Ensuring Academic Success

USF offers resources to support your student as they navigate college courses and progress academically. Encourage your student to take advantage of the free inperson and online tutoring, writing assistance, and other learning support services offered on all USF campuses. Find more information about each campus’ services by visiting usf.edu/student-tutoring.

Tips for Students Using Academic Success Services:

• Students can secure a time to meet with a tutor or writing consultant by making an appointment early. These can be scheduled in person or over the phone.

• Drop-in tutoring is on a first-come first-served basis on some campuses. Best times to stop in to work with a tutor are at opening and closing times.

• Students can improve study habits by scheduling study skills mentoring sessions.

Family Conversation Starters:

• “What do you hope to learn?” We encourage beginning these conversations focused on learning rather than on grade performance to help reduce any pressure your student may feel to define their worth or motivation by a grade.

• “What are you doing to manage your time and study for classes?” Offer your own strategies for how you manage time and encourage them to track how they spend all of their time, from homework to social outings, and rest.

• “What is your approach to overcoming academic challenges?” Having this conversation early on will normalize that there will be some sort of adjustment to their academic life at USF. Talking about this earlier than later can empower your student to create a proactive plan for success.