A Letter From Campus

Dear Parents,

Congratulations! After a busy summer of preparations, thoughtful decision-making, and careful planning, you recently moved your daughter or son to Anderson University. Now you are helping to pay the bills and sending the occasional “care package.” You can sit back and rest having met the obligations of a good and faithful parent. Not completely!

This is a time of transition for both you and your college student. As you have been adjusting to having one less person roaming the house, your daughter or son has been adjusting to the challenging experience of college life. Whether the first or last child you have sent to college, you likely have many questions regarding the journey for this particular daughter or son. Please know that Anderson University is here for you. You have a critical role to play in the success of your student.

For many students, the college years bring opportunities to make important decisions, to experience new levels of freedom, and to solve problems on their own. The level of responsibility students face as they journey into adulthood can sometimes be daunting, as we all know. But they are excited for the opportunity. They will likely make some very good decisions; but at times some less good. They need your encouragement and support! As they grow into the persons they will be, they also need space and time to find their place.

The university encourages independence, questioning, and some experimentation, but all within this Christ-centered culture. Together parents and the university must work hand-in-hand to encourage this new journey of discovery; yet watching from afar to insure they do not stray too wide from the path.

Here are some things you can do to support your daughter or son in this journey of discovery:

• Encourage them to set personal, academic, and career goals
• Empower the examination of their Christian values and the search for God’s will for their life
• Walk with them during periods of uncertainty, not by jumping in and resolving their issues, but with love and family support

Students want the freedom to succeed or fail, the opportunity to explore some of their freedoms, and the challenge to learn, grow, and adjust to this new world. But your student still wants your encouragement, your love, and your support. They do love and respect your care and wisdom. Please remember, during those times you think the challenges have become too great, or their journey has gone a bit too wide, we are here to step in and intervene, to help them with their load, and guide their walk back on course.

Blessings,

Dr. Michael Collette, Vice President
Enrollment and Information Technology