Q: My student just moved in a week ago and they are already having difficulties with their roommate/suitemate…how can I help them?
A: It’s common for our students to negotiate these new relationships and often it’s just a matter of allowing them time to adjust to new people with different backgrounds, experiences and expectations. In an effort to help our students we have all of our Resident Assistants (RAs) complete Roommate Contract with their new residents. These are meant to be an opportunity for new roommates/suitemates discuss the basic expectations that they have of one another and to bring up those topics which often lead to disagreement later on down the road (cleanliness, guests, sharing of belongings, etc). Ask your student if they have completed their Roommate Contract, if they haven’t, encourage them to set up an appointment with the RA to do so.
If your student has completed the Roommate Contract and has spoken with their roommate about residual issues, but to no avail, your student should seek out their Resident Director (RD) who can generally be found at their front desk. Their RD can help give your student advice on how to work with their roommate/suitemate, facilitate a roommate/suitemate mediation or as a last resort, offer a room change. Room changes will not be considered until Monday, September 8th and even at that time, our available rooms to move students to may be limited.
Q: My student has been finding their options at Boise River Café limited. I’m worried they aren’t eating enough! What can I do?
A: Residential students have several options open to them. If it is within the first 10 business days of the semester, your student can make meal plan changes on this website. However, once the deadline has passed, the link will be deactivated and no changes may be made.
Residential students have 4 different options with the major difference being that each plan has a different allotment of flex dollars which can be used at all of the food outlets on campus. Some students find that increased flex dollars are more convenient than extra meals in Table Rock. When/if your student runs out of flex dollars, you can always add Bronco Bucks through the Information Desk at the Student Union. Bronco Bucks can be used at all campus food outlets and at the Campus Bookstore!
If your student has specific dietary needs, University Dining Service Representatives are more than happy to meet with your student and to work with their chefs to create options that meet their specific needs. Please visit their website to find out more at: http://www.campusdish.com/en-US/CSMW/BoiseState/ContactUs
Q: My student seems very stressed out with all of their obligations and it’s only September! Is there anyone on campus who can help them?
A: When you are talking to your student, try to figure out where the bulk of the stress is coming from. Some students come to campus and find that the academic rigors and work load are more intense than they are prepared for. For those students, the best solution might be for them to hone up on their study skills. The Gateway Center is a wonderful campus resource that offers many tools which can help your student succeed academically. For more information, visit their website at: http://academicsupport.boisestate.edu/
Other students might find that the challenges of moving on to campus with a large number of students who are very different than they are in opinions, sleep schedules, noise tolerance levels, socializing styles, etc., too overwhelming. This stress can often effect a student’s physical and/or emotional well being. Often times these students can benefit from visiting Health, Wellness and Counseling Services on campus. For more detailed information on their services please see their website at: http://www.boisestate.edu/healthservices/originalindex.asp
And, as always, University Housing hires Resident Assistants , RAs (full time student employees) and Resident Directors, RDs (full time professional employees) who are highly trained in assisting students as they make this transition to a full fledged college student. All residents should feel free to talk to their RA and/or RD about the struggles they are facing and feel confident that they will be referred to the most qualified person on campus to help them resolve their concerns.
Q: My student has been coming home every weekend since they first returned to campus. I’m glad to see them, but worried they might not be adjusting to living in the halls and making friends. What should I do?
A: Encourage your student to get to know their RA. Each RA is responsible for facilitating and promoting fun programmatic events throughout the year for their specific floor. Additionally, each residential area has a building-wide social program hosted by the duty RAs every weekend, which can be a wonderful way to meet new other students! There are also regular events and meetings put on by the University Housing Association (UHA) and individual Hall Councils. Direct your student to their RA and/or RD to help them get a better grasp of the many fun opportunities that exist within their own hall to get involved and connect with other students! The more often your student attends events and meets others, the more comfortable they will feel being here on campus.
