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FUTURE STUDENTS ask.UWindsor SUPPORT UWINDSOR

Student/Supporter Relationship

You know your student better than professors, advisors, staff, and peers, therefore, you have the best understanding of your student’s talents and abilities. You have observed your students’ academic and social behaviours over time and can best predict the kind of encouragement and help needed. 

No doubt, over your students’ academic career, they will encounter changing situations, challenging circumstances, and rewarding successes along the way. All students at one time or another will seek support as an anchor for security and survival. 

Being a supporter of a university student, a challenge you may encounter is communication. Showing your student support during the transition to university will have a positive effect on success. Now is the time to begin talking to your student about their thoughts and feelings before starting university. 

Ask your student the following questions:

  • What are your reasons for going to university? 

  • What things are you looking forward to?

  • What are your concerns? 

  • What can we do to help you?  

Discuss the following adjustment issues with your student and about their feelings about each one:

  • having a roommate

  • perceptions about the changing dynamics of home life 

  • time management 

  • new responsibilities 

  • seeking support

  • studying longer 

  • reading more 

  • writing papers 

  • establishing friendships 

  • managing employment and money 

  • academic integrity  

Information on this page adapted from N.O.D.A (National Orientation Director Association): Orientation Planning Manual, by Cathie Hatch 

How can I support my student?

  • Support and encourage good study habits

  • Give them the freedom to take responsibility for their education 

  • Give them the space to adapt to their new environment 

  • Encourage them to return to their "Why"- Why they have chosen to come to university

  • Adjust household chores to make up for additional time required by the school  

Information from this section adopted with permission from Wayne State University Advising Center 

What Your Student Wants You to Know

  • Being a full-time student is like having a full-time job (if not busier!)

  • University is not a 9 to 5 job; evenings and weekends are required 

  • Enormous amounts of time are demanded by university course work 

  • Administrative processes take time and may not be completed within a single visit 

  • There is a certain level of social stress caused by the change from high school to university 

  • Students experience heightened levels of academic stress in their first semester of university 

  • There are other expenses in addition to tuition and books  

Information from this section adopted with permission from Wayne State University Advising Center 

University May Cause Relationship Changes

  • The university environment encourages independence
  • The University views the student as an autonomous adult and will deal independently with the student

Typical Changes in Students: 

  • A desire to make their own decisions, even poor ones

  • A desire to try something new or radically different from previous interests 

  • More or less need for verbal reassurance 

  • Potentially strong negative reactions to suggestions 

  • A new set of friends or changes in style of clothing and/or hair 

  • Less willing to seek the advice of supporters 

  • May avoid questions regarding school and friends  

Information from this section adopted with permission from Wayne State University Advising Center 

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Quick Tips

  • Keep your perspective  - give things time to work themselves out!

  • Take the view that university is the next milestone for your student. You and your student will navigate this just like all the others! 

  • Resist rushing in and saving the day for your student 

  • Actively listen to your student and ask curious and thoughtful follow-up questions

  • Give space for your student to develop new capacities, interests and directions

  • Don't worry about career consequences of choosing a particular university program; often it's the experience gained along the way that really counts 

  • Believe that your student will succeed  - and tell them so! 

  • Keep all lines of communication open  - verbal and written 

  • You've done your job  - it's now up to them (with your support!)

Information from this section adopted with permission from Morehead State University, Morehead, Kentucky