What to Expect 

More self-reliance

For the most part, students are on their own. They set their own schedules, make their own decisions and their own choices. College brings less structure and guidance than they are used to. But this is good, because it encourages students to gain independence and become more self-reliant adults.

Academic adjustment

College academics can often prove to be very different than high school. College demands problem solving and critical thinking that may be more demanding. Encourage your student to stay on top of coursework so that it is not as overwhelming when deadlines or exam dates come around.

Stress

Yes, college can be stressful. That's why students should know the resources they have available to them. Remind them the faculty, their roommates, fellow students and parents are all here to help them succeed.

Communicating With Your Student

The first year of college is unlike any other year that follows. Usually it's the first time students are away from home, making their own decisions and handling their own schedules. It's also a time when parents usually see less communication between home and college, or at least in different ways. There will certainly be adjustments to be made on both sides.

We have a few suggestions:

• Stay in touch with your students the way they stay in touch: texting, video chatting, social media and cellphones. If you're not familiar with your "social" options, ask your student for a quick 101. Emailing, not so much. Students may go days (some, weeks) without checking their inbox.

• Chat about calling expectations, whether it’s a call once a week at a scheduled time, or just catching each other whenever. Remember, if your student doesn't return your call right away, give them a chance to respond — they're enjoying college life.

• If you decide to visit campus, don't make it a surprise. Let your student know you're coming and when. Keep the visit short (unless other plans are made). You might take a group of their friends to dinner, but then let them be part of whatever is happening that night.

• When your student come home, they might have a lot of laundry to do and they will most likely be on a different sleep schedule than before. They might even stay up until 2 a.m. and may sleep later in the morning.

Like most parents you will be concerned about your student adapting to college-level academics. But don’t worry, your student will adjust — and it is an adjustment they have to make. A few things are always keys to success and worth passing along:

1. Go to class. Don't sleep in (or sleep through).

2. Do your homework and reading assignments. Don't get behind.

3. Get help when you first think you might need help. Don't wait until it's too late, like at exam time or the night before a paper is due.

If you see a dip in grades during this first semester, it's to be expected. Students have to adjust to a new learning environment, with new expectations. Most students will work this out for themselves and be back on track in a short time. Remember, your student has an advisor and faculty that wants to see them succeed. Encourage your student to take advantage of them and their suggestions and guidance. Mentoring relationships aren’t unusual. Professors really get to know their students (and vice versa), which creates a great trusting and learning environment.

Our professors do their homework as well. As part of supporting our faculty and our commitment to excellence in teaching, Lipscomb offers the Center for Teaching and Learning where faculty can learn new approaches to creative, collaborative and innovative teaching techniques. As your student works hard to learn new things in the class, our teachers work hard to learn new ways to educate them.

We also offer a resource for freshmen or transfer students called First Year Experience (FYE), a great place to find answers and talk with someone who can help in the transition to college life. Students can find more information on FYE when they sign into myLipscomb.

Stress, Adjustments and Your Student

Through your student’s college experience, they’ll have different needs and stressors.

Remind your student that no matter what they need or have questions about, there is some place or someone on campus who can help. Encourage them to utilize our various campus resources.

• Encourage communication between your student and their instructors and advisors. So much can be accomplished this way.

• Be flexible. Your student's plans may change from one semester to the next. This is a normal part of most students' college experience. Your flexibility and support will help your student realize their goals without becoming overly frustrated.

• Be patient. College is a challenging time for students so allow them time to grow and mature with all the new experiences of college life.

• Show interest in the new experiences of your student. Listen closely and be supportive.

• Ask questions about their academic activities.

  "When is your first exam? Where do you study best? Have you tried using study groups for classes?"

• If your student is also working, ask them how they are handling work and school together.

How to adjust

Homesickness

Every first-year student, to some degree, will miss home. Make sure to:

• Allow them time to explore not only the campus, but Nashville and surrounding areas. There are a lot of great things to do living here.

• Remind your student that it's important to focus on their academics as well as the new experiences of college. But they are the ones that have to find the right balance. Don't worry, they will.

• Encourage your student to maintain healthy habits like a healthy diet, exercise and sufficient sleep.

• There are dozens of groups, clubs and events on campus. Encourage your student to sign up, get involved and make new friends.

Struggling in class?

Many students are responsible for attending class, doing homework and keeping up with day-to-day projects. If they find themselves falling behind, concerned about grades or not understanding what's being discussed, encourage them to talk to the professor of the course. A problem might get resolved with a meeting or two. Or maybe they can form or join a study group, which is a popular way on campus to share ideas and study.

Where to study

The first place you might think of is their room (whether in a dorm on off-campus housing). But sometimes students have to find more secluded areas, or a place where other students gather to discuss courses. Consider these:

1. Beaman Library (still can't beat a library, traditional spaces with study rooms)

2. Bennett Student Center (lots of open space, small rooms, relaxed and comfortable)

3. Starbucks on campus

4. Study rooms and classrooms in Ezell, Swang, McFarland and the bottom of Crisman (larger spaces and quiet)

5. Outside! Nothing beats some study time under a tree or at an outside table. When the weather is nice, students head outside to find their own favorite study spots (some students study in their own hammocks tied between trees).

Never before has your student been exposed to more opportunities than on a college campus. Whatever their interest, there is something to get involved in, join or volunteer for. These out-of-the-classroom opportunities are not just fun, they can lead to improved communication and leadership skills and even personal career networks that will serve them long after graduation. We like to think the more students get involved, the more Christ-like experience they will encounter during their college years.

Student Career Development Info 

Parent Reading List

Here is a list of books and articles recommended and personally hand-picked by the Office of Student Life:

• Big Questions Worthy Dreams, Sharon D. Parks

• You Lost Me, David Kinnaman

• Divine Conspiracy, Dallas Willard

• Home Field Advantage, Colt McCoy

• The Life You Always Wanted, John Ortberg

• Start with Why, Simon Sinek

• Strengths Quest, Donald O. Clifton

• Engaging Culture, Changing the World, Philip W. Eaton

• Cultivating the Spirit, How College Can Enhance Students' Inner Lives, Alexander W. Astin, Helen S. Astin, Jenifer A. Lindholm

• The Fabric of Faithfulness: Weaving Together Belief and Behavior, Steven Garber

• Encouraging Authenticity and Spirituality in Higher Education, Arthur W. Chickering

• The Heart of Higher Education: A Call to Renewal, Parker J. Palmer

Parent Leadership Council 

The Parent Leadership Council is composed of parents who are committed to the mission of Lipscomb University. Council members are considered ambassadors for the University and the parent community, sharing the "parent perspective" with University leaders and speaking with fellow parents on behalf of Lipscomb University.

PLC members lead parent fundraising efforts and serve as hosts for receptions, send-off parties, and other Lipscomb-sponsored events.

Thank you to all of our current Parent Leadership Council members. We greatly appreciate your commitment and support of the University and the parent community. For information, please feel free to contact Stephanie Carroll at 615.966.5130 or stephanie.carroll@lipscomb.edu.