Be Prepared For the “Meltdown” Phone Call
It’s three weeks into your college freshman’s first semester and you get the phone call. Your phone rings at 2:00 a.m. and your student is in total meltdown mode. He hates school, is overwhelmed academically, he has no friends, the food stinks, etc. College was an epic mistake. Parent panic mode sets in. You should have made him stay home and commute to a local college. He should have taken a year off before jumping in to a major university. You are ready to leave home immediately, drive to Huntington and collect him and his things. You are up half of the night worrying about him.
Hold the phone…you are NOT alone! This phone call is normal. Parents all over the world are receiving the same call. We want you to be prepared for that call, even if it never comes. Here are suggestions on how to handle a miserable college freshman:… Read More
This is for all you parents out there who are experiencing an “empty nest.” You know, all (or some) of your kids have moved out and onto a college career, leaving your life without basketball games, dance recitals, and homework to fill the time. Johnny’s heap of laundry is now on the floor of Towers East and Sally’s zebra-print bedroom decorations have followed her to South Hall. Do you have big plans for that bedroom? Are you going to try a yoga class with that left over laundry time? Is it too soon to be thinking this way? Read More
6 Phone Numbers for a Student Cell Phone:
1. Home:
Student should call home on a regular basis, but more importantly, someone else will be able to reach you in case of an emergency.
2. Marshall University Police Department:
(304) 696-4357 (6HELP)
In case of any emergency, your student should have this number saved in his or her cell phone. This will decrease panic and increase response time in a crisis situation.
3. Marshall University Student Health:
(304) 691-1100
A student won’t feel like searching out a phone number when he or she is sick. Suggest that they save this number and you will be getting a big “thank you” from your college student.
4. Professors:
Most professors include their office phone number on the syllabus. If your student has easy access to these numbers, he or she will be more likely to call with an academic question or problem. Faculty members like to be aware of a problem sooner, rather than later.
5. Office of Student Affairs:
(304) 696-6422
With access to the Dean of Student Affairs, student advocacy, counseling, and a variety of other great services, the Office of Student Affairs will be able to answer any question your student may have.
6. Student Resource Center
(304) 696-5810
The Student Resource Center can assist your student with anything! Saving this… Read More
What is WOW?
Week of Welcome (WOW) gives your student an opportunity to get acquainted with the MU campus before the upperclassmen return. Students will get introduced to their major field of study, meet other students in their academic college, and make connections with numerous offices and services on campus. Each group will meet with an upperclassman student guide, so they will have an opportunity to ask questions and get the answers they need before classes begin.
Is it really a week?
No, Week of Welcome just sounds cool and we pack a week’s worth of material into just a few days! Week of Welcome begins on Wednesday, August 17th, when your student moves into his or her residence hall and ends on Saturday, August 20th.
Is there anything for parents to do?
Yes! You are an integral part in helping your student move in and get adjusted to their new living space. Read last week’s blog post to get some tips on how to handle moving day! In addition, all family members are invited to attend the family picnic on Wednesday, August 17th from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on the Henderson South Field. This is your moment to say “see ya later!”… Read More
August is here and your student will be making their debut at the residence halls on the MU campus before you know it! Below are some tips and recommendations for a successful move-in day.
Move-In Day Arrives
- Be prompt. Marshall Univeristy Housing and Residence Life assigned your son or daughter a specific move-in time. These scheduled times allow the day to move smoothly, so please be on time. This will avoid any unnecessary complications.
- Be prepared for a chaotic day. Be prepared. Be flexible. Be patient.
- Be prepared for high tensions. This is a difficult day for everyone. Try to be patient with one another.
- Ask questions about the proceduce. The staff have given a lot of thought into creating the most effecient process. Following directions will make the most of that process.
- Let your student take the lead in dealing with issues and questions. Let your student take this opportunity to begin his or her new life and take charge.
- Delegate. Does your student need an ethernet cord from the bookstore? Anyone can buy that. Hungry? Send a sibling or parent to take care of snacks. Read More
