Supporting Your Student Through Academic Recovery

College is an exciting time for so many things, from growth to discovery to independence. But it’s easy to get caught up in the whirl of everything, and along the way, your student may experience an academic setback — whether that’s receiving low grades, repeating a class, or even changing their major after realizing their initial choice isn’t the right fit. Regardless of the situation, it’s important to remember that academic recovery is normal and part of the learning process. 

At Widener, we understand that families play an important role in helping students stay motivated and connected. Your encouragement, empathy, and reassurance can make a big difference.

Normalizing Academic Setbacks

Just because your student is experiencing an academic challenge does not mean that they aren't "college-ready" or capable of succeeding at Widener. College is a time of adjustment, and it’s completely normal for students to face obstacles as they learn to balance new responsibilities, expectations, and environments. 

Your student might experience a few bumps along the way, such as:

• Receiving lower grades than expected
• Needing to repeat or withdraw from a class
• Changing majors after realizing a different path is a better fit
• Struggling with time management or study skills
• Balancing coursework with work, health, or family responsibilities
• Feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about academic goals

Try to reframe these challenges as opportunities for your student to learn how to adapt, seek help, and grow stronger. Encourage your student to connect with their academic advisor early on, before final grades are posted. Their academic advisor will be able to talk your student through their current academic standing, suggest what next steps to take, and outline available support. 

While the challenges may seem intimidating, remind your student that these are only temporary and solvable with a little bit of extra support and the right mindset. 

💡 Want to help your student navigate these moments with confidence? Read our tips for supporting your college student through common challenges.

Campus Support & Resources

The good news is your student doesn’t have to navigate academic recovery alone, so you can wipe that worried sweat off your forehead!

The first step is always connecting with their academic advisor. If your student is unsure who their advisor is, they can find their academic advisor’s contact information in the self-service portal.

Once your student has met with their advisor, they can take advantage of a range of Widener resources designed to help them get back on track, including:

• Tutoring for personalized academic help.

• Coaching to build study skills, motivation, and accountability.

• Access to the Writing Center and Math Center for extra support with assignments and coursework.

• Student Accessibility Services for accommodations and strategies that promote academic success.

• Counseling Services for mental health and emotional balance. 

You and your student can explore mySuccess, which brings together all of these academic and personal support options in one place. This is a great resource to share as they plan for next semester.

Important Note: If your student’s GPA falls below the academic policy requirement or they are going through the appeal process, they need to connect directly with their college or school dean’s office during winter break. Advisors are often unavailable during this time, and the dean’s office is the appropriate contact for appeals and policy guidance.

📘 Looking for additional academic tips for success? Find helpful strategies for study skills, time management, and staying motivated on the Academic Tips for Success page.

How Families Can Help

The goal isn’t to fix the problem for them, but to guide, encourage, and empower them as they regain confidence and take the next steps forward. You can help your student move forward by:

• Listening with empathy. Ask open-ended questions and focus on understanding before offering solutions.
• Encouraging action. Remind your student that they need to connect with their academic advisor before the semester ends if they are struggling or concerned about their grades. 
• Helping them plan ahead. Check that your student is registered for the spring semester and aware of key academic deadlines.
• Promoting balance. Encourage healthy routines around sleep, nutrition, and stress management, all of which affect academic performance.

Understanding FERPA & Communication

As your student begins to settle into college life and starts receiving grades, it’s completely natural to be curious about how they are doing in their classes. Your student may be hesitant to share, which can be frustrating on your end; however, it’s also part of their right to privacy. 

Once your student enters college, they are protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This act outlines what academic information universities can share with families. Learning more about FERPA can help you navigate conversations with your student in ways that foster trust and open communication, so your student feels more comfortable looping you in about their progress. 

Looking Ahead to a New Semester

A new semester brings a fresh start and new opportunities. Maybe your student is adjusting their study habits, connecting with staff, or rebuilding confidence after a tough semester of classes. And if your student recently went through the appeal process or was on academic probation, remind them to follow any instructions from their college or school dean’s office to remain in good standing.

No matter what their path looks like, every small step is progress. And with your continued encouragement and Widener’s resources behind them, your student can move from challenge to achievement. 

Lori Blount, Associate Provost for Student Success, has over two decades of experience developing programs that strengthen student success and retention. Guided by her commitment to equity, mentorship, and proactive support, she focuses on fostering belonging and resilience in students. She oversees Academic Advising, Coaching & Tutoring, Accessibility Services, Exploratory Studies, and Student Success at Widener.