Tips Corner for Parents and Families: Your Students and Upcoming Final Exams

Final exams, especially for first-year students, can be a challenging and stressful time. Try to keep these things in mind when communicating with your students during final exams.

• Ask your student how you can be supportive. This may include you sending them a care package or just giving them space.
• Be a cheerleader not a coach. Finals can take a toll on self-confidence. When our students are doubting themselves, we can let them know we believe in them, and that we are proud of their hard work. Shift the focus from a grade earned to their long-term goals and all that they are accomplishing in college.
• Lower demands and help set reasonable limits on commitments. For example, students may consider limiting the hours they are working off campus during final exams.
• Remind your students of the academic resources available to them on campus (professors’ office hours, the Peterson Library, Writing Center, Student Success Center, Counseling and Psychological Services, and more
• Highlight the benefits of sleep and encourage other stress-relief strategies available to them on campus (therapy dog days, going to the gym, attending social events, etc.)
• Pay attention to their mental health. Look out for sudden changes in mood or behaviors.
• Advocate for balance. Studying can feel overwhelming, so prioritizing their time and taking breaks should be encouraged!
• Encourage a healthy diet. Late-night studying can lead to unhealthy eating habits. Make sure your students have healthy snacks and stay hydrated.
• Report illnesses quickly to ensure proper notification by using the Student Illness Notification Form on myCharger.