Parents Poll : Parents and Families : University of Rochester

October 2024

In your opinion (in 2024), what has been/will be most helpful in your student's adjustment to college?

Academic confidence

17%
Social connections

38%
Mental health/wellness resources

5%
Self-discovery

5%
Finding community

26%
Routine and structure

10%

September 2024

August 2024

July 2024

In planning for fall 2024, how are you involved with your student's preparation for change and increased independence?

Provide assistance only when asked

25%
Help with all tasks

9%
Establish and/or respect boundaries

4%
Offer occasional guidance as necessary

57%
Promote quality time with family

4%
I am not involved

0%

June 2024

May 2024

During the 2024 spring semester, on what topic regarding your student did you personally contact the University of Rochester?

Academics

3%
Billing

13%
Career planning

2%
Financial planning

5%
Involvement opportunities

0%
Mental health and wellness

3%
Physical health

3%
Housing or roommate concern

8%
Safety

5%
Time management and study skills

0%
Other

8%
I did not contact the university

48%

April 2024

In your opinion, during Spring 2024, how has your student connected with their instructor(s)?

My student is not comfortable reaching out

15%
Communicate via email regularly

23%
Office Hours/1-1 meetings

35%
Instructor is a mentor for my student

7%
Student does research with instructor

4%
I do not discuss this with my student

16%

March 2024

February 2024

In your opinion, in which area does your student need the most support in developing?

Intercultural and Global Fluency

8%
Career Design and Management

32%
Leadership

13%
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

23%
Teamwork

4%
Adaptability and Resiliency

10%
Oral and Written Communication

6%

Some university resources and opportunities include:

Greene Center for Career Education and Connections

The Medallion Program

One Community Program Volunteer

January 2024

What strategy do you believe is most effective in addressing mental health with your student?

outreach to university resources

4%
wait for student to initiate discussion

8%
submit a CARE referral

1%
open communication with student

83%
connect to community resources

3%
other

1%

December 2023

During the fall semester 2023, on what topic regarding your student did you personally contact the University of Rochester?

Academics

6%
Billing

14%
Career planning

0%
Financial planning

6%
Involvement opportunities

0%
Mental health and wellness

1%
Physical health

4%
Housing or roommate concern

3%
Safety

10%
Time management and study skills

1%
Other

7%
I did not contact the university

49%

November 2023

In 2023, how do you keep your student connected to family traditions, even if they cannot be physically present for family events or activities?

Utilize video calls during special events

31%
Send familiar or comforting items

21%
Share photos of recent or past family gatherings

15%
Regular phone calls with student

29%
Encourage student to share traditions with friends

3%
I do not know how to connect with my student

2%

October 2023

Where do you connect with parents or families of other college students in 2023?

Social Media (e.g. Facebook, Instagram)

54%
U of R events

4%
U of R Parents Council

0%
Students co-curricular activities

4%
Local or personal connections

13%
I do not connect with other parents/families

26%

September 2023

August 2023

July 2023

In planning for the fall semester, how are you involved with your student’s preparation for change and increased independence?

Provide assistance only when asked

24%
Help with all tasks

9%
Establish and/or respect boundaries

9%
Offer occasional guidance as necessary

44%
Promote quality time with family

13%
I am not involved

0%

June 2023

May 2023

During the spring semester, on what topic regarding your student did you personally contact the University of Rochester?

Academics

6%
Billing

15%
Career planning

3%
Financial planning

9%
Involvement opportunities

1%
Mental health and wellness

4%
Physical health

2%
Housing or roommate concern

3%
Safety

0%
Time management and study skills

4%
Other

19%
I did not contact the university

33%

April 2023

What is your approach in discussing the topic of alcohol and other drugs with your student?

We have open discussion about all substances

94%
I do not discuss this topic

1%
I am comfortable discussing alcohol, but not other drugs

1%
I am comfortable discussing other drugs, but not alcohol

0%
I talk, my student listens

3%
My student will not talk to me about this topic

1%
I need more education about this topic

0%

March 2023

February 2023

January 2023

December 2022

During the fall semester, on what topic regarding your student did you personally contact the University of Rochester?

Academics

4%
Billing

24%
Career planning

1%
Financial planning

5%
Involvement opportunities

1%
Mental health and wellness

7%
Physical health

2%
Housing or roommate concern

5%
Safety

2%
Time management and study skills

1%
Other

11%
I did not contact the University

39%

November 2022

Have you discussed Winter Break plans with your student?

Yes, my student will travel home

88%
Yes, my student will remain on campus

4%
Yes, my student will visit other family or friends

4%
No, we have not discussed plans

2%
My student does not have plans

1%
My student may have plans, but I am unaware

1%

October 2022

In your opinion, what has been/will be most helpful in your student's adjustment to college?

Academic confidence

12%
Social connections

37%
Mental health/wellness resources

11%
Self-discovery

4%
Finding community

26%
Routine and structure

9%

September 2022

August 2022

As you start or continue these discussions, please learn more about University resources, such as:

The Learning Center

Greene Center for Career and Education Connections

Wilson Commons Student Activities

July 2022

As your family prepares/prepared for your student to begin college, how does/did your family handle college related tasks and deadlines?

My student takes care of everything

34%
I frequently remind my student to get tasks done

29%
I take care of everything for my student

0%
My student and I discuss an action plan in advance

34%
I am/was unaware of tasks and deadlines

1%
We figured/will figure it out later

1%

June 2022

May 2022

During the spring 2022 semester, on what topic regarding your student did you personally contact the University of Rochester?

Academics

2%
Billing

22%
Career planning

2%
Involvement and activities

1%
Mental health and wellness

3%
Physical health and wellness

5%
Housing or roommate concern

6%
Safety

0%
Time management or study skills

0%
Other

2%
I did not contact the University

56%

April 2022

How do you feel about your student participating in education abroad opportunities?

I am excited for them

69%
I am fearful

3%
I have mixed emotions

9%
I need more information

7%
My student has no interest

7%
I am unsure

5%

March 2022

Looking ahead, how do you plan to celebrate your students’ college graduation?

Attend in-person commencement

82%
Online celebration with my student

0%
In-person private celebration

3%
Send/give gifts

1%
Special meal and/or other loving acts

3%
All of the above

9%
We do not have anything planned

1%
None of the above

0%

February 2022

To your knowledge, how does your student engage with faith/spirituality during the academic year?

Connect with faith-based communities on campus (e.g. Interfaith Chapel)

26%
Through their social circle/student organizations

4%
Connect with faith-based communities off-campus

13%
My student is exploring their spirituality

5%
My student does not engage in this manner

48%
I do not know

5%

There are many ways for your student to explore their spirituality on the U of R campus.

Interfaith Chapel

Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center

January 2022

How do you feel when you notice changes in your student's core values?

Excited to learn about their new values

20%
Disappointed at their changed values

4%
Curious to learn more about their new values

36%
Concerned about their changed values

4%
Fearful that they no longer align with my values

3%
Frustrated they did not share their change in core values

1%
Indifferent about their changes in core values

0%
I haven’t noticed any changes in my students’ core values

31%

December 2021

During the fall semester, on what topic regarding your student did you personally contact the University of Rochester?

Academics

4%
Billing

24%
Career planning

1%
Financial planning

5%
Involvement opportunities

1%
Mental health and wellness

7%
Physical health

2%
Roommate and housing concerns

5%
Safety

2%
Time management or study skills

1%
COVID-19 concerns

11%
I did not contact the University

39%

November 2021

How do you keep your student connected to family traditions, even if they cannot be physically present for family events or activities?

Utilize video calls during special events

26%
Send familiar or comforting items

9%
Share photos of recent or past family gatherings

8%
Regular phone calls with student

45%
Encourage student to share traditions with friends

8%
I do not know how to connect my student

4%

October 2021

Where do you connect with parents or families of other college students?

Social media (e.g. Facebook pages, Instagram)

0%
U of R events

0%
U of R Parents Council

0%
Students co-curricular activities

0%
Local or personal connections

0%
I do not connect with other parents/families

0%

Here are some ways you can get connected to other families at the University of Rochester:

UR Parents and Families Facebook Page

Parents Council

September 2021

When did/will you engage with your student about their career goals?

Pre-college

39%
Before major declaration

3%
After major declaration

2%
We have frequent conversations about their career goals

51%
We do not engage in this type of conversation

5%

The Greene Center for Career Education and Connections offers opportunities for your student to explore and pursue their career goals.

The Greene Center for Career Education and Connections

August 2021

July 2021

As your family prepares/prepared for your student to begin college, about which topic do/did you have the most questions/concerns?

Family finances

18%
Student's academic success

18%
Student's dietary/nutrition needs

8%
Student's social/emotional support

30%
Student living on/off campus

5%
Student safety

11%
My student will be fine, I am worried about how I/we will adjust without them

9%
Other

1%

June 2021

What are your student's summer plans?

My student will spend the summer at home

42%
My student will remain in Rochester for summer coursework or employment

11%
My student plans to focus on rest and rejuvenation

12%
My student has a research or internship opportunity in Rochester

18%
My student will pursue coursework at a different institution

6%
Other

12%

May 2021

During the spring semester, on what topic regarding your student did you personally contact the University of Rochester?

Academics

6%
Billing

15%
Career planning

3%
Involvement and activities

9%
Mental health and wellness

1%
Physical health and wellness

4%
Housing or roommate concern

2%
Safety

3%
Time management or study skills

0%
Other

4%
I did not contact the University

19%

April 2021

In your opinion, how does your student connect with their instructor(s)?

My student is not comfortable reaching out

26%
Communicate via email regularly

33%
Office Hours/1-1 meetings

15%
Instructor is a mentor for my student

8%
Student does research with instructor

6%
I do not discuss this with my student

13%

March 2021

In what ways do you encourage your student to practice self-care?

Provide a safe space for dialogue

31%
Suggest wellness resources (i.e. therapy, Chaplin)

5%
Support academic/life balance

26%
Promote healthy social engagement

15%
Suggest wellness activities (i.e. meditation, running)

22%
I do not discuss this with my student

1%

We've provided some resources on campus that your student can engage in to practice self-care:

The Interfaith Chapel

UHS Counseling Center

Learning Center Academic Success Coaching

Mindful University Project

WCSA Club Sports

February 2021

How is your Rochester student taking spring 2021 classes?

In person (living on campus)

30%
In person (living off campus)

3%
In person and remotely (living on campus)

37%
In person and remotely (living in Rochester area)

6%
Remotely (living at home)

10%
Remotely (living in Rochester area)

3%
Remotely (living on campus)

8%
My student is not taking classes this semester

2%

January 2021

What is your level of engagement in your student's major or career related decision making?

attentively listen and provide feedback

68%
suggest connection with University resources

7%
help my student network or gain experience in their interested/chosen field

14%
guide my student's decisions based on what I believe is the best fit

4%
let my student tell me what they need

7%
we do not discuss this topic

0%

Below are some of the resources beneficial to students interested in exploring their career and/or internship opportunities.

College Center for Advising Services (CCAS)

Center for Community Engagement (CCE)

Greene Center

December 2020

During the fall semester, on what topic regarding your student did you personally contact the University of Rochester?

Academics

4%
Billing

24%
Career planning

1%
Financial planning

5%
Involvement opportunities

1%
Mental health and wellness

7%
Physical health

2%
Roommate and housing concerns

5%
Safety

2%
Time management or study skills

1%
COVID-19 concerns

11%
I did not contact the University

39%

November 2020

Based on communications received during the fall semester, on which topic do you need more communication?

Academic support resources

30%
COVID-19 updates

20%
Medical/Mental health resources

7%
Social resources

22%
Student safety

11%
Travel restrictions

9%

October 2020

September 2020

How is your Rochester student taking fall 2020 classes?

In person (living on campus)

27%
In person (living off campus)

2%
In person and remotely (living on campus)

48%
In person and remotely (living in Rochester area)

6%
Remotely (living at home)

7%
Remotely (living in Rochester area)

2%
Remotely (living on campus)

6%
Study Local Program

0%
My student is not taking classes this semester

1%

August 2020

In your opinion, in which area will your student need the most support during fall 2020?

Academics

14%
Accessing resources remotely

12%
Internship or research opportunities

22%
Mental health and wellness

21%
Medical health

4%
Staying connected socially

28%

Wilson Commons Student Activities (WCSA) provides opportunities for students to engage in person and virtually.

WCSA website

July 2020

Looking ahead to the fall semester, about which topic do you have the most questions/concerns?

Family finances

15%
Student's academic success

10%
Student's dietary/nutrition needs

2%
Student's social/emotional support

11%
Student living on/off campus

9%
Student safety

1%
Travel restrictions

9%
COVID-19 concerns

42%

Please be sure to sign up for Rochester Restart for weekly updates related to fall reopening. Also, visit the Coronavirus Updates page for answers to frequently asked questions.

Rochester Restart

Frequently Asked Questions

June 2020

During the spring semester, on what topic regarding your student did you personally contact the University of Rochester?

Academics

6%
Billing

15%
Career planning

3%
Financial planning

9%
Involvement opportunities

1%
Mental health and wellness

4%
Physical health

2%
Roommate and housing concerns

3%
Safety

0%
Time management or study skills

4%
COVID-19 concerns

19%
I did not contact the University

33%

May 2020

What has surprised you most about your student throughout this unprecedented time?

Positive resolve

69%
Seeking out more resources for support

6%
Continued engagement with university programming

19%
New creative approaches to assignments

4%
Love of remote learning

1%
Efforts to support community

1%

April 2020

How has the transition to online learning impacted the way you engage with your student about academics?

I have not heard as much from my student/they seem less willing to share

12%
I feel the need take a more active role in my student’s learning

5%
We talk about their classes and experiences more

56%
There is little or no change

27%

March 2020

How do you feel when your student expresses a perspective that is different than you assumed?

Excited to see them growing/changing

24%
Curious to learn more about their perspective

48%
Curious to know what caused them to change their perspective

20%
Frustrated that they had not previously shared their change in perspective

4%
Disappointed at their perspective

4%
Afraid that they no longer value my input and perspective

0%

February 2020

How do you engage with your student about relationships with peers?

We talk about everything

35%
I am there to discuss when they need me

40%
I seek out more information than they tell me

17%
We talk about their friends, but not their romantic relationships

8%
I am afraid to or do not want to ask

1%
We have not discussed this

0%

January 2020

During the fall semester, on what topic regarding your student did you personally contact the University of Rochester?

Academics

4%
Billing

24%
Career planning

1%
Involvement and activities

5%
Mental health and wellness

1%
Physical health and wellness

7%
Housing or roommate concern

2%
Safety

5%
Time management or study skills

2%
Other

1%
I did not contact the University

11%

December 2019

Have you discussed Winter Break plans with your student?

Yes, my student will travel home

88%
Yes, my student will remain on campus

4%
Yes, my student will visit other family or friends

4%
No, we have not discussed plans

2%
My student does not have plans

1%
My student may have plans, but I am unaware

1%

November 2019

In times of stress, how do you best support your student?

Phone or video call

64%
Text

14%
Send mail or care package

12%
Suggest university resources

3%
Visit student

5%
Not sure

0%
Other

1%

October 2019

Does your student have a job during the semester?

Yes, they have an on-campus job

29%
Yes, they have an off-campus job

6%
Yes, they have a paid internship or research position

2%
Yes, they have an unpaid internship or research position

0%
Yes, they are a Teaching Assistant (TA) or tutor

15%
Yes, they work multiple jobs

3%
No, but they are looking for a job

14%
No, we prefer that they focus on academics only

18%
No, they don’t want to work during the semester

12%

September 2019

What is your primary reason for visiting the Parents and Families website?

Contact information for Parent and Family Relations

5%
Information/resources to support my student

35%
Information/resources to support my transition as a parent/family member

7%
Information/resources about information release, FERPA, or parent access

1%
First-generation resources

4%
Event information (orientation, Meliora weekend, commencement)

17%
Monthly poll question

10%
I haven't used the Parents and Families website before

21%

August 2019

What is your favorite thing to do when visiting your student at University of Rochester?

Dine on campus

6%
Dine in the city of Rochester

11%
Attend university programming (i.e.: Meliora Weekend, lecture, acappella concert, performance)

11%
Attend an athletic event

6%
Go shopping

1%
Tour a city of Rochester attraction (i.e.: Public Market, museum, gallery)

8%
Just being together

52%
Other

4%

July 2019

As your family prepares/prepared for your student to begin college, about which area are/were you most anxious?

Student's academic success

16%
Student's social adjustment

22%
Student's mental health

5%
Student's roommate relationship

12%
Student's nutrition/dietary needs

1%
Student's safety

7%
Family finances

14%
Student finding a job on campus

2%
My student will be fine, I am worried about how I/we will adjust without them

17%
Other

4%

June 2019

During the spring semester, on what topic regarding your student did you personally contact the University of Rochester?

Academics

6%
Billing

15%
Career Planning

3%
Financial Aid

9%
Involvement opportunities

1%
Mental health and wellness

4%
Physical health

2%
Roommate and housing concern

3%
Safety

0%
Time management or study skills

4%
Other

19%
I did not contact University

33%

May 2019

Are you aware of your student's summer plans?

Yes, my student will spend the summer at home

36%
Yes, my student will remain in Rochester for summer coursework or employment

4%
Yes, my student will pursue summer coursework or employment at a different institution/location

9%
Yes, my student plans to focus on rest and rejuvenation

3%
Yes, my student has a research or internship opportunity in Rochester

15%
Yes, my student has a research or internship opportunity in a different location

12%
Yes, my student is going abroad

7%
No, I am unsure of my student's plans

1%
Other

13%

April 2019

Learning more about campus resources can help you start a dialogue with your student. The resources below are a great starting point. In addition, you may reach out to Parent and Family Relations at 585-275-5415 if you would like help exploring ways to support your student.

CARE Network

Interfaith Chapel

University Counseling Center (UCC)

March 2019

Have you asked this semester if your student's budget is still on track?

Yes - we talked and they are on track

49%
Yes - we talked and adjustments are needed

19%
No - but I/we plan to

4%
No - it's my student's responsibility

17%
My student does not have a budget

11%

February 2019

For what life skills does your student currently need the most guidance?

Career guidance

32%
Cooking

3%
Financial management

14%
Health/wellness management

9%
Home maintenance

4%
Organizational skills

5%
Relationship/social skills

13%
Street smarts

8%
Time management

10%
Other

2%

January 2019

During the fall semester, on what topic regarding your student did you personally contact the University of Rochester?

Academics

4%
Billing

24%
Career planning

1%
Financial Aid

5%
Involvement activities

1%
Mental health and wellness

7%
Physical health

2%
Roommate or housing concern

5%
Safety

2%
Time management or study skills

1%
Other

11%
I did not contact University

39%

December 2018

November 2018

Visit the Office of the Bursar's website frequently asked questions about ebills.

Office of the Bursar

October 2018

Have you discussed Winter Break plans with your student?

Yes, my student will travel home

88%
Yes, my student will remain on campus

4%
Yes, my student will visit other family or friends

4%
No, we have not discussed plans

2%
My student does not have a plan

1%
My student may have plans, but I am unaware

1%

Learn more about Winter Stay at University of Rochester

Winter Stay

September 2018

In times of stress, how do you show support to your student?

Telephone Conversation

59%
Text

12%
Send Care Package

8%
Suggest University Resources

1%
Video Call (i.e.: FaceTime, Skype)

15%
Visit Student on Campus

4%
Not sure what to do

1%
Other

0%

August 2018

In your opinion, in which area does your student need the most support in developing?

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

8%
Leadership

32%
Communication Skills

13%
Career Management

23%
Teamwork and Collaboration

4%
Global and Intercultural Fluency

10%
Digital Technology

6%
Professionalism and Work Ethic

4%

Learn more about Career Competencies at The Gwen M. Greene Center. Students can schedule 1:1 appointments with advisors.

The Gwen M. Greene Center

July 2018

What is your approach in discussing the topic of alcohol and other drugs with your student?

We have open discussion about all substances

94%
I do not discuss this topic

1%
I am comfortable discussing alcohol, but not other drugs

1%
I am comfortable discussing other drugs, but not alcohol

0%
I talk, my student listens

3%
My student will not talk to me about this topic

1%
I need more education on this topic

0%

June 2018

During the spring semester, on what topic regarding your student did you personally contact the University of Rochester?

Academics

6%
Billing

15%
Career Planning

3%
Financial Aid

9%
Involvement opportunities

1%
Mental health and wellness

4%
Physical health

2%
Roommate and housing concern

3%
Safety

0%
Time management or study skills

4%
Other

19%
I did not contact University

33%

May 2018

When you have questions or concerns, what is your primary method of communication with the University of Rochester?

Telephone

37%
Email

21%
Social Media

0%
In person visits

2%
University programming (i.e.: Orientation, Meliora Weekend)

2%
I search the website until I find an answer

29%
I do not communicate with the University

10%

April 2018

What topic is most difficult for you to discuss with your student?

Academics

13%
Careers

11%
Finances

13%
Mental Health

7%
Physical Health

4%
Sex

27%
Religion

2%
Romantic Relationships

13%
Safety

1%
Other

8%

Responses indicated that sex is the most difficult topic for families to discuss with students. The following resources are offered to help you have more productive discussions with students on the topic:

Sex Ed Rescue

Ted Radio Hour: How Should We Talk To Our Kids About Sex?

Love Is Respect

Current Poll

November 2024

How do you approach your student when you disagree?

Previous Polls

October 2024

In your opinion (in 2024), what has been/will be most helpful in your student's adjustment to college?

September 2024

Will you visit your student on campus during fall 2024?

August 2024

Will you give your student college related advice at the start of the fall 2024 semester?

July 2024

In planning for fall 2024, how are you involved with your student's preparation for change and increased independence?

June 2024

During college, how do/will you engage with your student about academic grades?

May 2024

During the 2024 spring semester, on what topic regarding your student did you personally contact the University of Rochester?

April 2024

In your opinion, during Spring 2024, how has your student connected with their instructor(s)?

March 2024

In your opinion, how is your student balancing their academic workload with other responsibilities and activities?

February 2024

In your opinion, in which area does your student need the most support in developing?

January 2024

What strategy do you believe is most effective in addressing mental health with your student?

December 2023

During the fall semester 2023, on what topic regarding your student did you personally contact the University of Rochester?

November 2023

In 2023, how do you keep your student connected to family traditions, even if they cannot be physically present for family events or activities?

October 2023

Where do you connect with parents or families of other college students in 2023?

September 2023

Will you visit your student on campus during fall 2023?

August 2023

August is the start of a new academic year, have you discussed 2023 - 2024 goals with your student?

July 2023

In planning for the fall semester, how are you involved with your student’s preparation for change and increased independence?

June 2023

Are you involved with your student's decisions about summer plans?

May 2023

During the spring semester, on what topic regarding your student did you personally contact the University of Rochester?

April 2023

What is your approach in discussing the topic of alcohol and other drugs with your student?

March 2023

If you have concerns about your student, do you openly share your concerns with student?

February 2023

Do you and your student have open dialogue about diversity, equity, and inclusion?

January 2023

Do you give your student college related advice at the start of a new semester?

December 2022

During the fall semester, on what topic regarding your student did you personally contact the University of Rochester?

November 2022

Have you discussed Winter Break plans with your student?

October 2022

In your opinion, what has been/will be most helpful in your student's adjustment to college?

September 2022

Will you visit your student on campus this fall?

August 2022

August is the start of a new academic year; have you discussed 2022-2023 goals with your student?

July 2022

As your family prepares/prepared for your student to begin college, how does/did your family handle college related tasks and deadlines?

June 2022

How do you engage with your student about academic grades?

May 2022

During the spring 2022 semester, on what topic regarding your student did you personally contact the University of Rochester?

April 2022

How do you feel about your student participating in education abroad opportunities?

March 2022

Looking ahead, how do you plan to celebrate your students’ college graduation?

February 2022

To your knowledge, how does your student engage with faith/spirituality during the academic year?

January 2022

How do you feel when you notice changes in your student's core values?

December 2021

During the fall semester, on what topic regarding your student did you personally contact the University of Rochester?

November 2021

How do you keep your student connected to family traditions, even if they cannot be physically present for family events or activities?

October 2021

Where do you connect with parents or families of other college students?

September 2021

When did/will you engage with your student about their career goals?