Every October, advisors host conferences with students and families. Discussions range from in-school activities, grades (though nobody likes talking about them), social life, and well-being outside of school.
One of the most special parts of high-school conferences is the concept of student leadership: students create an outline for the meeting, planning discussions where they are responsible for talking about their life as a student. The student can remark on success and reflect on room for improvement while offering suggestions for themselves and allowing the advisor and family members to chime in.
“Let the kids talk—they are the ones with all the important information.”
Peter McElhone ’26
“The environment that this creates is inclusive and productive for both the student and the people listening,” Fifth Former Peter McElhone said. “No student likes to show up to a conference and listen to people give them suggestions the entire time. Let the kids talk—they are the ones with all the important information.”
On the surface, it may seem like more work for the students to lead the conference, but many like being in charge. It gives them the freedom to express their opinions in the opening months of the school year and to express some goals for the rest of the year.
“We can shape the discussion to what we want it to be,” Fifth Former Colin Toth said. “If I don’t want to talk about a subject, I can drive the conversation in another direction.”
Toth appreciates shaping the conversation in a way that suits the student. If the conferences were directed by faculty, the discussion might go in directions that are uncomfortable for the students to talk about. With this conference format, the student can bring up those issues and give his opinion first.
“I think student-led conferences are unique and a good addition to Haverford’s curriculum,” Fifth Former Jack Grimley said. “As someone who came from a school where this wasn’t a thing, I think it’s beneficial for the students, teachers, and parents.”
Fifth Former Eli Press shares a similar sentiment. “I like the student-led conferences,” he said. “It allows the students to shape the conversation and it helps them connect with their parents and advisors academically.”
