While winter break is a time for family get-togethers and sometimes some much-needed vacations, it’s also a great opportunity to connect with your student. This is an opportunity to not only celebrate their achievements but talk about what’s up next. Winter break is an ideal time for you to check in on their progress and help them plan for the spring semester.
Broken down by first-year, 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 winter break.
Want to print this checklist to write on it? Download this printable version, but come back to this webpage for linked resources.
First-Year Students
As a first-year student, winter break likely marks your student’s first time returning home for an extended period, and issues may arise. The questions below are meant to guide conversations between your student and you as a check-in to how they are doing, how they feel about their first semester in college, set expectations for the break, and plan for the upcoming semester. Resources are linked to where your student can get additional support from The University of Alabama. The questions below are also great for a check-in as your student progresses through college.
Well-Being
- How are you doing?
- How are things with your roommate?
- Are you able to get to class every day?
- What does relaxing and recharging look like to you over the break?
- How are you feeling about your first semester in college? What went well? What might you want to do differently next semester?
- Are you getting the emotional support you need?
- What was the best part of your semester? What would you have changed?
Well-Being Resources
Academics
- Do you like your major so far?
- Have you thought about changing your major? If yes, to what?
- What courses are you registered for next Spring? Tell me about them. (If your student hasn’t registered for classes or needs assistance, encourage them to reach out to their academic advisor.)
- Can we look at your DegreeWorks and progress so far?
Academic Resources
Involvement
- What are you getting involved with?
- Have you thought about an internship or part-time job?
- Have you taken advantage of any free resources?
- What do you like about living in Tuscaloosa? Are there any challenges?
- What was your favorite organization/activity you participated in this past semester?
Involvement Resources
Financials
- Can we look at your bank account? Did you feel as if you had enough money last semester? If no, what can we/you do to ensure that is not a problem next semester?
Financial Resources
Food
- Was your meal plan enough or too much this semester?
- Are there any action items we need to do to help you feel better prepared for meals next semester?
Food Resources
Housing
- Where are you planning to live next year?
- Are you moving off campus? Have you looked at apartments or houses? Will you or do you have roommates? If qualified to live on campus as a National Merit Scholar or International student, have you applied for on-campus housing?
Housing Resources
Planning for Summer
- Have you thought about your plan for Summer? Are you coming home or staying in Tuscaloosa? What does that look like? Will you have a summer job?
Summer Resources
First-Year Checklist
When your student comes home for winter break, it’s important to help them transition back from their first semester at the Capstone. While you’ll want to give them time to rest and reset, use the first week of the break to have a conversation about shared expectations. Discuss topics like balancing time with friends versus family, setting clear boundaries and curfews, managing finances, and what household chores they’re expected to help with. Establishing a clear understanding from the start can lead to a more peaceful and enjoyable break for you and your student!
Current Student Scholarship Application
If your student hasn’t already submitted an application, the University Scholarship Application is open and closes in early March.
Medical Appointments
When it comes to medical appointments, students often use long weekends and Spring Break to catch up on routine check-ups. However, these are also peak times for doctors’ offices, so it’s essential to schedule appointments well in advance. A great way to get these appointments is to encourage your student to use their winter break to book appointments like dental cleanings or yearly wellness exams for their next visit home.
Car Maintenance
Winter break is a great time to do routine maintenance of your student’s car such as checking the battery, tire rotations, and oil changes.
Continuing Students
As a continuing student, your student likely has settled into college life and has a routine. However, we suggest you review the questions in the First-Year section as your student’s answers may have changed! The questions below are supplemental as your student starts to think about their post-graduation plan and help them stay on track to graduation.
Internships
- Does your degree plan require an internship?
- Have you met with the Career Center to talk about how to get an internship?
- Have you been to an On-Campus Career Fair? If no, can we look at upcoming career fairs?
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
Staying on Track
- Are you on track to graduate on time? If yes, what courses do you still need to take to complete course requirements? If no, what is your new expected graduation date?
- Are you registered for classes for the Spring semester? If so, what are you taking?
- Have you met with an academic advisor to finalize your degree plan for graduation?
On-Track Resources
Looking to the Future
- What is your plan for post-graduation?
- If you intend to pursue a higher degree, have you talked with Career Center about what you can do to prepare?
Future Resources
Continuing Checklist
Go Through DegreeWorks Together
Go through your Student’s DegreeWorks together with them and talk through remaining classes, when they plan to take them, and the timeline toward graduation.
Discuss Pre-Graduation Opportunities
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/taking required testing for graduate schools).
Current Student Scholarship Application
If your student hasn’t already submitted an application, the University Scholarship Application is open and closes in early March.
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 semester to help navigate this next chapter!
Checking In
- As you enter your last semester, how are you feeling?
- Do you feel prepared for your next step after graduation?
- What is your back-up plan for if things don’t work out the way you want them to?
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 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
Noting the following 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.
Graduation Application and Fee
To graduate, your student must apply for graduation. Students apply to graduate through myBama and pay a fee. Once your application is approved, encourage your student to check their email for additional communication from their college and the university.
Go Through DegreeWorks Together
With it being the last semester, it is good to use DegreeWorks to ensure your student is 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.
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 early.
Start Job or Graduate School Planning
Support your student with resume reviews, interview prep, and career services.
Check for Holds
Make sure your student clears all financial/academic holds through Student Account Services to avoid delays.
Review Commencement Info
Visit the UA Commencement website for ceremony times, parking, and livestream links.