Central Michigan University

• Advice for students heading to college ... and their anxious parents

Back-to-school time is here, and one Central Michigan University expert can provide comments regarding what students and parents should know and consider before packing their bags and boxes and heading off to a college or university. Joan Schmidt, who has more than 30 years of experience in student housing, is available to speak with reporters.

Some of Schmidt's initial thoughts:

Regarding how parents can help their students be successful in their newfound independence:

"Resist the natural, parental urge to interfere. If students call home and talk about any difficulties they are experiencing, they should be encouraged to find and pursue their own solutions to perceived problems. Students should be encouraged to address the situation and, if needed, to approach a university official, such as a resident assistant if it is a roommate issue, a professor or academic adviser if it is an academic issue, or a counselor if it is a personal issue. In many cases -- including at CMU -- resources for resolution can be found right within the student's residence hall complex.

"Family members also can help by staying in regular contact with their students, but it is important for students to develop social ties on campus, too. They should reassure students that homesickness is fairly typical and will usually diminish as the semester progresses. Students should be encouraged to take advantage of what college has to offer -- programs, activities, plays, advising, counseling, athletic events, student organizations and perhaps part-time employment."

Regarding how students can get comfortable with their new surroundings:
"Spend time on campus. Students should be encouraged to stay on campus during the weekends rather than returning home every weekend. Most students go home over Labor Day, and often they will go home for their high school homecoming, but other than those weekends they should be encouraged to stay on campus. That way they will make new friends, get to know the campus and community, and feel a true part of the university experience."

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Joan Schmidt is well versed in matters related to on-campus living. She recently received the Parthenon Award from the Association of College and University Housing Officers - International, a prestigious distinction for service, leadership and contributions to the student housing field. Schmidt is a vocal proponent of using the term "residence hall" instead of "dorm": "Residence halls are much more than a place to sleep and eat; they truly are a place where students can feel at home and be a part of a vibrant living and learning community," she says.

Contact: Lindsay Allen, 989-774-7327, lindsay.allen@cmich.edu.