prepare for tests, and stay connected if they miss a class.

Tutoring, Workshops, & Study Groups

THINK TANK offers a variety of free academic support options including:

  • Academic Skills coaches and tutors, who can advise students on test taking and study strategies. Meetings are available in-person, OR online!
  • Workshops that cover topics like time management, test-taking prep, and stress management. These FREE workshops are offered throughout the semester and are available both in-person and online. 
  • Supplemental Instruction (SI) provides FREE weekly study sessions facilitated by students who have previously taken the course and received an A or B. Research has shown students who use SI have higher course grades than those who do not.

Resources to Help Manage Stress

  • Counseling & Psych Services (CAPS) is available for anyone who needs to talk about their anxiety, stress, or mental health. For absolutely anything your student needs to talk about, CAPS counselors are available to listen and help.

Encourage your Wildcat to reach out if they are looking for connections or need more resources. Their Resident Assistant or Community Director can offer support and share more specific guidance, too.