Summer programs lessen the stress of transition to college for students, parents

Starting college is a big step toward independence and adulthood. Maps and schedules can only plan out so much; when you are dropped off with your book bag in hand, it feels much like the first day of kindergarten.\nYet college is completely different.\nThe Chicago Tribune recently looked into the orientation programs and sessions that colleges all over the country are implementing to see why the change is being made toward more nurturing, hands-on activities.\nSome say this change is required to help students adjust to their new life, but most important is it helps parents let go. \nOrientation plays a more parental role than prior years when orientation was less personal, said Melanie Payne, the associate director of orientation.\n"IU has always had an involved process, but we have changed the nature of it," Payne said. "Students talk to other students in small groups and one on one. Years ago orientation was more of a tour guide experience. Now we are more real with the students." \nPayne said this difference may be due to a natural evolution of society, such as parents wanting a more active role in the child's transition.\nBecause of this, the University has added special programs for parents during the orientation, but the student sessions are more hands-on than in the past. \n"(Orientation) helps students get involved in the IU community," said Bridget Stenger, assistant director for selection, retention and staff development. She said it's the little things -- like learning a shortcut from a campus tour -- that make a student feel more comfortable.\nOrientation at IU has turned into more than just a welcome session though.\n"Some kids come down to the summer program, meet their best friend and actually change roommate assignments," Moore said.\nThe summer program gives students an opportunity to get another perspective on University life and helps parents start to plan for the transition. \n"In this program, much focus is given to the parents so they know what's going on and what to expect from their relationships with their children and the University," Payne said. \nWelcome Week begins in the fall for freshmen when the reality of being away finally sinks in. \n"Now Welcome Week is real with all their stuff, a roommate and a 12-by-14 ft. room," Payne said. "We help them make the adjustment now that it's real in hopes to get the students to feel like the campus is smaller."\nOrientation leader and senior Dan Moore said he is more likely to stay in contact with the parents than the students in his orientation group.\n"A lot of parents are really into the whole orientation thing," he said.\nThe Freshman Induction Ceremony and a picnic are planned on move-in day and parents are welcome to attend with their soon-to-be independents. After the picnic, orientation leaders then send parents on their way.\n"This way we can facilitate the final goodbye between the parents and students," Payne said.\n-- Contact staff writer Stacy Ellis at \nstaellis@indiana.edu.