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Parent Connector

A place for parents and loved ones to keep up to date with the happenings within the college.

Empowering your student

Mid-Term Grades: What do they mean and what can I do?

As the seasons transition from summer to fall, your student is likely transitioning from a nervous and excited newbie on campus to someone with a new sense of self, purpose, community, and routine. They have found their flow in their courses, and most have taken at least one big exam. Mid-term grades will be released this month and serve as a snapshot of how your student is performing in their courses.

A few reminders:
1. Mid-term grades are not part of the permanent academic record. They are just for your student to know where they stand at this point in the semester.

2. Mid-term grades are sometimes not a complete picture. Instructors may not have all the grades submitted calculated in the mid-term grade, late work may not be applied, etc.

  • Make sure your student asks for clarification as to what is included in the mid-term grade.

3. There is still plenty of time to boost that grade!

  • Do some calculations to determine how many points are still available in the course. See where your student could end up if they complete all the remaining work.
  • There are lot of tutoring options available at WVU if you use the Find Your Tutoring Center tool here: https://tutoring.wvu.edu.
  • Our Office of Student Success also offers Success Coaching to help students develop strong study habits and time management skills. Students can reach out to cahsinfo@mail.wvu.edu to schedule an appointment or stop by our office in 109 AHB.
  • Make sure your student is getting accommodations if they qualify for them! Work with the Office of Accessibility Services if you think your student would benefit from accommodations: https://accessibilityservices.wvu.edu/

4. Other options exist if courses are not going as well as we would like.

  • Have your student talk to their academic advisor to explore potential solutions including withdrawing, mid-semester courses, etc.
  • Withdrawing may have Financial Aid implications, so make sure they talk to someone before proceeding with a withdrawal.

5.  If your student is feeling overwhelmed and would like to speak with someone, the Carruth Center is fabulous.

  • Students also have access to Talkspace at no cost!
  • Another resource exclusive to College of Applied Human Sciences is https://you.wvu.edu/ , which has a lot of resources to help your student Thrive, Succeed and Matter.

This is also about the time where your student will be having their academic advising appointment to discuss how their course are going, their plans for the spring semester, and address any academic questions or concerns. Encourage them to bring any potential issues to their advisor’s attention. We are happy to help them find their fit here at WVU! 

Advisors can be your student’s best advocates and strongest teammates to help them achieve their goals!

Sincerely,

A portrait of Betsy Robbins

Betsy Robbins
Assistant Director of Advising and Retention
Office of Student Success
College of Applied Human Sciences
West Virginia University
elizabeth.robbins@mail.wvu.edu

Highlights

Highlights and empowering topics to consider this month.

Upcoming Events

Mark your calendar with these important dates.

Picture of the month

Sights and views from our Instagram account (@WVUCAHS).

Three women work together on a hands-on classroom project at a lab table. One smiles while holding a cardboard tube, another writes in a notebook wearing a floral “Watch them grow” T-shirt, and a third, seen from behind, points to the page with a pencil.
CAHS students spent time today in Allen Hall working together on hands-on projects.... and had a few laughs along the way.

Resouce Spotlight

Check out one of the many resources available to you and your student.

CAHS Career Labs

The College of Applied Human Sciences Career Readiness Team hosts Career Labs each week. Lab topics include: Interviewing, Graduate School Personal Statements, Grad School Applications and Preparation, Personal Branding, Resume and Curriculum Vitae, and more! Encourage your students to review the posted labs in the calendar and stop by!

View more resources

Conversation Starters

Engaging topics to discuss with your student.

Talk to your student about their instructors/professors

One of the most rewarding aspects of pursuing higher education is the connections students can make with faculty and other university representatives. Engaging with faculty, going to office hours, and attending lectures and seminars introduces students to new ideas and connections that can provide lifelong benefits. Encourage your student to actively involve themselves in the life of the university.

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