Resources for Cowboy Parents to Help Your Student Succeed
As of March 18, 2020 All classes at the Stillwater and Tulsa campuses will be delivered
online for the remainder of the spring semester.
Every Cowboy Family will have different needs during this time of transition. Some
students will remain in Stillwater living by themselves or with their same roommates
while completing the semester online, while others will move back home into their
old bedrooms. Some of us are struggling with income or job losses, or even the loss
of a loved one. Some family members continue to work in essential jobs or work from
home while also helping to home school younger siblings.
As a parent, you have spent at least 18 years handling one crisis or stressor after
another and you know you will get through this one too. But, sometimes knowing that you’ll make it doesn’t help you get through each day.
In addition to the linked resources below are some tips to help you get through this
with your student no matter where they are.
That seems to be the number one lesson we are all reminded of daily. Although you
have had enough life experience to know this, maybe your student does not. It can
be helpful to gently remind them that as this crisis unfolds, things will change almost
daily, but usually in predictable ways. If your city or county has not yet issued
a shelter in place or similar order, but the next county has, it’s predictable that
your county may soon issue an order. Let your student know how the family has prepared
for the expected so far, what they can do to help, and what the family’s plans are
for the foreseeable future.
This is easier said than done during this time when many homes are either overcrowded
or practically empty. What is "normal " to your college student is probably not "normal"
for you. Maintaining a regular schedule, exercise, and healthy, regular meals can
go a long way in keeping you and your students healthy and grounded. Of course, your
college student’s schedule may not coincide with your regular 11:00 pm bedtime, but
open, honest discussion and problem solving, such as asking your student to wear headphones or earbuds during late night chats or Zoom
meetings, can help ease the transition of having them maintain their normal “college student
schedule” while also respecting your schedule.
Although students are home just like they were in January, this is not an extended
Spring Break. Not only do they have to complete the remainder of their classes online,
but they have to do it while navigating the steep learning curve that comes with moving
every single aspect, of every single class, and interaction online. This can be stressful
and mentally exhausting, so give them the space and time to learn how to learn in this new environment. Some content transitions to an online format easily and
some does not. If they are having trouble in their classes, please refer them to the
resources below and let them vent to you about how hard it is, because it is.
If you take a day or two break from news coverage, you will notice that changes in
news stories are slow and steady. An article or video that was published a few days
or a week ago will still be posted, but that does not mean that it is breaking news.
This is a great time for students to make note of bylines and publishing dates, and
work toward being savvy consumers of information.
Our generation of parents grew up with enough technology to remember the birth of
the internet. Now we can see through our students’ use of technology how all of the
things we longed for back then are a reality now. Sharing work online effortlessly,
video calls with multiple callers, fast (well, faster than dial-up!) connections to
share even large files. If you are new to all of this online connection ask your student
for some lessons and enjoy the world of tech through their eyes.
And, by living through this, they are learning things every day that they will use in the future. The resourcefulness and flexibility that students learn during this time will serve
them well as they continue their education, graduate, and move into the careers of
the future. Their world will be changed forever and by learning through this crisis,
they will have the mental and emotional tools for success.
Student Affairs Resources
Students who need assistance in any way can complete a Support Request Form HERE
Additional Resources for Students
An archive of all OSU announcements can be found HERE.
Academic
Social
Health and Mental Health
City of Stillwater Shelter in Place Guidelines
If your student is remaining in Stillwater for the rest of the semester, please remind
them about the Shelter in Place Guidelines explained HERE.
