By Dr. James Lorello, Verto Education Dean of Students
Your student grows an incredible amount over the course of a semester. From navigating new environments, adapting to independent living, and thriving in a learning setting that challenges them to think and grow in new ways. As the semester unfolds, midterms give them a chance to see how far they’ve come and where to focus next.
What Midterms Mean at Verto
Midterms offer students a meaningful checkpoint to assess their performance, celebrating what’s going well while identifying where they might benefit from new strategies or extra support. This period encourages self-reflection and personal responsibility, helping students take ownership of their learning and make thoughtful adjustments for the rest of the term.
How to Start the Conversation
Parents can play an important role in supporting their student’s ownership of their academic performance by offering encouragement and curiosity rather than direction — asking open-ended questions, celebrating effort as much as outcomes, and trusting their student’s growing ability to self-assess and self-correct by encouraging them to connect with their local teams for resources and support. This kind of support helps students build confidence, resilience, and a stronger sense of ownership.
We understand that checking in about grades can sometimes be stressful for both students and families. Rather than reaching out directly to Verto Staff about your students’ grades, start with your student.
Here are a few questions that can help make these conversations more supportive and constructive:
- Were there any surprises- positive or challenging? What might those tell you about the learning process?
- Which classes or experiences feel most engaging or fulfilling right now? Why do you think that is?
- Are there areas or courses where you’d like to improve before the end of the semester?
- What’s your plan for improvement?
- What resources do you need/or need to use to put your plan into action?
- Have you connected with your Student Success Advisor (SSA) or Faculty member for support?
These open-ended questions encourage reflection rather than pressure, helping your student take ownership of their learning.
Accessing Midterm Grades
Students can access their midterm grades through Banner in their University of New Haven MyCharger account. Because of privacy regulations (FERPA), Verto cannot share academic records directly with families. We encourage you to ask your student to share what they’re comfortable discussing about their academic progress.
The Midterm Check-In
Every Verto student will meet one-on-one with their Student Success Advisor (SSA) after midterms to review their academic progress and create a plan for the rest of the semester. These meetings help students build self-awareness, set achievable goals, and identify resources to support their success. Of course, these meetings only happen if your student attends them. So be sure to encourage them to follow up with staff.
A Unique Academic Structure
Verto’s academic calendar is divided into four parts of term, each representing roughly 25% of a student’s grade. This design provides frequent opportunities for feedback and improvement, so if your student didn’t perform as well as they hoped on a midterm, there’s still some time to recover and finish strong.
Encouragement for Families
Your student’s journey abroad is as much about personal transformation as it is about academics. Encourage them to celebrate their wins, big or small, and to view challenges as opportunities for growth. The habits and resilience they’re building now will serve them long after this semester ends.
Thank you for continuing to be your students’ biggest cheerleader from afar. We’re proud to partner with you in supporting their success.
Warmly,
Dr. James Lorello, Ed.D.
Dean of Students
Verto Education
Do you know a high school junior or senior who would benefit from starting college with Verto? Nominate them here – our Admissions team will be in touch.
