Talk with Your Student

A time of transition – for students and families 

During the first year, and throughout college, students will move between being out in a world that’s exciting and needing to know their parents and families will always support them. Some students will thrive immediately; others will need more time to get comfortable. No matter the pace, the next four years are an important transition to independent adulthood.   

Stay in touch – visit this month! 

Family weekend is Friday, Sept. 27 through Sunday, September 29th. Updates and additional information will come out this month, registration for ticketed events will go live Tuesday, September 3rd.  Visit the website to learn more about the events offered on or off campus.

Midterm Break   

The October 17 to 18 midterm break provides an opportunity to reconnect with your student. Some students experience homesickness, and it is normal for students to miss their families and friends back home. But if a student’s homesickness is interfering with daily life, encourage him or her to seek support by talking to a resident assistant, visiting Campus Ministry and/or stopping by the Counseling Center. The entire Academic Calendar is also online.   

Off-Campus and University Apartments   

The University Apartments have put together resources for parents and families as their students begin navigating the search process for off-campus and university apartments. The University Apartment selection process will begin in mid-late October to early November.  Information can be found on ORL’s website.  For questions regarding on campus apartments and off campus apartments, please contact the Office of Residence Life at apartments@marquette.edu.   

Family Weekend Feedback Survey 

Did you attend Family Weekend 2024 September 27^th through September 29^th? We want to hear about you experience. Please take this short 5-minute survey about you experience during Family Weekend. We value the feedback of families and guests and use your responses to evaluate the programs and events we put on during the weekend. 

Registration Appointment Time 

In mid-November, after advising, students register for classes. Registration appointments for undergraduate students are assigned by total number of credits. This process allows students who are closest to completing their degree – and have less opportunity to take certain classes – to have earlier appointments. Marquette Central has a wonderful resource for students on the How Do I…? website.     

Staying Healthy 

As cold and flu season beings, students may get sick for the first time away from home. The Marquette University Medical Clinic offers a wide range of resources to care for sick students, including flu shots.  There is no charge for the flu vaccination for FULL-TIME undergraduate students.  Students who have not received a flu shot should be encouraged to do so this month.  

Encouraging Balance 

This is a great time to encourage your student to maintain a balanced life - fitting in exercise and a healthy diet with academics and a social life.  This is equally important for a student who is worried about grades or one spending too little time in the library.  Students have free access to the Rec Plex on campus. 

Final exams and grades  
The end of the semester is quickly approaching which means students are extremely busy preparing for final exams, papers and projects. During this stressful time, students should be encouraged to seek balance in work and play and take care of themselves. This is an ideal time to send words of reassurance, a care package or a gift certificate to enjoy a meal out.  
Grades are posted in students’ CheckMarq accounts the week after finals. Inevitably, some students may not do as well as they had hoped. Take time to discuss with with your student what he or she hopes or plans to do differently in the future and encourage the them to take advantage of the Academic Resource Center. More information about guest access on Checkmarq is available online. 

A time for reflection and fun  
Winter break is an ideal time for families and students to reflect on the semester, especially after students have caught up on sleep and reconnected with family and friends. Parents should take time to ask students about their favorite class, favorite Milwaukee restaurant, most challenging professor and new friends. It’s also a good time to encourage students to develop in their faith or spirituality and ask if they have considered taking advantage of the many faith-based resources offered for students of all backgrounds on campus.  

When your student is home during winter break make sure to spend time doing fun activities. It doesn't necessarily have to be a big trip but rather a time for simple things that your student might have enjoyed prior to college. Some ideas can be found in “Winter break fun for families of college students” from CollegiateParent.com. 

Away from home, students are learning to make independent and responsible decisions as an adult. Enjoy time with your student and take pride in the growth they have achieved. 

FAFSA Information

Be sure to check out updated information on the 2025-2026 FAFSA Process. 

Mid-January is the time to prepare the Free Application for Federal Student Aid for the 2025-2026 academic year, which families must complete every year to be eligible for federal student aid. Parents and students will need their own federal PIN to electronically sign the FAFSA.  

Making Marquette home 

Many first-year students return to campus more confident and comfortable and will receive invitations to become involved in out-of-class experiences. The opportunities are looking different this year but there are still ways to engage, including student organizations, community service opportunities, intramural and club sports, and faith-based retreats, to name a few. 

Other opportunities to get involved include: undergraduate research, service learning, Sorority and Fraternity Life and student employment. Now is a great time for students to try different groups and learn about different opportunities around campus.  Encourage your student to participate in Eagles Landing Winter .

Get Out to Work Out! 

The new Wellness + Helfaer Recreation Facility is NOW open! 

Students should be encouraged to get out of their rooms and take advantage of what Campus Rec is offering.  Students can also find lots of information and wellness resources through the Student Wellness Center. 

National Marquette Day is Approaching! 

Get excited! National Marquette Day is coming up this year on February 1st. For more than 30 years the Marquette nation has united together in pride, celebration, and sport to honor the values we share throughout the year. Gear up in your blue and gold and get ready for this year’s National Marquette Day! 

SPARK and Orientation applications are live! Please encourage your student to apply for these great on-campus summer leadership opportunities.

As the semester continues on and your student sets goals for the new year, encourage your student to utilize the resources available to them in the Lemonis Center for Student Success and the Wellness and Helfaer Recreation Center. These spaces have excellent resources for students to assist in achieving their academic and wellness goals. Spring Break is quickly approaching! A reminder that from March 8th – March 16th, residence halls will be closed. Check in with your student about their plans coming from campus regardless of their Spring Break travel plans!

Orientation Leader Applications are still open!

New Student and Family Programs continues to recruit for our Orientation Leader position and rolling applications are live! Orientation programming is directed at new students and their families and guides new students through their transition to Marquette.

This is a great opportunity for students to gain leadership skills, work as a part of a team, form connections with other Marquette students and welcome the new class of Golden Eagles! Encourage your student to apply today. Please contact New Student and Family Programs at (414)288-1412 or newstudentprogs@marquette.edu with questions.

Fall Course Registration and Advising

Advising for fall course selection begins on March 17^th and will go through March 28^th. During this time, students will be meeting with their advisors to discuss their Fall 2025 course options. Course registration for Fall 2025 courses will begin at the end of March.

Spring Break is approaching!

Just a reminder to check in with your student about their plans to depart from campus next week, March 8^th-16^th, for Spring Break! All residence halls will be closed throughout the duration of Spring Break.

Justice in Action Conference

The Justice in Action Conference will be happening on Saturday, March 29^th! Justice in Action is a one-day conference in which students can learn more about their role in service, community and social change. Students can learn more and register for the conference by visiting this website.