News
End of the semester is coming soon…
Information on Dead Week and Finals
That time of the semester is almost here! Dead Week is up first and is a great time for students to study for tests
and finish projects before finals week. Next up is finals week! Your student can find a schedule of finals week to
help reduce confusion of when and what time their final may be. If they need strategies for test preparation and
test taking
Textbook Buy Back
Students can begin to sell back their books to the University Book Store starting December 3rd! This
year students can also sell back their books online! Check out their website for more information.
Fall 2014 Grades
Is your student wondering what their official semester grades will be? They will be able to access their
grades through AccessPlus December 30th, after 5:00 AM.!
University Holidays and Winter Closure
Many university offices and services will temporarily close or offer reduced services between
December 24, 2014 and January 2, 2015. The Parents’ Advisory Line (800-772-8546) and the Dean of
Students Office will be available during standard business hours December 27-31, 2014 to respond to
your questions or concerns. For emergencies, you can contact ISU Police (515-294-4428) at any time.
WinterFest
The WinterFest festivities kickoff on Friday December 5th and run until Saturday December 6th. This two
day event that has many free events for students to participate in such as free bowling, bingo,
mentalist performance, and ice skating (for the first 400, then $1). Check out the WinterFest website
for these and other events happening that week!
Chartered buses for winter break to Chicago and Minneapolis
Does your student need a ride back home to Chicago or Minneapolis? Then consider taking a chartered
bus from Iowa State University. The deadline to sign up is quickly approaching! Check out the website
for more information, costs, and to sign up today!
Winter Weather and University Closures
Are your students unsure of what the ISU winter weather policies are? Then have your student check
out the FAQ where they will be able to find answers to questions such as: class cancellations, where to
park, or safety and driving policies.
In addition, some offices may be closed during winter break and ISU will be closed December 24-25,
2014 and January 1, 2015. The Parents’ Advisory Line (800-772-8546) and the Dean of Students Office
will be available during standard business hours December 26-31, 2013 to respond to your questions
or concerns. For emergencies, you can contact ISU Police (515-294-4428) at any time.
Cyclone Family Weekend 2015
Drumroll please…campus leadership has selected the date for Cyclone Family Weekend 2015! It will be held the
weekend of September 26th, this is a bye week for Cyclone Football, but there will still be a great variety of
events for you to attend. Be sure to check the Cyclone Family Weekend webpage on a regular basis for
updated information as the student planning committee begins working on the events for 2015.
“I AM” the Iowa State University Parents’ Association
There is still time to do your “I AM” photo for the Iowa State Parents’ Association Facebook page! Take time
over winter break to take a picture with your student or family members. This campaign was created to
increase awareness of the ISUPA. As a parent of an Iowa State student you are automatically a part of the ISUPA
because we believe that you play an important role in your students’ experience at Iowa State University.
Please show your support of the Iowa State University Parents’ Association by taking a picture with our “I AM”
sign (you can print a copy or simply pull the pdf up on your tablet) and posting it to our Facebook page or
emailing a copy to our office and we will post it for you. Be as creative as you would like with your pictures!
The Student Perspective - December
This month’s Student Perspective is adapted from an article provided from The University of Minnesota.
How to Raise a Sensitive Issue
As you likely are aware, the additional pressure of final exams and the approaching holiday season can
lead to students feeling very stressed. Some students experience academic and emotional challenges
during this time, which may become evident through decreased academic performance, expressed
dissatisfaction with the university, irritability, mood swings and changes in how they relate to you as
their parents or concerned family members.
This is an important time for you to be checking in with your student about how he or she is doing
personally and academically. You know your student better than anyone and you may pick up on some
cues that your son or daughter is having a difficult time when others may not. While it is typical for
many young adults to seek independence from their families and avoid discussing things that are not
going well, students do need the emotional support and love that only the people in parental roles in
their lives can provide.
Here are some suggestions on talking with your student:
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Choose a time to talk when things are not rushed, and where your student can talk to you
privately.
Don’t avoid bringing up the subject of stress and mental health concerns. Acknowledge that
you know this can be a stressful time of the semester and ask directly how they are handling
the stress and if they are ok. If you have reason to be concerned express your concern in
specific, nonjudgmental ways. Be honest and direct; say what you mean and mean what you
say.
The most helpful messages you can offer your student are “I love you”, “I believe in you” “I care
about how you are doing” and if your student is struggling, “I want you to get some help.”
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If your student shares some difficult information with you, the most helpful response is to really
listen to what he or she is saying. It can be quite challenging to listen without interrupting or
letting our own internal thoughts interfere but it is important to really attend to what your
student is saying. It is helpful to acknowledge that what your student is thinking and feeling
about their situation is their experience, even if you have a different perspective.
Offer non-judgmental support. You may have your own internal reactions which are completely
natural for a parent to have (such as not approving a choice your student made or feeling angry
that your student is not doing well academically). But expressing those in the moment to your
student is more likely to shut down the communication than lead to helpful support and
problem solving.
Be knowledgeable of and encourage your student to take advantage of the many resources
available at ISU to help students succeed. These can range from academic support through such
programs as the Academic Success Center to mental health support.
Offer to help your student in whatever ways you can to help them cope.
Communicate hope by reminding your student that there are always options, you believe they
can get through this difficult time, and that things tend to look different with time and action.
Staff at both Student Assistance Services (515-294-1020) and the Student Counseling Center (515- 2945056) are available to consult with parents and family members who are seeking guidance in helping
their students.
Adapted from: University Parent, University of Minnesota
We welcome your feedback.
Relatively Speaking is published by the Iowa State University Parents’ Association and the Dean of Students Office. We
welcome your suggestions to improve this publication. If you have a question you need answered or suggestions for
content in future monthly editions, please contact us at any time at parents@iastate.edu .
Relatively Speaking is a free newsletter for families of Iowa State University students. You may subscribe to our distribution list at
http://www.dso.iastate.edu/pa/programs/relatively.html.
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Relatively Speaking is a production of the ISU Parents’ Association and the ISU Dean of Students Office.
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