Survival Tips | Recommended Reading l  Parent Orientation Newsletter

Parents of First Year Students Welcome to Meredith College! As a parent or guardian, you play a vital role in your student's transition into the college community. This can be both an exciting and a challenging experience.

Meredith College values its partnership with parents and family members of Meredith students.  The College has developed a statement that outlines expectations for students, family members, and Meredith College in an effective partnership that supports students' growth and development as adults and responsible individuals.  This "Partnership for Success" statement is followed by frequently asked questions and answers that provide information and resources for parents and family members of Meredith students.

Fall orientation takes place each August, four days before classes begin. For more details, see the Orientation webpage.

Survival Tips for Parents of First Year College Students

DO Share in the enthusiasm and excitement.
DO Expect homesickness and times when college life seems overwhelming.
DO Encourage your student to accept responsibility and become her own problem-solver.
DO Expect change and give her space to grow.
DO Listen, write, call and send care packages.
DO Find new interests to help you let go.
DO Encourage your student to get involved on campus and to participate in weekend programs.

DON'T Overreact and rush to the rescue. Encourage and support, but let her handle concerns and issues.
DON'T Encourage coming home often. Students make smoother transitions and are happier if they stay on campus long enough to make friends and get involved.
DON'T Expect many letters or phone calls. Sometimes students get caught up in a whirlwind of activity and forget to stay in touch.
DON'T Be surprised if she changes her mind on her major and career interests.

Recommended Reading for Parents

	Letting Go: A Parents' Guide to Understanding the College Years by Karen Levin Coburn and Madge Lawrence Treeger		Empty Nest ... Full Heart: The Journey from Home to College by Andrea Van Steenhouse, Ph.D
	Almost Grown: Launching Your Child from High School to College by Patricia Pasick, M.Ed., Ph.D.		Hey Kid: Letters from a Dad by Alan Packer
	The Debt-Free Graduate: How to Survive College or University Without Going Broke by Murray Baker		Don't Tell Me What to Do, Just Send Money: The Essential Parenting Guide to the College Years by Helen E. Johnson and Christine Schelhas-Miller
			Quail Ridge Books & Music 3522 Wade Avenue Raleigh, NC 27607 919-828-1588 / 800-672-6789  919-828-1768 (fax) QRBooks1@aol.com