Today’s post is written by Sarah Weiss, Director of Admissions at Saint Martin’s University.
Last week’s post for students provided a glimpse for them into the first few days as Saint Martin’s students. I want to spend this month’s parent blog focusing on similar topics but how they relate to you as parents. The start of your student’s freshman year will be here before you know it. Thus, in the midst of sifting through financial aid packages, spring visits, and discussions about final decisions there is value in looking ahead to what all of the work right now will lead to in the fall!
Advising and support. Over the summer many campuses will host new student advising and registration programs for students and their families. At the events Saint Martin’s hosts, student will meet with a faculty academic advisor one-on-one and leave with their printed schedule in hand. While your student is meeting with their advisor you will learn about campus resources, support and connect with the staff in these various departments.
Classes. Your student will start out by taking a variety of courses. At a semester institution like Saint Martin’s the average credit load is approximately 15-16 credits. Twelve credits is the minimum to be considered full time but 15 credits keeps your student on track toward graduation in four years. Saint Martin’s offers UNI 101 (1 credit) each fall semester. UNI 101 sections are kept small to allow for introducing, integrating, and connecting new first-year students to the campus community at large as well as other new students. In addition to UNI 101, your student will most likely take a mix of general education courses combined with an introductory course in their major,if they have a general idea of their academic plans.
Living on campus and supporting the transition. Residence Life professional and student staff do an exceptional job creating programming in the residence halls to foster community and this is especially true during the first few weeks of the year. The roommate relationship is a key component to living on campus. Help cultivate your student’s growing independence by encouraging them to get to know their roommate, seek out opportunities and find ways to get involved on campus. The first year (and especially the first semester) is a time when students can begin to develop their leadership, social and developmental skills as well as their academic abilities. Encourage your student to hone their communication skills as this is an essential part of the on-campus living experience.
Visiting your student in the fall. Orientation programs at the start of the fall semester will transition your student to the campus as well as support your transition back home. While it is important to help your student become an independent adult visiting in the first semester can be a welcome connection. While offices on campus such as Campus Life, Residence Life, and advising will help your student feel comfortable and connected to campus students typically welcome a small reunion a few weeks into the new semester. Coming to campus even if just to let your student show you around, have dinner and do some shopping can be a great opportunity to re-connect.
Be up front about financial expectations. If you are assisting in supporting your student’s finances it can be helpful to be extremely clear. Work with your student to determine which banks have centers or ATM’s either on campus or within walking distance. Many banks will have checking, savings, and/or credit card programs specifically for college students. I also recommend understanding how your student’s campus card can be used as a debit card on-campus as well as off.
Realize this is a transition and work together with your student. Your relationship with your student will change. That is inevitable. Your relationship will be different but one of value especially if you communicate openly and understand their transition and they yours. Last week’s blog discussed what the student should expect. Perhaps read these two blogs together as you begin this transition. I’m reminded of a recent Modern Family episode in which Phil and Claire (parents) are concerned their daughter (Haley) isn’t thinking critically about her plans and future. They create an elaborate scheme including a fancy dinner and “attacking their concern” from the angle of pretending to be friends rather than parents. It turns out that Haley has her plans all laid out and is excited yet apprehensive about them and needs her family’s support and reassurances. Her parents, on the other hand, don’t think of her transition to college as a transition for them and their mouths drop for several reasons when Haley asks “what are your plans for the future when I’m in school?” College is a transition for the whole family. Being prepared, communicating and supporting each other as you move in to a different phase of your relationship will set you both (parents and students!) up for success.
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