WELCOME
Dear Students and Families,
Welcome to an exciting new chapter in your lives!
Whether you’re a student embarking on your college journey or a family member supporting them, this is a moment you’ve anticipated for years.
In University Living Magazine, we’re here to guide both students and their families through the college experience. Our pages are filled with valuable insights, addressing questions you may have (and some you might not have considered yet). We cover everything from academics to campus life, health, and personal growth.
Students, this is your time to explore, learn, and flourish. Families, while your relationship may be evolving, your role remains crucial in this journey. This experience is transformative for all of you.
We invite you to engage with our community:
→ Subscribe to our digital newsletter for regular updates: The Loop
→ Join our private Facebook Group for exclusive discussions & more!
→ Reach out to our advice column for personalized guidance: Dear Adina
University Living Magazine is here to support you every step of the way.
Best wishes,
The University Living Magazine Team at CollegiateParent
Publisher
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Top Tips for a Smooth Transition to College
By Priscilla Childress 2024
Four years removed from a pandemic. Well, not completely. It’s always going to be a part of our world, now. Moreover, your student is getting ready to start college. Four years ago, they were starting high school, and it certainly wasn’t like other years, was it?
I’m sure you’ve heard many people talk about the “transition” to college, and you may ask yourself, “Is that a real thing?” It sure is! Sending a student off to college is a transition for everyone, even the pets.
High school was different for your student than high school pre-Covid. They didn’t have as much social interaction with friends. Many of their classes were online. They leaned on you even more than usual because it was a scary time. All natural things. But let’s talk about the ways you can help your student now to be independent and successful in college. Here are my five top tips:
1. Let the student take control of their college experience. This is a hard one. For 18 years, you’ve done almost everything for your child. Now is the time to let them fill out the scholarship forms, make their own doctor’s appointments, learn to manage money, and get a job. And something that goes along with this is giving up your access to their college portal. It was nice of them to let you have access because they probably enjoyed you showing them the financial aid channel and how to pay the bill. But, they are in college now, so let’s back away and let them share with you what they want to share.
2. Talk to them about their health. What I mean by this is provide them with their immunization records. Give them a copy of your insurance card if they are going to stay on your insurance. They’ll need that if they use the campus health center, and encourage them to do that — it’s a terrific resource. Put together a “Get Well” kit for them. That first cold or stomach bug away from home is hard and they’ll appreciate supplies including a thermometer, over-thecounter pain medicine, cough drops, Band-Aids, antibiotic ointment, and so on — plus the reminder that you care.
3. Don’t say, “These are the best years of your life!” College is fun, no doubt about it, but that’s a lot of pressure. Think about this. Your student phones, and they’ve failed a test; their roommate ate all their chips and won’t clean up; they aren’t making close friends; they have to study so much; their favorite shoes got ruined in the rain. If at that moment you say, “Don’t worry, these are the best years of your life,” they are thinking to themselves, “Then I’m in trouble. What am I doing wrong?” Instead, let them vent to you because you are their safe person, and give them encouraging advice and support if they ask for it. It will make their day knowing you are behind them 100%.
4. Visit your student. But not unannounced. If you surprise them, their room might be a disaster or they might not even be in town. Let them know you’re coming! Plan to take them and some friends out to dinner. If you want to know anything about your child…talk to their friends. Take advantage of the Family Weekends and Spring Weekends most colleges host on campus. These are usually organized by the Office of Family Programs, and are lots of fun.
5. Use your resources. Most colleges and universities have a family website. Get to know that site because it will have great links that you can share with your student. Introduce yourself to the staff of the Office of Family Programs. They can share a wealth of information and will be happy to answer your questions and direct you and your student to resources that can help your student. Follow your student’s school and Office of Family Programs on social media to learn about events happening on campus. Connecting with the college or university is very important to helping your student be successful.
College is a wonderful experience for your student, and a time for you to cheer them on as they embark on this new chapter. Bask in the knowledge that you’ve given them the foundation they need to thrive in college and in life. Know they love you so much for what you have done and what you will continue to do for them!
Students’ Guide to Building Strong Student‑Professor
Connections
By Vicki Nelson
You spend a lot of time in college with your professors. You see them in class almost every day, and perhaps meet them during office hours. But have you thought about the importance of establishing a real connection with them? After all, they’re just here to teach, right?
Actually, there are many reasons to get to know your professors better. Any one of your professors could turn into a mentor or trusted advisor.
Why Is This Often Difficult?
Even if you want to connect with your professor, it can feel intimidating. Here’s why:
→ If you haven’t interacted with your professor outside of class, you may not know what to expect. What should you say? How will they react?
Developing a bond is a two-way street. Hopefully your professors are approachable, available for office hours, and respond to your communication in a timely way. But you have a responsibility, too — to take advantage of the time your professor sets aside to meet with students, to distinguish yourself in class by doing your best work, and to recognize that your professor might be someone worth getting to know.
→ Talking face-to-face can be awkward. Many of us are more comfortable with texting and email.
→ In high school, the environment was more casual and your teachers were probably often the ones to reach out. Now you need to make the first move, but in a more formal higher ed setting, you’re not sure about the rules.
Start With a Positive Connection in Class
The first step is to make the most of your classroom interactions. Think about how to set yourself apart, whether in a big lecture or smaller seminar. Here are 10 tips:
1. Know the professor’s name. Sounds obvious, but it’s surprising how many students don’t remember their professor’s name. Learning it is a sign of respect.
2. Introduce yourself early in the semester. Help your professor learn your name.
3. Have a reputation for excellence. Be the student who stands out because their work is always done well and submitted on time.
4. Be engaged and participate in class. Professors can tell who’s paying attention and appreciate students who participate actively.
5. Go to office hours. Stop by early in the semester so you can start getting to know one another, and be proactive about any potential challenges in class.
6. Make your interactions meaningful. Keep it professional, but share who you are, be kind, and recognize that your professor is a person, too!
7. Send professional emails. When emailing a professor, include a greeting (Dear Professor ____), lean toward more formality, be clear about what you need, and proofread. Respond to your professor’s emails promptly.
8. Let them know if something going on in your life will affect your work and attendance. Share your concerns and be honest. Most professors want to help if they can.
9. Communicate early if there’s an issue. Are you struggling with the material? Don’t let a minor problem grow into a major one.
10. Don’t ask the professor something you should already know. Before you ask a question, read the assignment, the textbook, and the syllabus. If you’re still unsure, then ask.
What About Those Dreaded Office Hours?
You know you should drop in, but you’re dragging your feet. Having a plan will make things go more smoothly. Keep in mind that office hours really and truly are time the professor dedicates for meeting with students. These 10 additional tips will make your office visit successful.
1. Be clear about the purpose of your meeting. Do you have a question about an assignment or upcoming test? Do you just want to chat?
2. Make an appointment if possible. This allows your professor to set aside time for you and to prepare.
3. Prepare for your meeting. Gather anything helpful (assignments, tests, syllabus) and make notes about what you’d like to share or ask.
4. Err on the side of formality. Unless your professor has specifically requested that you call them by their first name, using Dr. or Professor ____ is more appropriate.
5. Introduce yourself when you arrive. Hopefully your professor knows your name, but if not, they’ll appreciate not having to ask.
6. Think about how you’ll begin. You might even practice beforehand. “Professor ____, I’d like your help.” “Thanks for taking time to see me. Can we go over your comments on my last paper?”
7. Be ready to listen. Pay attention to what your professor says and take notes if that will help you remember.
8. Ask for clarification if needed. Summarize what you heard and ask follow-up questions if anything still isn’t clear. “So to be sure I’ve got it right, you’re suggesting that I need two more sources in the middle section of the paper and a stronger conclusion. Is there a specific format or length for that conclusion?” It’s always better to ask a few extra questions than to pretend you understand something when you don’t.
9. Leave with an action plan. Be sure you understand your end goal and what to do next. Should you schedule another appointment with the professor, or with someone else? What is the timeline? Can you work backwards from the due date and break the project into smaller pieces with shorter deadlines?
10. Say thank you! Meeting with students is part of a professor’s job, but it’s always nice to be appreciated. A simple “thank you for taking time to meet with me” lets them know that you recognize their effort — another small step toward building a good working relationship.
Connecting Outside of the Classroom
A good working relationship while in class is essential, but there are other reasons to get to know your professors better.
1. Shared interests. Look for opportunities to interact with faculty members outside of the classroom. Share your interests and ask about theirs. Connect with professors at sports events, theater or music performances, and club events. Ask to work with a professor on research, service projects, or through campus employment or committees.
2. Exploring a major or career. If you want to learn more about a specific field, a professor is an ideal person to ask. Most faculty are happy to talk about what they know. Ask about their experiences, what types of people do well in the field, what classes they would recommend or what skills you will need. Inquire about potential career paths and whether they can help you network with others in the field.
Interpersonal Relationships Matter
3. Finding a mentor. Mentoring in college encompasses a range of supportive, ongoing relationships, both formal and informal. A mentor can provide advice and motivation as well as academic and career guidance. You’ll need to find the right person — a faculty member who genuinely cares about students and goes out of their way to be a role model. For your part, be ready to put in extra effort, accept and act on feedback, and respect your mentor’s time by being punctual and prepared for meetings.
Good relationships take attention and effort. Most professors will do their part to keep the door open, but it’s up to you to step through that door. Share your story with your professors, ask about theirs, stay in touch, build trust and mutual respect, and always remember to say thank you. In addition to having a richer college experience, you may just make a friend for life.
Get AI Ready
Artificial Intelligence Is Already Changing the College and Career Experience
By Amy Baldwin, Ed.D.
“Hey, Siri. Where’s the best place to get lunch in San Antonio?”
It wasn’t long ago that the idea of asking a computer where to grab a bite seemed like a fantasy. And yet here we are, decades into using computers and software to do so many things: search for vacation deals, teach us how to change a tire, and schedule grocery deliveries.
Now Artificial Intelligence (AI) is taking the world by storm — and higher education is standing in the pouring rain. In fact, AI is changing everything we do so rapidly that it’s difficult to know how best to teach students how to use it effectively and ethically.
AI Defined
First let’s define what AI is. Artificial Intelligence comes from the world of computer science and is the use of machines to perform tasks that require human intelligence. A computer, for example, can be trained to learn the English language so well that it can suggest correct usage and spelling of words after you have typed. If you’ve ever used autocorrect or a grammar check program, you have used AI.
But AI isn’t just confined to proofreading suggestions or customer service “chats”; it is dramatically shaping how college students, faculty, and administrators conduct their roles. Students are using it to write and research; faculty use it to build content, assignments, and tests (and even grade!); and administrators use it to analyze and summarize data on retention and graduation.
The more students know what AI can do and how it will shape not only their college education but also their future careers, the better prepared they will be to harness its power.
AI on Campus
To test out its capabilities, I asked ChatGPT, an AI chatbot: “What topics would one cover when writing an article about AI and college students?” It responded with 10 themes and brief descriptions of each. Some of the themes were beyond the scope of the article I wanted to write, so I posed a follow-up question: “Which of these [10 themes ChatGPT offered] are the most important for college students to know?” (AI chatbots can refine their responses as you “teach” them what you want them to do for you.)
The following is a heavily edited version of the output (I am still not ready for AI to do all the writing for me!) that provides an overview of how college students can harness the power of AI while also considering the ethics of its use.
AI can help you learn and study. AI education tools such as virtual tutors and chatbots like ChatGPT can provide information on just about any topic. You may already be familiar with AI tools like Grammarly, which helps improve writing; Duolingo, which teaches languages in a gamelike format; and Quizlet, a program for creating flashcards and quizzes. Many of these programs now have embedded AI tutors to help you make better use of the tools and serve as a coach or teacher in your learning process.
AI can provide health support. You can use AI to develop a workout routine or diet plan based on your unique needs and characteristics. You can also use AI for coaching and guidance during the beginning stages as it can help you narrow down what kinds of support you may need. Tools such as Wysa, Moodnotes, and Moodkit let you monitor your thoughts and provide activities or suggested reflection questions for improving your mental health.
AI can make job-seeking tasks easier. AI is already changing how people look for jobs. Resumes and cover letters are being scanned by AI. Some potential employers ask applicants to submit a video of them answering interview questions, which are then reviewed and sorted by AI tools. Resume Genius, Rezi, and Kickresume help you write or revise your resume based on what the job description is looking for. There are AI tools for cover letters as well. Don’t forget to edit and proofread before submitting AI-supported materials!
AI can complicate the idea of academic integrity.
If your institution or college professors do not communicate their expectations regarding the use of AI to complete part or all of an assignment, you should assume its use is not allowed. Some professors are inviting students to use AI on mundane tasks such as generating ideas for a research topic, but most at this point are creating policies that prohibit the use of AI if it circumvents key learning objectives. Your best bet is to ask what is acceptable and follow the policy.
AI in the Workplace
The college experience, for sure, will be shaped significantly by AI, but careers may be where AI will have the biggest impact. No matter how many years you have before you graduate, you can start thinking now about how it will affect the workplaces of the future.
Landing a job may be done primarily through AI. Job applicants already have their resumes and introductory videos scanned by AI. There may be a time soon that a new employee has little contact with humans until they accept a job! Understanding how AI works to eliminate and advance applications will be crucial to your making it past the first stage in the job application process.
Entry-level work may be drastically changed. AI is replacing basic tasks that were once the domain of entry-level positions. If you are going into accounting, public relations and marketing, nursing, or computer science (just to name a few), you may be doing very different tasks as a new employee, and it will be important for you to understand how AI is being used and how best to manage it.
Ethical use must be addressed. It has been documented that AI tools are often biased. This is because AI learns on human-generated content, and humans are biased. Ask it for photo examples of a parent helping their child to cook, and you may find that most of the photos show a female parent. Algorithms, which are used to feed us “personalized” content, can be influenced by stereotypes. Some AI tools will “hallucinate” sources that do not exist, making up entire article citations out of thin air. There are also ethical and privacy concerns when feeding AI personal or sensitive information.
Artificial Intelligence is a powerful way to improve learning, working, and living, but it should be used intentionally, mindfully, and ethically. At the very least, it’s important to understand the role it’s already playing and how it will shape your college and work experience.
Sisters in the Big City
An Interview with Bridget & Ellie Lochhead
When she moved from her hometown of Boulder, Colorado to New York City to start college a year ago, Bridget wasn’t quite as nervous as she might have been because her older sister was already living in New York. The story of their special sisterhood is a reminder of the importance of staying close to people we love even as we head off on new adventures. Ellie
t ’ s Meet Bridget andEllie!
Le
My name is Ellie Lochhead, and I’m a PhD student at New York University. My research at the NYU Furman Center for Real Estate and Urban Policy focuses on policies aimed at alleviating housing challenges faced by the lowest-income renters. Prior to NYU, I earned my M.S. in Economics and Urban Planning at Tufts University and a B.A in Economics and Public Policy at University of Denver.
By Diane Schwemm
Bridget
I’m Bridget Lochhead and I’m entering my second year at Barnard College. I plan on majoring in Computer Science but took a wide variety of classes last year. I graduated from Boulder High School in 2023.
Bridget, What drew you to Barnard when you were looking at schools?
Bridget: I heard about Barnard from Ellie’s roommates in New York, one of whom had gone to Barnard while another went to Columbia. After touring it the spring of my junior year, it just felt right. I definitely had in mind that I wanted to be somewhere close to Ellie for college, and I don’t think I ever would’ve considered moving to New York if she weren’t there.
Ellie, How did you feel when you found out Bridget would attend Barnard?
Ellie: I was sitting in a cafe on a December evening when I got the call from Bridget, and couldn’t believe that this long-standing wish of living in the same city one day was actually going to happen. I was so proud of her, and excited by all the scenarios I started to imagine, like meeting up at that very cafe on random evenings, going to museums and plays together, and getting to take part in each other’s adult lives.
Bridget, did having Ellie nearby help you adjust as a new student on an urban campus?
Bridget: Ellie had a big impact on how I was able to adapt to living in New York. I’d visited her in the city before I moved for school, so having some familiarity with the place itself made it feel much less daunting. It was also so comforting to have someone nearby that I knew would take care of me. Being able to spend a night at her apartment, take a shower without wearing shower shoes, and cook dinner with her was a relief from constantly being on campus. Even if I only saw her occasionally, knowing she was around made me feel much more comfortable in my daily life.
What are the best things about having a sister in the city?
Bridget: It’s definitely a perk to have Ellie bring me along to events that I wouldn’t have attended otherwise, like seeing the cherry blossoms at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens last spring. The best thing for me, though, has been the support from Ellie and all of her friends — it’s made me feel so much more comfortable and willing to fully embrace being in New York.
Ellie: I love watching Bridget learn and love the city in the ways I also did — it’s so fun seeing her show up to the pizza place and expertly order from the counter and pay in cash and eat our two slices standing on the street corner. It’s been a delight to have her meet my friends and do things together, but I also admire how she’s made her own life and friends and routines here. Best of all is getting to unwind on a Friday or a Sunday night at my apartment and take time away from the rest of our lives. We cook dinner, watch movies, call our other sister Mia (who lives in California), and get to feel at home together.
How has your relationship changed this past year?
Bridget: I’ve admired and looked up to Ellie my entire life. Since she left for college, I’ve always been able to picture her living her adult life and interacting with friends and coworkers, but actually getting to see it firsthand has been so special. But I’m most grateful for how our relationship hasn’t changed — we’ve just become a bigger part of each other’s lives.
Ellie: Though I’m a lot older, I’ve always seen Bridget as pretty much my equal, and it’s been cool to put that into practice this year. I enjoy seeing Bridget interact with her friends and the wider Barnard community, and I also get to see her confidently show up to a restaurant in the Village to meet me and my friends and jump into our conversations so seamlessly. I love that we get to drop in on each other’s independent adult lives here, but also still revert to our usual old silliness whenever we please.
What are some of your favorite things to do together in New York?
Ellie: Bridget took some interesting dance and dance history classes last year, and I got to join her for a few cool dance performances around the city. We also saw some Broadway and off-Broadway plays and a lot of movies. We took memorable trips to the New York Botanic Gardens greenhouses in the winter, and the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens when everything was blooming in the spring. I also love the times when we meet up to grocery shop or just sit around at home.
Bridget: The two of us are good at having fun with whatever we end up doing! I’ve loved meeting all of her friends. We went to a Shabbat dinner at her co-worker’s house and made pierogies with her friends for Easter. I’m so lucky that I got looped into such a lovely group of people.
Photo Credit: Richard Lu
Describe a special memory from the past year, or a time when your sister has really been there for you.
Ellie: I remember it being late November and the semester was intense, the weather was bad, and I wasn’t feeling great in general. Bridget was also deep in her semester, but we both knew exactly what we needed. We met up in Union Square on a Friday night and went to a packed screening of the Beyoncé Renaissance concert film with tons of joyful New Yorkers decked out in cool outfits. After three hours of Beyoncé, we bought a big bag of candy from the Duane Reade and went back to my apartment to curl up under blankets and eat chocolate. It was perfect, and it would have only been that specific kind of perfect with my sister.
Bridget: One of my best memories from this past year was my birthday. Leading up to it I felt melancholy; birthdays were a big deal in my family when I was growing up and it didn’t feel right not being home and with my parents for it. My birthday fell on a Tuesday, and Ellie invited me over the night before. We got takeout, played Scrabble, and baked a cake. The next morning she surprised me with a present and decorations and we called the rest of the family as we ate breakfast. I can’t imagine a better celebration.
Do you have one piece of advice you’d share with any first-time college student, wherever they go to school?
Ellie: One thing I’d recommend to any new college student is to pay attention to your campus newspaper and student radio station. This is a good way to find out what fellow students are talking about, events they’re covering, and their hopes for their campuses and cities. I worked for my college newspaper and found it really interesting to read news and opinion pieces from my classmates on all sorts of topics. Bridget and I both relied a lot on the Barnard/ Columbia student radio station during the campus protests last spring and felt a sense of community growing from these student-led projects.
Bridget: My main piece of advice is to stay in touch with people you care about. Everyone talks about how you can reinvent yourself in college, but it can be overwhelming when everything and everyone you’re interacting with is unfamiliar. Having Ellie nearby last year made me realize how grounding it is to be around someone you’ve known your entire life and who you can fully trust — it made it so much easier to feel comfortable exploring new things.
How to Have Your Best Year in the Residence Hall
By CollegiateParent with Bridget Lochhead
Residence life is a key part of a great college experience but it also comes with challenges, from a lack of privacy to roommate conflict and more. Here’s a Q&A with a current student sharing tips for how to prioritize well-being and academic success while having fun in the dorm.
More Sleep Tips for Students:
ҕ Turn off all screens at least an hour before bedtime.
ҕ Sleep in a dark room (use an eye mask if necessary).
ҕ Exercise regularly (but not too close to bedtime).
ҕ Avoid caffeine 3–4 hours before sleep.
ҕ Keep the temperature of your room cool at night.
Q:
Living in a dorm your first year, how did you balance being social with creating private space?
As an introverted person it did take some effort to balance my social life. At the start of the year, I intentionally spent more time with people than I might have preferred so that I could make those connections early on. However, recognizing that it was okay to need space for myself was important. My dorm was all first-year singles, so I had the benefit of being able to go to my room when I needed alone time which is something that not many college freshmen are able to do.
Q:Sleep is so important to health, safety and overall success in college. What were your strategies for maintaining a healthy sleep schedule in the dorm or was that even possible?
It was definitely important to know my own limits and establish a good sleep routine. Trying to be consistent with what I did before bedtime and giving myself space to unwind after a long day helped.
If you share a bedroom with a roommate, you need to discuss and respect each other’s schedules — for example, if one person needs to go to bed earlier because they have an early morning class, job or sports practice.
ҕ Don’t pull all-nighters! They’re counter productive.
Q: Do you study in the dorm or elsewhere on campus?
I usually studied outside of my dorm. I found it easier to concentrate in the library or student center because of the separation from the distractions of my own personal space. Keeping my dorm as a place where I could relax was also beneficial — I didn’t have negative or stressful feelings associated with my room.
Q:How can students living in dorms protect their health during cold and flu season?
It’s tricky to stay healthy because you’re living on top of so many other people! It’s important to follow the typical practices of making sure you’re eating well, drinking water, and getting enough sleep. Just making sure that you’re taking care of yourself helps, but the proximity to so many other people makes sickness hard to avoid.
Q: For the coming year you’ll be in a one-room double. Will you make rules with your new roommate in terms of quiet hours, etc.?
The fortunate part about being able to choose a roommate who I already know is that we were able to pick each other based on our similar lifestyles. That said, we’ll definitely have conversations about what we expect from each other, and being able to communicate about how we’re feeling and what we need is going to be important this year.
Q: Did living in a residence hall help you have a more successful first year of college?
Illness Prevention and Self-Care:
ҕ Wash your hands frequently with soap.
ҕ Know when you’re sick enough to go to the health center
ҕ Don’t go to classes or the dining hall when you’re symptomatic.
ҕ Stay up to date on vaccinations and boosters.
The best part was definitely the friendships that came out of living in the residence hall. Despite the times when I wished I had some separation from everyone around me, the dorms were a big part of my happiness in my first year — I met my two closest friends because we lived across the hall from each other. Existing in close quarters with people who are navigating the exact same stage of life as you is such a rare bonding experience, and sharing it with so many people in my class helped form connections that I wouldn’t have made otherwise.
The Five A’s of Facing Failure
in College and Beyond
By Laurie Hazard, Ed.D.
S
tarting college is a huge transition even for the most hardworking, well-prepared student. Inevitably during the college years you will face pitfalls, challenges, and failures. If you’re wondering what these setbacks might look like, ask a recent college graduate.
That’s right! Ask someone who has succeeded what kinds of failures and disappointments they dealt with over the course of their college career. Chances are they’ll share stories of flunking a big test, getting cut from a sports team, being turned down for a highly soughtafter job or internship, and/or failing at a relationship or two.
What do these successful people have in common? Successful people at the college level and beyond have figured out skills and strategies to work through their failures and move on. They have cultivated good problem-solving skills, which means being able to identify the reasons they’ve experienced failure, and then brainstorming and implementing solutions.
The ability to successfully work through your problems and challenges means that you have developed intrapersonal skills. That is, you know yourself well and are willing to be honest about how to make the necessary adjustments and changes when another failure or disappointment comes around.
Handling failure isn’t easy, but reframing the experience and reflecting on how you can adjust your approach will help you move forward in a healthier, more productive way.
Use these Five A’s of Facing Failure as a helpful framework.
A ccept Disappointment
Naturally you have big hopes and dreams for your college years, but it’s unrealistic to think you’ll never experience disappointment. Many times, students feel let down because they have unrealistic expectations. Consider a first-year student who assumes they’ll automatically become best friends with their roommate. They’re crushed when they discover that their roommate has another “friend group” and isn’t interested in developing a deeper relationship with them beyond the roommate one. What should this student do? Recognize that they’re disappointed — it’s valid to feel sad when you thought you’d have a built-in best friend. Once they acknowledge and accept the painful emotions, they can embrace the situation as a growth experience and brainstorm healthy ways to cope. One idea would be to join a club or organization and begin the process of cultivating their own friend group. What better way to work through disappointment than to try something new?
1
A djust Expectations
What are some other situations where you might need to adjust your expectations? Consider another first-semester college student who thinks they’ll be able to study in college the same way that they did in high school. Before they know it, they’re routinely getting C’s and D’s on tests and quizzes — not at all the performance they were hoping for. Without adjusting their strategies and developing college-level study skills, they end up with a less-than-desirable GPA for their first semester.
2
A ssess Outcomes
Even students who start college open to change and growth will encounter failure. Take the student who considers themself a strong writer but receives a failing grade on their first college paper. They’re surprised and embarrassed by the F. What should they do?
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It’s unrealistic to expect not to have to adapt your study approaches to meet the heightened academic expectations in college. This usually means putting in many more hours of outside work than you were used to in high school, and being proactive about getting help, whether it’s tutoring, study groups and sessions, or going to office hours.
As hard as it is, instead of brushing it aside, they need to dig into what went wrong. Perhaps they didn’t understand the assignment. Maybe they could have done more research or read their source materials more carefully. Did they procrastinate and run out of time?
When you experience failure, it’s important to self-reflect. Be honest with yourself about what you could’ve done differently in the situation.
A sk for Help
To start with, the student who failed their first college paper would have benefited from going to their professor’s office hours to discuss the assignment, or taking their first draft to the campus writing center to get feedback. The same resources are available after the fact, and in every case, one of the best ways to move from failure to success is to seek guidance from experts.
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A
ctivate a Plan
Asking for help in a college and university setting will allow you to get connected with an expert and activate a plan for success. What better way to move quickly and efficiently through a failure or disappointment than enlisting the guidance of a professional who’s worked with countless students on plans for improvement?
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Colleges and universities want students to succeed and thrive. Faculty, staff and administrators (your campus “experts”) oversee a variety of programs and services providing academic and social support. From peer tutors to research librarians, advising hubs to math/quantitative centers, there are plentiful opportunities — take advantage of them!
Let’s say you failed a course — you can seek help from an academic advisor to understand options for retaking the class.
You didn’t get your dream internship? Apply the five A’s. Accept disappointment and acknowledge your feelings.
Then, adjust your expectations. Chances are there are still a number of internships available that match with your major, skills, and talents. Ask for help. There is a professional staff member in the career services center who will sit down with you to assess the outcome and figure out why you may have missed the mark and didn’t land that original internship. They can walk you through the process of obtaining a different internship and help you activate a plan for success now and in the future.
You’ve entered a whole new, exciting world. When you expect difficulties to arise, and approach them with the attitude that they’re an opportunity for growth, you can be confident in your ability to handle the ups and downs of your college journey!
Paying for College
A Complete Guide for Students and Families
By Suzanne Shaffer
The most commonly asked question I receive from parents is: “How do we pay for college and what can we do if we can’t afford it?” College costs are rising, and inflation is affecting every family. The average annual cost of tuition at a public 4-year college is 23 times higher than in 1963. Another way of looking at that statistic: after adjusting for currency inflation, college tuition has increased 747.8% during that time.
Which is mind-boggling. This doesn’t mean you can’t afford college, but it does mean that before applying to colleges, you and your student should investigate the cost and discuss what your family will pay for higher education. You can gather information on each individual college website or by using College Navigator. You should also research the college’s financial aid statistics — what percentage of students are awarded aid, how much aid is awarded, and how much do students typically borrow. Since every family’s financial situation is different, these figures should help determine what your family can afford to pay for college.
Who Pays for College?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula for how much parents should contribute toward college costs. Some believe it’s the parents’ responsibility to cover the entire cost while others feel that students should pitch in. Here are some strategies to help you finance a college education regardless of your approach.
Parents Pay the Entire Cost
A few tips if you plan to cover all your student’s college expenses:
→ Don’t dip into your retirement — it’s not worth the costbenefit in the long run.
→ Consider a Parent Plus Loan if you haven’t saved enough, but remember these loans must be repaid and cannot be discharged in bankruptcy.
→ If you have time, start saving (for example, through a 529 college savings account). Every little bit helps!
→ Apply for financial aid by submitting the FAFSA. Your student might qualify for need-based aid, and colleges use the application to determine eligibility for non-need-based aid.
→ Check if a college offers a monthly payment plan to spread out tuition payments.
Parents and Student Share Costs
Students who are financially invested in their education tend to take it more seriously. Here are ways students can contribute:
→ Take dual-credit and/or AP classes during high school to earn college credits early.
→ Consider attending a community college for the first year or two to reduce the overall price of a degree.
→ Participate in the Federal WorkStudy program to earn money for education-related expenses.
→ Get a summer job or parttime gig during the school year to keep cash coming in.
→ Apply for private scholarships and grants throughout college. Check out these popular scholarship search engines: Scholarships.com, Scholly, Scholarships360, and Appily.
Student Pays the Entire Cost
In addition to the above strategies, a student who’s covering all their own college expenses may need to take out a student loan. Only borrow what you need and choose loans with the lowest interest rates first. The rule of thumb is that students should only borrow as much as their anticipated first year’s salary.
Working your way through school? Nearly half of employers offer tuition assistance — does yours offer this benefit?
Applying for Financial Aid
Even if you don’t think you will qualify, students should always apply for financial aid. Colleges use these forms to disburse federal funds and merit aid to accepted students.
The FAFSA
The rollout of the new, “simplified” FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) was glitchy, but hopefully problems will be ironed out for this fall’s application cycle.
Key Changes Include:
→ All contributors (parents and students) need FSA IDs.
→ The IRS imports tax information automatically.
→ States with their own financial aid forms pull information directly from the FAFSA.
→ The Student Aid Index (SAI) replaces the EFC (Expected Family Contribution) and is calculated using new criteria.
→ The Pell Grant award expands, including more students and offering higher awards.
→ There are fewer questions (down to 18 from 103).
→ You can list up to 20 colleges (up from 10).
→ The sibling discount was eliminated.
One of the most complicated things to figure out is which parent(s) need to provide financial information, especially if there is a divorce or separation, or stepparents provide support. When you visit the FAFSA website, a financial aid virtual assistant will pop up to answer any questions. You can access and submit the form on the Federal Student Aid portal
The CSS Profile
This form is used by more than 300 colleges, universities and scholarship organizations. It provides participating colleges with a more detailed picture of your family’s finances. The College Board recently announced plans to create a “lighter, shorter” version of the lengthy application, which many college access advocates have described as a barrier for low-income and first-generation applicants.
Types of Financial Aid
There are two basic types of aid: need-based and non-need-based. Need-based aid consists of grants and scholarships that are issued based on the family’s ability to contribute to education costs. Non-need-based aid is allocated based on availability, not need.
The easiest way to understand financial aid is to break it down into simple categories: federal aid, state aid, and institutional aid or merit aid.
Federal Aid
The U.S. Department of Education awards about $150 billion a year in grants, work-study funds, and low-interest loans to more than 15 million students. Federal student aid covers such expenses as tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation.
Students should only borrow as much as their anticipated first years salary!
Grants
Grants from the government are provided based on financial need or special circumstances and generally do not have to be repaid. These grants rarely pay for the entire cost of college and are just one portion of the federal aid package.
Loans
Believe it or not, many colleges consider loans to be financial aid and often use loans to bridge the gap between what you can afford to pay and the cost of attending the college. Every student qualifies for student loans. There are two types of government-based loans: subsidized and unsubsidized. Subsidized loans have lower interest rates and are awarded based on the student’s financial need with interest deferred until after graduation. Unsubsidized loans are awarded without regard to financial need with interest payments beginning immediately and regular payments after graduation. For detailed information about federal student and Parent PLUS loans, visit StudentAid.gov
Work-Study
This is a campus-based program that uses federal dollars distributed to the colleges. If a student has demonstrated need, work-study might be included in their financial aid package. Students receive their award directly in the form of a paycheck from their on- or off-campus work-study position.
State Aid
Many states use the FAFSA to determine eligibility for their financial aid programs, but some states have additional requirements, and some offer a separate application for individuals who cannot submit a FAFSA.
Each state distributes this money differently. Some states provide the aid directly to students while others distribute it to the colleges and universities.
States offer many types of financial aid. The most common types of aid are need-based grants, but some states also offer meritbased grants, scholarships, educational loans, and tuition waivers. You can search on your state’s education website or use this easy map guide provided by U.S. News and Education.
Institutional or Merit Aid
The application process for institutional financial aid varies. Most colleges only require a student to submit the FAFSA, and often the college’s financial aid office will automatically consider a student for these awards when assembling the financial aid package. In other cases, a student may need to fill out additional forms (the CSS Profile or an institutional application) and submit other materials (such as transcripts, essays, portfolios, etc.) to be considered. Check with the college for specific guidelines.
Ways to Save on College Costs
Once you have applied for financial aid, consider these other ways to save on college costs:
→ Graduate on time — Graduating in four years or less can save on tuition, room and board, and other expenses.
→ Get credits before applying to college — Get AP credit, IB credit, or dual credit in high school to save on tuition. Community college credit during summers can also help save on costs.
→ Apply for a Resident Assistant position — Students who live on campus can apply for a Resident Assistant (RA) position after their first year. Colleges typically reduce the room and board bill or even offer free room and board to RAs.
Get Out the VOTE!
→ Reevaluate the student meal plan — If you find your student isn’t eating three meals a day in the dining hall, why pay for them? A partial meal plan should be sufficient and cost less.
→ Take advantage of student discounts — Discounts for students are available on food, entertainment, and travel. Local businesses, restaurants, and grocery stores usually accept a student ID card for discounts. If not, they may offer their own discount card for students to use.
→ Save on textbooks — Purchase used textbooks at the college bookstore or through websites like Chegg, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon where students may also search for textbook rentals using the book’s ISBN, title, or the author’s name.
The rising cost of a college education and the impact of inflation requires thorough planning and informed decision-making. Families should research costs, explore financial aid options, and consider various funding strategies to make higher education attainable. Proper preparation and proactive measures can help ensure that the dream of higher education remains within your family’s reach.
College students get how important it is to participate in our democracy and have a voice in the kind of future they want. Students voted in high numbers in the 2020 presidential election — let’s make this year’s turnout even better!
Already registered to vote at your home address?
Be sure to request an absentee ballot with plenty of time to mail it back before election day on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024!
Not registered yet? Many states have same-day voter registration, but why wait? Start by deciding if you want to register with your home address or where you go to college. Residency requirements vary by state — find your state here to learn more about voting and how to register.
There’s helpful info on vote.gov, an official website of the U.S. government. Check out their college student voting guide.
Be ready on election day — find your state’s voter ID requirements here
Want to do more? Connect with local and campus political organizations. Attend forums and events to learn about candidates and ballot issues. Volunteer to knock on doors or write postcards. Make sure your roommates and friends are all registered to vote!
A Different Kind of Student Stress
How to Protect Emotional Wellbeing in an Uncertain World
By Lori Bender, MSW
As a professional stress management coach, I work with students on challenges relating to establishing a new routine, meeting multiple deadlines, and managing time. These challenges are evergreen, but as the mental health crisis on our college campuses grows, with more students diagnosed all the time with anxiety and depression, I am seeing a different level of student stress.
“The number of things that our students are struggling with are a reflection of the campus cultures they come from and the social realities that we all deal with,” observes Gary Glass, Director of Counseling and Career Services at Oxford College at Emory University, in the podcast Beyond The Campus Counseling Center
Countless outside factors can impact student well-being: Lingering effects of the pandemic, contentious national politics, fears about global warming and gun violence, the daily wear and tear of dealing with racism and other forms of discrimination and bias — and that’s just a partial list!
Whether or not they have a mental health diagnosis, increasing numbers of college kids report feeling scared, sad, unsafe, lonely, or helpless. Shockingly, a study of 12,000+ currently enrolled students found that 69% of those surveyed had considered leaving school because of emotional stress.
The good news: There are many things you can do as a college student to protect your emotional well-being during this time of collective stress.
What Is Stress?
The human stress response, an amazing mechanism for safety and survival, is activated when our brain perceives a threat. The confusing part: Our brains can’t decipher levels of threats. Feeling overwhelmed in college is registered in the brain the same as jumping out of the way of an oncoming car. Some amounts of stress are necessary to study productively, maintain motivation and accomplish tasks, but the negative effects of stress can disrupt daily living and thriving. By understanding more about the science of stress and what is an actual versus a perceived threat, students can learn to effectively manage the pressures of college. They can become more aware of what aspects of college life (and life in the world at large) are intimidating and frightening and learn to relax and observe those thoughts. They can monitor distractions, seek balance in their life outside of class, and effectively manage time. All of these deactivate the stress response.
Disrupting Stress
As you embark on a new semester, here are tried-and-true approaches to help you disrupt the naturally occurring stress response along with essential mental health tips.
Make a Study Schedule
Write it out, draw it, color it, mind map it, keep it visible. Include:
Study breaks, sleep, stretching, deep breathing, hydration, fun activities!
1.5—2 hours of study per class, then break.
Switch classes for the next 2-hour study session (“chunk it”).
Use “backwards planning” if this works for you.
Optimize Study Habits
Pick the place you feel the most productive, calm (not cozy), and focused. Keep going to this spot for the next few weeks to train your body and brain for study mode.
What time of day/night do you study best? Start noticing when you are most focused. Use this time slot to prepare for your most difficult (and most boring) classes.
“All nighters” are counterproductive to proper brain functioning for recall, memory and focus. Cramming and last-minute studying induces panic.
Pay attention to time wasters: cell phone, friends, Netflix, podcasts. Be aware of what distracts you. When you feel your thoughts getting stuck, or wandering from the material at hand, bring yourself back into the “zone” by moving.
Hydrate and Nourish
Keep a water bottle with you at all times. Reduce or eliminate sugar drinks, caffeine and alcohol — Gatorade, energy drinks, teas with added sugar, and sodas included. Foods rich in vitamins B and C, iron and magnesium (such as oranges, broccoli, avocados, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, berries, grassfed beef, salmon and sunflower seeds) are helpful in reducing the effects of stress and strengthening the nervous system. Magnesium also helps in the production of serotonin throughout the day.
Attend to Self-Care
Attend to how often and how much you move your body. A short walk, jumping jacks or push-ups will suffice if you can’t fit in a work-out. Engage in a fun activity — frisbee, basketball, a dance or fitness class.
Brush your teeth an extra time a day. Get a haircut. Pamper yourself with some nice body lotion.
Take advantage of on-campus stress-reducing activities, often offered during exam periods: massages, pet therapy, food giveaways, games and crafts, etc.
Practice “4-7-8” deep breathing daily, and try “square breathing,” too. Use breathing apps. It only takes 10 minutes to engage your diaphragm and activate the calm part of your nervous system.
Practice mindfulness daily This helps you be more aware of stressors (thereby neutralizing them). Learn to be still in a chaotic world; journal, go for a walk, rest.
Focus on Sleep Quantity and Quality
Sleep helps recall, memory, focus and concentration. Aim for eight hours each night (no less than seven). Try not to nap during the day, though!
LEDs stimulate the brain so turn them off at least 30 minutes prior to sleep. Keep a writing pad beside your bed and before bedtime write down your day’s accomplishments and tomorrow’s to-do goals.
Connect with Mental Health Resources
Explore campus counseling resources and support groups as well as community support programs.
Get familiar with convenient and affordable tele-health and coaching services that offer almost immediate availability. Put one or two on speed dial.
Active Minds, NAMI, YOU at College, and other studentfacilitated mental health organizations all have chapters on campuses nationwide.
Talk to your peers. You’re not alone, and sharing your fears with others can help bring down the intensity of your feelings.
Make a list of crisis support hotlines — the universal crisis hotline for all mental health emergencies is to text or dial 988.
Invest in phone apps like Headspace, Calm, Mindshift and Gratitude.
Nurture Resiliency Skills
Establish and practice problemsolving skills (working through problems with logic, not emotion) and note your successes along the way. Acknowledge and eliminate perfectionist thinking. Allow yourself to fail; practice bouncing back. Look forward to change. Flexibly think. Look for the big picture when stressed.
Memorize These Mantras
I am thankful every day for the opportunity to go to college. I’m right where I need to be. With this comes tough times but I am tough enough and will be just fine.
I am on a journey and will embrace the valleys and the peaks. In four years, I will have grown exponentially and will contribute to society in ways I never imagined.
Parent’s Corner
With Rob Danzman, MS, NCC, LCMHC
How Much Is Too Much? A Balanced Approach to Effective College Parenting
The transition to college is a significant milestone for both students and their families. At the same time young adults begin to assert their independence and navigate the complexities of adulthood, parents have to adjust to their child being gone for longer than a summer camp session. Family life changes forever.
The role of parents during this period is a delicate balancing act. This article explores the fine line between supportive and overbearing parenting, the impacts of excessive involvement, and positive strategies for parenting your child through college.
“Am I Really Overparenting?”
All overparenting comes from the best intentions; it’s just not effective at getting your needs or your college student’s needs met. Here are a few of the most common overparenting behaviors I hear about and observe in my practice. Do any of them describe you?
Excessive Monitoring
I encourage every parent to regularly check in with their student about grades because grades provide a strong correlation with how a semester is going. But parents who constantly monitor their student’s classes, daily activities and social life through frequent calls, texts and emails may be overstepping. Ask yourself: Am I providing consistent checkins to maintain accountability, or is my behavior smothering?
Controlling Their Choices
It was appropriate to be closely involved in your student’s choice of college; that’s too large and complex a decision for a teen to make on their own. Now, however, as they choose courses, extracurricular activities, and a career path, it’s time for them to develop confidence in their own decision-making skills.
I recommend the “input leading to vote” model. Ideally we start by helping our younger kids practice giving input on important decisions and, over time, include them in the final “votes” (decisions) — ultimately handing over complete voting power as they demonstrate thoughtful, responsible choices. And, yes, this is way easier said than done!
Solving All Problems
When parents step in to resolve every conflict, students are deprived of the chance to develop problem-solving abilities and resilience. Frequent intervention may inadvertently send the message that your child is incapable of handling challenges. Gravity pulling on the human body provides the environment for muscle growth. Removing gravity leads to muscle atrophy. Solving all your college student’s problems atrophies their grit. Many parents jump in to solve problems because they can’t handle their own anxiety and feel a need to control the situation.
Reduced Independence
The Effects of Overparenting… and What To Do Instead
As we shed light on some of the negative impacts of overparenting, we’ll also talk about effective, healthy parenting for college students. Though they’re not always intuitive and require intentional practice, these are real solutions I teach parents every day.
Overparented students struggle with basic tasks and decision-making because they lack experience handling responsibilities on their own. This can lead to difficulties adjusting to adult life post-graduation.
Instead: Promote self-reliance
by allowing (maybe even nudging) your student to make their own decisions and learn from their mistakes. Hand over tasks large and small (laundry, managing their finances, organizing their calendar, making appointments). And consult, don’t solve. Don’t give advice preemptively, early, or easily — offer guidance when asked, but avoid taking control of their choices. Encourage them to brainstorm solutions and take action on their own. Students need practice taking chances and owning their wins and losses, and space to explore and grow without feeling micromanaged.
Lower Self-Esteem and Stunted Development
Oh how I love to blame social media for the ills of teen and young adult intrapersonal development but I’m an equal opportunity critic. Constant parental intervention can erode a student’s self-confidence, making them feel inadequate and helpless. Identity is a narrative we tell about ourselves. If your student’s story is solely written by you, they never develop the skills of an author and ultimately are forced to rely on you and others to tell them who they are.
How Does Our Mental Health Affect Our College Kids?
Family mental health and student success are interconnected. Parents with stable emotional health are better equipped to offer guidance and encouragement. But life is full of challenges and we adults struggle, too. Here are some examples of the downstream effects I hear about from college students whose parents are dealing with mental health issues and stress — plus advice for creating the supportive environments that promote resilience and well-being.
Ripple Effects
Insecurity and anxiety: Many of us parents have some trailing insecurity from one or more roles or chapters in our lives. If we’re not careful, this can lead to over-attachment to our college student or inordinate fear of losing them. Anxiety is an even more pronounced, irrational fear of bad things happening to our college kids. This often leads to boundary violations such as excessive visits, calls, or texts throughout a day. Parents’ excessive use of substances can lead to inconsistent emotional and sometimes financial support. It can also cause fear of embarrassment during parental visits. I’ve had a number of clients over the years talk with me about how to ask their parents not to visit.
Instead: Validate growth. If you don’t take a seedling out of the black plastic container and transplant it in healthy soil, its roots fill the entire space and it withers. Our children need bigger and bigger spaces to explore as they get older. As we push them into those bigger pastures, we show them that we trust their ability to navigate challenges and make informed decisions. Then go ahead and celebrate their growth and achievements! But don’t shy away from observing the things that go wrong either. Life is messy. When you’re invited to share your opinion, remind them it’s just that — your opinion with a sprinkling of good intention. This positive reinforcement can boost their confidence and self-esteem.
Increased Anxiety
Students who feel pressured to meet their parents’ expectations or who lack confidence in their abilities experience heightened anxiety and stress, which can negatively affect academic performance and overall well-being.
Instead: Set clear boundaries… but give them space! Fences make good neighbors. Whether it’s weird or not to think of it this way, you are becoming more of a neighbor in your college kid’s life. Establish clear boundaries for communication and involvement — respect your student’s autonomy. Do agree on how often you’ll check in; regular, scheduled check-ins provide a sense of structure without being intrusive. In addition, parents can role model that process is more important than outcome (grades, etc.).
Financial stress: Mental health challenges can impact a parent’s ability to work and provide financial support for their child’s education. While it’s important to talk to our students about appropriate personal finance habits and expect them to contribute to college expenses, financially stressed parents may focus overly much on the cost of the semester, transferring their stress and pressure.
Communication challenges: Parents dealing with mental health issues may struggle with effective communication, leading to misunderstandings, conflicts, and strained relationships. Students who don’t feel safe or comfortable reaching out to their parents won’t seek their guidance when they may need it most.
Worrying about a parent: A student who’s worried about a parent’s mental health may find it difficult to concentrate on their studies, form and maintain healthy social connections, and fully engage in campus life. They might not pursue study abroad or internship opportunities because they don’t want to be too far away from home if something bad happens.
A Healthy Parent-Child Relationship for Life
Underlying all of this is the art of open and honest communication. With our college students, the goal is to listen to their concerns and provide emotional support without dictating their actions or pouncing on them with advice. In the psychology world, we call this “listening with the intent of understanding, not the intent of solving.” This approach builds trust and fosters a healthy parent-child relationship.
While parental involvement remains important in college, fostering selfreliance in young adults is essential for their success in college and beyond. By setting clear boundaries, encouraging independent problem-solving, and providing emotional support without overstepping, you can help your child thrive during this transformative period.
Remember, the goal is to empower our students to become confident, capable individuals who can navigate the challenges of adulthood with assurance. The long project of handing responsibility and autonomy over to our children requires equal parts love, boundaries, and room to grow.
Pivot to the Positive
Parents serve as role models for their children, including how they handle stress and cope with life’s challenges. Parents who manage their own mental health effectively can demonstrate positive coping mechanisms, resilience, and self-care practices.
Seek help and support: Stigma can influence whether students feel comfortable seeking help for their own mental health concerns. If parents are open about their struggles and actively seek help, students may feel empowered to do the same. Finding a therapist to talk with isn’t solely an intervention for severe mental health conditions. No one gives us an instruction manual for parenting and the transitions our kids drag us through. Find someone to talk with who doesn’t have a stake in the game — it’s one of the best investments you can make. Create a supportive environment at home and at college: This includes open communication, seeking professional help for yourself when needed, and fostering a family culture of understanding and empathy. You’ll be in the right place to encourage your student to access campus mental health resources, counseling services, and support groups when they need to.
Meet Our
Writers
Amy Baldwin, Ed.D. is the former Director of Student Transitions and currently Senior Lecturer at the University of Central Arkansas. She and co-author Brian Tietje wrote A High School Parent’s Guide to College Success: 12 Essentials. Amy blogs about college success topics at higheredparent.com and posts videos on her HigherEdParent YouTube channel.
Lori Bender, MSW founded Students Stress Less Coaching LLC in 2016. A Level One executive function coach and certified life and wellness coach, she offers personal coaching services for students who struggle with mental wellness and overall executive function skills. “Get College Ready” is her summerbefore-college crash course preparing students for their first year of college. Lori offers a free training to help students improve their ability to manage stress and anxiety.
Priscilla Childress has worked at Missouri State University for 10 years in New Student Orientation and Family Programs. She partners with incoming students and their family members helping with their transition to college. Priscilla also works with Student Affairs Special Events, assisting the Vice President of Student Affairs with projects aimed at enhancing the division.
Rob Danzman, MS, NCC, LCMHC works with students struggling with anxiety, depression, drug use, motivation, and organization issues, and also with their parents. In addition to his direct client work, He is the author of the Insider’s Guide to Parenting and Insider’s Guide to College, hosts The Better Semester Podcast, and contributes to Psychology Today, CollegiateParent, and The Shrink Space.
Laurie L. Hazard, Ed.D. is an awardwinning higher education consultant with over 30 years of experience in the field of student success. Formerly Assistant Dean for Student Success at Bryant University, Laurie now teaches psychology at the New England Institute of Technology for the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences. In addition to many articles, she co-authored a book for parents with Stephanie Carter, Your Freshman Is Off To College (2016). Laurie and Stephanie’s next book — Off to College, a student success book — will be published this fall.
Bridget Lochhead is a secondyear student at Barnard College. A computer science major, she takes a wide variety of classes, including dance. Bridget grew up in Boulder, Colorado with two older sisters, with whom she’s still very close. At Boulder High, she played violin and was a captain of the mountain bike team.
Vicki Nelson has more than 35 years of experience in higher education as a professor, academic advisor and administrator. She established her website, College Parent Central , to help college parents achieve the delicate balance of support, guidance and appropriate involvement as they prepare for and navigate the college journey with their student. Vicki also serves as co-host of the College Parent Central podcast
Diane Schwemm is a freelance writer and editor. While Senior Editor and Content Manager at CollegiateParent, she helped create dozens of resources and publications for college students and families including many issues of the CollegiateParent Magazine and Insider. Diane lives in Boulder, Colorado and is a member of her local newspaper’s Community Editorial Board.
Suzanne Shaffer counsels students and families about college preparation through her blog, Parenting for College. Her advice has been featured online, in print and on podcasts including the Huffington Post, U.S. News & World Report Education, the Wall Street Journal, Road2College, Appily, CollegiateParent, TeenLife, The College Bound Chronicles, and more.