Starting college at Utah State University is exciting – but it also brings new challenges. One of the best skills students can build is knowing when and how to ask for help. At USU’s Center for Academic Belonging & Learning Excellence (ABLE), students can learn that reaching out is a sign of strength – not weakness.
Why Help-Seeking Matters
College classes can be tough, and it’s normal to run into roadblocks. But students who ask questions early, go to office hours, and use campus resources often perform better and feel more connected. Research shows that help-seeking is one of the strongest predictors of success and persistence in college.
As a parent or family member, you can make a difference just by encouraging your student to ask for help and use the tools around them.
Academic Resources at USU
USU offers many ways to support student success. A great place to start is the Academic Resource Finder, which links common challenges with helpful tools.
Key support options include:
- Academic Success Coaches: One-on-one coaching to help with time management, goal setting, and academic planning.
- Supplemental Instruction (SI): Peer-led study sessions for large general education courses.
- Habits of Mind Courses: These are 7-week,1-credit classes that help students build long-term academic habits.
How You Can Help as a Parent or Family Member
- Normalize Asking for Help: Share stories from your own life when asking for help made a difference. This helps students feel more confident about doing the same.
- Be Resource-Aware: The more you know about what USU offers, the more ready you’ll be to guide your student. When challenges come up, students often turn to someone they trust – your support can open the door to real solutions.
- Encourage Connection: Help your student see the value of finding their people – classmates, instructors, advisors. A strong learning community makes a big difference in how supported and successful students feel.
Encourage your student to use their resources early and often. These habits lead to stronger academic skills, more confidence, and long-term growth – in college and beyond. Explore these resources and more at usu.edu/able.
