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As your student continues to settle in and adjust to a new normal this fall semester, they may be finding some of their classes more challenging than expected. Here are some tips to share with your student to help them stay motivated and find help if they need it.

Finding the right study space

It’s important for your student to find or create a space for study sessions and to participate in remote classes. Encourage them to explore different study spots on campus and find a quiet space to work that’s free of distractions.

If your student finds themselves easily distracted, here are a few things to suggest to help them stay focused. They could:

• Take games off their laptop so they won’t be tempted to play them.

• Use browser extensions like or to set time limits or block social media and other “black hole” websites.

• Create a phone-free area by turning off their cell phone or putting it in their backpack during class. They could also turn off notifications on their laptop.

Managing time

Encourage your student to set designated times to review notes from each class and complete assignments. This can help your student feel organized, keep pace with their courses and avoid procrastination.

As your student makes their schedule, they should make sure it’s manageable. Encourage them to pace themselves with their courses while staying on top of other daily academic activities. Suggest that they create daily to-do lists – writing out tasks can help your student stay accountable, and it’s a great way to see progress for the day.

Staying engaged and connected

Whether your student is taking in-person, remote or hybrid courses, participation is important. Encourage your student to:

• Ask questions during lectures or on the discussion boards in Canvas.��

• Create group chats with classmates.��

• Make a study group that they can video-chat with a few times a week.

• Reach out for help if they need it by attending their instructor’s and teaching assistant’s office hours.

• Check their email daily to stay informed.��

Finding help

If your student is stuck on a problem or a concept discussed in class, encourage them to ask for help. They could ask a classmate, visit office hours or a help lab, or join (or start!) a study group.

They can also take advantage of other free resources as well:

• , including resources, guidance for watching online lectures, tutorials for taking quizzes and exams and more.

• Academic Success and Achievement Program (ASAP): ASAP offers free peer tutoring to any student living on campus or first-year commuting students. There are also free webinars throughout the semester with tips on time management, combating virtual fatigue and more.

• Writing Center: The Writing Center offers writers from all academic disciplines and skill levels the opportunity to work one-on-one with professionally trained writing consultants.��

• University Libraries: The libraries provide essential scholarly resources, user-centered services, and inclusive and welcoming spaces.

Additionally, New Student & Family Programs is here to support you and your student and can help connect you to the right resources on campus.

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