Mississippi University for Women

Back to School

We are back in full swing for the spring semester and there is lots of stuff going on. We hope that your student was excited about returning to school, anxious to resume their studies and activities with friends.

In fact there is so much stuff going on, it may be wise to take inventory of what your student hopes to accomplish by enrolling here. Hopefully that includes thoughts about building social networks, developing leadership skills, preparation for graduate or professional school, and consideration of their academic and career goals.

Use this time to help them consider their academic successes or disappointments. If they didn’t do as well as expected, then make sure to help them identify areas where they struggled and encourage them to correct those problem areas. The Office of Academic Support Services provides a range of support programs. You can learn more about their services through this link - http://www.muw.edu/academicsupport/

And taking time to focus on career goals can make a difference. Students who understand where they are headed tend to be more successful academically. Many students don’t set foot in the campus Career Center until they’re a senior, frantic to get their resume critiqued so they can find a job.  Yet, it’s wise to visit this helpful office early on – even during the first year – because career center staff can help students get on track and explore career options they may not have know about otherwise. For more information about these services you can visit this link - http://www.muw.edu/career/

In addition it is important to be socially connected and engaged in the campus community …in a way that makes you want to get up in the morning. Students that have been here for at least one semester should have already found their place on campus and should report they feel connected. If that’s not the case it is important to determine what may be preventing that transition. Sometimes they may have been more focused on maintaining old ties back home. Those old connections are important, but if those old connections prevent your student from making their transition into the MUW community, they need to step back and focus on this campus for a while. Most students are feeling pretty connected here by now, if your child is not - encourage them to seek out a Student Services staff member. We’ll be glad to talk with them. We do it every day.