Parent and Guardian Resources
As your student makes their transition to Loyola University Chicago, we know that you are probably going through some transitions and adjustments yourself. With that in mind, we share the following suggestions to help make your student's (and your own) transition smooth and healthy. Sending your student off to a university is an exciting time, but for some, it can also be a time of apprehension and uncertainty. We understand that you just want the best for your student and so do we.
Listen | Allow your student to share their feelings and expectations about all of the new experiences college will bring. Encourage your student to share both concerns and excitement openly with you by reserving judgment and simply allowing them to talk.
Inquire | Your student may be hesitant to share with you their pre-college fears or certain experiences during the first year at college. It is important to ask your student about those subjects that may be uncomfortable to discuss. You may easily ask about academics, but don't be afraid to ask about other aspects of college life. Inquire about the relationships your student is developing at college, including friends, roommates, and romantic relationships. Ask your student about activities on the weekend and the choices they are making about alcohol and other drugs. Your student may not share everything with you, but it will help them to know that you are willing to discuss these and other topics if the need arises.
Support | Although they may not always say it, first-year students (and even continuing students) need your support. Let your student know that you have confidence in their abilities. Knowing that you believe they will be both academically and socially successful in college will greatly enhance your student's self-confidence. Emails, cards, phone calls, and care packages are great ways to stay connected.
Suggest | Learn about the resources available to students at Loyola University Chicago. Regardless of the situations your student faces, someone on campus can help. It is important for first-year students to begin to solve problems for themselves, but sometimes they need a little nudge in the right direction. Be prepared to help your student find resources when they get lost or the problem seems too big to handle alone.
Share | Share your thoughts and feelings about the experiences your student has in college. Share any expectations you may have about your student's behavior and academic performance. Share this information with your student before they leave for college to avoid problems in the future.
Accept | College is a time of change for many students. Your student will continue to develop opinions and thoughts on a variety of topics. Accept your student's emerging independence and their right to disagree with you. Your student may choose a different major than the one you recommended or may adopt political views that differ from your own. Engaging in constructive conversations about areas where your opinions differ will strengthen your relationship rather than weaken it.
Understand | Understand that everyone makes mistakes. Your student will certainly take a few wrong steps during their first year of college and beyond. Overreacting to these situations may push your student away and discourage them from continuing to share with you in the future. Reacting calmly to adverse situations and supporting your student through any early pitfalls will set a strong precedent for communication throughout their college career.
Other Campus Resources:
As your student makes their transition to Loyola University Chicago, we know that you are probably going through some transitions and adjustments yourself. With that in mind, we share the following suggestions to help make your student's (and your own) transition smooth and healthy. Sending your student off to a university is an exciting time, but for some, it can also be a time of apprehension and uncertainty. We understand that you just want the best for your student and so do we.
Listen | Allow your student to share their feelings and expectations about all of the new experiences college will bring. Encourage your student to share both concerns and excitement openly with you by reserving judgment and simply allowing them to talk.
Inquire | Your student may be hesitant to share with you their pre-college fears or certain experiences during the first year at college. It is important to ask your student about those subjects that may be uncomfortable to discuss. You may easily ask about academics, but don't be afraid to ask about other aspects of college life. Inquire about the relationships your student is developing at college, including friends, roommates, and romantic relationships. Ask your student about activities on the weekend and the choices they are making about alcohol and other drugs. Your student may not share everything with you, but it will help them to know that you are willing to discuss these and other topics if the need arises.
Support | Although they may not always say it, first-year students (and even continuing students) need your support. Let your student know that you have confidence in their abilities. Knowing that you believe they will be both academically and socially successful in college will greatly enhance your student's self-confidence. Emails, cards, phone calls, and care packages are great ways to stay connected.
Suggest | Learn about the resources available to students at Loyola University Chicago. Regardless of the situations your student faces, someone on campus can help. It is important for first-year students to begin to solve problems for themselves, but sometimes they need a little nudge in the right direction. Be prepared to help your student find resources when they get lost or the problem seems too big to handle alone.
Share | Share your thoughts and feelings about the experiences your student has in college. Share any expectations you may have about your student's behavior and academic performance. Share this information with your student before they leave for college to avoid problems in the future.
Accept | College is a time of change for many students. Your student will continue to develop opinions and thoughts on a variety of topics. Accept your student's emerging independence and their right to disagree with you. Your student may choose a different major than the one you recommended or may adopt political views that differ from your own. Engaging in constructive conversations about areas where your opinions differ will strengthen your relationship rather than weaken it.
Understand | Understand that everyone makes mistakes. Your student will certainly take a few wrong steps during their first year of college and beyond. Overreacting to these situations may push your student away and discourage them from continuing to share with you in the future. Reacting calmly to adverse situations and supporting your student through any early pitfalls will set a strong precedent for communication throughout their college career.