We suggest that you work with your student over the summer to help them begin thinking about taking responsibility for themselves in college without having to rely on you as much as they have in the past. Here are some suggestions to help both you and your student prepare for this time of transition.
Encourage your student to use all resources at their disposal to handle situations on campus before you intervene. If they have an academic issue or a problem with a roommate, encourage them to talk with a staff member or instructor first.
Encourage them to create a filing system for important documents such as receipts, financial forms, bank statements, medical records, and materials related to their academic record.
Reinforce the importance of keeping appointments, showing up on time for classes, work, and other activities, and being aware of important dates (drop and add, registration, final exams, first day of classes, breaks).
Urge them to keep a daily planner for homework assignments, test dates, and other important dates on Hollins’ academic calendar.
Urge them to read the student handbook, which they will receive at new student check-in. It is also located online.
Instill basic concepts related to handling business matters such as getting names and phone numbers of people with whom they speak about academic, financial, health, and other matters.
Allow your student to take control of their personal health. Encourage them to seek medical attention when they need it and to make their own medical appointments.
Make sure they know how to take care of basic needs, such as doing laundry and keeping track of their belongings.
Remind them to observe personal safety practices, including locking doors, traveling in groups, walking in pairs in well-lit areas, letting people know where they are going when leaving campus, avoiding drinking and driving, or riding with a driver who has consumed alcohol.