Course Load

• Talk with students about their degree-completion goals and timeline. Students who enroll full-time are more likely to graduate than those who attend part-time. While 15 credits per semester puts students on track for on-time completion, 12 is the requirement for financial aid. When planning for the fall, consider students’ goals, needs, and obligations. Also consider their potential eligibility for programs like the Mayor's Tuition Free Community College program and Massachusetts’ Commonwealth Commitment, which have GPA and full-time enrollment requirements – and offer significant savings and transfer benefits. 

Get Connected

• If students are already enrolled in college, they should connect to their school’s online platforms, portals, and email accounts – and check them regularly. Students should identify and connect with their academic advisor and register for classes as early as possible. Once students are enrolled, ensure they have school supplies, books and access to reliable transportation.
  • ★ TIP:  If not enrolled, students may still apply and enroll at a community college and many four-year institutions. Learn about public higher education options.
  • ★ TIP:  Some students may want to explore alternative credentialing programs, like DUET ("on demand" college model), JVS Boston, or Year Up.

Get Paperwork in Order 

• Ensure that students have completed and submitted all necessary paperwork to the appropriate departments on campus.
• Ensure students have sorted out their housing (including roommates, if applicable) and meal plans.
• Health: Students need to submit immunization and health insurance documents. Remind students about waiving health insurance costs and non-mandatory fees (which most students do if they have MassHealth) - find more information on students’ bills.
• If students have Learning Disability (LD) needs, or an Individualized Education Program (IEP), ensure they meet with the Disability Office on campus. Students often don’t realize the resources they can access in and outside of class in college.
  • ★ TIP:  For students who may feel a sense of stigma, try asking questions about learning style and services they may have had in high school, remind them of their privacy and of the very valuable benefits of free services in college.
  • ★ TIP:  Encourage students to secure a copy of their assessment from high school (reevaluation post-high school can be cumbersome) and consider sharing it with their coach for help with getting services.

>> Explore options for developmental (also known as remedial) education <<

Sorting out the Money 

• For returning students, ensure they have completed their FAFSA (FAFSA deadlines; also check individual schools), any other applicable financial aid applications and forms, and verification, if needed. Verification can be a concern or roadblock for students, so remind them that it is just a common formality and requirement.
  • ★ TIP:  You’ll find many questions answered on the FAFSA website.
  • ★ TIP:  uAspire has great FAFSA resources and how-tos and a special section of financial-aid related resources in the wake of COVID-19.

• Review tuition and fees bill and financial aid with students. Discuss budgeting, preparing to pay their fall bills, and managing indirect expenses like books, transportation, etc. 
  • ★ TIP: StudentAid.gov has helpful budgeting resources and FinAid has several different calculator tools.
  • ★ TIP: Many schools have resources and funds to help with managing expenses, including books and public transportation, so explore what is available at each institution. 

Financial Aid and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Appeals

• If students’ family situations have changed and/or they need additional resources, they may appeal for more financial aid.
  
  
• Students must make Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) in order to remain eligible for Financial Aid. In addition to the federal requirements, each school has a different definition of SAP – be sure to know what this is. If students don’t make SAP – either for federal aid or to remain at their college, they may need to appeal one or both and will need to do so before the fall semester begins.  

Finalize class schedules and financial aid.

Coaches: Get Connected

• Coaches should familiarize themselves with college offices and resources. Take time to build relationships with key higher education liaisons and representatives, to help with advocating for students throughout the year. 
  • ★ TIP: Some colleges allow coaches to attend student orientations. 
  • ★ TIP:Talk to a more experienced coach or academic advisor on campus for help with getting familiar with offices, staff, and resources.

• Provide all students with on-campus coaching office hours and locations. General advice suggests coaches spend more time at colleges where they have the most students. In a virtual world, create virtual office hours for students to sign up. Research also indicates that more frequent interactions with students have a greater impact – more than less frequent connections (even when they are longer in duration). Regular, brief touch points with students matter.

Establish Schedules and Systems for Success

• Students should connect with academic advisors to discuss their goals and make sure they are meeting their course requirements for their first semester. Coaches can help to evaluate students’ schedules for timing, pairings, etc. Are they manageable?
  • ★ TIP:  As students connect with academic advisors, help them to understand their advisors’ important role in their success. Check out various resources on questions to ask: Questions for an Academic Advisor; Asking an Academic Advisor; Make the Most of Academic Advising.

• Encourage students to reach out to professors and attend office hours to establish rapport – and coach them on how to do this to build confidence and comfort. Educate students on tutoring, writing, and other academic support resources that are free to them through their colleges
  • ★ TIP:  Connect to free academic supports early – they’re available to help and strengthen skills along the way, whether you’re thriving or having trouble.  

• Students should use a calendar (Google, Outlook, Apple, etc.) to manage time well. They should also create a study plan that includes when, how, and where they will work and build this into their weekly schedule.

• Some partner colleges have their own Success Boston offices and websites (UMass Boston, for example), in addition to advising offices and websites – direct students to these.

• Students may be more likely to thrive if they feel connected to their school community. Encourage students to explore student groups, college events, and social gatherings (even virtually). Assist students in finding a social outlet that connects with something they are interested in or with which they identify (this may include Success Boston student groups). 

Staying on Track

• Remind students that they are responsible for going to classes and passing them. Financial aid is earned, and if students don’t fulfill course requirements, they may have to pay it back. Remind students that attendance is still required in virtual or hybrid courses; not attending can negatively impact their grades and standing.

• Remind students about add/drop deadlines to modify their class schedules, and the importance of consulting with both their academic and financial aid advisors when dropping classes. Dropping below full-time status can impact financial aid eligibility. 

• Anticipate transfer deadlines: for students planning to transfer for spring semester enrollment, Mass Transfer has an October deadline.

Financial Aid

• Help students check work-study eligibility for jobs on-campus. This is available on their FAFSA Student Aid Report or listed on the aid offer from their college. Work-study jobs are preferred for students, as they have the most flexible hours and best understanding of student needs. 

• If applicable, students should have completed their entrance counseling and master promissory note for their federal loans. 

Mid-semester check-ins and FAFSA completion.

Staying on Track

• Check-in about classes mid-way through the semester and if needed, remind students about the connection between grades and financial aid (SAP).

• Direct students to schedule a meeting with their advisor to discuss midterms, classes for next semester, core requirements and to obtain a Degree Audit.

• Ensure students are prepared for midterms and discuss getting free academic and tutoring support. Talk about study tips and strategies.

• October is also when some schools utilize their early alert systems, which help to flag issues with student performance and connect students with faculty support.

• Winter session registration often opens in October, for students who are looking to complete credits in January, between the fall and spring semesters.

• For students transferring for spring semester enrollment, Mass Transfer has an October deadline.

Financial Aid

• The new FAFSA for the upcoming year opens on October 1st. It is good practice for students to complete it as soon as possible, as some schools still have a “first come, first served” policy. For some students, however, if their school does not have this policy, the break between semesters may be an easier time to get it done. Whether completing the FAFSA immediately or not, make a plan for this in the fall. (FAFSA deadlines – be sure to check individual schools.)
  • ★ TIP:  See uAspire resources (including how-to videos) for guidance.

Internships, Jobs, and Career Planning

• College career centers have generous services and resources for students, all free and accessible. Encourage students to seek them out. 

• Students should work on resumes for summer internship applications in the Spring semester, in addition to working on interview skills and other soft skills needed for careers.
  • ★ TIP: Students don’t always have to choose between earning money and internship experience in their fields of interest. Look into college-offered and other stipends and grants for “unpaid” internships, as well as programs such as Bunker Hill Community College’s Learn and Earn. 

>> See more career planning resources here<<

Registration for spring classes opens up, finals are coming.

Registration and Withdrawals

• Ensure students are registered and have financial aid for the Spring semester.

• Check-in with students about withdrawal deadlines (some have been extended due to COVID) and remind them about the potential financial and academic consequences (e.g. full-time enrollment for financial aid).
  • ★ TIP:  What to consider before you drop a class. 

• For students interested in winter session, complete registration.

Staying on Track

• Confirm students are prepared for finals and connect them with free college academic supports, such as one-on-one tutoring, writing center and paper reviews, and more.

• Remind students of the importance of making SAP, and the benefits of maintaining GPAs that could qualify them for programs such as the Massachusetts’ Commonwealth Commitment.

Spring-Start Students

• Some students will enroll in college for the first time in the spring. Their onboarding process and preparation, including signing up for winter orientations, should start by November.

Note: students may qualify for tuition free community college under MassEducate.

Finals season - students will be stressed. Guide and support them during this time.

Reach out to students as they prepare for finals.

• Encourage students to take care of themselves and recharge during winter break, while getting prepared for the upcoming semester. 

• For students who will be completing credits during a winter session, prepare for these short and accelerated courses.

• For students in university housing who plan to stay over winter break, complete all steps to do so, including meal planning.
  • ★ TIP:  Managing stress during finals and studying for finals during COVID.

Bills and Financial Aid

• Help students prepare for their spring bill. If their spring bill is expected to be the same as their fall bill, will they be able to handle it? 

• Continue to explore scholarships, especially if students’ bills and/or loans are unsustainable.

• Discuss or revisit transferring, if this is a goal for students, or for financial reasons (Mass Transfer has a fall enrollment deadline in March).

Spring-Start Students

• Students enrolling for the spring semester should be preparing to start (see summer and September for tips and reminders).

Staying on Track – and Reconnecting

• Intrusive advising and mentoring – not waiting for a student to reach out – is the most effective way to reach disconnected students and those at risk of not completing college. It’s never too late for a student to reengage.

• The end of the semester and before the spring is a great time to get in touch with disengaged students, or those who have stopped out, and present them opportunities for support.

Starting the Spring semester and summer planning.

Staying on Track 

• Some students will complete accelerated courses for credit during January.

• Students should prepare to pay their spring semester bill, and have a plan for indirect expenses (books, etc.). 

Summer and Transferring

• During winter break, guide students to search for summer term opportunities, such as summer courses for credit, paid internships, and volunteer opportunities. Seek out career centers for resources and programs.

• For students who plan to transfer, begin the process ahead of March fall enrollment deadlines (Mass Transfer program).

Recruiting Students

• Success Boston – next graduating class recruitment: begin to reach out to students at partner high schools to assist in college access. Contact BU-College Advising Corps Advisors or Success Boston for assistance. 

>> See First Year Students <<

Stay on track to graduate.

Staying on Track

• Remind students that they are responsible for going to classes and passing them. Financial aid is earned, and if students don’t fulfill course requirements, they may have to pay it back. Remind students that attendance is still required in virtual or hybrid courses – not attending can negatively impact their grades and standing.

• Remind students about add/drop deadlines to modify their class schedules, and the importance of consulting with both their academic and financial aid advisors when dropping classes. Dropping below full-time status can impact financial aid eligibility. 

• Direct students to schedule a meeting with their advisor to discuss midterms, classes for next semester, and core requirements.

• Ensure students are prepared for midterms and discuss getting free academic and tutoring support. Talk about study tips and strategies. 

• Encourage students to reach out to professors and attend office hours to establish rapport – and coach them on how to do this to build confidence and comfort. Educate students on tutoring, writing, and other academic support resources that are free to them through their colleges.
  • ★ TIP:  Connect to free academic supports early – they’re available to help and strengthen skills along the way, whether you’re thriving or having trouble.

• For students who plan to transfer, complete the process ahead of March fall enrollment deadlines (Mass Transfer program).

• For students in university housing who plan to stay over spring break, complete all steps to do so, including meal planning.
   

Financial Aid

• For new students, make a final push for March FAFSA deadlines (colleges often have March priority financial aid deadlines). 

• Many students may be required to complete verification and should provide requested documentation as quickly as possible. They should use the Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) if possible, and if not, order a free tax transcript for verification.

• If coaches complete a FAFSA with a student whose parent(s) do not work, they are more likely to have to complete verification. As this can take time, best practice is to go ahead with verification of non-filing, rather than waiting for the school to ask.
  • ★ TIP:  uAspire video: how to download a tax transcript.

Now is the time to firm up summer jobs and internships - reach out to career services on campus or the Boston PIC. Midterms are right around the corner.
 

Summer and Transferring

• For students who plan to transfer, complete the process ahead of March fall enrollment deadlines (Mass Transfer program).

• Guide students to search for summer term opportunities, such as summer courses for credit, paid internships, and volunteer opportunities. Seek out college career centers for free resources and programs.
  • ★ TIP:  The Boston PIC is a resource for summer jobs.

• Have students connect with employers and alumni for recruiting and networking. Even if they don't secure an internship for the summer, these conversations can help students search for potential opportunities.

Staying on Track

• Ensure students are prepared for midterms and discuss getting free academic and tutoring support. Talk about study tips and strategies.

• Remind students of the importance of making SAP and the connection between grades and financial aid. How are their grades? If they’re struggling, make a plan to get back on track. 

• Encourage students to take care of themselves and recharge during spring break, while preparing to finish the semester strong. 

Financial Aid

• Remind students about filing taxes by April 15th.
  • ★ TIP:  The Boston Tax Help Coalition offers free tax preparation assistance. Students may qualify for a refund if they had a job.

• Review loans with students: how much did they take out this year? Are they using them, or are they taking too much? If transferring is appealing for financial reasons, it can be wise to consider this before students take on too much debt.

Staying on Track

• Ensure students are registered and have financial aid for the fall semester.

• Remind students about withdrawal deadlines.

• Ensure students are prepared for finals and discuss getting free academic and tutoring support. Talk about study tips and strategies.

• For students eligible for graduation, ensure they complete applications to graduate prior to their college’s deadline. They can find graduation application instructions with their academic advisor.
  
  • ★ TIP:  More information on students approaching graduation.

• As the weather warms up, students may find concentrating on academics more difficult. Encourage students to stay focused by sending motivational messages about the end of the semester.

• Summer session registration often opens in April, for students who are looking to complete credits over the summer.

Financial Aid and Summer 

• Ensure students complete FAFSA renewal by May 1, Massachusetts’ priority consideration deadline, in order to qualify for MassGrant and maximum state financial aid. 
  • ★ TIP: Even if students miss this deadline, they should still complete their FAFSA as soon as possible, in order to be eligible for Federal Pell Grants and potentially MassGrant PLUS.

• Students should have plans for housing for the summer. 

Get ready for Summer Term and Internships.

• For students who need more credits to stay on track to graduate, encourage summer courses. First year students may take fewer than 15 credits per term (12 is the requirement to be “full time” eligible for financial aid), but without additional credits during breaks, this will delay graduation. Review degree goals and timelines with students. Colleges often offer discounts and scholarships for summer courses.

• Many students begin summer internships in late May/early June. Connect with students and provide tips on getting ready for internships.

• Students should begin to firm up their housing and meal plans for the following school year and think about what their needs will be in the summer and next academic year.

>> More information on students approaching graduation <<