From the Playground to the Campus: Becoming the Parent of a College Student

1. From the Playground to the Campus: Becoming the Parent of a College Student Presented by: Division of Student Affairs and TCNJ Parent and Family Association

2. Session Learning Outcomes • Goals for Today: • To become familiar with the TCNJ philosophy regarding TCNJ parents • To learn how we apply this philosophy to communication and interaction with parents and families • To learn about parent and family activities and services provided by the College and the Parent and Family Program • To be introduced to the college curriculum and learning goals for your student • To become more familiar with the services and programs that support your student • To start to feel…part of the family!

3. Institutional Philosophy The student is at the core of our educational program We focus our efforts on student learning and the student experience Desirable student learning outcomes include skills and efficacy in accomplishing goals and problem-solving We partner with parents to help students learn and achieve their goals and value families as important members of the TCNJ community Acknowledging that the parent-student relationship is in transition during the college years (moving from director/planner to advisor/guide), we work to help your family achieve a successful transition

4. How TCNJ Partners with Parents & Families • Advisement & Involvement • Parent & Family Association Membership • Family & Family Association Executive Board • Communication • Parents Listserve • Text Alert Registration • E-Newsletters • Student Affairs email • Parent and Family Website • FERPA • Conduct Notification Letter • Addressing Concerns and Problem-Solving

5. …More Partnering… • College Liaisons – Magda Manetas/Associate VP for Student Affairs and Dean of Students (mmanetas@tcnj.edu, 609-771-2455) • Programming • Accepted Student Day • Summer Orientation – July 10 – 18, 2012 • Parent & Family Hospitality Suite on Check-In Day: – August 23, 2012 • Family Weekend – October 19-20, 2012

6. Your Student & TCNJThe Greater Curriculum Intellectual & Academic Development Personal Development – Competencies/Independence/Managing Emotions/Developing Mature Interpersonal Relationships/Establishing Identity Vocational Development Spiritual & Ethical Development - Integrity A Sense of Belonging & Community A Sense of Purpose

7. The Changing Landscape Context: Parents are “Gen-X”, some “Baby Boomers” & Students are “Millenials” or “PAPAs” (Post-Adolescent Pre-Adults) Some researchers see this generation of students as on schedule developmentally – others perceive as extended adolescence Technology has provided almost instant and constant communication between students and parents K-12 – a “good” parent is an involved parent, advocacy might have required the parent to “rescue and fix” for student Change from perception of college campus as a safe/inviolable haven to a place where frightening things can and do happen Culture encourages a customer-service orientation to education as a product and concept that everything is negotiable – grades, roommates Students feel special, confident, happy but pressured to achieve and multi-task Students conventional, value what parents value

8. Aspirations What Parents Hope For Their Students: Independence The Ability to Navigate the World The Ability to Make Sound and Healthy Decisions Success and Happiness Sense of Belonging and Community …and A Willingness to Carry a Homing Device – Cell Phones: “The world’s longest umbilical cord.”

9. Resources • Residential Education and Housing • Ambassadors • Faculty & Academic Advisors • The Career Center • Counseling and Psychological Services • Student Health Services • Differing Abilities Services • Athletics and Recreation • Student Activities • Religious and Spiritual Life/Chaplains • Campus Police • Alcohol & Drug Education Program • Office of Anti-Violence Initiatives • Center for Academic Success/Tutoring Center and the Writer’s Place

10. College Family Feud • In a recent survey of southern universities, on average, how many times a week did students call home to speak with their parents? • What percentage of TCNJ first year students reported involvement in a student club or organization? • What percentage of residential students typically stay on campus on the weekend? • How many hours per week does the average TCNJ first year student report that they study? • What percentage of first year students at TCNJ work on campus?

11. College Family Feud • In a recent survey of southern universities, on average, how many times a week did students call home to speak with their parents? 12 times • What percentage of TCNJ first year students reported involvement in a club or organization? 83% • What percentage of residential students typically stay on campus on the weekend? 66% (56% are on campus 3-4 weekends per month) • How many hours per week does the average TCNJ first year student report that they study? 11-15 hours • What percentage of first year students at TCNJ work on campus? 23%

12. Questions? Do you wonder… • Will my student be lonely? • Will they get involved – over-involved? • Will they excel academically? • Will they have an impossible roommate? • Will there be anyone there for them when you can’t be? • How can I help them prepare for this transition? • Will we have enough money left to retire after we finish educating the children?