Accolades for Parent Orientation Program
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Parents today are involved in every aspect of their child's development. After completing the Nichols College 2007 Parent Orientation Program, 97 percent agree that they feel good about their child's decision to attend the Dudley, Mass. campus -- despite the fact that it's really tough for parents to let go of their millennial students.
"We view parents as partners in helping their children become more successful students," says Dr. Brian McCoy, vice president for student affairs and dean of students. "So, we take our June parent orientation very seriously."
More than ever before, instant messaging and cell phone technology is keeping parent and child connected, and the habits developed in high school continue in college. Dean McCoy advises parents to let their child take the lead in setting communications patterns. "Don't text-message every hour! Give you child some space to solve problems; it's an important part of the college experience," he says.
82 percent of the surveyed parents rated as excellent the "Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll" session Dean McCoy co-presented with humor and candor. He challenged parents to examine how well they know their college student by taking a ten question quiz adapted from materials developed by Dr. Christopher Reber of Penn State. Two of questions and answers include:
- After the first few months of college, parental influence is of little consequence. (False)
- About 85% of freshmen entering college have already started drinking alcohol in high school (True, but it's closer to 90%)
Heather Barbour, director of student activities & orientation, notes that "Parents want to make sure that their children take the right classes, get good grades and develop resumes with a perfect combination of co-curricular activities and practical internships."
The majority of surveyed parents thought that the Parent Reference Guide was comprehensive and that they were leaving their students in good hands. Adds Barbour, "It reassures our parents that freshmen at Nichols get a lot of attention because it's a crucial year for student success."
And after completing their own orientation program, many of the first-year students shared their parents' sentiments, with comments such as: "I can't wait till fall!"; "I had fun and made friends."
Nichols College has been a catalyst for giving increased attention to undergraduates, a growing trend nationwide. "All first-year students must attend a weekly Professional Development Seminar (PDS) for 12 weeks," says Dawn Sherman, assistant dean for special academic programs. "Information and support is provided to help make a smooth transition to college, including providing students with the necessary skills and tools to achieve success academically and personally."
Time management, library research and study skills, relationship skills, and goal setting are all topics covered. In addition, information is shared about available tutoring, academic advising, and learning differences support.
"PDS is actually a required four-year program," says Sherman. "As the student grows, new skills are taught, such as how to write a resume and interview." Kendall Hunt recently published three of Nichols PDS workbooks which are now being sold online by both Borders and Barnes & Noble.
"Every graduate of Nichols must develop a portfolio of accomplishments for that first leap into a career," says Sherman. "That's why our outcomes and graduates are so successful." In fact, for the Class of 2006, six months after graduation, 96% were fully employed in their field of interest with an average starting salary of approximately $40,000.
"It takes four years to transform a student into a successful Nichols grad," says Dean McCoy, "and parents are involved every step of the way."