As we navigate this difficult time, one of the most pressing questions at hand for our community is: “How do we settle into a new normal?”

Our faculty and staff are focused on delivering on our promise of a world-class University of Delaware education even in this new and evolving environment. As we work through this situation and your student transitions back to online course work this week, we wanted to share some thoughts about how you can support your UD student through this process.

1. Set a schedule and boundaries. Spring Break is over now, and classes are in full force. Keep in mind your student is carrying a full course load. Yes, they can help around the house, but school should still be their main priority. We encourage you, as a family, to communicate about schedules. You, as parents and family members, should make requests about when they are truly available. 
   
   Additionally, have a conversation with your student about how they will schedule their time differently now that they are an online learner. Some of their study techniques and learning strategies may not be as helpful in this new classroom setting. To the best of your ability, make sure your student has a dedicated workplace. 
   
   
2. Remember, we are all stressed. These are strange times for UD, our country and our world. We are all processing this in different ways. As family members and parents, there are ways you can assist your student in processing their stress and anxiety about the ever-evolving situation. UD’s Center for Counseling and Student Development has a few tips that resonate for this situation:
   • provide a steady, supportive home base for your student;
   • recognize that there will be ups and downs in a student’s needs and expectations;
   • follow your student’s lead and encourage them to work through problems using you as a consultant;
   • help your student balance their thoughts and emotions to make their best decision; and
   • take care of your own needs during what can be a stressful and confusing time.
     
     
3. Resources are key, and they are different now. The University's main goal at this time is to see all our students transition to the remote environment, so they can finish the semester and graduate on time. Under all circumstances, resources are key to success, but now more than ever. UD’s Information Technology department has a great website with information about taking courses online. Visit this page and ask your student to do so, as well.
   
   The Office of Academic Enrichment is offering tutoring and other academic support via Zoom. Again, here’s another great website for you and your student to explore and know their options.
   
   We recommend that you encourage your student to stay connected to their advisor. Here is UD’s central website for academic advising.
   
   
4. Limit in-person social interactions. Your student may be tempted to get together with local college and old high school friends. However, the reason institutions moved to online courses was to encourage social distancing. Reassure them that this will pass, and when COVID-19 cases start to decline, they will be able to go out and do things with friends. Encourage them to connect through their phones and other digital social means.
   
   
5. Know support is available for students in need. Some students, more than others, have been affected more harshly by the economic impact of COVID-19. This may include loss of employment, not having access to the internet or other similar concerns. If your student is in this situation, we encourage them to reach out to the Office of the Dean of Students: deanofstudents@udel.edu. Students in these kinds of situations are likely eligible to receive support from the Student Crisis Fund. You can review the Student Crisis Fund website and students may apply. 
   
   
6. Enjoy family time as best as you can. We will all remember the spring of 2020. Take the time to be present with your family and appreciate their development.
   
   You are all Blue Hens, and we appreciate all your help and patience to support your students to be successful throughout their academic journey. We recognize this event is having a significant impact on all our students and their families. We look forward to seeing your student back on campus; in the meantime, you and your student can visit the new Student Life Virtual Hub. We know leaving campus was emotional for many of our students, especially seniors. More to come about commencement in the coming weeks. We hope they are connecting with their faculty, peers and others to celebrate being a Blue Hen. 

Meaghan K. Davidson
Assistant Dean of Students for Parent and Family Engagement