Resources for parents and supporters
As the parent or supporter of a university student, you play a vital role as they navigate through their first year and beyond. Here are activities and resources to help you assist them along the way.
Helping your student balance priorities
The first year at university is a balancing act: the goal for a successful year is to find a way to organize study time with outside commitments such as social activities and employment.
We encourage you to talk with your student about priorities. They can also get help on campus—our advisors in First Year Centre can set them on the right path.
Time is limited; there are 168 hours in a week. Consider these tactics to help your student understand and manage their priorities and time commitments.
- To start, complete the 168 Hour Week worksheet with your student to determine how much time is available in a week to get everything done.
- What are the priorities in your student’s life, and what level of importance do they hold? Consider the following:
- Personal care, daily routines
- Recreation and leisure activities
- Family, friends and social engagements
- Employment
- Studying at home and university
- Can your student adjust priorities to create more time for academic studies or lighten the load?
- Can they reduce any of their extra-curricular activities?
- What are their basic expenses (needs vs. wants) while at school?
- Can they reduce or eliminate some expenses, to reduce their time at a job?
- Can your student work more at a summer job, to decrease their work hours during the school year?
- What other means of financial support are available?
Be a partner in your student's success
-
Career Services resources for parents and supporters
The work world is always changing, so deciding on a career path can be challenging for students. These resources can help parents and family members feel informed and capable of providing support.
-
High school vs. university: Making the leap
University differs from high school in a number of significant ways. Students have more freedom but also more responsibility. Read these tips to help your student make the leap.
Guidebooks for parents and supporters
Parents and supporters of college and university students have found these publications helpful.
These titles are provided for your convenience and do not constitute endorsement by University 1 or the University of Manitoba.
In Addition to Tuition: The Parent's Survival Guide to Freshman Year of College, by Marian Edelman Borden, Mary Anne Burlinson and Elsie R. Kearns.
Letting Go: A Parent's Guide to Understanding the College Years, by Karen Levin Coburn and Madge Lawrence Treeger.
Helping Your College Student Succeed: The Parent's Crash Course in Career Planning, by Marcia B. Harris.
Don't Tell Me What to Do, Just Send Money: The Essential Parenting Guide to the College Years, by Helen E. Johnson and Christine Schelhas-Miller.
Balancing support with student privacy
Students on their academic journey benefit greatly from the support of family and friends. We encourage parents, guardians, and other family members to participate in their student's university experience.
At the same time, university staff and academic advisors strive to promote student independence and must protect student confidentiality. As such, the university is committed to the principles of access to information outlined in the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and the Personal Health Information Act (PHIA).