Families will face the time when their student recognizes that they will soon be departing for college - freedom, responsibility, independence - and family members must let go. The departure is a significant milestone in the life of a family and ushers in a time of separation and transition, requiring an adjustment on the part of parents, the college bound student, and the whole family. What should you expect in your student’s first year?

“One of the most difficult parts of being the parent of a college student is observing from afar as your child makes the often bumpy transition from dependence to independence. After years of being a responsible, caring, and ‘in control’ parent, this change can be frightening, rewarding, and nerve-racking — sometimes all in the same week!”

— Don’t Tell Me What to Do, Just Send Money: The Essential Guide to the College Years, by Helen E. Johnson and Christine Schelhas-Miller, St. Martin’s, 2000.

Monthly Guide to Key Issues, Transitions and Emotions Many First-Year Students Experience
Month	Student Issue	Advice for Parents
Nov.	Registration for Classes Preparing for Final Exams Making travel plans for holidays	Encourage your student to meet with their advisor to discuss plans for the spring. Remind your student to plan ahead for exams and final assignments. Also remind them of the importance of sleep, proper eating and rest during this busy time.    Ask your student what they would like to do while home for the break.
Dec.-Jan.	Finals Week Anticipating Semester Grades Winter Break Uncertainty About Major	Look to the future for positive results and provide encouragement if grades fell below expectations.  Talk to your student about what they learned in and out of the classroom over the semester. Where did they grow? What did they learn that was unexpected?  Help your student think about their spring course schedule. Talk with your student about their major and if it is the right fit. If uncertain, encourage them to talk to the Center for Career and Professional Development or their Advisor. Discuss the Greek system. Recruitment/Rush happens in January.

If a parent ever has a concern about his or her student’s emotional or physical well-being, we encourage a phone call to the Office of Parent Relations (800-960-6363) for referral to the appropriate campus resource. Due to FERPA regulations, staff will not be able to share information about your student’s situation with you, but be assured that a member of the Student Life or Academic Success and Registrar staff will check in with your student.

Suggested Reading for Parents

We highly recommend that all parents review the Southwestern Parent Handbook, especially the section titled, Partnering for Success. The faculty and staff of Southwestern focus on one outcome - the success of our students. We ask parents to partner with us by:

• Asking your student questions rather than providing the answers.
• Encouraging your student to resolve issues by identifying and utilizing campus resources.
• Helping your student understand that processes are valuable in the educational environment.
• Avoiding the temptation to get overly involved in processes that are designed for students to do themselves.

Don’t just take our word for it! Here are some helpful resources about parenting a college student.

• Letting Go: A Parents’ Guide to Understanding the College Years, by Karen Levin Coburn and Madge Lawrence Treeger, Perennial Books, 2003.
• The iConnected Parent: Staying Close to Your Kids in College (and Beyond) While Letting Them Grow Up, by Barbara K. Hofer, 2011.
• You’re On Your Own (But I’m Here if You Need Me): Mentoring Your Child During the College Years, by Majorie Savage, 2003.