What Can I Do to Support My Student in the First Year?

Write and call

Even if she doesn’t write or call back. A care-package or letter from home can make her day.

Visit

But not too often and never unannounced! Attend campus-sponsored events for families.

Expect the best

Trust that she is now ready to lead her own life journey. She will make decisions you might not, however sometimes those poor decisions are the best life teachers.

Let her solve her problems

At some point, you will have the urge to “help” by making a call to campus.  Before you pick up the phone, think about how you can help her without doing it for her.  Help by asking her the questions, referring her to resources and helping her learn independence and responsibility in solving her own problems.

Share expectations

Just because she is now a legal adult, doesn’t mean you can’t share your expectations.  She may know them, she may not want to hear them again, but research shows that she is listening and it will influence her future choices.

Encourage campus involvement

There is a fine balance here, as some students are prone to get over-involved, however research has proven that students who get involved on campus have a higher retention rate, are more academically successful, and are more satisfied with their overall college experience.