Parent check-in at orientation

WELCOME PARENTS!

We understand that sending your student off to college can be an exciting and nerve-wracking experience.  You may have read on the "Resources" page that the responsibility of being the communicator shifts from the parent, in high school, to the student, in college.  So how are you going to get your student to be a good communicator, sharing information with you that you feel is important?

Parents and students may have had more direct access to mid-term grades, the status of homework assignments, extra credit, and overall academic progress during high school.  At CU-Boulder, mid-term grades are not posted and extra credit generally does not exist; often a grade in a course is based solely on a mid-term exam and a final exam.  The only real way to know how students are doing in their classes is to ask them.  If students are unsure, then they should be in contact with their instructors.  We highly encourage students to reach out and get to know the faculty.  While faculty may seem a bit intimidating at first, particularly for first-year students, they are passionate about their respective topics and eager to share their knowledge with those who want to learn.

At CU, neither parents nor advisors nor support staff are notified or aware of a student's progress in the classroom, so one of the important things for your student to learn is how to advocate effectively for himself or herself and effectively research solutions.  Students at CU-Boulder are not only growing academically but also personally into self-sufficient adults with a myriad of responsibilities.  Before the fall semester begins, discuss with your students what you expect them to report to you in terms of grades, academic progress, tuition bills and the like.

 Encourage your student to learn the:

We understand that parents often find themselves in a difficult position regarding their students' academic planning and experiences and we encourage parents to talk to their students both about the importance of maintaining a relationship with their academic advisor as well as learning to self-research and advocate.

Academic advisors are here to help students create a well-rounded and personally satisfying academic experience and to encourage them to take advantage of the many opportunities on campus. Academic advisors give students tools, suggestions, and context with which to make informed decisions. However, the ultimate responsibility lies with the students to register for appropriate courses, seek out important information, be knowledgeable of policies and procedures and play an active role in their education.

 The Academic Advising Center is located in Woodbury 109. Phone 303-492-7885. Fax 303-735-5519.


Five graduating students in cap and gown.