The University of Arizona

Telephone Talk

Use these questions to find out how your student(s) is doing. Positive responses to most of these questions/issues are a good indicator that things are going fine. Negative responses to lots of these questions suggest your student may be struggling to adjust and succeed.

Physical Elements

  • Eating healthy?
  • Getting enough sleep?
  • Exercising?
  • Avoiding misuse of alcohol and other substances?
  • Taking prescribed medications?
  • Getting along with roommates?
  • Finding and sustaining healthy/stable friendships?

Classroom engagement

  • Always attending class?
  • Getting to office hours with faculty?
  • Telling you (parent/guardian) about what they are studying?
  • Seeking help (tutoring, academic counseling) when struggling?
  • Meeting with academic advisor regularly?

Out of class engagement

  • Found some friends to socialize with?
  • Joined a club/organization?
  • Taken a campus job?
  • Staying on-campus/at school for some weekends?
  • Going to concerts or games?

Time management

  • Tracking important deadlines/assignment dates/test dates in some way (planner, PDA)?
  • Balance between work hours and study time working out ok?
  • Able to distinguish between commitments essential to academic success and other commitments?

Enjoying the experience

  • Balancing good stories with bad stories when talking to you (parent/guardian)?
  • Finding time and ways to have fun?
  • Comments about missing home balanced by comments about positive experiences at school?
  • Willing to engage in discussion of college life?

Unfortunately, getting at some of these issues may be difficult. Some students will be seeking to assert their autonomy by keeping their experiences to themselves. Moreover, the most influential folks in their lives will continue to become their peers, where it may have been you for the last 18 years. So, be direct and persistent when you want information – this is not invasive, but caring behavior, regardless of how your student chooses to receive it at the time.

Concerned about what you are hearing/feeling? Let someone know. It could be the student’s RA, an advisor or faculty member you met during orientation, or an office you remember visiting, such as the University Learning Center. The University Learning Center can be contacted at 520-621-4548 or ulc@email.arizona.edu.