Student Success Center

Parent Information

Parent Guide: 10 Ways to Support Your Trailblazer’s Success

As a parent or guardian, you are a vital part of your student's support team. Here is how you can help them navigate their first year at Utah Tech while they build their own path to success.
1

Reframe College as an Investment

Help them see that their time in the Student Success Program is a down payment on their future. When they feel overwhelmed by a tough assignment, remind them of the “why” behind their hard work and the career goals they are reaching for.

2

Normalize Using Campus Resources

Encourage them to see the Student Success Center not as “extra help,” but as a professional edge. Remind them that the most successful students are the ones who use tutoring, Peer Coaches, and faculty office hours early and often.

3

Coach, Don't Play: Encourage Self-Advocacy

When a problem arises, try asking, “Who on campus can help you solve this?” instead of solving it for them. Empowering them to speak with their Academic Success Advisor or professor builds the confidence they’ll need in the professional world.

4

Celebrate the "Learning Curve"

Mistakes are proof of progress. If they hit a stumbling block, help them see it as a data point rather than a defeat. Ask, “What did you learn from this that will make the next attempt better?”

5

Redefine "Asking for Help" as a Strength

Remind your student that high achievers—from CEOs to athletes—all have coaches. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of a student who is serious about their goals.

6

Foster Independence Through Partnership

Give them the space to manage their own schedule and deadlines. Being a partner in their journey means cheering from the sidelines while they hold the “keys” to their own education.

7

Stay "In the Loop" on Financials & Academics

Encourage your student to check their Utah Tech email and student portal weekly. Knowing their GPA standing and financial aid status prevents surprises and keeps them in the driver’s seat of their education.

8

Cultivate "Grit" and Resilience

Success isn’t always a straight line. When things get tough, remind them of their past wins. Help them develop the “Trailblazer Grit” to stay the course when the climb gets steep.

9

Encourage the "On-Campus" Experience

Community is the “glue” that keeps students in college. Encourage them to stay on campus between classes, join a club, or hang out in the Student Success Center. A connected student is a successful student!

10

Practice the Art of Patience

Remind them (and yourself!) that finding a “groove” and a community takes time. The first few weeks are a transition; encourage them to give themselves grace as they adjust to this exciting new chapter.

Here are some other links that will be helpful to you.

The link below will take you to our Parent and Family Resources for additional information on how to help your student be successful.
Utah Tech Parents and Families

FERPA stands for Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. FERPA is a federal law that prohibits UT from releasing your student’s personal information, grades, and schedule to anyone. Your student can fill out an information release form to allow you to access this information and act on their behalf. Here is more information on FERPA.

 

Contact

Jamie Kearra

Director of Student Success

Email: Jamie.Kearra@utahtech.edu

Phone: 435-879-4613

Office: Browning 114