Helping Your Student Transition through the Academic Years

Through research and experience, we’ve developed a list of “typical” college student issues.  This is just a snapshot and an expanded version with more information can be found at: www.parentsandfamily.colostate.edu under the Year-By-Year link.

Freshman Experience

• Independence – your student may want a high level of independence during his or her first year at CSU.  How will this affect daily decision-making and family connections?
• Academics –focus on exploring options to determine interests and possible majors.  Typically, the majority of first year students are classified as undeclared students.  We have resources! 
• Involvement – how to become engaged with activities on campus to find community and expand social and academic opportunities.
• Staying Connected/Changing Relationships with Parents and Family – learn how to text message and other ways to stay connected to your student as family relationships are changing.
• A Day in the Life of a Freshman – journey through a day with a freshman at Colorado State University.

Sophomore Experience

• Housing Options – on-campus vs. off-campus – so many options! 
• Finances – tips to help students manage off-campus living budgets, as well as personal finances.
• Academic –focus on committing to a major and getting the most out of the classroom.
• Involvement – how to expand and find balance with school, social, and academic opportunities.
• Summer Away from Home/Productive Summer at Home – tips to help deal with your student’s first summer away from home and, if your student does come home, how to help him or her be productive over the summer months.
• A Day in the Life of a Sophomore – spend a day with a sophomore at Colorado State University.

Junior Experience

• Interdependence – your student may experience moving from totally independent thinking to asking for advice and developing an interdependent relationship with parents and family.
• Academics – focus on success in the classroom and outside opportunities to enhance their academic experience.
• Involvement Moving toward Leadership – now that your student has been involved for a few years, leadership opportunities are the next step!  How you support your student in a leadership position can help him or her make more informed decisions and become better leaders.
• Internships/Resumes/Career Building Opportunities – time to focus on utilizing resources on campus and begin preparing for life after college.
• A Day in the Life of a Junior – what is it like to be a junior at CSU?  Find out at the Parent and Family website.

Senior Experience

• Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow… - tips on how to start talking about the transition from undergrad to graduate school or career.
• Academics – the final year focuses on wrapping up your student’s undergraduate experience.  The course work is more difficult and the expectations higher, so your support and encouragement can help him or her succeed!
• Job Search – what employers expect and don’t expect (or appreciate) from parents and families.
• The Fifth Year (or beyond) – statistics and other information to help parents and families understand and cope if your student does not finish in four years.
• Celebrations – tips and suggestions on ways to celebrate graduation!
• A Day in the Life of a Senior – spend some time with a senior at CSU and learn what they deal with prior to graduation.