Reference Guide for Parents
After looking over our guide, check the FAQ or contact us if you still have a question.
- What You Can do to Encourage Success
- Be Supportive
Research shows that parental support matters when it comes to a student’s ability to attain a college degree. Show your support and encourage your student any way you can! - Ask Questions
You might want to ask some of these questions periodically. Each concerns your student's personal and academic adjustment at UF.
- Have you made any new friends?
- Have you joined a club or organization?
- Do you attend class regularly and consistently?
- Do you have regular homework assignments, and do you complete them?
- Are you enjoying each of your classes?
- Do you like your professors?
- Have you visited your instructors during their office hours?
- Are you working? Have you found a job?
- How are your finances?
- Are you organizing you time efficiently between school and work? Homework and socializing?
- What is going well?
- What is difficult or challenging for you?
- What are you doing in your free time?
- What is causing you stress?
- If You Become Concerned, Please Consult These Resources
Parent Concern Discussion Points With Student Resources Academic Probation - Is the student attending classes regularly?
- Suggest a conference with the instructor.
- Suggest appt with academic adviser in the major or a visit to the Academic Advising Center.
- Find an academic tutor.
Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs - University community policy
- Understand alcohol abuse? Addiction? UF penalties?
- Discuss family history and self-confidence.
- Discuss family tolerance and social pressure.
Attendance and
Absences- Was student aware the course had attendance requirements?
- Is the course load too much or too difficult this semester?
- Is dropping a course an option?
- Why is student missing class? Determine the reason for and extent of (one class or several) absences.
- Review the course syllabus
- Course drop policy
- Counseling Center
- Time management
- UF policy
Conflict with a Professor - Identify the actual source of conflict.
- Suggest a conference with the instructor.
- If necessary, tell student to discuss next with department chair or college dean.
Contact protocols if no satisfaction: - Professor, then
- Department office, then
- College dean's office, and ultimately
- University ombudsman
Death or Emergency in the Family - Keep in close contact with your son or daughter.
- Is there an alternative contact in parent's absence?
- To avoid further upset, try to make sure the student is not alone when you call.
Dropping a Class - What is the reason for dropping the class?
- Has student been attending class and doing the work?
Emotional or Physical Illness - Adjusting to college can be difficult; encourage physical and emotional well being.
- Seek help. There are lots of campus resources, and many are part of student fees.
Fees - Pay tuition and fees by the deadline.
- What are the penalties for paying late?
- How does this affect financial aid?
- Can this jeopardize Bright Futures scholarships?
Homesickness and
Adjusting to College Life- Discuss with student before school starts.
- Schedule a visit home or plan to visit campus (i.e. Family Weekend).
- Encourage out-of-class activities.
- Encourage the student to stay busy.
- Stay in touch, especially the first term.
Jobs - Part-time jobs can help students manage their time and get better grades.
Lost Gator1 ID Card - Call the Gator1 Central office to purchase a new ID card.
- Once a new card is purchased, all active accounts transfer to the new card.
Majors - Students can change their major as they consider other career options. UF has more than 100 undergrad majors and identifying the right fit can take time.
- Consult an academic adviser to discuss the prerequisites that the major may require.
- Students can use the degree shopping feature in ISIS to determine what courses are needed and whether this may delay graduation.
- Choosing the right major
- Changing Majors
- Academic Advising
- Undergraduate Majors
- Degree Shopping (left menu under Degree Audit)
Parking Tickets - Parking is problematic on campus and most of campus is closed to cars; consider biking or busing to/from class.
- Tickets do not go away if ignored; unpaid tickets can prevent future registration and delay graduation.
- Determine who is going to pay for tickets.
Physical, Learning, Sensory or Psychological Disability - What are the support services available to my student?
- What is the appropriate documentation necessary to obtain accommodation and support?
- What are my student’s legal rights and responsibilities?
Roommate Conflicts - Encourage discussion and working through conflicts.
- Discuss the value of learning to get along with someone who is different.
- Encourage communication.
Safety - UF cannot ensure everyone's safety. Students must be proactive about their own safety and learn to take
precautions:
- Lock doors
- Walk in groups, especially at night
- Use SNAP (Student Nighttime Auxiliary Patrol), 392-7627
Sexual Assault - Contact the UF Police Department, 352-392-1111.
- Seek medical help at the Student Health Care Center.
- Seek professional counseling and/or emotional support.
Sexual Harassment - Encourage the student promptly report this behavior to any university official, administrator or supervisor.
- Dean of Students Office (scroll to bottom of page)
- Counseling Center
- UF policy
Test Anxiety - Too much stress and anxiety can hinder a student's ability to take a test.
- Encourage sleep, eating healthy foods and exercising on a daily basis.
Time Management - Discuss how to prioritize the best ways to spend the time and energies.