PARENTS & GUARDIANS

Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to attend the New Student Orientation sessions!  The parent programming that takes place is very beneficial, even if it is the second, third, or fourth child you have sent to college.  We offer a variety of programs dealing with transition issues, academics, and student life, as well as campus tours. 

PARENT ACCOMMODATIONS

We do offer overnight accommodations for parents in one of our air-conditioned residence halls at no extra charge.  This is a separate hall from where the students will be spending the night.  You can register for overnight accommodations when the student registers for orientation.  Click here for more details as to what is provided and what you will need to bring if you choose to stay with us. 

PARENT PROGRAMMING

Parents will follow a parallel schedule to that of their son or daughter and will be together for just a few sessions during the orientation.  We offer several sessions exclusively designed for parents.  Some of these include:

• College Transition Discussion
  Hear surprising statistics and discuss common transitional issues that you, and your student, may face in college.  This humorous session is always one that keeps parents talking throughout the day.
• Student Life 101
  A time for the professionals in student affairs to address the resources available to you and your student and an opportunity for you to engage in dialogue about residence life, campus ministry, health services, athletics, campus safety, student activities, and more.
• Financial Aid & Business Office Discussion
  Learn the details of scholarships, loans, tuition payments, and the services offered through these two offices.
• Parent Social
  To conclude the first day of activities, join in good conversation with other JCU parents.  Refreshments are served!

See a sample parent schedule by clicking here.

PARENT ROLE IN ACADEMICS

Parents are highly encouraged to talk with their son/daughter prior to coming to orientation about their career goals and academic interests.  During orientation, each student will schedule their fall semester courses so it is important to “get off on the right foot” with a plan of action developed ahead of time.  On the first day of orientation, parents will have the opportunity to meet with their student’s orientation faculty advisor.  This faculty member may or may not be the same person who will serve as your child’s advisor during his/her first and second years.  After a candid dialogue, students will join parents and the faculty advisor to continue conversation on the academic expectations, resources, and opportunities available.  Students and their parents can discuss their options over dinner in preparation for registration the next morning.

On the second day, students will meet with the same faculty advisor without family members to finalize and schedule their courses for the fall semester.  During this time, parents are encouraged to visit the Cleveland & University Resource Fair which takes place at the same time as registration.

PARENT RESOURCES

We make a conscientious effort to provide numerous services and resources for parents.  We will make certain that PowerPoint presentations and other information is available for download on this page in July 2008.  Additionally, please visit the Parent Resources website at www.jcu.edu/parents.