Dear New Parents and Families:
“Being Orange” extends far beyond our campus community. It reaches across the globe to each parent, guardian and family member who supports their Syracuse University 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 to campus to begin a unique period in their lives. Their time here will be marked with continuous learning, excitement, great friendships and adventures to explore, as they gain exposure to new ideas and learn more about themselves, experiencing everything that comes with being part of the Orange community.
There will also be times when they face a challenge, struggle with a decision or feel they can’t find the right place. Indeed, in a new NBC News/Generation Lab poll of rising sophomores at U.S. colleges and universities, 67% indicated they had experienced anxiety over the past (freshman) year. In my two decades working with college students, I have found these moments can be critical opportunities to build resiliency and life skills as they enter the next stage of their development.
When they come to you at these moments, here are some ways you can support the work we do to help students build confidence and life skills:
- Reassure them that their feelings are valid, and it is normal to face challenges and struggles.
- Encourage them to make decisions, explore options and try to come to their own answer.
- Ask them “What steps have you taken so far?” when they share a concern.
- Encourage them to do things that push them out of their comfort zone. This is the time to be creative as they explore and expand their minds and seek new and challenging experiences.
- Empower them to do their own problem solving and find resources. And when they need support or help navigating a situation, here are some of those resources:
- Barnes Center at The Arch
- Bursar
- Career Services
- Center for International Services
- Financial Aid and Scholarship Programs
- Housing, Meal Plan and I.D. Card Services
- Intercultural Collective (Disability Cultural Center, LGBTQ+ Resource Center and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) Student Success)
- Student Engagement
- Student Living
- Student Outreach and Support
While your student is embracing this new independence and beginning their Syracuse University adventure, know that they are surrounded by a 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. Dean of Students Rob Hradsky and I lead a team of talented professionals who are committed and passionate about student development. We are here to support 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 Orange Families webpage for information, and the staff can be reached at family@syr.edu or 315.443.9187.
I look forward to seeing many of you during Syracuse Welcome, and at New Student Convocation on Thursday, Aug. 25. Please also save the date for Family Weekend, Oct. 14-16.
Wishing you all the best this year,
Allen Groves
Senior Vice President and Chief Student Experience Officer