As you probably realize, it is not just the student who is embarking on a great adventure! As you prepare for you student to begin as a student at Towson University you, you will also go through a transition. Up to this point you have likely been accustomed to assisting, reminding and sometimes nagging your student to stay on top of all the things in their life.
As you bridge this exciting but sometimes stressful period, use the list below to prepare both you and your student for the transition.
Student Responsibilities
While you will likely still remind your student of their responsibilities it is important to try to begin to help him or her begin to understand how and when it will be up to them to take the lead. Below are a few areas of which your student should be aware and guiding questions to begin the conversations.
All new students
To-Do List – Have you accessed the online version and received a print version in the mail (in May)? Where can we keep the paper copy so we can both easily look at it as we need to? I want to make sure you are not stressed about you transition and as we know deadlines are important. How do you plan to keep track of the deadlines in the list so I won’t have to nag you?
Freshmen and FTP students only
Tiger Talks, Project Serve and Project Marj – Have you heard about these pre-orientation events? It looks like the University starts taking reservations on May 1 and they fill up fast. Would you like to make a reservation? Do you have or need a payment method to cover the $25 fee?
Transferring students
The Transfer Program – (beginning on May 16) Have you registered for your Transfer Program (orientation, advising and class registration)? It looks like the University starts taking reservations on May 16 and they fill up fast. Should we talk about what dates between July 9 and 26 will work best?
Parent Drive-In
The Parent Drive-In is the one-stop orientation for parents and family members of incoming TU freshmen. Parents will have the opportunity to learn about some of the key transitional issues of incoming students and talk with TU staff. Information focuses on general developmental issues related to new students, and is specifically designed for the families that are sending a student off to college for the first time. Families who have already sent a student to college may hear information they already know. The program is for parents and family only and is not intended for the incoming student. This allows parents to ask all of those embarrassing questions without embarrassing their student.
Due to the size of the freshman class, and limited space at the university, we ask that families who live within an hour-and-a-half drive to TU consider attending one of the Parent Drive-In sessions offered in June, July or early August, as well as the other components of orientation on August 25. Families that live further from TU should plan on attending the Parent Drive-In sessions offered on August 25 along with the rest of parent and family orientation.
August Parent and Family Orientation – Sat. Aug. 25
Recognizing that many family members may be moving their student into the residence halls on Saturday, August 25, a variety of Parent and Family Orientation events are planned to officially welcome you to our community.
9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Resource Fair
Check out all of the resources available to students and their families. TU staff will be on hand to answer questions.
9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Parent Association Welcome Tent Meet parents of current students and take your opening day family photograph compliments of the Parents Association.
4–5:30 p.m. Disability Support Services Orientation Meeting
Student and parents are invited to learn about how to make the most of the services offered at TU for students with disabilities.
3 – 5:30p.m. Last “Parent Drive-In” program
6 – 8 p.m.
Parent Send Off
Join other parents and TU staff, including the Vice President of Student Affairs, for refreshments and a last round of tips on how to enjoy this important transition for you and your student.
Please note that students will begin orientation activities during the evening of Saturday, August 25. Parents should schedule their goodbyes for early Saturday evening, prior to floor meetings or the commuter cookout, to allow students to fully participate in the program.
Special Message to Parents and Families:
Towson University transition programs are intended to help new students make important connections that will facilitate their college success. While there are several opportunities for parents and family members to participate in the same events as students, most programs are either student-specific or parent-specific. While it is common for students to struggle in their initial transition to college life, they will struggle even more if family members attend events of the first few days with them. Inevitably, a parent’s presence at student events will limit a student’s ability to connect with other students, faculty and staff. While the process may be somewhat stressful, a student’s best chance for a successful transition occurs when he or she can begin making those first crucial connections on his or her own. We appreciate your support during this time.
Parents of transferring students are invited to participate in the morning portion of their student’s Transfer Program and a separate parent orientation from 1:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. These options are presented on all the days of the July Transfer Program. You may also join us for any of the programs listed for families of freshmen.
Please note: due to space constraints and the need for new students to maximize their time with faculty members, family members are not permitted to attend the student’s academic advising and registration session. Should you be concerned about the classes for which your student is registering please plan to have conversations of your expectations in advance of the student’s Transfer Program date.
Registration for Parent Drive-Ins
A link to the reservation site will be posted here on May 1.
Parent Pride Resource Guide
A copy of the Summer 2012 Parent Pride Resource Guide will be mailed to you in May. In the meantime, feel free to read the Summer 2011 Edition of our Parent Pride magazine (.pdf) for more tips on assisting your student in their transition to Towson.
8000 York Road | Towson, MD 21252 | 410-704-2000
