For Parents

The transition to college for your child might be just as anxiety producing for you as it is for them! But there are some ways that you can help make your son or daughter's transition to college a positive experience for you and them.

What to do while they are still in high school

1. GRADES, GRADES, GRADES! Remind your child that grades are important for their entire high school career, not just their senior year. If they wait until then to bring up a GPA, it will be too late. There is also the SAT and/or ACT to start thinking about - they are many "practice sites" available on the web so start now!

2. In your child's sophomore year, they should develop a list of all of the potential schools to which they want to apply. It will take time to research each school so begin now so you and your child can narrow the list.

3. In your child's junior year, the list of schools should be narrowed the schools that have made the final cut after your research ( a list of 4-6 is reasonable but you may have fewer). Now you should begin the process of investigating admission applications, campus visits, and your child should think about how they will write their entrance essay if one is required (and most do require at least an essay about the student applying). Keep files on each school so letters and other paperwork can be easily located when needed.

4. By the beginning of the senior year, your child should be well into the process of completing applications. It is important that they (and you) remain patient - it takes time for admission offices to look through hundreds or thousands of applications and make admission decisions. And if they do not make their first choice, encourage them to not be overly disappointed - they can still have a rewarding college experience even at their "second choice" shool.

Before choosing a college - questions to ask about alcohol

Before you and your child choose a college, there are some important questions you need to ask about what’s in place to keep your child safe and healthy. If the answers you get are not what you wanted, keep asking questions or choose another school. Your child’s life could depend on it.

1. What are the school policies on alcohol? Are they enforced?

2. Is there consistent and committed leadership from administrators to prevent and reduce high risk drinking?

3. Does the school notify parents if their child gets in trouble with alcohol?

4. What are the judicial procedures for alcohol violations?

5. Is there substance free housing available and how does my child request it?

6. Are residence assistants trained in alcohol issues?

7. What programs are available on campus to educate about and prevent high risk drinking?

8. What is the school’s policy on alcohol advertising or other alcohol sponsored events?

9. Are there any off campus school sponsored events, like at fraternity and sorority houses, and how are those monitored?

10. What is the campus law enforcement role in keeping the campus safe?

How to survive the first week (you, not your child!)

1. Make the trip to college a fun one, whether you fly or drive, turn it into a family vacation or a special trip so you can spend some quality time with your child.

2. Help them move in - meet their roomate(s), help them get organized, shop for food, etc. You will have a little more peace of mind knowing that they start college with everything they need.

3. Attend orientation - this is a great way for you to meet some of the administrators, faculty and staff and to hear about what the first year will be like from their perspective.

4. Find out about any resources for parents that the school offers - is there a parent network? do they have an eamil or listserv service for parents? what resources do the schools have for you that can help you make sure your child is succeeding?

5. Say goodbye and dont look back! Once you say goodbye to your child for the 20th time, it is really time to leave them. The urge to turn around and go back to them or to call them every 5 minutes "just to check" will be strong, but resist! Allow them time to get adjusted and wait for them to call you - they will soon enough, probably before you get home.