Pacer Parents Part of the USC Aiken Family

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AIKEN, SC (06/27/2018) As incoming freshmen find their way around the University of South Carolina Aiken campus and register for classes, their parents and families learn how to transition from high school to college as well.

This summer, USC Aiken offers orientation for parents and family members as well as new students. This dedicated program is available to parents, family members or friends who support new and transfer students enrolling in USC Aiken classes.

As part of the schedule of events, families meet Dr. Sandra Jordan, chancellor; key administrators; faculty; and veteran students who candidly talk about the exciting transition and the opportunities that await their freshmen once classes start in August.

"Parent orientation is the opposite of helicopter parenting," said Sandy Talbott, coordinator of parent and family relations for the university.

"It is a time when it is appropriate for families to be on campus, ask the questions, meet with staff, take notes, and gain knowledge. That way, if or when students have 'bumps' in their USC Aiken journey, parents can turn to their parent orientation notes and confidently suggest where students can go for help."

Through a day-long series of informational sessions that include offices from all across campus, parents and families learn about academic programs and resources, student clubs and organizations, and the health, wellness and safety features on campus.

"Our goal is for both the students and their family members to feel as though they are home here; therefore, we share about all we have to offer here and ways that we can support and keep their students safe," said Christian Medders who organizes the parent orientation program.

"Many parents and family members are used to having their student around all the time or being involved with their school in some form. Once college starts that changes. We hope that after orientation they know when school starts their student is in the best place for them to succeed."

The university believes parents and families are strategic stakeholders in USC Aiken, specifically in their student's success. According to Talbott, the unified goal of both the university and families is to partner together to produce independent, learned, and resilient young men and women.

"Resist the urge to solve your student's challenges. That is hard but necessary so that students are prepared for life after college," she said.

"Students need to be resilient; everybody experiences obstacles and unexpected challenges. When success final comes, it's even sweeter because of the perseverance to succeed."

To help make the transition a little smoother for both students and their families, USC Aiken Office of Student Life offers a few tips to parents:

-- The university offers a plethora of tools and resources to successfully guide - not direct - their students; encourage students to take advantage of these resources.

-- Ask clarifying questions of students to help them figure things out themselves, whether that means the students reach out to their professors, make their own appointments, or get tutoring help.

-- Read the parent website and newsletter to stay informed of dates, upcoming events, and resources for parents and their students.

-- Go ahead and have conversations this summer about expectations before the student moves into housing or begins classes.

-- Calmly iron out when and how to share grades; map out communications plans, like how often and when parents want to hear from the student; decide in advance how much spending money families are willing to give their students.

-- Let students express their expectations. For example, a student may want to limit phone calls to a scheduled day and time to avoid interruptions in class or study time. Both parties should agree on what type of communications are acceptable and what are not.

-- Parents should have a copy of the student's class schedule so that they know when their student is not available.

-- Read: Don't Tell Me What To Do, Just Send Money, by Helen E. Johnson and Christine Schelhas-Miller.