<p>sandmom, my sympathy is with you! I suggest you also post this question to the Parents board (see lefthand menu) because a lot of experienced folks are there and often have great insights into how to handle these off-to-college challenges.</p>
<p>One thing they often ask is if the parent set up the rules before student left for college? Were the standards expected of him (must maintain x.0 average, take a part-time job, etc) and consequences for poor performance outlined? Some parents are very upfront with their kids and it’s easier to handle slips and side-steps when all have an agreed upon the required GPA etc before there is any trouble.</p>
<p>USC offers students lots of help with academics if they ask for it. Sounds like your S is capable of doing the work, but if he needs more help, he can get it. You mention he’s pledged a fraternity and I know that takes up a LOT of time during the pledge semester. And that’s not counting the parties. </p>
<p>My suggestion is having a talk with your S ASAP and remind him of (or set) the attainable benchmarks that will make him successful for his own future goals and make you feel he isn’t wasting his college opportunities. If you are paying for his education, this isn’t as hard to do as it will be if he is financing it on his own. On the positive side, I think what he is going through is pretty common and with the right incentives, a kind word of encouragement from you, and perhaps a clear understanding that he may not take the slacker road and stay at USC on your $$, he can grow up to the new college challenges.</p>
<p>Best of luck and hang in there.</p>