Student Learning Center

Use the script below to start those difficult conversations with your student - don't forget to follow up in order to help them connect with available resources.

The goal is to help students connect and learn about resources. Encourage using resources and normalize getting help. Remind students that everyone needs support at times during their lives and they do not need to do everything on their own.

• Everyone hits a bump in the road sometimes, have you thought about using some of the resources at school?
• It sounds like you're doing your best, I can see how hard you are working. I know about some resources at school that might be able to help you work "smarter" not "harder." Could I send you the links?
• There are a lot of people at App State who want to see you succeed, they'd love to talk to you! Could I send you the contact information for ______?
• I can see how hard you're working and how much you care about doing well. I am worried about you, school can be really stressful, especially now with a global pandemic and it's important that you take good care of yourself. There are people at App State who can help you balance personal life and school life, I think that reaching out to them may be the best place to start. Would you like me to show you where to find more information?
• I bet it feels like you're having to do a lot of this on your own, especially since most of your classes are online. But, you don't have to power through this semester by yourself. There are folks on campus who specialize in supporting students — it might be a great idea to reach out to them and see how they can help. Would you like me to fill out the referral form so they will reach out to you? (SLC Referral form)
• The middle/end of the semester can be especially stressful because of midterms and finals. Do you feel like you have everything you need to be successful? Do you have enough time to accomplish everything you need to do?
• It sounds like you have a lot on your plate right now. Would you like to make a list of things to talk to _____ about before you connect with them so you can make the most of that appointment? (i.e. an academic coach or counselor)
• What's the best way for me to share this information with you? I can text it to you or maybe send it in an email.

As the parent, connecting/following up after is also an important part of helping students connect with resources.

• How did your _____ appointment go? Did you feel like it was helpful for you? (If not, why?) Would you go back to meet with them again?
• Will you meet with them again? When? Do you need support setting up another appointment?
• What are your next steps? When do you get started on that? Is there anything I can do to help? Do you need support setting up another appointment?
• Sometimes resources like tutoring and counseling take time to be effective, keep at it and I know your hard work will pay off. Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint.
• *REMINDER: As the parent, instead of giving/providing your own suggestions, try....*
• Is that something you could talk with your counselor/academic coach/tutor about?
• What did ______ suggest you try when you brought that up to them?
• Well, what do you think ____ would suggest you do or try?

*This helps student problem-solve independently, which builds self-confidence and prevents over-reliance on others.*