Talk with Your Student

Here are some topics for families and parents to discuss with your student to help guide them through the college journey.

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April 2024

Finals Week approaching fast!

With the semester coming to an end, finals are approaching fast.  In preparation for the end of the semester, encourage students to reach out to academic resources on campus such as the Tutoring Center, Raynor Memorial Library, the Ott Memorial Writing Center, the Counseling Center, and their professors. Finals will be taking place from May 6th through May 11th.

Staying focused

As temperatures start to rise, it is important to continue to encourage students to balance work, play, and possibly join study groups or set attainable short-term goals to stay focused on classes and assignments as students often find it more difficult to concentrate during this time.

Student Employment Opportunities 

It is never too early for students to begin preparing for their post-graduation career. Summer jobs and internships are valuable opportunities to learn skills for future jobs and create a network of professional contacts. Such programs include resume critiques, interview practice, and job and internship search skills.  Encourage your student to take advantage of Career Center and visit the Handshake and  employment websites to see what opportunities are out there. 

 

May 2024

Residence Hall Move-out Information 

Residence Hall move out is during the week of finals May 6th – May 11th. It is important for students to thoroughly clean out their dorms and reach out to their RA for a complete check-out. Saturday the 11th at 12 pm is the deadline for students to have been completely moved-out of residence halls. If students have any belongings that will not be used for future use, there will be bins within the residence halls where students can donate any dry goods, furniture, clothing, etc.  

Staying in Milwaukee during the summer?

There are many places and activities to do while you're staying here. Many students visit places such as Bradford Beach, Third Ward St., Milwaukee Public Market, and much more!  to explore all the places Milwaukee has to offer.

August 2024

A time of transition – for students and families 

During the first year, and throughout college, students will move between being out in a world that’s exciting and needing to know their parents and families will always support them. Some students will thrive immediately; others will need more time to get comfortable. No matter the pace, the next four years are an important transition to independent adulthood. &Բ; 

September 2024

Stay in touch – visit this month! 

Family weekend is Friday, Sept. 27 through Sunday, September 29th. Updates and additional information will come out this month, registration for ticketed events will go live Tuesday, September 3rd.  Visit the website to learn more about the events offered on or off campus.

October 2024

Midterm Break  &Բ;

The October 17 to 18 midterm break provides an opportunity to reconnect with your student. Some students experience homesickness, and it is normal for students to miss their families and friends back home. But if a student’s homesickness is interfering with daily life, encourage him or her to seek support by talking to a resident assistant, visiting Campus Ministry and/or stopping by the Counseling Center. The entire Academic Calendar is also online.  &Բ;

Off-Campus and University Apartments  &Բ;

The University Apartments have put together resources for parents and families as their students begin navigating the search process for off-campus and university apartments. The University Apartment selection process will begin in mid-late October to early November.  Information can be found on ORL’s website.  For questions regarding on campus apartments and off campus apartments, please contact the Office of Residence Life at .  &Բ;

Family Weekend Feedback Survey 

Did you attend Family Weekend 2024 September 27th through September 29th? We want to hear about you experience. Please take this short  about you experience during Family Weekend. We value the feedback of families and guests and use your responses to evaluate the programs and events we put on during the weekend. 

November 2024

Registration Appointment Time 

In mid-November, after advising, students register for classes. Registration appointments for undergraduate students are assigned by total number of credits. This process allows students who are closest to completing their degree – and have less opportunity to take certain classes – to have earlier appointments. Marquette Central has a wonderful resource for students on the How Do I…? website.    &Բ;

Staying Healthy 

As cold and flu season beings, students may get sick for the first time away from home. The Ӱ Medical Clinic offers a wide range of resources to care for sick students, including flu shots.  There is no charge for the flu vaccination for FULL-TIME undergraduate students.  Students who have not received a flu shot should be encouraged to do so this month.  

Encouraging Balance 

This is a great time to encourage your student to maintain a balanced life - fitting in exercise and a healthy diet with academics and a social life.  This is equally important for a student who is worried about grades or one spending too little time in the library.  Students have free access to the Rec Plex on campus. 

December 2024

Final exams and grades &Բ;
The end of the semester is quickly approaching which means students are extremely busy preparing for final exams, papers and projects. During this stressful time, students should be encouraged to seek balance in work and play and take care of themselves. This is an ideal time to send words of reassurance, a care package or a gift certificate to enjoy a meal out. &Բ;
Grades are posted in students’ CheckMarq accounts the week after finals. Inevitably, some students may not do as well as they had hoped. Take time to discuss with with your student what he or she hopes or plans to do differently in the future and encourage the them to take advantage of the Academic Resource Center. More information about guest access on Checkmarq is available online

A time for reflection and fun &Բ;
Winter break is an ideal time for families and students to reflect on the semester, especially after students have caught up on sleep and reconnected with family and friends. Parents should take time to ask students about their favorite class, favorite Milwaukee restaurant, most challenging professor and new friends. It’s also a good time to encourage students to develop in their faith or spirituality and ask if they have considered taking advantage of the many faith-based resources offered for students of all backgrounds on campus.  

When your student is home during winter break make sure to spend time doing fun activities. It doesn't necessarily have to be a big trip but rather a time for simple things that your student might have enjoyed prior to college. Some ideas can be found in “” from . 

Away from home, students are learning to make independent and responsible decisions as an adult. Enjoy time with your student and take pride in the growth they have achieved.