Monday, September 29, 2025
Who am I and why are we doing this?
Earlier webinars: July - "Helping your student start and stay strong academically." August - "How to support your student's academic success." September - today - "Your student's continued academic success in the fall semester."
Follow along via this link (case sensitive): bit.ly/EagleFall
Calendar: What's going on now?
- Family weekend is Friday, October 3 - Sunday, October 5.
- Fall break is Friday, October 10. (No classes.)
- Registration for spring 2026 courses starts later in October (23rd & after for u'grad students). Spring course listings came out today.
- We are currently in week 6 of a 15 week academic schedule, so we are approaching "midterm."
Academic check-in with your Eagle as we approach the midpoint of the semester:
- What positive choices are you making already?
- How are you exhibiting these choices in your everyday actions - in academics and in other areas?
- What positive habits would you like to develop that would help you be successful?
- What is ONE choice you can start to do TODAY to make a positive change or continue to succeed?
Academic Alerts & Midterm Grades
- Students should have a general idea of how they are doing. Use the syllabus and earned grades (Canvas, etc.). Students often receive an academic alert for subpar performance. Talk to the professor.
- No idea? Talk to the professor.
- If grades are low (C or lower) at midterm, talk to the professor. a.) Is there a chance for me to pass? (Ask if there are other opportunities to earn higher grades, especially on major assignments.) b.) How can I improve? (Ask for specific suggestions for preparing and meeting expectations.)
- If there is not a chance of passing, student needs to determine if a withdrawal (W) should be pursued, prior to the withdrawal deadline (Oct 31 for most courses). Talk to academic advisor.
What's coming up after midterms?
Mid-Semester Slump
- Renew motivations: Why are you here? What are your goals? Why is what you are doing important to you?
- Combat low interest in a subject: Try to find something relevant to your life or major. Remind yourself of your overall motivations and goals. (See above.)
- Evaluate how well you are taking care of yourself. Sleep? Exercise? Nutrition?
- Just settle in and do the work.
- Develop plans for something fun or relaxing.
Thanksgiving Break
A glimpse into AU life and tips
Professor in a first-year course: Students are very engaged in class discussion. Willing to listen and focus on their peers when their peers are speaking. Able and willing to engage in conversations. Want to be here. Want to learn. Want to be off their phones. "They give me hope for the future."
Undergraduate Associate Deans and Academic Coaches: Empower students to ask for help when they need it. Remind them that they do not have to figure things out on their own. Communication is essential with faculty, staff, and peers to prioritize commitments. Be open about using support. Students are starting to think about whether they're in the right major, so this is a good time to reflect.
Student leaders: New students are realizing now that AU is a place where academics are valued. The pace is fast, but they are rising to the challenge. They cannot do everything and should not feel like they have to. Go to office hours and have fun with your professors. "I failed a class and it ended up being okay."