Context:

Students entering college this fall are being faced with new challenges in the form of COVID and the uncertainty that comes with it. Your mentee may be feeling uneasy or confused about what to expect during their first semester at college. For example, their first semester may be completely virtual or they will be on campus but with restrictions. In order to help your mentee during this transition, it will be beneficial to know what their college is planning on doing in regards to COVID.

Your mentee may also be feeling some anxiety around the transition to college and may be second guessing their college pathway. Checking in with your mentee will allow you to gain insight into how they are feeling about college along with making sure they are still on track to attend their intended school in the fall.

 Spotlight:

Students are faced with a new set of challenges by entering college during a global pandemic.

Prompts for Communication:

Here are some ideas for questions or conversations starters you can use this month to discuss important and timely topics with your mentee.

• What are you feeling about starting college in the fall? Are you excited? Nervous? If nervous, let's talk things through to address those concerns.
• How has COVID impacted your decision or emotions about starting college in the fall? Has it impacted your summer plans at all? For example, finding a summer job?
• What system are you using to keep track of COVID related news and updated from your college?
• What worries do you have about starting college during COVID? If applicable, are you nervous about online learning? Health and safety?

Resources:

• 60 Minutes video and article: This article provides a conversation with university leaders about the different possibilities for returning to colleges in the fall.

• WBUR podcast and list of relevant articles: podcast that speaks to students from the Class of 2020 and their feelings on entering adulthood during COVID. This article also contains several links to other relevant articles.

• The Chronicle for Higher Education: This article provides an up to date list of colleges intended plans for the fall.

• USA Today: Article about the possibilities of college in the fall along with student's reactions.

• WGBH audio and article: This article provides first hand accounts of students challenges finding summer jobs due to COVID.