How do I know my student is on track academically?
Your student is part way through their college career but are they on track? How do you know they will finish in the time they have planned? Will they have taken the classes they want to get to their desired career or graduate school?
This is a great conversation to have this summer. As they look to their fall semester, they will have already picked their courses and be moving full steam ahead. Take a few minutes with your student to discuss their progress. How do they see their classes connecting to their desired outcome?
You can use your student’s current academic evaluation to see their progress. Directions for accessing and viewing an academic evaluation is located on our website. The basic 4-Year plan for each major is also listed online. You can use these documents to frame your conversation and see how the courses your student is taking are assisting them toward their goal of graduation and post-graduation success. Each semester your student should be doing these steps on their own in order to be prepared to take the classes that are best suited for them. When they arrive at their advising appointment they should have a course load in mind so the conversation with their advisor isn’t about class scheduling, but really deeper about the student regarding career advising and future planning.
If your student doesn’t seem on track, ask a few questions:
- Is there an alternate path that has been worked out with an academic advisor that has customized their educational experience? If yes, what is it and how does that help them achieve their goals?
- What is their plan for graduating on time?
- Where do they see themself in 5 years? How are they getting there?
Many times, your student may have already created a plan for success. During this conversation, if your student has questions regarding their future career choice or graduate schools you can refer them to our Career Development Center. The Career Center is fully equipped to assist your student in their career plan from major selection to internships or job searching.
