Academics— Change of Major
Especially if your student is home this summer, you may hear them mention thoughts about changing their major. While this might be surprising, be open to the option and talk to your student about what is causing them to question their major choice. Some important things to have your student consider include:
- If the new major is in a different college, students will have to apply to that college—they cannot just transfer in.
- Changing majors may add time towards graduation; they should talk to their advisor about what credits they can transfer over to their new major and what the time to graduation would look like.
- If they are still in exploration mode, they can learn a lot by setting up meetings with staff and faculty in the major they are interested in.
- Visiting with a Career Services Coordinator can help them consider career goals and how a major change will impact those goals.
- Campus employment and engagement in activities/clubs can give students a lot of relative experience that will help with their career—remind them that their hire-ability is about more than the department from which they graduate.
Conversation starters
- Have you talked to your advisor about your major and thoughts of changing?
- What are the biggest challenges you are encountering with your major? Who have you reached out to for help?
- What do you like about your major?
- What are your career goals following graduation?
Campus Engagement—Working on Campus
Working on campus is not only a great way for your student to earn that late-night pizza money, but it’s also a way students can make friends, get to know campus, and engage in the community. There are many jobs available to students looking to work on campus, and these positions range from office work to dining to facilities to events. While looking for jobs, students should consider what they want to get out of it. Many office jobs, for example, will allow for students to do homework on the clock between their responsibilities. Positions with Tech Crew or Concessions will allow students to attend campus events while working. Note takers can earn money while attending class. A marketing job allows art and design students to boost their resumes with projects related to their major.
Working on campus (as opposed to off campus) has many benefits. Students can work in between classes to maximize their time, and supervisors are generally very understanding that class comes first. While there are opportunities to work over breaks, it is not expected as it is in an off-campus job. The Student Employment Office
is available to assist students in their job search. If your student will be applying for their first campus job, please make sure they have appropriate documentation
to obtain their student employment card.
Conversation starters
- What type of campus job are you interested in?
- How many hours would you like to work each week?
- Have you talked to your advisor or professors about job opportunities within your college?
Campus Living—Updates to Campus
It’s construction season on campus! While many large-scale projects have been taking place all semester (or year!), updates to campus pick up considerably when the semester ends and the majority of students leave for the summer. Check out this article to learn about the updates and improvements happening at RIT, including the expansion of Max Lowenthal Hall (home to Saunders College of Business), the Performing Arts Theater, and Stadium Field. You can also find details specifically about progress on the SHED in this article.
Conversation starters
- What updates/construction did you notice last semester?
- Will your classes be impacted by any of the construction?
- Did you visit the Library in Ritter Arena this year?
Wellness—Independent Living
In the April Parent Poll,
we asked what life skill your student needs the most guidance. Your responses ranged from cooking to financial management to home maintenance. Summer is a great time to connect with your student about these aspects of independent living or “adulting.” If your student is heading to RIT this fall, make sure they know the basics—how to do their laundry, not burn the popcorn in the microwave, and when to change the oil in their car. As your student ages through college and becomes more independent, the skills they need will shift to knowing what to wear at a job interview, how to work with a landlord, and the preparing for financially independent living.
Conversation starters
- How do you and your roommate(s) divide cleaning responsibilities?
- What basic meals are you comfortable making?
- Do you know when your next oil change is due?
- Do you have enough hangers for your nice clothes?
