Allow me to be one of many people who will welcome you to Ithaca College.  Whether your IC student is your first to go off to college or the one that will leave your nest empty, the transition will no doubt mark a time of change in your life as well.

Now that the anticipation and stress related to selecting and being admitted to the “right” college is over, what next?   The transition to the next part of their uncertain lives should be surrounded by positive ceremony.   For most, the end of high school is filled with proms, class trips, parties, family vacations or other celebrations.  These ceremonious activities, which can be joyous and emotional, allow for a sense of closure.  For some, it can be the symbolic end of childhood.

This is a time when parents begin asking, “What can I do to prepare my student for college?”  You can do so by encouraging your student to follow through on the things that will ensure a smooth arrival in the fall.  The first thing you should encourage your student to do is to activate their HOMERConnect user ID and pin number. HomerConnect is the online web-based student and faculty information system at Ithaca College. HomerConnect is used to create a housing profile and find a roommate(s), view class schedules and the course catalog, register for classes, and access financial aid and student account information throughout their time at Ithaca College.

Once that is activated, students should sign up for an orientation session.  They should also take their placement exams and can begin making connections with their peers through IC Peers on their MyIthaca web portal.  This site clearly outlines all the information your incoming student will need and provides a venue for them to ask questions.

You can also begin to prepare yourself for some pretty important conversations.  Does your student know how to balance a checkbook, the advantages and pitfalls of credit cards, or how to sort the laundry?  There are numerous resource books for parents of students leaving for college.    I recommend the following three:

·      Don't Tell Me What to Do, Just Send Money by Helen E. Johnson and Christine Schelhas-Miller

·        You're On Your Own (But I'm Here if You Need Me): Mentoring Your Child During the College Years by Marjorie Savage

·       Almost Grown: Launching Your Child from High School by Patricia Pasick

And when you’re not reading up on these conversations, be sure to charge your camera batteries.  I’m sure there will be lots of photo ops in the coming weeks.  Enjoy!  

 I’ll see you at Orientation!

Terry Martinez

Director of Student Engagement

and Multicultural Affairs