Supporting Your Student

Attending college is a time of transition for students, their family, and their support network. We recognize this support network is an essential component in their success at Washington State and specifically exploring students. Your continued support and guidance is an important piece to your students’ academic and personal success.

We encourage students to converse openly with their families about their progress, academic interests, and college experiences.

The Major Exploration advisors work individually with students in our program to help them succeed. We provide WSU students with:

• One-on-one academic advising and weekly drop-in hours
• Guidance in exploring majors and selecting an academic path
• Connections to resources on campus for tutoring, internships, extracurricular activities, and career exploration
• Networking events with academic departments and fellow exploring students
• Advice and assistance addressing navigating university policies and procedures

 

How can I help my student with the exploration process?

Encourage them to participate in the process. We believe that exploring one’s interests, skills, and values does not just happen, it takes work. Be open to what they are expressing, especially if they are changing their mind on what they would like to pursue. Reassure them that the process takes time and they will get out of it what they put in.

How does advising work in the Major Exploration Advising Program? At WSU?

In the Major Exploration Advising Program (MEAP), we aim to connect with our students multiple times  each semester, whether in a one-on-one appointment, during drop-in hours, over the phone, or via email. We find that the more we can touch base with a student, the more we are able to offer  tailored resources for their exploration process.

Washington State University academic advising policy, requires each student to meet with their advisor once per semester to discuss courses for the subsequent term. At that time, their advisor will release any advising holds which prevent students from enrolling into courses.

What resources are available to help students?

Washington State University offers a wide range of resources to support academic success and the exploring process. Visit our Links and Resources page to learn more.

Will I get to check my students GPA and progress?

Washington State University posts final grades at the end of each term in the MyWSU online student portal. You will not be notified of grades being posted.

Third-party access to MyWSU is available for parents with with the consent of the student.

The WSU GPA is on a 4.0 scale. Throughout the term, your student may calculate their GPA based on the criteria outline in each class syllabus and by referring to information available through Blackboard, WSU’s course learning management system.

Who can I talk to about my student’s progress?

It is our hope that your student openly shares their progress with you. If you have concerns, you may contact your student’s academic advisor. However, it is important for you to know that federal law, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), prohibits us from sharing academic information unless we have your student’s written consent. Without their consent, we can only discuss policies and procedures in general. This guideline applies to all faculty and staff at Washington State University.

How can I contact my student’s advisor?

Encourage your student to contact their advisor with your questions and ask that they relay  information back to you. If you feel it is necessary to contact the advisor directly, ask your student for their advisor’s contact information.

The Dean of Students office is a great resource for students who are navigating bureaucratic tangles, financial catastrophes, a sudden illness or family situation, and many other situations.