New Student Transitions - Helpful Resources

October

By Carmen M. Vazquez

Vice President, Student Affairs

Greetings Torero Parents,

November is a turning point in the semester for many first year students.  October’s midterms provide a realistic gauge on how your student is transitioning academically, while new interpersonal relationships begin to mature and deepen.  I just recently learned from students about a phenomenon where lingering high school relationships break off following the Thanksgiving visit home.  In the spirit of these themes, below you will find November’s new student transitions and corresponding campus resources.

As winter approaches, flu and cold season may affect the health and academic performance of your student.  The USD Student Health Center (SHC) and Dining Services have partnered to facilitate meal delivery to students who are sick and living in the residence halls.  Remind your student to visit the SHC for their flu vaccine, or, if they are already sick, to seek help and a possible referral for residence hall meal delivery. (http://www.sandiego.edu/healthcenter/prevention/)

If your student begins to feel overextended, coach your student on some of the stress management tips outlined in the FYE On-Line Resources. (http://www.sandiego.edu/sli/documents/WhatisStress.pdf )

As the newness of USD fades, loneliness and depression may sneak into your student’s life.  Encourage them to share their emotions (http://www.sandiego.edu/sli/documents/ManagingEmotions.pdf) and to seek help from the Counseling Center (http://www.sandiego.edu/usdcc/) if needed.  

Your student may also be struggling with managing relationships (both old and new) in the context of their new environment.  Suggest that they read the FYE On-Line Resource article on interpersonal relationships (http://www.sandiego.edu/sli/documents/Relationships.pdf ).

In closing, I encourage you to reflect and communicate the expectations you have of your student as he/she returns home for the first time in several months.  Your student’s road to independence and adulthood will be smoothed by proactive communication and early student-parent dialogue as you plan for a trip home that will likely result in a changed dynamic between an emerging adult student and parent.

Wishing you a blessed and happy Thanksgiving!