Crucial Conversation Guide

Conversation Starters:

• What are you hoping to accomplish this semester, both academically and personally?
• How do you feel about your course schedule and extracurricular commitments?
• Have you started thinking about summer opportunities, such as internships or summer courses?

Key Points to Consider:

• A new semester is a great time for students to set goals and make adjustments based on their experiences from the fall. If their grades didn’t meet expectations, encourage them to reflect on challenges and develop a plan for improvement.
• This is also the perfect time to explore opportunities beyond the classroom, including internships, research, study abroad, and leadership roles in student organizations.
• First-year students, in particular, should consider getting involved on campus to build connections and enhance their college experience. Encourage them to check out Handshake for job and internship listings or explore the university’s 300+ student organizations.

Conversation Starters:

• How are things going with your roommate(s)? Have there been any changes to schedules or expectations?
• Have you needed to renegotiate any agreements about quiet hours, guests, or shared spaces?
• If you're living off-campus, how’s the adjustment to increased independence and responsibilities?

Key Points to Consider:

• Living arrangements and routines shift from semester to semester, so it’s important for students to communicate openly with their roommates.
• On-campus students should revisit their roommate agreement to ensure expectations are clear and address any potential conflicts early.
• Off-campus students may face similar challenges but without structured mediation. Encourage them to communicate proactively with roommates and use campus resources like Student Legal Services if they have lease-related concerns.
• If your student is struggling with their living situation, listen to their concerns while empowering them to navigate solutions independently. Sometimes, issues may stem from academic stress rather than roommate conflicts.

Conversation Starters:

• Are you planning to live on campus or move off-campus next year?
• If you’re looking for a roommate, how are you planning to choose one?
• Have you researched the housing application process or off-campus leasing options?

Key Points to Consider:

• The room selection process for on-campus housing happens early in the semester, so students should start thinking about their plans soon.
• If your student plans to live with a roommate, encourage them to discuss expectations in advance to ensure a good match. Residential Life offers helpful resources for the room selection process.
• For students considering moving off-campus, remind them to research rental options early. Off-Campus Student Life provides listings and resources for finding apartments or houses in the area.
• Before signing a lease, students should consult Student Legal Services to ensure they understand the terms and responsibilities of their contract.

Conversation Starters:

• How do you plan to spend your Spring Break this year?
• Are you looking to travel, relax at home, work, or try something new?
• What do you need most from this break—rest, fun, or a mix of both?

Key Points to Consider:

• Spring Break is a great opportunity for students to recharge mid-semester, whether they choose to travel, work, or simply unwind at home.
• Encourage an open discussion about their plans, expectations, and any safety considerations if they are traveling. Having a plan in place for emergencies can provide peace of mind.
• Some students may experience “Spring Break Malaise”—finding it difficult to get back into academic routines after a week off. Help them prepare by discussing strategies such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, using a planner, or setting post-break goals to finish the semester strong.
• This is also a good time to check in on their overall semester experience—what’s going well, what’s been challenging, and what support they may need to stay on track.

Conversation Starters:

• Have you started thinking about your fall semester schedule?
• What academic or extracurricular goals do you have for next semester?
• Are your living arrangements finalized for next year?

Key Points to Consider:

• Although the fall semester feels far away, academic advising and course registration begin in early April, so students should start preparing now.
• Before registering, students should meet with their academic advisor, who will guide them through course selection and ensure they stay on track with their degree plan.
• Encourage them to review the course schedule once it’s published and prepare questions for their advising appointment. Tools like the Schedule Builder and Academic Requirements Report can help map out long-term academic goals.
• If your student is struggling in their major or considering a change, now is the time to speak with an advisor and explore the Major Change process.
• Beyond academics, students should also think about their co-curricular commitments, internship opportunities, and housing plans for next semester to ensure a smooth transition into the fall.

Resource Tip: For more details about course registration, visit the University Registrar's website or have your student contact their advising office.

Conversation Starters:

• How did your advising appointment go?
• Do you feel confident in your fall course schedule?
• Did your advisor provide any helpful recommendations or feedback?

Key Points to Consider:

• By now, your student should have met with their academic advisor and begun enrolling in courses for the next semester. If they haven’t, check in to ensure they are on track.
• Encourage them to build a strong relationship with their advisor, as this connection will be valuable throughout their college journey.
• If they have recently changed majors, adjusting to a new advisor and academic path may take time. Offer support as they navigate this transition.

Conversation Starters:

• What’s your plan for studying and completing final projects?
• How are you balancing self-care with your academic responsibilities?
• Do you have everything in place for move-out or graduation?

Key Points to Consider:

• The end of the semester can be stressful, with students juggling final exams, major projects, and upcoming transitions. Time management is key to avoiding last-minute panic.
• Encourage them to review their exam schedule in SPIRE and create a study plan.
• Self-care is essential—remind them to take breaks and utilize campus resources like RecWell manage stress.
• If they live on campus, they should review the Spring Move-Out information. Make sure they are aware of logistics and deadlines.
• If your student is graduating, visit umass.edu/commencement for details on ceremonies and celebrations.

Conversation Starters:

• Are you feeling confident about finishing your classes strong?
• Have you connected with your professors or sought extra support?
• If things aren’t going well, what options have you considered?

Key Points to Consider:

• Academic struggles are common, and there are many resources available to help. Encourage your student to visit the Learning Resource Center for tutoring and study strategies.
• Professors and teaching assistants hold office hours—a great opportunity for students to ask questions and get clarification.
• If your student is considering next steps for a low grade, they may explore options like:
  • Course Repeats: Some courses allow a second attempt to improve performance.
  • Changing Majors: If your student is questioning their current path, they can explore the Major Change process.
• Encourage them to meet with their academic advisor to discuss the best course of action.

Conversation Starters:

• Do you have any summer internships, jobs, or classes planned?
• Have you considered volunteering or gaining new experiences?
• Do you want to take time to relax and recharge?

Key Points to Consider:

• Summer is an opportunity to gain experience, get ahead academically, or take a well-deserved break. Encourage your student to make intentional choices about how they spend their time.
• Internships & Jobs: Many students secure summer internships or part-time work. If they haven’t yet, suggest searching for opportunities through Handshake or their career center.
• Summer Classes: Taking summer courses can help lighten future course loads or speed up graduation. Encourage your student to check with their academic advisor about course options and financial considerations.
• Travel & Study Abroad: UMass offers summer study abroad programs, and financial aid may be available to support these experiences. Encourage your student to explore these opportunities if they are interested.

Conversation Starters:

• What are you most proud of this semester?
• How do you feel about your personal and academic growth?
• What goals do you have for the summer and next year?

Key Points to Consider:

• The end of the semester is a time for reflection. Before jumping into grades, take a moment to celebrate their accomplishments—big or small.
• Encourage them to think about what worked well and what they might want to improve for next semester.
• Regardless of their final grades, reassure them of your support and help them develop a plan for future success.

Conversation Starters:

• How do you want to balance time with family and friends?
• What expectations do we need to set for household responsibilities?
• How can we make sure we both enjoy this summer together?

Key Points to Consider:

• Returning home for summer break can bring shifts in expectations—students are used to newfound independence, while families may expect more structure.
• Having an open conversation about house rules, curfews, chores, and responsibilities can help prevent conflict.
• Allow space for independence while also fostering family connection to ensure a smooth transition back home.

Tip: Setting expectations before your student returns home can help make the summer enjoyable for everyone!

Conversation Starters:

• What aspects of transitioning to college classes make you nervous or concerned?
• What are your academic goals for your first semester?
• How do you want me to check in about your progress toward those goals?
• How will you communicate with me about your successes, struggles, and grades?
• What steps will you take if your grades start to drop?

Key Points to Consider:

• College coursework is different from high school—help your student set realistic academic goals and identify resources to support them.
• Establish expectations for how and when you’ll talk about academics and what kind of support your student wants from you.

Conversation Starters:

• Have you thought about what it means to be in charge of your educational records?
• Did you know you will need to grant me access if you want me to view and pay tuition and fees?
• How do you plan to share your final grades with me, or will you grant me access to them?

Key Points to Consider:

• College students have full control over their educational records under FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act).
• Families should have an open conversation about expectations for access to grades, tuition payments, and other academic records.

Conversation Starters:

• Who have you listed as your emergency contact?
• How will you recognize when you're feeling stressed, and what steps will you take?
• What strategies will you use to manage stress?
• How will you communicate with me about any new health concerns?
• Where can you go on campus for assistance with health concerns?
• Where will you find support if you feel overwhelmed?

Key Points to Consider:

• Encourage your student to take responsibility for their physical and mental health by identifying campus resources like Student Health Services and Counseling Services.
• Talk about stress management strategies and how they will communicate if they need additional support.

Conversation Starters:

• What kind of campus jobs are you considering?
• How will you balance working with your academics?
• What expenses do you anticipate outside of tuition and fees?
• How do you plan to cover your expenses while in college?
• Do you understand the difference between a credit and debit card?

Key Points to Consider:

• College comes with many expenses beyond tuition—help your student think through budgeting and financial planning.
• If they plan to work, discuss how they will balance academics and employment.

Conversation Starters:

• What concerns, if any, do you have about UMass behavioral expectations?
• How will you communicate with me if you are navigating the student conduct or court process?
• How do you ensure you have clear consent in any sexual situation?

Key Points to Consider:

• Students are responsible for understanding and following university behavioral expectations.
• Consent is an essential part of healthy relationships—encourage conversations about respect, boundaries, and communication.

Conversation Starters:

• What are UMass’s policies on alcohol and drug use?
• How will you handle situations where you are offered alcohol or drugs but aren’t interested?
• Do you have any questions about UMass’s policies regarding alcohol and drugs?

Key Points to Consider:

• Help your student think through how they will handle peer pressure and make responsible choices.
• Make sure they are aware of campus policies and consequences related to substance use.

Conversation Starters:

• Do you know how to change a tire?
• How does UMass communicate emergency situations to students?
• What do you consider an emergency, and how would you respond?
• How do you ensure clear consent in a sexual situation?
• Have you saved UMPD’s phone number (413-545-3111) in your phone?
• How will you communicate safety concerns with me?

Key Points to Consider:

• Make sure your student knows emergency contacts and procedures on campus.
• Have a conversation about personal safety, decision-making, and communication.

Conversation Starters:

• Have you and your roommate talked about your sleep schedules and daily routines?
• What items are on UMass’s packing list, and do you have everything you need?
• What will make your room feel like a comfortable and functional space?
• Have you and your roommate discussed who will bring larger items and how you will share them?
• How will you handle differences in living styles and balance your individual needs?

Key Points to Consider:

• Living with roommates requires communication, compromise, and mutual respect.
• Encourage your student to discuss expectations early and revisit them as needed.

Conversation Starters:

• How has your experience been living in the residence hall?
• What has it been like adjusting to a roommate?
• Have you participated in any residence hall activities or met new friends?

Key Points to Consider:

• Encourage your student to reflect on their initial expectations for college life and adjust their goals to be both challenging and achievable.
• Remind them to utilize the Roommate Success tools provided by Residential Life and complete their Roommate Agreement to establish shared expectations regarding study hours, cleaning responsibilities, sleep schedules, and guests. This can serve as a helpful reference if conflicts arise.
• Help your student understand that while their roommate doesn’t need to be their best friend, a successful living arrangement is built on mutual respect and compromise.

Conversation Starters:

• How are you adjusting to your academics this semester?
• Have you reviewed your syllabi and planned out your assignments and deadlines?
• How are you managing your time across your classes and activities?

Key Points to Consider:

• The fall semester can be both exciting and overwhelming. While students often look forward to starting their academic journey, they can quickly feel the weight of the time and effort required to succeed.
• Encourage your student to regularly assess how they are balancing their academic responsibilities. Checking in after a few weeks can help them reflect on their structure and discuss strategies for time management and prioritization.
• Remind your student about campus resources available to support their mental and emotional well-being, especially as they navigate academic pressure.

Conversation Starters:

• How have you been adjusting to navigating campus?
• Do you have a favorite place to study, hang out, or relax?
• How are you enjoying campus dining so far?

Key Points to Consider:

• Whether your student is just starting or returning to campus, adjusting (or re-adjusting) takes time. Check in about how they are managing their daily routines, finding their way to classes, and exploring new spaces.
• Ask for their honest feedback about the UMass Dining experience—what they like, what they’ve tried, and what’s on their must-have list!
• Use this opportunity to learn how they’re settling into campus life and to highlight any campus initiatives or resources that can support their well-being, like nutrition services or dining accommodations.

Conversation Starters:

• Have you met any new people or made friends through your classes or activities?
• Are you staying in touch with friends from home or previous years?
• How are you balancing your social connections with your academics?

Key Points to Consider:

• Building and maintaining relationships is a critical part of your student’s college experience. Discuss the importance of finding a balance between reconnecting with old friends and forming new connections.
• Encourage your student to take part in events, clubs, or activities that allow them to grow their social circle while supporting their personal and academic development.
• Remind them that cultivating relationships is essential for personal growth and creating a fulfilling college experience.

Conversation Starters:

• Have you had time to get your flu shot this year?
• Do you know where on campus you can get vaccinated?
• Have you noticed a lot of students getting sick around you?

Key Points to Consider:

• With busy schedules, students often forget about preventative healthcare, including annual immunizations.
• Living in close quarters increases the risk of spreading illnesses, making flu shots even more important.
• Encourage your student to stop by a COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccine Clinic.

Conversation Starters:

• Midterms are coming up—how are you feeling about your classes?
• Are there any subjects you’re struggling with or need extra help in?
• Have you been able to connect with your professors or academic advisors?

Key Points to Consider:

• Mid-semester is a great time for students to evaluate their academic progress and make adjustments if needed.
• Midterms can be a wake-up call or a confidence boost—either way, remind your student that there are resources available to support them.
• Encourage them to reach out to professors, advisors, the Undergraduate Student Success Center, and the Learning Resource Center for academic guidance.
• Remind your student that their college journey will have highs and lows, and you’re always there to support them.

Conversation Starters:

• How have you been managing stress this semester?
• Have you been getting enough sleep and eating well?
• What do you do when you need to take a break?

Key Points to Consider:

• As midterms and deadlines approach, students may start feeling overwhelmed. Encourage them to find a balance between academics and self-care.
• All students have access to online resources for extra support on their mental health journey. 
• Remind them that it’s okay to take breaks and that resources like Center for Counseling and Psychological Health (CCPH) and RecWell are available for support.

Conversation Starters:

• How have you been feeling lately—both academically and personally?
• Are you staying connected with friends and getting involved in activities?
• Would you be open to a video call so we can check in face-to-face?

Key Points to Consider:

• It’s important to check in with your student’s well-being beyond academics. Pay attention to any shifts in their communication, energy levels, or engagement in activities.
• Signs of struggle may include withdrawal from social interactions, trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, or feelings of stress and sadness.
• Trust your instincts—if something feels off, encourage your student to seek support through campus resources.

Conversation Starters:

• How are you managing your workload as finals approach?
• What are you doing to take care of yourself during this busy time?
• Have you considered checking out any wellness resources on campus?

Key Points to Consider:

• The second half of the semester can be overwhelming with exams, projects, and planning for next semester. Encourage your student to take breaks and practice self-care.
• Center for Counseling and Psychological Health offer walk-in appointments for students who may need additional support.
• Sometimes, a simple reminder that you’re there for them—whether it’s a phone call, a meal together, or just listening—can make a difference.

Conversation Starters:

• What’s something you’re proud of accomplishing this semester?
• Have there been any challenges you’ve had to work through?
• How can I support you as you wrap up the semester?

Key Points to Consider:

• As the semester comes to an end, students may experience setbacks or academic struggles. Reassure them that they are not defined by their grades or challenges.
• Encourage them to seek academic support through advisors, tutors, or study groups if needed.
• Reinforce the importance of learning from setbacks and developing resilience.

Conversation Starters:

• How have you been staying involved outside of class?
• Are you enjoying your club or activity, or are you looking to try something new?
• Have you met new friends through your involvement?

Key Points to Consider:

• Getting involved is an important part of college life and helps students find a sense of belonging.
• Encourage your student to explore different organizations, intramurals, or leadership roles if they haven’t yet.
• Remind them that involvement is a great way to manage stress, build friendships, and make the most of their college experience.

Resource Tip: Share umass.edu/student-life/get-involved with your student to explore opportunities for involvement.

Conversation Starters:

• What are you most looking forward to during the break?
• How has your college experience been so far—any surprises or big takeaways?
• How do you want to balance downtime with family and personal time?

Key Points to Consider:

• Thanksgiving break is a great time to reconnect, but students may also need time to rest and recharge.
• Encourage open conversations about their experiences while also giving them space to decompress.
• If they have responsibilities at home, discuss how they can balance expectations while enjoying their break.

Conversation Starters:

• Have you reviewed your class schedule and registration date?
• Do you have any enrollment holds that need to be cleared?
• Have you scheduled a meeting with your advisor to discuss your academic plan?

Key Points to Consider:

• Spring semester planning is important, and students should ensure they’re registering for the right combination of required courses and electives.
• If they’re uncertain about their major or course load, advisors can help them explore their options.
• Encourage them to use resources like degree audits and registration tools to stay on track.

Resource Tip: Direct your student to the Academic Calendar for key registration dates.

Conversation Starters:

• How are you managing your workload as finals approach?
• Have you found effective study strategies that work for you?
• What are you doing to take care of yourself during this busy time?

Key Points to Consider:

• As the semester comes to an end, it’s normal for students to feel stressed and overwhelmed. Encourage them to use campus resources like the Undergraduate Student Success Center for study support and the Center for Counseling and Psychological Health (CCPH) for stress management strategies.
• Time management and self-care are critical during finals. Help your student prioritize a healthy balance, including maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and nutritious diet.

Reminder: Academic integrity is essential. If your student is struggling, remind them to explore options such as deadline extensions or speaking with their professors rather than resorting to shortcuts. Encourage them to review the Academic Integrity to understand their responsibilities.