The concept of the “sophomore slump”
is not new or unfamiliar to most people.
Students in their second year of college are often let down as they don’t receive the same fanfare they did the year before, classes get harder, and what they thought were solid friendships start to shift. You may find your sophomore questioning things they have always been so certain of and maybe even asking you questions you don’t know how to answer. This might be something big, like wanting to change from a pre-med major to visual arts or something minor, like joining the rock-climbing club when they’ve always expressed a fear of heights.
The goal of this book is to help you navigate your student’s sophomore year, including the challenges and the joys it will bring. Chapters are written by professionals in the areas of family engagement, mental health, study abroad, career services, and the second-year experience. The content will help you guide your student on their journey with information, resources, and conversation starters.
Praise for College Sophomore Ready
“Practical advice for parents from professionals with insider knowledge of the seemingly subtle yet significant differences between the freshman and sophomore experience. Insights and helpful guidance contained in this book note developmental changes in students and the delicate balance between supportive, parental guidance and a successful launch toward independence.”
DEBRA MERCHANT, J.D.
Former Vice President for Student Affairs, University of Cincinnati
“From increased academic demands to social, emotional, and identity adjustments and everything in between, I appreciated the holistic way that the content experts described every facet of the sophomore year experience in engaging ways, leaving us with a better understanding and practical tools to help our students and families to be successful.”
SHARON DUFFY
Assistant Vice President for Student Success, Emerson College, parent of a college sophomore
“Students continue to grow throughout their entire college experience—College Sophomore Ready provides terrific guidance to families as their students learn to apply the knowledge they gained in their first year of college to their second-year successes and challenges.”
DR. JEAN PEDEN CHRISTODOULOU
Senior Advisor and Chief of Staff to the President, Hofstra University
“As a Dean of Students, I would highly recommend College Sophomore Ready for parents, families, and guardians. The book touches upon aspects of identity, student leadership, well-being, self-care, and academic support, which are instrumental and vital to students’ personal, social, and academic development in higher education.”
JUAN R. GUARDIA, PH.D.
Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs & Dean of Students, University of Cincinnati
The Authors
Chelsea Petree, Ph.D., Rochester Institute of Technology
Lindsey Bray, Cornell University
Rebecca Downing, Colgate University
Carrie Glatting, RMHCI, Orlando
Marshall Greenleaf, Ed.D., University of Massachusetts Lowell
Bridget Guernsey Riordan, Higher Education Consultant
Maureen Hurley, Emerson College
Lynanne Jamison, Ed.D., Virginia Commonwealth University
Samantha Jeffries, LMFT, Rochester Institute of Technology
Michelle Kyriakides, Ed.D., Hofstra University
Trish Moser, Rollins College
Joni O’Hagan, St. John’s University
Stephanie Stiltner, University of Pikeville
Penelope Strater, Rollins College
Jenny Sullivan, Rochester Institute of Technology
Whitney White, University of Cincinnati
Kesha Williams, Saint Louis University