Parents, families and supporters
Parents, families and supporters can play an important role for students, especially in early years of university. You can help your student's academic success and wellbeing by having honest discussions about the different aspects of university life and by encouraging them to connect with supports early.
11 ways to support your student
Student information is protected under the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act legislation, so university staff are unable to speak with anyone except the students themselves about their information.
1. Empowerment
Focus on empowering and supporting your student to take action themselves rather than taking action for them. Encourage your student to build confidence and knowledge by looking for information and completing university-related processes themselves – the New Student Handbook and UVicLearn website are good places to start. The goal is to empower your student to navigate university independently: you will always be a support for them, but they will need to take action on their own.
2. Space for goal setting
Give your student space to create their own goals for their degree, keeping in mind that their goals may not match your desires. Ultimately, your student will be the one holding the degree and navigating a career or next steps after graduation. Your student’s goals and motivations may not coincide with your wishes for their education or life, and that is okay – they will work on finding their own way. The most fulfilling careers tend to be at the intersection of a student’s interests and strengths.
3. Preparation for change
Be ready for change and transition. Starting university can be a major transition for both students and their supporters – there are differences between high school and university learning environments, including course styles, schedules and evaluation approaches. With preparation, planning, communication and a willingness to ask questions and seek help, the transition can be smoother.
4. Readiness for both joys and challenges
Expect both joys and challenges. University is a place of learning and growth, and with that, both successes and difficulties are normal and should be expected – encountering academic challenges is not an indicator of ability or potential. Challenges can be learning opportunities: students can learn to ask good questions (who to ask, what to ask, how to ask), learn from feedback and grades in order to improve and learn to find the best strategy for academic progress (rather than just “working harder”). Remind your student of their strengths and discuss how those strengths will help them navigate their university experience. Talk about the good and exciting things to come, reassure your student of their ability to face any challenges that may arise and encourage them to connect early with supports and advising.
5. Knowledge of rights and responsibilities
Discuss the rights and responsibilities of a university student. Students are responsible for their academic and non-academic conduct when engaging with the university. The university is committed to fostering a diverse, dynamic and welcoming learning community characterized by accountability, respect, fairness and safety. Encourage your student to become familiar with their rights and responsibilities through completion of the self-paced Academic Integrity 101 course and review of university policy on non-academic conduct and the Engineering and Computer Science Standards for Professional Behaviour. If your student is coming from a non-Canadian academic background, it may be helpful to review information about academic expectations at Canadian universities.
6. Acknowledgement of different routes to success
Acknowledge that everyone’s journey through university will likely be different. Even if you or another student you know went to the same university in very similar circumstances, your student’s experience at university will likely be unique. Their degree progress may be slower or faster, and they may experience different successes or challenges. That is all okay – there is not only one path to complete a degree successfully. If your student has a disability or chronic health condition that impacts their education, encourage them to register with the Centre for Accessible Learning as soon as possible to access support in achieving their academic goals.
7. Prioritization of wellbeing
Prioritize your student’s wellbeing over everything else. While academic progress is important, your student’s wellbeing is more important. Encourage your student to make a balanced plan for how they will care for themselves while at university, including eating well, getting sufficient sleep, engaging in movement activities, attending to personal care, connecting socially and taking breaks. Discuss a response plan and become familiar with the academic concession options in case illness, injury, mental health challenges or other circumstances start affecting their routines.
8. Honesty about finances
Be honest with your student about financial or practical constraints, and discuss fallback options. It is important to establish from the beginning who will provide funds for various costs and who will be responsible for making necessary payments. How much will be budgeted for each expense? What will happen if there are insufficient funds? Are there other practical constraints that your student needs to be aware of? If a student will be working part-time, they should talk to an Academic Advisor to plan a reduced courseload.
9. Creation of a communication plan
Set up a communication plan. Ensure that you and your student have an agreement on how you will connect (messaging? calls?) and how often you will connect. In addition to easing the transition for both of you, regular communication will provide check-in points for your student’s wellbeing. You are one of the people who know your student best, and often, you may be able to recognize sooner when a student may be experiencing challenges if you notice changes in behaviour, attitude, routines and so on. Make an emergency plan and identify emergency contacts so that each of you knows how to connect with the other person if an urgent situation occurs.
10. Knowledge of supports
Familiarize yourself with academic, wellness, and other supports on campus so that you can help your student find who to contact if any issues come up. There is support and guidance available to students, but students generally have to make first contact. You can help your student find who to contact and if your student wishes, support them in planning for the interaction.
11. Celebration
Celebrate successes and achievements. Steps forward, both large and small, are important and positive. Acknowledging these in a way that is meaningful for your student can help maintain positivity and motivation to work towards the next accomplishment. Recognition could take the form of a card or care package in the mail, a little extra coffee or treat money, a special meal out or any other action that would bring your student happiness or make their life a little easier.
Contributors: Engineering and Computer Science Undergraduate Advising staff and Dr. Allyson Hadwin, UVic Psychology
Support resources
If a student is not sure where to start, they can contact the Engineering and Computer Science undergraduate advising team. We will refer to other offices or supports as appropriate.
Engineering and Computer Science undergraduate advising
Engineering Office Wing room 206
engr@uvic.ca
250-721-6023
Getting started
How to register for courses
New Student Handbook
UVicLearn resources
General academic information
Academic important dates
Engineering and Computer Science Academic Advising
Final exam schedule
Health and wellness
Academic concession requests
Student Wellness Centre
Academic supports
Academic Integrity 101 self-paced online course
Centre for Accessible Learning
Engineering and Computer Science Peer-Assisted Student Success (PASS)
Learning Assistance Program and Study Solutions Program
Support with coursework:
Tuition fees and funding
Student Awards and Financial Aid
Tuition and student fees
Co-op and career
Career Services
Engineering and Computer Science Co-op
Other
Engineering and Computer Science Standards for Professional BehaviourInternational Centre for Students
Office of the Ombudsperson
Residence Services