What Can Parents Expect?

Parents, you and your daughter or son have reached yet another milestone. There have been many milestones in the past and many more to come-- choosing and attending JMU will be two of those.

The transition from high school senior to college freshman is certainly an exciting time, but like all transitions it is also a mix of preparation, expectation and uncertainty. However, there is one thing that is certain -- you, your son or daughter and JMU share the common goal of making this a successful transition and academic experience.

Just as you played a part in achieving all those past milestones, you will be an important component in making this yet another successful transition in your daughter's or son's life.

We are aware that no one knows your daughter or son as well as you. So to help you as you support your son or daughter through this transition period, we offer the following suggestions, advice and tips.

• Expect your daughter or son to want or need your support, but also expect an occasional irritable reaction to what may be perceived as "parental intrusion."

• Expect your son or daughter to now and then straddle the line between their old lifestyle and their new lifestyle.

• Expect change. College, and the experiences associated with it, can cause changes in the social, vocational and personal behavior of the student. Your daughter or son may change in some ways, but remember that your son or daughter will basically still be the same person you brought to campus on Freshman Move-In Day.

• Expect your son or daughter to earn the same grades they earned in high school. Even the best students sometimes earn a low grade on a first test. However, test grades usually rise as the student becomes more familiar with the subject matter and the professor. This is the time to encourage your student to keep trying and to talk with an adviser or the professor. There are many people on campus to help your child. When a student is motivated, a poor start in a course does not necessarily indicate a bad finish.