Social Distancing & Important Conversations for Your Student
Social distancing is a practice that discourages people from being close in contact with others to reduce the spread of an illness, like COVID-19. By limiting interactions, you are lessening the opportunity of the virus to spread. For a college campus, this means going to classes, attending large-scale university programs, utilizing large public spaces, etc. could potentially enhance the spread of COVID-19. For these reasons, University administration has decided to move classes online through Summer/A/B/F. Important conversations regarding Summer C are taking place now--as the University makes a decision, we will keep you informed.
Focus on academics
Some students learned of the move to online classes and jumped for joy at the thought of having time to get caught up. While the switch to online does provide flexibility and the opportunity to rest, we urge your students to take this time seriously. Classes look differently than they had in the past. Learning online can be challenging as it requires discipline and autonomy. Encourage your student to set a schedule for themselves and balance their courses, homework, and rest appropriately. Make sure your student has access to everything they need to complete their coursework—think about internet connections, laptops/other devices, textbooks, etc.
Social distancing plan
We urge students to determine what their social distancing plan looks like--students should try to limit interactions with others and reduce their obligations outside of their residence. Students should avoid large social spaces/nightlife and opt for more intimate options. A lot of people think that might not be fun, but there are plenty of opportunities to explore:
- Taking a walk
- Ride a bike
- Read a book
- Journal
- Catch up on favorite shows/movies
- Play video games
- Try a new recipe
- Take a nap
- Try meditation
- Learn a language
- Catch up with a friend via Facetime/Zoom
- Play board games
- Do your taxes
- Clean
- Organize/declutter your room
Communication
Returning home for any period of time can be challenging, both for you and your student, especially under these circumstances. For many, the unknown is causing anxiety and stress, so emotions may run high. Have a conversation with your student and check in to see how they are doing. Each student will be missing a portion of what they had hoped for this semester and it’s appropriate to need time and space to process through those feelings.
Give your student time to ease back into family life. Communication can smooth this transition. Avoid potential issues or problems by discussing them from the beginning. Talk to your student about your expectations for work around the house (cleaning their room, running errands, taking care of family members). Don’t forget that each class will operate differently. Some will meet at their regularly scheduled time, while others might just be pre-recorded with discussion posts due on a certain date. Either way, keep in mind that students are not home for a break—they very much still have academic obligations. Discuss a plan on how they can help around the house, while still completing their requirements for class.