Helpful Hints for Getting Your Student Through Finals

Final exams are trying; not only for the students, but also for the parents, who are there each step of the way, hoping and praying their student gets through the week in one piece. Leading up to the home stretch, it's important that your student realizes you're there for them. Whether they're preparing for graduation or finishing their first semester, here are a few things that you can do to help them get over the last hurdle of the semester:

1. Check in the weekend before exams to help put things into perspective. Whether you can share your own experiences or just remind your student that you're there to support them, a reassuring phone call or a quick chat can work wonders. As I'm sure many of you have discovered over the past few months (or past few semesters), just lending an ear can help put your students at ease. That said, once Monday comes around it would be best to...
2. ...give your student space during exam week. What was a reassuring call before tests get underway may become a well-intentioned distraction when your student is in the thick of his or her exams. Make sure your student has enough space to focus on the task at hand--they've made it this far into the semester, they can handle the last week.
3. Remind your student of the events Hofstra will be running during Finals. Throughout the week of finals, Hofstra will be running a series of events called "Stress Busters." They're a great way to take your students' minds off of what may seem like endless studying and constant...well, stress. If you would like to find out more information about these events and how they can help your student, visit our website.

And remember, it's only one week.  Your students will get through it just fine...and you will get through it too.