Tips For a Successful Transition

Elizabeth S. FitzgeraldStevenson University

What To ExpectHigher education experts say first three weeks

are most critical.

Success in high school does not automatically translate into success in college.

College professors will not hold your child’s hand.

Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA)

What is a “helicopter parent”?Early 21st century term at educational

institutionsParent who pays extremely close attention to

his or her child’s experiences and problemsHovers closely overhead, rarely out of reach,

whether child needs them or not

a.k.a. “lawnmower parent”Attempt to smooth down and mow over any

obstacles

Beliefs of “helicopter parents”The world is certainly more dangerous than in

the past.Their children are more “special”.The success of one’s child directly reflects the

success of the parenting.The cost of raising a child is high – especially

college tuition.They do not want their child to experience

failure.The cell phone is the world’s longest umbilical

cord.

What You Can Do NowStart talking to your student now about his or her

college plans, questions, or concerns.

Visit colleges early and begin asking questions.

Build in opportunities for them to be independent and take charge of their own actions.

Start talking about consequences of decisions and actions.

College DaysFind out if you can attend orientation with your

student to orient yourselves, too.Be positive and understand this is a time of

transition.Know your child and watch for any major changes.Expect that there will be some bumps in the

beginning.Encourage your child to smooth them out on their

own.Trust that the values you’ve instilled in your child

don’t disappear once they leave the nest.

College DaysSupport and encourage without

micromanaging your student.Encourage them to seek out support

resources on campus.Have a contact person on campus in the

event there is a concern.Acknowledge the newly found independence.

The Naked Roommate: And 107 other issues you might run into in college

By Harlan Cohen

• Expect the unexpected.

• Allow yourself to be uncomfortable.

Contact me

Elizabeth S. FitzgeraldAssistant Director of Admissions

Stevenson University

esfitzgerald@stevenson.edu443.352.4432