Before Your Student Drops a Course

If your student is struggling academically as a parent or family member you may feel powerless to help. However, your support and guidance can make a great deal of difference. Here are a few questions you can ask your student if they are struggling in a particular course: 

This may seem like an obvious question, but it is worth asking. Not attending class is the most common reason why students have difficulty. 

Amazingly, students sometimes enroll in a course that proves extremely difficult, even though it is not actually necessary for their major or for any other requirements. So this is a good question to ask. 

Faculty can be an extremely helpful resource to students. They can provide supplementary instruction, some pointers about how best to study, some feedback about where students seem to be going wrong on tests and papers, and some perspective on why students typically struggle in the class and what is helpful to turn the situation around.

Everyone needs help at some point. Even the best students may need help. The resources are available, so students should be encouraged to take full advantage.  Check out the sources of academic support below. As a family member you have incredible influence on your student. With your guidance and the available resources on campus your student will be set on a path for academic success.

LRC 101A Academic Success for Lifelong Learning 

3 institutional credit course that emphasizes strategies for success in college. For more information view: http://www.umbc.edu/lrc/lrc101a.html.

Contact the Learning Resource Center at 410-455-2444 or view:   www.umbc.edu/lrc/tutorial_center

One hour workshops about time management, stress management, test anxiety, memory skills, procrastination, and relaxation techniques. Contact Counseling Services at 410-455-2472 or view:   www.umbc.edu/counseling

Programs, workshops, assessments, and individual counseling available. Contact Career Services at 410-455-2216 or view:   www.careers.umbc.edu

• General Academic Advising Assistance  

Walk-in services, prescheduled appointments, and study skills workshops. Contact the Office for Academic and Pre-Professional Advising at 410-455-2729.