Whether your student plans to come home for the summer break, stay in Tuscaloosa, or relocate for an internship, summer break provides a great chance to have a conversation with your student! Set aside time to reflect on your student’s past year, prepare for the upcoming fall semester, and explore internships, jobs, and other opportunities!
Broken down by continuing or final-year students, this checklist is designed for families of The University of Alabama students to use as a conversation starter for you and your student during summer break.
Want to print this checklist to write on it? Download this printable version, but come back to this webpage for linked resources.
Continuing Students
By now, your student likely has their routine down to a science. However, summer break is a great opportunity to check in with your student. Utilize the questions below to help guide you through conversations with your student as you look towards the next school year.
Well-Being
- How are you doing?
- Were you able to get to class every day last semester?
- What does relaxing and recharging look like to you over the break?
- What was the best part of your spring semester?
Well-Being Resources
Internships and Summer Plans
- Does your major require an internship or hours within a specific field?
- Have you met with the Career Center to talk about how to get an internship?
- Will you be taking summer courses?
- Have you thought about your plan for Summer? What does that look like? Will you have a summer job?
Internship Resources
Resume
- Do you have a resume? If no, can we find time over break to start your resume from one of the templates on the Career Center webpage?
- What activities or opportunities can you do over the next semester or year to add experience to your resume?
Resume Resources
Academic
- Is your fall schedule finalized? What classes are you looking forward to? Are there any classes you worried about?
- How do you like your major?
Staying on Track
- Are you on track with your degree plan? Have you met with your academic advisor recently to discuss your progress? If you’re not on track, what adjustments need to be made?
- Have you met with an academic advisor to finalize your degree plan for graduation?
Advising Resources
Looking to the Future
- What is your plan for post-graduation?
- If you intend to pursue a higher degree, have you talked with the Career Center about what you can do to prepare?
- Have you submitted your FAFSA yet?
- Have you applied for any scholarships for the following year?
Future Resources
Continuing Checklist
Review DegreeWorks
Go through your student’s DegreeWorks with them and discuss their remaining classes, when they plan to take them and their timeline to graduation.
Discuss Post-Graduation Plans
Talk through your student’s plans for post-graduation. Discuss if there are any opportunities that need to be explored or planned out for now (such as a Study Abroad experience, summer internships, attending upcoming Career Fairs or preparing for required testing for graduate schools).
Car Maintenance
Summer break is a great time to do routine maintenance of your student’s car, such as checking on the battery life, tire rotations and oil changes.
Schedule Medical and Dental Appointments
Encourage your student to schedule medical and dental appointments during the summer.
Make Note of Important Dates
Make note of any important dates for the family and important Academic Calendar dates, such as when course registration opens, final exam dates, Fall Break, Winter Break, and Spring Break.
Purchase Meal Plan and Parking Permit
If applicable, purchase a meal plan for the Fall semester and apply for a parking permit assignment for the upcoming academic year on myBama.
Finalize FAFSA and Scholarships
Finalize any applications for FAFSA or scholarships.
Final-Year Students
As a final-year student, your student’s time here at UA is winding down. However, we suggest reviewing the questions in the First-Year and Continuing Student sections as some of the questions may be relevant to your student’s experience. However, the questions below are meant to be supplemental to prepare for your student’s last year to help navigate this next chapter!
Checking in
- As you enter your last year, how are you feeling?
- Do you feel prepared for your next step after graduation?
- What is your backup plan for if things don’t work out the way you want them to?
- As you enter the last few weeks of college, how are you feeling?
- What are you most excited about?
- Is there anything I/we can support you on?
Checking In Resources
Support
- What does support look like to you over the next semester?
- How and to what level do you want us/me to support you as graduation approaches?
- After graduation, how will financial support shift?
- Is there anything we can do now to prepare for a shift in financial responsibility?
Applying for Jobs
- Have you applied for any jobs yet?
- Do you feel prepared for the job interviewing process?
- If you get a job offer, what does support from us/me look like? (Family Members: It’s important for you to think if you have any expectations for your student to notify you or include you in the process for when/if they accept or decline a job offer.)
Application Resources
Salary and Benefits
- What is your target salary?
- What would be the monthly gross versus net income of that salary?
- Have you thought about how you’ll handle your taxes and what forms you will need?
- Thinking through your monthly bills, potential educational loan repayments, etc. Is that enough money realistically?
- Do you understand 401K/retirement plans? If no, can we do some research together to ensure you’re informed about your options?
- Do you understand health care benefits packages? If no, can we do some research together to ensure you’re informed about your options?
Financial Resources
Final-Year Checklist
Review DegreeWorks
Go through your student’s DegreeWorks together with them. With it being the last semester, it is good to ensure they are registered for all classes they need to satisfy their degree requirements.
Check Diploma Information
Remind your student to confirm their name and mailing address for the diploma on their application in myBama.
Plan Final Semester Expenses
Factor in graduation fees, regalia, senior photos, and celebration costs.
Check for Holds
Make sure your student clears all financial/academic holds to avoid delays.
Book Hotel/Lodging Early
Tuscaloosa fills up fast during graduation weekend. Reserve accommodations ASAP.
Order Cap and Gown
Confirm your student orders official UA regalia through the Supe Store.
Schedule Senior Portraits
If your student wants graduation photos, book a session as soon as possible.
Start Job or Graduate School Planning
Support your student with resume reviews, interview prep and career services.
Review Commencement Info
Visit the UA Commencement website for ceremony times, parking, and livestream links.
Make a General Plan for Post-Graduation
Noting the above questions, make a general plan for post-graduation, knowing that it may need to shift if your student’s post-graduation plan does not go exactly as expected.
Review the Graduation Website
Look for information related to the schedule, guest attendance, and other critical to-dos for graduation.
Schedule Dinner Reservations
Restaurants in Tuscaloosa get booked quickly.
Monitor Diploma Delivery
Diplomas are typically mailed 6–8 weeks after graduation.
Get Involved
Encourage involvement in the UA National Alumni Association.
Leave a Legacy
Have your student donate to the UA Senior Legacy Society to get a special medallion to wear for graduation.