The Semester Debrief: Family Conversations for Growth and Goal-Setting

The following post is based on an email I shared with ASMSA families and colleagues. The podcast episode is a modified version of that conversation for broader audiences.

Families, As we wrap up the fall semester, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the hard work, growth, and resilience your students have shown over the past few months. ASMSA’s academic and residential experiences are designed to challenge students, but they also provide opportunities for personal and academic growth. With the semester behind us, now is the perfect time to pause and reflect on the journey so far.

Amid celebrations of the holiday season, we encourage you to have a thoughtful conversation with your students about their experiences this semester. Here are a few questions that can help guide a meaningful discussion:

1. Were there any courses, topics, or concepts that were especially challenging? How did you handle them? Many students face academic hurdles (especially in the first semester), and how they respond to those challenges is a big part of their development. Discussing these moments can highlight areas of perseverance and identify strategies for future success.

2. Did your study habits work well for you, or do you think they need to change next semester?ASMSA’s curriculum often requires students to refine their time management and study strategies. Talking through what worked—and what didn’t—can help them make adjustments as they prepare for the spring semester and a fresh slate of classes.

3. How did you handle stress or time management during busy times? Balancing academics, extracurriculars, and personal commitments can be demanding. This question can help you explore how your student manages stress and whether there are additional tools or habits they can develop to feel more balanced moving forward.

4. Looking back, what’s one thing you wish you had done differently this semester? What goals do you want to set for yourself next semester? How can I support you in reaching those goals?  Who on campus can help you achieve these goals? Reflection is a powerful tool for growth. By identifying lessons learned, students can set meaningful and attainable goals. Your support and encouragement can be instrumental in helping them follow through.

5. How are you feeling about school overall? Excited, stressed, or somewhere in between? Are you getting enough sleep and time to relax? Checking in on your student’s well-being is just as important as discussing academics. This question opens the door for honest conversations about their emotional health and whether they feel balanced and supported.
   

These conversations can help your student process their experiences, celebrate their successes, and develop a clear plan for growth in the semester ahead. As always, we’re here to support you and your student every step of the way.  Should these conversations surface the need for additional support, I encourage you to reach out to the appropriate Student Success Coordinator, Residential Experience Coordinator, or Mental Health Team member upon the return of faculty and staff to campus in January.

Thank you for being a vital part of the ASMSA community. We look forward to seeing your students continue to mature and thrive in the new year!