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.
Below are a few areas of which your student should be aware and guiding questions to begin the conversations. 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.
All new students
To-Do List – Have you accessed the online version? 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 you need to make a reservation and they fill up fast. Would you like to make a reservation?
Transferring students
The Transfer Program – Have you registered for your Transfer Program (orientation, advising and class registration)? It looks like the University starts taking reservations on May 1. Should we talk about what dates in July 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. There is no charge for this program, however registration is required as space is limited. Space is limited; therefore early registration is encouraged.
August Parent and Family Orientation – Sat. August 24, 2013
Recognizing that many family members may be moving their student into the residence halls on Saturday, August 24, a variety of Parent and Family Orientation events are planned to officially welcome you to our community.
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.
8000 York Road | Towson, MD 21252 | 410-704-2000
