Partnering in student success
Parents often ask how they can best support their student’s success in college. One of the most important truths to remember is that students need to be in the driver’s seat of their own educational journey. You play an essential role in their support network, but real progress happens when students take ownership of their learning, use campus resources and stay engaged. At The University of Tulsa, we offer a wide range of tools and services to help your student thrive, and we encourage you to guide them toward using these resources as they navigate their college experience.
What are midterm grades?
A midterm grade offers a snapshot of how a student is doing in a course halfway through the semester. It does not determine the final grade and does not appear on a permanent academic record. Instead, a midterm grade serves as valuable feedback students can use to reflect, adjust their approach and make informed decisions about the rest of the term.
How can I see my student’s midterm grades?
Students’ grades are protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. We encourage students to talk with their parents about their grades and their academic progress.
What kind of feedback do midterm grades provide?
- D, F, Unsatisfactory – This is a red flag. Members of the student success team will contact your student to offer support and connect them with helpful resources. Students should be encouraged to use available tools to build strong academic habits.
- C – This grade could be a yellow flag. Encourage your student to closely monitor their grades and continue using UTulsa’s resources.
- A, B, Satisfactory – This is a green flag for now. Kudos on their progress at this snapshot!
How can I talk to my student about their midterm grades?
If your student is a first-year student, it can be surprising to see a marked difference from their high school GPA. First-year students are often shocked that their grades may be much lower than they were previously. This is an important opportunity for your student to begin using university support resources.
Midterm grades will be posted in Self-Service by week nine of each semester. This is a great time to have a conversation with your student about their progress. When discussing grades with your student, consider asking:
- What have you learned about yourself as a learner?
- What strategies and habits are working for you?
- What are your areas of growth?
- What habits do you need to learn to reach your goals?
- What obstacles are getting in your way?
- What university resources have you utilized this semester?
- Are you attending and actively participating in class?
What resources are available to help my student succeed?
Students are not expected to figure everything out on their own. UTulsa has many resources designed to support them throughout their academic journey:
- Faculty
- Student Success Coaching
- Center for Academic Advising
- CaneCareers
- Counseling and Psychological Services
- McFarlin Library
- Student Access Office
- Tutoring Services
- Writing Center
Students can track their progress throughout the semester in several practical ways. Checking Harvey, keeping a calendar or course schedule for assignments, and noting key dates for quizzes and exams can help students stay organized and prepared. Meeting with faculty during office hours also provides valuable insight and guidance.