Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are some tips to help my son or daughter be successful as a first year student?
A: Encourage your son or daughter to enroll in a Freshman Seminar class. The course will cover study and test taking skills; taking class notes; getting connected on campus; using the library and a wealth of information that every first year student needs—regardless of their readiness for college.
A: Go to class! Believe it or not, many students think it’s not important to go to class. ISU has world-class faculty who take a personal interest in every student’s success. They can’t get to know their students if they don’t attend class. In addition, faculty members often share information about what’s important to study for upcoming exams. Lastly, some faculty members have attendance requirements and a student’s grade may be reduced for poor attendance. In short, there is no substitute for student attendance.
A: Don’t get behind on assignments and reading. Many of the classes that students will take in college are additive, that is, students have to master one concept before moving on to the next concept. Assignments and readings ensure that students are ready to move forward. Cramming or trying to catch up after falling behind is very difficult and while it may have worked for a student in high school, it won’t work in college!
A: At the first sign of academic difficulty, your student should talk to either their professor, their academic advisor or go to the Student Success Center for help. This is not a prediction of failure! In fact, many A+ students go the Student Success Center to improve their grades. Asking for help is a sign of strength, intent and focus.
A: Get involved. ISU has over 100 clubs and organizations; academic, social, leadership and recreation—you name it. Research indicates that students who are involved in co-curricular programs are more likely to stay in school and graduate.
A: Join a study group. Students who study together are generally more successful since the amount of time a student spends out of class studying is directly correlated with good grades.
A: Smooze the professor. Okay, we don’t mean that the way it sounds. Meet your professor after class. Find out why they chose their particular academic discipline. Ask for study tips; extra assignments and readings. The number one factor in student retention is the mentor relationship that a student has with a faculty member.
A: Try to get a job on campus. Although students are limited to a 20 hour workweek, campus jobs have been shown to be helpful to a student’s academic success and social well-being. The department where the student works will take a personal interest in the student and mentor and encourage him or her.
Lastly, stay in close touch with your son or daughter. If you think they need help and are not following through, call us. We are happy to be of support or assistance. That’s why we are here. We guarantee that we will do everything in our power to help your son or daughter.