It’s hard to believe that the leaves are changing, that the Mid-Semester break has come and gone, and that finals start here at the College in about a month and a half.

More than a few students will soon realize that, despite their early semester hoping and planning, they’re not currently in the position in their courses that they want to be in. It’s important to note that it’s not uncommon for a student to be a bit off track at this point in the semester. The key, however, is to take steps to get on track as soon as possible. 

A few key suggestions for you, as a parent/guardian, to consider:

• Convey to your student that you realize that crunch time is approaching, and ask how’re they’re doing. Don’t settle for “fine” as an answer.

• Reassure your student that there’s ample time to get on track if they’re not where they want to be in their courses.

• Encourage your student to meet with his/her professors (every professor has weekly walk-in office hours) and make sure they know their academic status. It’s common for students to “overestimate” how well they’re doing, only to get a shock when final grades are posted.

• Remind your student that there are a lot of resources on campus, and if they’re not sure what’s available, or how to access resources, to come talk to me right away.

Counseling Services is an important Lake Forest College resource to highlight.  Throughout the year, but especially during times of stress, many of our students access counseling services on campus. Counseling Services, located in Buchanan Hall on South Campus, is staffed with licensed psychologists and other qualified mental health professionals. Students visit Counseling Services for a host of reasons, from simple one or two session guidance, to long-term therapy. Use of psychological services is much less stigmatized today than in the past; it’s not uncommon to hear one of our students talk about accessing counseling as an effective means of support. Counseling Services is confidential, and counseling records are not part of a student’s formal College record.  There is no charge for students to meet with a therapist. To find out more about Counseling Services at Lake Forest College click here.

All students run into obstacles at times. After all, in order to grow and develop, we all must necessarily struggle and fall at times. If your student is struggling or is about to fall, the key is to get back on track, and resume moving forward – and the sooner the better.

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