Preparing for Second Semester
Happy Holidays and congratulations to you both for surviving a time of so many transitions! As you are enjoying having your student home, you both may already be fast-forwarding to second semester. How will it be different from first semester? Will it be harder or easier? What plans should we be making?
Secrets of Second Semester: Seven Things Parents and Students Should Know
- By second semester, students are acclimated with being in college. They can find their way around campus; they’ve made friends; they feel at home; they’ve lost those first-semester shy feelings and are more confident. Socially and emotionally, second semester will probably be easier for your student.
- Second semester will not be easier academically. College courses only increase in difficulty as time passes. If your student found first semester courses a bit daunting, they might consider reviewing the past few months. Was it everything they expected? Was your student able to adjust to the rigors of college academics? Did they set aside enough time for studying? Could your student use a refresher course of time management skills? Did your student get involved on campus? Is your son or daughter taking advantage of Detroit Mercy’s resources (academic, health/wellness, etc.)?And regardless of first semester experience, many students can benefit from the academic support services Detroit Mercy provides. Our Writing Center offers workshops to strengthen skills in writing and critical thinking, which will help your student in every college course. Our Student Success Center provides free tutoring and other kinds of help in most academic subjects.
- During the second semester, your student should move closer to choosing a major. That choice may affect the courses taken, since certain courses may be required for certain majors. Encourage your student to discuss course selection and explore possible majors with their advisor. Also, here’s a bit of inside information: Our Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) has advice for parents, whether in year one or year four. Finally, you and your student can always review the majors and minors Detroit Mercy offers.
- Choosing a major goes hand-in-hand with choosing a career to which that major can lead. Again, the CCPD is the go-to place, and offers advising career appointments and career exploration and other services.
- By the end of second semester, residential students must decide where to live sophomore year — and with whom. Some first-year roommates remain together, but around half will not. The Office of Residential Life can help your student explore options.
- Second semester will fly by even more quickly than first semester. Then comes summer! Summertime is a good time to take additional courses at Detroit Mercy or at another school. Your student should talk to his or her academic advisor about good choices.
- Many students need to find a summer job or an internship. Your student should not miss Detroit Mercy’s annual Winter Career Fair. Check with the CCPD for 2023 dates. The center also posts student employment available on campus as well as student jobs and internships.
Did You Know?
- Nov. 8, 2022: Registration Began
- Jan. 8, 2023: Registration Ends
- Jan. 9: Classes Begin
- Jan: 15: Last Day to Add a Class / Last Day to Delete a Class without a W grade
- Jan. 16: MLK Holiday (UNIV CLOSED)
- Mar. 6-11: Mid-Winter/Spring Break
- Mar. 29: Last Day to Withdraw (full semester course) Mar 30
- Apr. 7-9: Easter Recess (UNIV CLOSED)
- Apr. 25-29: Final Exam Week
- Apr. 29: Official End of Term II/Winter
- May 13: Baccalaureate/Commencement
