Happy Independence Day!

Returning to college for sophomore, junior, or senior years is very different. Your student is probably feeling a little less anxious about returning to college but there is still quite a bit they can be thinking about this summer. Use this summer to prepare and take care of a few things to reduce the stress heading into the school year. Here's a list of things your student can be thinking about. 

1. Review degree progress. Look at requirements and when classes are offered. Check prerequisites.
2. Do they have proper business attire so they are ready for job and internship interviews?
3. Order textbooks.
4. Review and update contact information on their mySUU portal.
5. Make an emergency plan. What will they do if there is a campus emergency, or they have a personal emergency?
6. Look into Study Abroad programs. If your student is studying abroad plan and shop now. Is their passport in order? Visa secured?

Choosing a Major/Career Path

Your student may already have an idea of what major they want to declare and the career path they want to pursue. It is also very common for students to start their first semester with an undecided major and career path and that is OK! They may change their major a few times in the course of their college career and that is also OK! Things that help make these choices & transitions easier are having your student keep close contact with their advisor. Encourage them to visit with their advisor EACH semester especially if they have questions about their career path and what jobs might fall under a specific major. By doing this they will be in the know of specific classes they might want to take each semester & when. SUU also has an amazing Career Center Office where they can meet with a staff member to discuss possible careers and majors. The Strong Interest Inventory (also known as the Career and Major Assessment) is available for students to take to help them better understand their interests and how they align with majors/careers.

Things to do: 

• Encourage your student to meet their advisor
• Sit down with them and write down a list of their interests and likes. Take a look at all of the degrees offered at SUU and which ones might align with their interests
• Schedule a Strong Interest Inventory with their Academic Advisor or with the Career Center



Resources:

• Career Center
• Academic Advisors

How to Initiate Difficult Conversations

Alcohol, drugs, sex, relationships (esp roommates); revisit these conversations in the context of college life. Talk openly about your family’s values in these situations. Be aware of SUU's policies, as well as local and state laws. Discuss the consequences of drinking while driving, binge drinking, and the effects it has on academic performance and health. When talking about sex and relationships go over sexually transmitted diseases, unplanned pregnancies, sexual consent, sexual violence, and where they can go for help if they should need it. Know that there are campus resources to help students when they are in situations where they might need help.

Things to do:

• Discuss topics bit by bit
• Talk about your family values
• Encourage your student to have some game plans
• Review SUU’s policies
• Review local & state laws
• Go over what resources are available for your student should they need help

Resources:

• SUU Health & Wellness Center
• SUU Police
• Cedar City Police
• SUU Student Health Clinic

We look forward to welcoming your student to campus for the fall 2023 semester. Please stop by our parent and family orientation to learn more about key resources available for your student, how to support your student, and other important information to get your student started on the right foot.

Fall 2023 Parent & Family Orientation Open House:

Saturday, August 26th:

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, August 27th:

8:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Monday, August 28th:

8:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Location: Student Center Ballroom ST145

Come anytime during the times above, you do not need to come to all three days, just when it's convenient for you. We can't wait to meet you!

Summer Semester



Monday, July 3 Independence Day Break No classes; campus is OPEN

Tuesday, July 4 Independence Day No classes; campus is CLOSED

Monday, July 24 Pioneer Day No classes; campus is CLOSED

Sunday, August 20 Instruction Ends Last day of regular class meetings

Quick Question