March 26, 2008
Greetings from the Parent Board!
By Jim Griffiths
Alma College Parent Board
Hard to believe, but in a few short weeks your sons and daughters will have completed their first year at Alma College. For many first-year students, this will be most protracted time they have been “on their own,” away from the watchful and loving eyes of friends and family.
In many ways, you can expect your student to return home a changed person. Perhaps, for the first time, they will have experienced what it means to take independent responsibility for all their personal needs and for academic growth. They almost certainly have met many new friends and perhaps a mentor, some of whom they will continue to associate for a lifetime.
As the parent of a student finishing the second year, I can almost assure you there will be a time of adjustment for you sons and daughters as they come home for the summer. Please enjoy hearing about their experiences and appreciating the many ways they have grown.
In this issue of Getting Started: A Newsletter for Parents of First-year Alma College Students, you’ll find information from Dr. Patricia Chase to help both student and parent adjust to change as your student returns home, and some tips to continue academic growth throughout the summer.
The Links section may pique your interest about recent events and people.
Sue Deel, Alma College registrar, provides information regarding transfer credit for those interested in reclaiming or gaining credits this summer at local colleges.
Finances are highlighted in an article regarding the all-important FAFSA and another piece concerning college students and credit cards.
Grant Woodman, director of campus life, provides additional tips to help ease your son or daughter’s return home and finishes with information on the residence hall schedule for the summer.
There are more articles in this issue I’m sure you’ll find of interest, too. So please do take a look. And best wishes for a great spring and summer!
