I am in academic advising much of this week. My guess is that if I surveyed some of my fellow lower-division advisers about the kinds of things their students are expressing to them this week, there would be a mix of the following:
concern about a grade(s) (and the related concern about telling their families about said grades)
excitement about a particular professor/class/subject matter
discomfort of not having a clear idea of what to major in (or the related I wanted to major in X but I am not doing well in the prereqs)
curiosity about potential academic interests not yet explored
the feeling that everyone else has it figured out but I don’t
pride or joy in discussing a good grade/strong performance in a class
anxiety about what to register for
Overall, it can be a lot to process, and students need time and space and freedom to reflect on what they want. Students need to make and own their course choices, which is why I advise parents and families not to weigh in on course planning process. Your students need to grow the important skills of academic planning, looking into requirements, and making their plans (and having a Plan B when necessary). They will grow those skills best working on their own (and with their adviser and other faculty or trusted adults on campus who know our system best).
It is gloomy and rainy today, so instead of a Wellbeing Wednesday, I am making today Thrive Tuesday. Here are some gems I found on the web in case your Deacs (or you) need a pick up me up. Take any that are useful and scroll by what isn’t 🙂
