Key Student-Family Conversations

Good communication is important to maintaining healthy relationships between students and their families. Below you'll find some important conversation-starting questions to ask of your student. Having these conversations will help clarify expectations, identify opportunities for learning and make sure everyone is on the same page during their college experience.

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1. What most concerns you about your college experience?
2. What excites you most about your college experience?
3. What does a successful college experience look like to you?
4. What expectations do you have for yourself? What expectations do I have of you?
5. How do you see my role(s) in supporting your academic and personal success as a college student?
6. What do you believe you still need to learn to manage by yourself before you start college? How can I help you learn it?
7. What strategies do you plan to use to keep yourself, your belongings, information, etc. safe while at college?
8. What risky behaviors or situations do you believe you will encounter as a college student and what strategies will you use to make choices that support your well-being?
9. How do you envision staying in touch while at college?
10. What school and living expenses do you believe you will have in college and how do you anticipate those expenses will be covered?
11. What strategies will you use to take care of yourself physically and mentally while in college? How will you manage stress? Sickness?
12. What information should I be able to access to best support you during your college experience and how can access be established?