DU Parents Blog

First Flight

When we told Sarah she could look at any school she wanted, so long as the “fit” was right, we never expected her to end up in Denver.  We figured one of the coasts, the one we live near or the one the rest of my family lives near.  Some research says that the average distance most college students go from home is 94 miles and that 85% of all students live within a six-hour drive.  Our son is a senior at Bentley, just about 100 miles away, but Sarah is 1,884 miles away from our home in Hartford, Connecticut. 

We really knew no one in Denver.  How would we get her ‘stuff’ moved there and what if she needed something?  What if she got sick?  Would it be expensive getting her back and forth (thank goodness for Southwest Airlines!).   Coping with the move and the separation was successful but held some anxious moments – for her and for us.  Like most modern parents, we’ve had to stifle the urge to take care of things for our kids.  We’ve tried to be helpful, but to really let her be in the driver’s seat.

So how have we tried to be helpful while she learned to live independently far away from home?  We’ve tried to:

• Let her initiate most of the communication, whether texting or video chats or calls. 
• Let her work out her own issues.  So the roommate situation isn’t perfect or the Resident Assistant is a little weird.  We’ve mostly resisted the urge to intervene. We’ve asked, are you looking to vent or are you looking for suggestions?  We’ve listened, downplayed the drama and urged patience.
• Make friends with our local Federal Express office.  We sent a few boxes initially and several more as we have responded to “Mom, could you send my hockey gear?” or “Could you find that black dress in my closet and mail it?  I have a dance I need it for.”
• Use the new technologies - Skyping is great. Video chat feels like you are almost there and you forget the distance. 
• Encourage her to advocate for herself.  Need a little extra help with that math class?  Find a tutor.   Want to meet new friends?  Look for a new sport or a club to join.  Get out there, do it for yourself. 

We miss her but the empty nest has some great features!  

Connie Williams, parent of future 2015 DU graduate

 

Parents (and Students) Orientation

This post is a little late, but I wanted to note how very impressed we were with the entire Orientation process for students and parents.  It became apparent very quickly that the faculty and staff at DU genuinely care about the students and the quality of the educational experience provided at DU.  As parents, we were made to feel very welcome in each and every informative session that we attended. By the time the last day of orientation arrived, it was clear that DU faculty and staff wanted us, as parents, to feel very comfortable leaving our student there.  In addition, we really enjoyed being able to meet some of the other parents during Orientation, and we felt quite comfortable that the DU parents typically think alike when it comes to our students choosing a school that is a good fit, and that is small enough to offer the opportunities and support that our students might need and enjoy.

When we left DU to go back to Michigan on the Tuesday after Labor Day, we left our "baby" and only daughter.  I was very emotional; however, it was just perfect being able to hear Helen Johnson speak about the trials, tribulations, and joys of being the parent of a college student.  I cried and I laughed as I listened to Helen, who has obviously been in many of our shoes.  Helen was really on point as far as addressing what I was feeling, and it was immensely helpful having listened to her advice when we left for the airport later that day.  DU parents and students are very fortunate to have such a caring, informative faculty, staff and Parents Association. 

Since then, it would appear that our daughter is doing quite well and enjoying DU.  We are quite pleased with her experience thus far. We hope that she will find the time to take advantage of the many programs and activities that DU has to offer.

As an aside, our middle son is a junior at DU, having transferred there in January of his freshman year.  Because of the date he transferred, he had an abbreviated orientation, and we as parents were not able to accompany him to DU.  He transferred from a school in California that I won't name here, not for academic reasons, but because it wasn't a good fit for him.  Believe me, his experience there was in sharp contrast to the great experience he has had at DU.  As a parent, I had the feeling that the faculty and staff there could have cared less about the students.  Brian is now on his quarter abroad in Santander, Spain, and really enjoying the experience. 

I look forward to our childrens' coming years at DU and hope I can visit often.

DU does it right

DU was a new school to me, as well as our daughter. I was unable to visit during pre-application tours, but my wife bragged how great the school was, so I was excited to see the campus during move-in weekend and orientation. I loved it. From the morning we showed up to move in and were greeted by current students and Greek houses to the day I said "see you soon, I hope" to my daughter, I couldn't ask for a better experience as a parent. The Parents Association kept me busy, distracted from the pains of leaving, and kept throwing wonderful people at me. The only time I was at a loss, was when I left campus. Every professor, student, Parent Association administrator and school administrator was exceptionally kind, interested in how we parents were doing, and asked if there was anything that could be done better? Parents Weekend here we come!

Question: What should parents and families expect during Discoveries Orientation Week?

The Discoveries Orientation team is anxiously awaiting your family’s arrival to the University of Denver campus!  Our goal is to welcome you to our community and make your student’s transition to college as smooth as possible. We realize that, while this is a time of excitement and anticipation for families, it can also create some challenges and anxiety.

Whether you are a parent/guardian of a first-year or transfer student, the Parent and Family Orientation is designed to help you become familiar with DU, answer your questions about University resources and opportunities, and find out what to expect the first year.

Orientation includes various information sessions, a resource fair, and time to ask DU administrators any questions you may have. Some sessions occurring during Parent and Family Orientation include:

Student Billing and Financial Aid

Campus Safety

Academic Requirements

Student Life

Study Abroad

Health and Counseling

Campus Tours

Following Residence Hall Move-in on Sunday, September 4^th, we invite all parents and guardians of incoming students to stay for Parent and Family Orientation, occurring Monday, September 5^th -Tuesday, September 6th. The cost is $25 per person, which helps offset costs of meals and materials (children under 10 do not have to register). Parent and Family Orientation is optional and is not a requirement, but is a wonderful way to learn more about the DU experience.

To REGISTER and for a more detailed schedule of Parent and Family Orientation, please visit http://www.du.edu/studentlife/discoveries/parentsandfamilies.html.  Online registration closes August 31^st.

We look forward to seeing you on campus soon!

I'm Glad I Joined

The last four years flew by unbelievably fast - and now my daughter Caitlin is a graduate of the University of Denver.  But I'm not ready to go yet; I'm still a proud member of the DU Parents Association and the Parents Council.

I hope you have already joined the Parents Association.  If you haven't,  let me encourage you to sign up.  Membership is a great way to be more closely involved with the University.  Some terrific benefits of membership include the chance to win a $250 gift certificate at the bookstore, a 10% discount on gifts and apparel at the DU Bookstore, and a copy of the DU calendar every year for four-year members.  Also, you probably got a phone call the summer before freshman year from a Parents Association member who volunteered to answer questions new DU families might have (like, are the dorms air conditioned? no!).  As far as I'm concerned, the best benefit is that members can register before everyone else for the fabulous activities at Moms and Dads Weekends.  My personal favorites are Tea at the Brown Palace and the olive oil tasting (these two always sell out fast).

If you're like me and want to have a deeper level of involvement, think about joining the Parents Council.  In case you haven't heard about the Parents Council, it is an advisory board made up of DU Parents Association members who meet with administrators and the Chancellor twice a year to learn about all the latest developments at the University.  You'll see Parents Council members assisting at move-in day, helping out with Summer Send-Offs, greeting parents during Orientation, and facilitating at Parent and Family Weekend and Moms and Grandmoms/Dads and Granddads Weekends.  But for me, the real value of the Parents Council has been the friendships I've made working closely with parents from all over the U.S. and the incredible DU staff.

So, please join me as a member of the DU Parents Association.  You can sign up on the DU website.  If you need more information, contact Laura Stevens, Director of Parent Relations, at 303-871-2744, or laura.stevens@du.edu.  I'll see you at move-in and Orientation.

Judy Maillis, mother of Caitlin Holleron, Class of 2011

Resources on Campus

When students arrive at the University of Denver we want them to know that they are in a supportive and caring environment, with students, faculty and staff that are eager to help them in their journey. There are many activities they will participate in during their Discoveries Orientation week (such as meeting with their faculty advisor, connecting with fellow students, and registering for classes) designed to assist them in making a smooth transition to campus. As they settle in to life at DU, they can begin to take advantage of the opportunities that will help them develop new skills, connections and overall wellness. 

Writing Center

Students may bring any writing project to the Writing Center and we will work with writers in every subject area, from engineering to English and business to biology. We will work with you at any point in the writing process: brainstorming, developing a thesis, organizing, revising, using sources, and editing. Our help is meant to foster strong critical thinking and decision-making. Writers can meet with a Writing Center consultant once per day per writing project.

Career Center

The DU Career Center is a service that assists your students in navigating the career planning and development process both as a student and as an alumnus.  The Career Center offers individualized services and appointments, access to alumni and employer contacts for career advice and job/internship opportunities and multiple online resources available 24/7 including extensive job and internship databases specifically for DU students and alumni. For more information, visit the Career Center at www.du.edu/studentlife/career or call 303-871-2150.

Math Center

The Math Center provides free drop-in assistance for Algebra, Trigonometry, Business Calculus, and Calculus I, II, and III classes. The Center will be open in the Driscoll Student Center starting in fall 2011.

University Technology Services

University Technology Services, or UTS, provides phone, email, online and walk-in computer support for all students at the University of Denver. If you have questions about laptop requirements, or need assistance with frequently asked questions, feel free to visit their website link noted above.  

Center for Multicultural Excellence

The Center for Multicultural Excellence (CME) helps prepare students for successful living, learning and employment in highly diverse settings. In addition to providing support services for traditionally underrepresented communities, CME also engages the entire campus community in awareness training and education, multicultural skill building, conflict de-escalation, coalition-building and proactive programming. CME offers all DU students a variety of opportunities for involvement and leadership in programming that includes retreats, dialogues, movie discussions and peer facilitation and mentorship.

Health and Counseling

The Health & Counseling Center is an on-campus facility that provides a wide range of on-site medical and mental health services. Physicians, nurses, psychologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other professionals staff the DU HCC. We see individuals with a wide range of concerns from birth control, travel immunizations, stress, homesickness, career decision-making, relationship problems and GLBTIQ related issues, to more serious problems such as eating disorders, trauma, or depression and anxiety disorders.  All students enrolled for academic credit (full-time or part-time, undergraduate or graduate) may use the HCC.

University Chaplain

The Office of the University Chaplain helps students maintain connection with the faith traditions of their youth, working with campus ministers of various religions.  In addition, the Chaplain is always available for conversation and counsel to help all students explore their spiritual possibilities.  Visit the Chaplain's website at www.du.edu/religiouslife.

 

What are First-Year Seminars?

-      Entering students will enroll for a 4-credit First-Year Seminar (FSEM 1111); completion of this course is one of the graduation requirements for all first-time, first-year students. It is the first quarter of a three-quarter First Year Inquiry and Writing sequence.

First-Year Seminars are designed to provide students with an in-depth academic experience that is both rigorous and engaging. They will develop the kinds of academic skills that prepare them for successful college work, including writing, critical reading and thinking, discussion, argument and   debate. Faculty members have selected course topics about which they have particular expertise and enthusiasm. For our first-year students to be able to engage with faculty in the exploration of these topics is an extraordinary opportunity for academic and personal growth.

The instructor of the First-Year Seminar course your student chooses will also serve as your student’s academic advisor and faculty mentor for their entire first year. They will meet individually with their mentor during winter and spring quarters for advising and registration help. Their mentor will be an excellent source of support during this important transitional year. The seminars will meet for 4 hours per week for the fall quarter.

How do students register for a First-Year Seminar?

-       Before students go online to register, they must read the course descrip­tions at www.du.edu/studentlife/fys and should select several possible options. If their first-choice FSEM is full (course sections will fill on a first-come, first-served basis), they should choose a different FSEM that piques their interest. It does not need to be a course in their intended major – encourage them to think outside the box and expand their horizons!

If your student has any questions about selecting or registering for a First-Year Seminar, they are free to contact our Discoveries Orientation Office at 303.871.3860 or orientation-du@du.edu.

 

Moms and Grandmoms Weekend 2/18/11-2/19/11

Beautiful blue skies, wonderful programming, time to enjoy your child and his/her friends and to share the joys, as well as the sorrow, that life sometimes brings... The joys...

First, a tour of Williams Tower and the carillon. Amazingly, painted canvas replicates carved limestone walls and gorgeous mosaics. 95 steps lead to the 65-bell carillon where University Carillonneur Carol Lens sweetly plays. Lessons anyone? Give her a call! (720) 202-0913

Next, it's a discussion of "Sex and the Soul: Juggling Sexuality, Spirituality, Romance and Religion on America's College Campuses" with University Chaplain Gary Brower. Check out the book of the same name if your interest is piqued!

On to the always entertaining Professor Kerwin and his "Geography of Food and Olive Oil" presentation. Some fun facts about olives: Did you know that olives are one of the 50 perfect foods yet only grow 5 places on earth? Are usually pressed within 24 hours and at night? And my favorite... consider that you may be making a higher carbon footprint by driving 20 miles to purchase your favorite local olive oil than by buying in your nearest grocery store an oil off a container ship from Spain! 

What's a day without chocolate? Local chocolatier Erich Dietrich has been whipping up delectables for over 50 years at his store on 1734 E. Evans. At his chocolate making and tasting we sampled scrumptious dark truffles and rich hot chocolate made right before our eyes-- not to mention the enormous incredible edible chocolate sculpture of Silverplume. 

 Dinner at one of the many marvelous restaurants in Cherry Creek.

Which necessitates a swim in DU's terrific pool...

Chalk one up in the win column for DU Gymnastics at the Burnsley Invitational Saturday night. Highlights included Brianna Springer's not one but two scores of 9.9 (vault and floor). Go Pios!

And the sorrow....

21 year old Joe Lubar, a junior at DU and a pitcher for the club baseball team, passed away Friday, February 11 from head injuries he incurred in a ski acident several weeks ago. Beloved Joe, known fondly by his teammates as Lubey, will be missed beyond what words can express. His kind and gentle nature yet fierce competitive spirit inspired one and all. On Saturday the baseball team hosted a fundraiser workout in his memory at Crossfit Conquer, a gym where the team regularly works out. The team has also produced and is selling t shirts in Joe's memory. Contact team member Vinnie Girardi to make a donation to the family or to purchase a shirt. 

Rest in peace, Joe.

Respectfully submitted by Sharon Straus, Zack's mom.

What is a greater driver of success, talent or the will to win?

My son, Bergen, is a new Freshman at D.U. and absolutely loves it. From a parent perspective D.U. did everything right to recruit Bergen and instill confidence that he made the right choice by selecting D.U.

From a parent perspective they gave me the reassurance that the huge investment we are making in Bergen will pay off.

The opportunities D.U. offers are amazing. I can hardly believe that as a Freshman one of his teachers is former Colorado governor Dick Lamm; just one of DU's very diversified and experienced professors.

School has been in session for 5 weeks. Bergen is studying hard because his professors expect it. His dorm room is luxurious based on normal dorm standards. He has met an incredibly diverse group of like-minded students who will be life long friends. He is participating in club sports, and using the incredible gym and athletic facilities.

We live in beautiful Colorado Rockies but Bergen has not wanted to come home, there is just too much to do on campus.

He is incredibly happy and motivated and therefore I am too.
I just wanted to pass on these kudos! Great job D.U.!!!
Happy Mom

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Skype: The Study Abroad Parents' Friend Indeed

What an adventure our sons and daughters are experiencing as they settle into their new surroundings.  Italy, France, Israel, Argentina, Kenya, and New Zealand  are just a handful of the nations where D.U. study abroad students have landed for the Fall 2010 semester.  One of the challenges they will face is to attempt to actually focus on their academics while surrounded by all kinds of wonderful distractions outside of their overseas classrooms; not an easy task.  For some, the contrast between Colorado and where they currently dwell is dramatic.  For others the customs and cultural diffences are refreshing.  And for yet others, who have already traveled extensively in their young lives, navigating another new place presents a challenge that somehow energizes them in a fresh way. Ah, study abroad.

But what about those of us back in the U.S.?  We feel a little disconnected, a little out of touch.  Some of us parents miss our students WAY more than the students miss us, or Colorado, or their siblings.  What about those of us who have been to every baseball game, every dance recital, every gymnastics meet, including all of the events they wanted us to attend, and even the ones when they "didn't care" if we were there!  What are we to do now?  The answer is...Skype.  Yes, Skype to the rescue.  What a magnificent invention.  We always knew that technology would one day allow us to actually see the person we were talking to on the other end of the phone, we just didn't know it would be through a computer or laptop, and that  it would be our son or daughter on the other end.  Now granted, it's not  even close to being there in person, like when we watched them attempt a cartwheel on the balance beam, or when we politely questioned a call by a little league umpire, but Skype really goes a long way to reduce the distance that separates us from our kids. But, helicopter parents beware, your son or daughter must actually be available at the same time you are in order for the video connection to be complete.  This fact alone could cause undue stress to those for whom the whole long distance experience has already  stretched your comfort zone beyond recognition.  Fortunately, my wife and I have had a few previous separations from our kids when they have traveled that have helped us learn how to enlarge and reshape our comfort zone, which has included a growing trust in God's ability to care for them (even when they were caught in a hurricane on their honeymoon in Mexico!).

Hopefully by now, you have all figured out how to use this ally in communication, but if not, simply go to YouTube on your computer, type in "how to use skype" and you will find several options to help you to install Skype.  I should mention that your son/daughter must have high speed internet available to access Skype, but many locations are already equipped  for this service.  You will also find that Skype is very inexpensive, and it some cases it is free.

John Kloeckner, Skyper

parent of David Kloeckner, a junior, currently studying in Haifa, Israel