Top 8 Questions to Ask Community College Students

One of the tips for parents and family members is to ask students “questions about their experiences at college. Even if they fail to provide satisfactory answers, the fact that you asked the question may plant a seed in their mind that the subject of the inquiry is important. The following are examples of questions that parents and family members who want to “support their loved one in community college may consider asking:

#1 Are you going to class?

Keeping regular attendance is critical in college as material is covered quickly.  If a student is taking an asynchronous (ONLN) class, be sure they log into Blackboard at least 3-4 days a week to not fall behind.  If a student is taking a synchronous (LRON) class, be sure they have a quiet place to interact with their professor and classmates.

#2 How many hours of studying have you built into your schedule?

As a general rule, students should be dedicating 2-3 hours a week for every credit course.  Most college courses are 3 or 4 credits each.  If a student is taking a 3-credit course, they should schedule 6-9 hours per week to attend class, read, and work on assignments and homework for that class.

#3 Are you reviewing the material in each class weekly?

We typically remember only 75% of the material at the end of a class session.  Students have the potential to remember more if they review material right after class.  Reviewing material multiple times and at different intervals will help you retain it for much longer and combat The Forgetting Curve.

#4 Are you balancing study time with fun time?

Achieving a balance between academics and social life while in college is challenging. College is a very stimulating environment, full of wonderful opportunities for both social and learning activities. Finding your balance may be most difficult if you are a first-year student, because college provides so many more choices and so much less structure than high school.  Be sure students assess fun activities that to not consume too much time and build them into their weekly schedule.

#5 Do you know when the last day to withdraw from a class is?

Know all the important dates via the college’s Academic Calendar.

#6 Are you starting your assignments early?

Even if you are a student that thrives under pressure, procrastinating on assignments can lead to lower grades.  Things can happen.  The Wi-Fi goes out an hour before an assignment is due.  Or you are not able to schedule an appointment to go over your paper with a tutor or assist with research from a librarian a day or two before an assignment is due.

#7 Have you spoken to your advisor and registered for next semester?

Knowing who is your academic advisor and meeting with her or him is key in selecting your classes and getting best selection of courses for the next term.  If you are not able to meet with your faculty advisor, you can also make an appointment with an advisor in our Center for Student Development.

#8 Have you attended your professors’ office hours?

Faculty Office Hours are listed in the course syllabi.  If the time is not available or does not work with your schedule, the student should email their faculty member to set up an appointment.  Many times, faculty are great resources to assist with difficult course material and to discuss best options should the student fall behind with course material.