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. Sophomores can struggle, but what about the parents, family members, and supporters of these students? 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. Parents have many of their own experiences to contribute, and this book will provide perspective and guidance no matter your knowledge on each topic.

The contributors to this book have all worked with college students and their families. They include:

Lindsey Bray, director of Parent and Family Programs at Cornell University

Rebecca Downing, senior director of communications and parent initiatives at Colgate University

Carrie Glatting, former assistant director with the Student and Family Care office at Rollins College

Marshall Greenleaf, director of Student and Family Support Services at the University of Massachusetts Lowell

Maureen Hurley, director of Student Transitions and Family Programs at Emerson College

Lynanne Jamison, associate dean for Families and Family Programs at Virginia Commonwealth University

Samantha Jeffries, a case manager at Rochester Institute of Technology, helping students, parents, and families navigate

resources and support services both on campus and within the Rochester community

Michelle Kyriakides, executive director of the Center for Career Design and Development at Hofstra University

Trish Moser, director of the Office of Student Affairs at Rollins College

Joni O'Hagan, executive director of the Center for Student Success at St. John's University

Bridget Guernsey Riordan, a higher education consultant focused on student development, program management, and parent and family engagement

Stephanie Stiltner, director of Family and New Student Connections at the University of Pikeville

Penelope Strater, associate dean of students and director of Student and Family Care at Rollins College

Jenny Sullivan, director of Education Abroad and International Fellowships at Rochester Institute of Technology

Whitney White, director of Parent and Family Programs at the University of Cincinnati

Kesha Williams, director for Parent and Family Engagement at Saint Louis University