Being Orange extends far beyond our community on campus. It reaches across the globe to each parent, guardian and family member who supports their student. You are now part of this Orange family, and on behalf of the Student Experience team, I welcome you.
This week, your student will arrive on campus to begin a unique period in their life. Their time here will be marked with continuous learning, excitement, great friendships and personal growth, as they learn about themselves and what it means to part of our community.
There will also be times when they face a challenge, struggle with a decision or feel they can’t find their place. I have found these moments can be critical opportunities to help build resilience and important life skills as your student enters the next stage of their development as young adults.
When they come to you at these moments, here are some of the ways you can help support them in this journey:
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- Reassure them their feelings are valid, and it is normal to face challenges and struggles from time-to-time.
- Encourage them to explore options and try to come to their own answer, including asking them “What steps have you taken so far to figure this out?” or “Who have you sought out at the University for assistance?”
- Remind them this is a time to move out of their comfort zone by being creative and a bit daring as they explore new experiences and take challenging and interesting courses.
- Empower them to seek out campus resources and learn to be their own best advocate. When they need support or help navigating a situation, here are some of those resources:
- Barnes Center at The Arch
- Dean of Students
- Student Living
- Intercultural Collective (Center for International Services, Disability Cultural Center, LGBTQ+ Resource Center, and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) Student Success)
- Career Services
- Student Activities
- Financial Aid and Scholarship Programs
- Housing, Meal Plan and I.D. Card Services
- Office of the Bursar
While your student is embracing this new independence and beginning this great adventure on campus, know that they are surrounded by a Student Experience team that is here to support their transition, provide health and wellness services, offer ample opportunities to get involved and make connections, and deliver programs that help them build skills and grow as leaders and global citizens in their residential communities. We have many talented professionals who are committed to, and passionate about, your student’s growth, progress and success.
We encourage you to reach out to us when you need us, too. New Student and Family Programs will be your continual resource for assistance and information to support your student’s transition to college life—from their first day as a new student, to the day they graduate. You can visit the New Student and Family Programs blog for regular updates, and the staff can be reached at parents@syr.edu or 315.443.1200.
I look forward to seeing many of you during Syracuse Welcome and over the next few years.
Wishing you all the best at this exciting time for your family,
Allen W. Groves
Senior Vice President for the Student Experience