Attending class is important for your student’s academic success.  Individual faculty members have different rules and guidelines on expectations for attendance in their class; these are typically outlined in the class syllabus. It is the discretion of each instructor to excuse the absence or allow make-up work for missed assignments and exams. Your student is responsible for notifying their instructor(s), preferably ahead of time, of class absence(s) and should discuss their specific circumstance.

Your student will experience disappointment. It is inevitable. There are the little disappointments that occur all through childhood, of course, but then there are bigger disappointments.  It may be failure to make the team or get the part in the play, a grade that is less than desired, loss of a scholarship, college application rejection, or a low GPA.  It might happen in high school or it might happen during college.

Developing relationships with college professors can be beneficial in many ways for your student. Not only will they probably do better in the class, but also building relationships with professors may lead to future research opportunities, great letters of recommendation, and having a mentor in your student’s field of interest. If they plan to ask for a letter of recommendation for grad school, internships, or jobs it is essential that strong relationships with one or more professors are created.

Sending your student off to college is a milestone. And your relationship with your student will change. But that change may not be what you expect – or fear. As most parents worry about their changing relationship with their student, they think about what they may lose. They may not think about it improving and becoming even more fulfilling.