A Parent's Guide to College Student Support Resources
SaveWhether your child needs help with a specific subject, struggles with writing essays and studying, or has a disability that requires accommodations, there are resources available to support them on campus.
For parents of college students it's important to understand the variety of academic support services available to your child on campus to help them succeed. A 2024 Family Engagement Report found that 91% of families who read their students' college newsletter found it helpful. Yet, when it came to satisfaction with the information received from the institution, 40% of families wanted more information on student support services such as student disability services, tutoring and writing centers, and other support programs (Campus ESP, 2024).
Student support services can make a big difference in your child's academic journey, overall college experience, and career readiness. Whether your child needs help with a specific subject, struggles with writing essays and studying, or has a disability that requires accommodations, there are resources available to support them on campus.
Student Disability Services
One of the most important academic support services that colleges offer is student disability services. These services provide specialized accommodations and support for students with disabilities, such as learning disabilities, ADHD, physical disabilities, and mental health conditions. Students who register with disability services may receive accommodations such as extended time on exams, access to note-taking services, assistive technology, and specialized tutoring.
If you have a child who could benefit from student disability services, it's important to begin these conversations early. Encourage your child to connect with disability services early on in their college experience. If you visit campus, consider stopping by the office to meet the staff and learn more about how they're offering accommodations. Normalizing and highlighting the importance of these services helps your child feel ready to get the support they need to transition into college seamlessly. For more resources on student disability services and accommodations visit:
- Managing Coursework for Students with Disabilities
- What Students with Disabilities Should Know About IDEA
- Applying for an Emotional Support Animal
- Navigating Food Allergies in College
Tutoring
Another crucial and widely utilized academic support service is tutoring. Tutoring services come in many forms on campus. Many colleges offer tutoring services in a variety of subjects, ranging from math and science to writing and foreign languages. Tutors are typically peers, either upperclassmen or graduate students who have excelled in the subject matter and can provide one-on-one or group tutoring sessions to help students grasp complex concepts, prepare for exams, and improve their grades. Tutoring can be a great resource for students struggling in a particular subject, those who are seeking study accountability, or those who want to reinforce and expand their understanding of course material.
Writing Center
Writing support services are also an important resource for college students. Many colleges have writing centers staffed by professional tutors who help students with all aspects of the writing process, from brainstorming and outlining, to revising and editing. Writing tutors provide feedback on essays, research papers, lab reports, and other assignments. Many of them know what specific professors will look for and can, by extension, help boost your child's grade.
If consistently utilized, the campus writing center will help students improve their writing skills and become more confident in their academic writing. Parents should encourage their child to take advantage of writing support services early on. Many students will encounter a large learning curve when transitioning from high school to college writing. It's important to schedule regularly with the writing center to strengthen writing skills and produce A-worthy assignments.
First Generation Student Office
Colleges often have dedicated offices or programs for first-generation students to provide additional support and resources. First-generation students are those whose parents or primary caregivers/guardians did not attend college. These students may face unique challenges navigating the college experience. First-generation offices offer academic advising, mentorship programs, financial aid assistance, programming, and other resources that help first-generation students more readily navigate college life.
First generation families should encourage their child to seek out and participate in these programs. Involvement will help them connect with other first-generation students and access the support and knowledge they need to thrive academically. Visit the SAGE Scholars Newsroom for more information on navigating college as a first generation family:
- Advice for First Generation Parents
- Advice for First Generation College Students
- Finding the College Fit: First Generation Students
Academic Advising
In addition to specific academic support services and offices on campus, colleges offer other resources to help students succeed. Every student that matriculates into a college or university will be matched with an academic advisor. Academic advising is a critical service helping students plan their course schedules, select their majors, and stay on track to meet graduation requirements. Getting the most out of your child's advising team is important. Academic advisors can provide guidance on choosing classes, exploring career options, and balancing academic and extracurricular commitments. Parents should encourage their child to meet regularly with their academic advisor to set goals, monitor their progress, and address any academic concerns.
Campus Workshops
Study skills workshops and time management resources are also valuable tools for college students. Your child's institution will likely have different colleges i.e, College of Nursing, College of Business, College of Liberal Arts, College of Engineering. Within these colleges, student support staff will offer workshops and seminars on study strategies, test-taking techniques, note-taking methods, and other skills that can improve academic performance. Colleges may provide resources to help students manage their time effectively, such as planners, calendars, and other online tools.
Encourage your child to attend study skills workshops and incorporate time management strategies into their daily routine. Finding when these workshops are held will require your student to sign up for email lists and keep an eye on their college's campus bulletins. Places like the dining halls and residence halls will also advertise upcoming workshops. Attending these can help your child become more organized, connect with study partners, and succeed in their academic goals.
Career Centers
College career centers are robust resources for students navigating their academic journey and preparing for the job market. Career centers are usually located at the heart of campusa and offer a wide range of services, including resume and cover letter assistance, interview preparation, internship and job search support, and career counseling. Career centers also regularly host career fairs, workshops, and networking events to help students connect with potential employers. College career centers provide students with access to online job boards, internship databases, and alumni networks. Utilizing these connections, resources, and expertise can help your child better position themselves for success in the ever-competitive job market. Encourage your student to stay up to date on career center workshops and offerings. Help them take advantage of these services as a means to land a job after graduation. You can read more about maximizing the career center and its offerings in the SAGE Scholars Newsroom.
Colleges offer a wide range of academic support services to help your child flourish in their academic pursuits. Succeeding in college will go beyond simply going to class and getting good grades. The connections your child makes on campus and the resources they utilize will help to set them up for long term success. From disability services and tutoring to writing support and first-generation programs, there are many resources available to support all students, regardless of their background or needs. Parents can play a key role in helping their child connect with these services to make the most of their college experience. Encourage your child to seek out and utilize academic support services, and watch them achieve their academic goals, build confidence, and thrive on campus.
SAGE Scholars
At SAGE Scholars, we deeply believe in the value and quality of private higher education. Our mission is to provide access to affordable college opportunities while bringing together families, colleges & universities, and benefit providers to create college funding solutions. Since 1995, SAGE Scholars has bridged the gap between students who want a quality private college education and colleges that will work closely with member families to ensure affordability - all at no cost to the families.Articles & Advice
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