Bobcat Families
The Georgia College Parent and Family Newsletter
Inside October 2020
- Ask Your Student These Questions
- Housing Renewal for 2021-2022
- Study Abroad Information
- Flu Shots Available
- Website Revamp!
Hot Topic: Ask Your Student These Questions
As students gain maturity, parents often see their roles shift from supervisory (directing their activities and decisions) to advisory (helping when you are needed) to, eventually, something resembling friendship. Part of that process involves changing the ways you communicate.
By asking questions with the goal of understanding their point-of-view and helping them make their own choices, your student will start to see themselves as capable, independent adults. Your relationship can become less transactional -- your student communicating when they need things -- to relational -- communicating because they value your opinion.
College students are in limbo, stuck between being teenagers and adults. There are times when your questions sound to them like an interrogation. As they are learning emotional intelligence, they may be defiant or unresponsive, insisting on doing things their own way. When asking questions of your student, it helps to be honest and truthful about why you are asking.
- "I'm not sure what to ask, but I'm concerned about you lately. Is there anything you want to talk about?"
- "I'm probably overthinking, but you seem a little different these days."
- "I want to know that you're OK, but I don't want to be too intrusive."
The goal after four years of college is for your child to be an independent thinker, capable and ready to take on adulthood. You can foster that by letting them take ownership of their choices and actions. Instead of dictating, "You will/should/will not/should not...", put the ball in their court by asking "Would it be a good choice to...?"
- "You can drop the class, but are you prepared to take summer classes?"
- "Your study habits are up to you, but are you willing to deal with the stress of procrastination?"
- "You might win this argument with your roommate, but will it benefit you in the long-run?"
One of the main skills of emotional intelligence is thinking of others' feelings and not just your own. Students often struggle with this, but every conflict or challenge can get them closer to mastering empathy. Help your student consider their impact on other people.
- "How much extra work will your group members have to do if you skip that assignment?"
- "Could something be going on with your friend that you don't know about? Maybe they had a stressful day."
- "What's the worst that could happen if you talk to your professor? Put yourself in his shoes -- wouldn't you want to help your students?"
You don't have to agree with every choice they make, but validating their ability to make decisions for themselves will help build their confidence. It's hard for parents to watch their children struggle, but the most valuable lessons come from challenges and even small failures.
- "It didn't work out the way you planned. What will you do differently next time?"
- "You might not get exactly the results you want, but you can try it. What's the worst that could happen? Can you deal with the worst case scenario?"
- "I believe in you. Do you believe in yourself?"
University Housing Renewal
Current residents who want to keep their current rooms for next year can renew between October 1 - October 28. Spaces that are eligible for renewal are those designated for upperclass students: single rooms on Central Campus, select Bell Hall rooms, Sanford first floor, and select Village apartments.
Returning students can select from any available upperclass spaces between November 1 - March 15. This includes students currently in first-year designated spaces who want to move into upperclass spaces for next year.
First-year Panhellenic sorority women will have a separate process for reserving their spaces in the Sorority Leadership Living Learning Community at the Village and will receive further information from the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life.
Living on campus beyond the first year has many benefits. On-campus residents tend to have higher GPAs and four-year graduation rates. They are closely connected to academic and support resources, as well as involvement opportunities. They have the benefits of convenient parking, no additional utility payments, campus security, hall programs and activities, and so much more!
To learn more about University Housing, visit https://www.gcsu.edu/housing/information-for-parents.
Study Abroad Information
We look forward to providing students safe and engaging travel experiences in 2021. Our summer, fall and academic year 2021 program applications are now open. The programs are up-to-date online and those details can be found through our Program Discovery . Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates and events. We have an on-demand recorded Information Session available for viewing and students may join study abroad drop-in advising hours our WebEx Room from 2 - 3 most Monday – Thursday throughout the semester. To further facilitate access to information in our highly virtual world, we have created an online resource center and offices for both the Study Abroad Adviser and Assistant Director of Education Abroad .
In these uncertain times, we expect that you have many questions regarding the status of our summer study abroad programs. We are closely monitoring the development of COVID-19 both here in the United States and abroad, and particularly in the locations where our students travel. We look forward to providing students safe and engaging travel experiences in 2021. As such, the International Education Center remains committed to the safety and security of our students traveling abroad. We will continue to monitor and distribute any information and advice from the US State Department, the Center for Disease Control, the University System of Georgia, and our in-country partners.
Additionally, we are committed to doing everything in our power to ensure both program sustainability and student financial security. This means we will endeavor to ensure a program can continue prior to expending any non-refundable funds. In addition, we encourage students to read thoroughly the payment and cancellation policy of any program prior to submitting any deposits or application fees.
Liz Havey
Assistant Director of Education Abroad
International Education Center
Flu Shots Now Available!
For students who can't make it to West Campus, there will be a Main Campus clinic on Thursday, October 8 from noon to 4:00 PM. Flu shots will be available in the Health Science building, room 225. No appointment is needed.
Flu shots are free on campus! Help us keep our community healthy by encouraging your student to get the flu shot.
Over the next few weeks, departments will be updating their pages to make them fit seamlessly into the new design. If we can help you navigate to any resources in the meantime, please reach out to the Office of Parent and Family Programs.
Contact
Email: emily.jarvis@gcsu.edu
Website: www.gcsu.edu/parent
Location: Parks Hall 206
Phone: (478) 445-8566
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bobcatfamilies