Parent/Guardian

There’s no doubt about it: the college experience changes every student, and it is likely to alter your family dynamics as well. Whether this is the first or last of your children to attend college, there are bound to be times when you feel anxious, frustrated, or challenged by a situation that is taking place in your student’s life. Sometimes these situations will involve the health or wellness of your child. We hope that you will help your student find his or her way to us during these times and that you will come to think of us as a partner in your student’s development.

Confidentiality and privacy
Your student's emotional well-being
A special word regarding alcohol and other drugs
What if my student takes a medical leave of absence?
Coping skills for parents and guardians
More advice for parents and guardians

What Can I Do To Help My Student?

Communicate regularly. Even though your daughter or son is more becoming more independent and making adult decisions, they still need to know that you are available for support. They need you to discuss both difficult issues and normal life occurrences. The phone and e-mail are great ways to stay connected.

Let your son or daughter structure some of your conversations. If your student needs help or support, it is more likely to come up if you are not always asking him or her questions about what their grades are, how late they are staying out, or who their friends are.

Be specific about the plan for paying for tuition, fees, books, room, board, travel, recreation, and other expenses. If you are realistic and clear about your expectation at the outset you may be able to avoid future misunderstandings. Watch out for credit card debt. Inexperienced users of credit cards can get into deep trouble quickly.

Set realistic expectations about academic achievement and grades. Adjusting to university life is a difficult transition, and this may at times be reflected in a student's academic performance. Not every "A" student in high school will be an "A" student at Cornell. Be supportive and focus on your son or daughter's development rather than performance, as long as they are meeting the basic academic requirements.

If your student does experience difficulties encourage him or her to take advantage of the many resources available to Cornell students. As parents and guardians, you will always be concerned about your daughter or son's well-being. Cornell has a wealth of resources on campus to help your student make the most of this important stage of life. CAPS is here to help your student cope with psychological and emotional concerns, as well as more serious mental illness. Talking to a counselor can help—we see that every day.

 Advice for Supportive Parents

Link to Cornell's Office of New Student Progams' online Handbook for Families. The latest version of their printed "Family Guide" can be downloaded from this site too.

"What Can Parents Do To Best Support A Child’s College Experience" – This is a very helpful list of tips, adapted from College of the Overwhelmed: The Campus Mental Health Crisis and What To Do About It, by Richard Kadison and Theresa Foy DiGeronimo, 2004.

"Transitions: What You Should Tell Your Child Before College" – As students prepare to leave home and take a next step toward independence, they need your help with more than just the packing list. These tips from The Menninger Clinic might help you think through the "serious conversations" that could be very helpful...to you and to them.