Now that finals are over, encourage your student to take some time to reflect on the past year. What were their highlights? What classes did they enjoy? Are they happy with their grades? Is there anything they wish they had done differently?
Depending on the answers to these questions, there are ways your student can use the summer to get ready for next year. Below are some common end-of-the-year reflections to help them get started
Academics
If your student’s GPA is not quite where they want it to be…
- Consider enrollment in Summer Session courses. There are exclusive course offerings and a chance to get into popular courses with smaller class sizes. Taking a summer course can also help your student to focus on one class at a time.
- They can also explore other academic support resources available to students.
If their classes didn’t feel like the right fit…
- Encourage them to schedule an appointment with their advisor. Your student’s advisor can help identify academic, career and life goals. From there, they can help your student explore a variety of options for their academic journey.
- Your student can also connect with Career Services. Career Services can help find a major or program that fits with their personality traits and goals. There are various assessments for students and alumni to discover strengths and potential career paths. If your student is deciding on a major or thinking about making a switch, they can chat with a career development advisor about their options.
Involvement
If your student is looking to get more involved…
- Encourage them to look through the student organization directory on BuffConnect. They can browse through student groups based on hobbies, passions or major, and connect with groups they are interested in joining.
- Consider student employment on campus. Campus jobs are a great way to meet other students, gain job experience for their resume and earn money.
- They can also look into joining an intramural or sport clubs team in the fall.
Career development
If your student is looking for a job or internship …
- They can create or update their Handshake account. Career Services vets and approves more than 100 jobs and internships a day for employers wanting to hire CU Boulder students.
- Career Services also has resources to write résumés and cover letters, practice interview skills and navigate networking.
If your student is looking to develop skills or experience for their résumé…
- Encourage them to consider joining CU GOLD in the fall. This program provides free leadership development opportunities to all students. They can also register for the Core Leadership Program to attend seminars on a variety of leadership topics.
- Your student can develop additional skills and knowledge with Linkedin Learning. This online library of video tutorials teaches a wide variety of software tools and skills. The full range of these tutorials is free for current students.
Health and wellness
If your student feels like their stress levels were high this year…
- Encourage them to explore SilverCloud Health. This free, confidential online tool lets your student take charge and manage their emotional health and well-being. There are modules that teach skills around stress management, anxiety and depression.
- Your student can also take time over the summer to develop habits in managing stress and anxiety. Finding techniques that work for them and practicing now can make it easier during the school year.
- Additionally, they can establish other wellness habits and routines to manage stress. This can include sticking to a consistent sleep schedule, trying new healthy recipes and getting regular exercise. Learn more about living well.