David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics

1. David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics Parent and Family Meeting August 25, 2011

2. Take a Deep Breath • You’ve already done a great job. • So, what do you do now???

3. Your Role and Relationship is Changing • And, that’s a good thing if you want your child to grow into a mature, productive and happy adult (Live, Laugh and Love).

4. What Do These Changes Mean? • You are moving from a Parent-Child to a Parent-Adult relationship • They need to learn how to do things on their own and figure things out • Will they always be successful and make the right decisions? • Maybe not, but our job and yours is to help them learn from their mistakes

5. Some Tips to Promote Communication • Do communicate your caring and support • Do set up communication expectations • Do ask more general and open questions like What kinds of things did you do today? What kinds of things are you learning? • The goal is to get your child to have a two way conversation with you • Share what’s going on in your life • Don’t ask a lot of “parental type” questions • Help siblings stay in touch (e. g. Skype)

6. The Office Of Student Services • Mission StatementThe Office of Student Services strives to provide a caring, comfortable and confidential environment where students can discuss academic, social and/or emotional concerns.  In addition, we provide advising for undeclared students and track all requirements for degree completion. • Our ApproachOur department uses a strength-based advising and counseling approach when working with students so we listen to your concerns, identify your strengths and challenges and work towards positive solutions.  We like to take a proactive (rather than reactive) approach to situations, both academic and personal, so we prefer to see students when their concerns first arise so we can work on solutions before a crisis occurs or things are “too far gone” to make an impact in the semester.

7. General Student Support Services Typical issues that students talk to us about are: • Concerns with their classes/grades • Time management (fitting everything in and developing a balanced schedule for school and play) • Study and learning strategies • Learning disabilities (whether already diagnosed or suspected) • Relationship issues (roommates, friendships, romantic) • Depression and anxiety • Drug and Alcohol Issues • Homesickness • Sexual and Gender Orientation issues • Getting connected and making friends on campus • Lifestyle concerns (sleeping, eating, developing routines, etc.) • Health issues (personal and/or family) • We also collaborate with many other resources on campus and may connect you to them if it would be helpful for your particular concerns (see Campus Resources)

8. Some Specific Questions • What is the biggest challenge your son or daughter will face this semester? • Accepting responsibility for their academic program, living arrangements, social life and free time • What’s happening during student orientation? • Meetings with counselors, Dean’s Convocation, Department Meetings, Peer Advisor Meetings and Schedule Adjustments

9. What if they’re homesick? • Support them and encourage them to give it some time. Suggest they find a group on campus that interests them to meet people. • What should my son or daughter do if they are having academic problems? • Encourage them to talk directly to their Professors and/or Instructors. Everyone has office hours or they can make an appt. • They should call our office (443-3144) and ask to speak to a counselor

10. What should they do if they are having social problems? • Residence Hall staff can be helpful in this regard especially with roommate issues • To start off right roommates should talk to one another about “room rules • Are drugs and alcohol a problem? • Alcohol violations are the most common issue brought before the OJA • Students complete online alcohol module before arriving on campus • There are resources on campus to help students

11. What should I do as a parent if my child is having difficulties? • Listen, Listen, Listen…. • Provide support and ask them what they want to do. Help them talk it through • Offer “gentle reminders” • Tell them it’s okay to ask for help & encourage them to seek assistance before they get too lost or too far behind • Falk College Office of Student Services • Tutoring • Counseling/Mental Health/ Alcohol/Drug Services, Office of Disabilities

12. What Info Can Be Shared With Parents? • SU complies with FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) to maintain the confidentiality of student records • Students can give consent for parents to view their grades through MySlice • Generally, students will need to sign consent forms to share other information with parents • However, parents will be notified in emergency situations or if the well-being of a student is in question

15. Parental Support • Check out the Parent Link on our website • Friend us on Facebook • http://facebook.com/FalkCollege • Contact the Parents Office at 443-2100 • Check out their website at http://parents.syr.edu • Family Weekend is Oct. 21-23.

16. When To Say Goodbye • Usually after lunch on Friday. Students will be heading to College Convocations and Departments Meetings • They need time to meet people in their dorms and get organized for classes on Monday.

17. Questions and Sharing • Other Questions or Concerns? • Advice from parents who have already been through this.

18. Dean’s Reception • Please attend the Dean’s Welcoming Reception in the Lyman Rotunda from 4 to 5pm

19. Chancellor’s Convocation • In the Carrier Dome on Friday at 10:30am