““Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.””
It's January, so by now, you should know your student’s grades from their first semester of college. Parents naturally hope their student will succeed and thrive during this initial period of independence. However, it can be devastating for many parents if their student fails courses, is placed on academic probation, or, most painfully, is dismissed from their college or university.
To make matters worse, your student may have reassured you that everything was fine and asked you to stop worrying—until it wasn't. Now that the semester has ended, developing a plan for moving forward is essential. This article is intended for families experiencing this situation and seeking guidance on the next steps.
First, it's essential to understand that this is common, and colleges are eager to help students navigate these challenges. However, your student needs to take the initiative and access the available resources typically found on the college's website or student portal. Second, try to stay positive and support your student throughout this process. Approach this as a learning experience rather than a failure. Remember the words of Winston Churchill above!
Discover What Happened–The Role of Executive Functions
Both you and your student must reach a shared understanding of what transpired during the semester. This can be more challenging than it sounds. If your student is in college, they likely possess the cognitive abilities required for their studies. However, they may still struggle with executive functioning skills without additional support. Executive functions are the brain-based abilities that help us manage tasks by regulating our emotions, attention, and behavior. For more information, please follow this link: "What Are Executive Functions?" This resource includes a list of executive functions and a checklist of potential challenges. You and your student can use this information to reflect on the past semester and discuss any executive function challenges they may have encountered.
Make a Plan to Give Your student the Support They Need
Understanding what has transpired, it's time to focus on problem-solving. Transitioning to college can be daunting, as there are many uncertainties about how to thrive in this new environment. In high school, many students benefit from the support of tutors, counselors, learning specialists, and others; however, this support often diminishes in college. Additionally, the familiar structure of the home and the high school experience can provide a level of support that is not present in college.
Accommodations: If your student has a documented learning disability, has undergone educational testing, or has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 Plan, now is the time to reevaluate those recommendations. Use them as a guide to secure the necessary support for your student. Every college must provide reasonable accommodations and will have a process for your student to register for them. Your student may need to adjust these accommodations based on their challenges while in college.
Emotional Support: If your student struggles at school, it can have a significant emotional impact. Feelings of depression and anxiety often accompany academic challenges, so connecting your student with a therapist can be a beneficial strategy.
Executive Function Support: Professors expect students to be independent and take personal responsibility for their own learning. As a result, they do not announce assignments or tests during class, take attendance, or grant extensions for late work. This level of independence can be challenging for some students, who may struggle to manage their newfound free time, motivate themselves to attend lectures, and effectively plan their academic tasks. These students would benefit from executive function coaching to help them develop the skills necessary to thrive independently on campus.
““The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.” ”
Protecting Your Student’s Future: Course Grades and the GPA
Your student's course grades and GPA are essential in college, but they are not as rigid as in high school. Students have various opportunities to withdraw from courses that are not working out for them. The first opportunity is during the add/drop period, which usually lasts about one to two weeks at the beginning of the semester. Students can withdraw later in the term, receiving a "W" instead of a grade, which does not affect their GPA. However, it's important to note that there is a minimum number of courses students must be enrolled in. Colleges also offer the option to withdraw late from courses they have failed or not completed, but this process requires a valid reason and appropriate documentation.
If your student has a disability, an extenuating circumstance, or has experienced a mental health challenge, these can be valid reasons to apply for a late withdrawal. In such cases, your student will receive a "W" and will not earn credit for the course, but their GPA will remain unaffected. It's crucial to read the fine print regarding the implications if your student needs to withdraw from all classes in a semester. To find detailed information, visit the academic regulations portion of the college’s website and have your student contact the academic advisor.
Executive Function Coaching
Investing in your student's college education is one of families' most significant emotional and financial commitments. If the first semester does not go as planned, there are options to recover and progress toward success. Working with an executive function coach can ensure consistency and success by providing tools for better organization and accountability. If you are interested in executive function or ADHD coaching, please complete the Get Started Contact Form or call/text me for a free consultation at (818) 239-6182. Don’t let executive function challenges hinder your ability to reach your student’s life and career goals.
