The beginning of school is right around the corner. Is your student ready? Are you as a parent ready? Here are a few friendly reminders:
Safe and Well
• Remind your student to take the AlcoholEdu tutorial online. It is required.
• Be sure to check out the Residence Life and Student Housing Web site regarding prohibited items in the residence hall. Help us keep your student safe!
• Remind your student about safety on campus as well as in the city of Dallas. Role-play different situations they might find themselves in and see how they respond.
• Give your student a copy of your insurance card if he or she is covered by your plan.
• Don't forget a thermometer and hints on how to use over-the-counter medications should your student get a headache, fever, runny nose or upset stomach.
• Stay informed about the flu, its symptoms and prevention.
• Decide what to do about the meningitis vaccine. Did you fully complete your student's Health History Form?
College Smarts
• Remind your student to take the Academic Honesty tutorial online. It is also required.
• Have a discussion about this year's Common Reading assignment. Students will discuss it together during Week of Welcome. Your student will be expected to come prepared.
• Remind your student: "If you didn't wear it last year, don't bring it!" and "If you didn't use it last year, don't bring it!"
• Talk to your student about having a roommate and about the importance of the Roommate Agreement they will fill out during the first week of school.
Taking Care of Business
• Did your student set you up as an Authorized Payer and did he or she fill out the Student Release of Education Records through Access.SMU? After students grant access, parents will need to set up their own Access account to view the records.
• Be sure your student knows how to separate clothes for the washer and dryer, and don't forget to send extra quarters!
• Discourage your student from bringing expensive jewelry that cannot be replaced.
For the Family
• Make reservations for November's Family Weekend. Mail your reservation or register online.
• Have you told your student that you love him or her, and that he or she has your utmost confidence? Discuss common expectations concerning issues such as behavior, grades, and money as well as your expectations that he or she can (and you hope will) confide in you should things not go as planned.
Question for Deanie? Ask Deanie at gkepler@smu.edu or 214-768-4797.
