Family Members

This is an important chapter in your life, and we are excited your son or daughter has chosen UT Tyler to continue his or her education.  To familiarize you with UT Tyler and the environment your student will be in for the next few years, we offer a family orientation program as part of our freshman orientation that runs concurrently with, but separate from, the student program.

During the various presentations and programs held, family members will be involved in learning more about all areas of their student’s college experience. Spending this time with us provides family members a great opportunity to ask questions and become more familiar with their student’s surroundings. Here are just a few examples of the presentations you will be able to attend when you are a participant in our family orientation program:

• Campus Health and Safety: Learn from the UT Tyler Police Department ways in which your students can take precautions and use good judgment when securing themselves and their property. Also hear from representatives of the UT Tyler Campus Health Clinic on services provided for students.
• Parent Panel: Talk with parents of current UT Tyler students to see exactly what it is like to be a UT Tyler Parent! You will have an opportunity to ask lots of questions so start making your list now!

Our program for family members is designed to be beneficial and informative, and we encourage all attendees to be present for the planned presentations and orientation events. Family members will receive a detailed schedule upon arrival.

Students can pre-register two family members for orientation by completing the reply card they will receive with their orientation invitation. We ask that each participating family member be at least 18 years of age. Although we encourage pre-registration, family members will be able to register for the orientation program on-site if the need arises. Please e-mail the Office of Student Development if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you during the orientation program!

Letting Go

This is not only a big change for your son or daughter, but it's a big change for you as well.  It may be difficult at first (and stay that way for a while), but this is the time when students need to take on more responsibility as they transition into adulthood and parents need to "parent" a little less.  Try to set a time once or twice a week when you can speak with one another.  Send care packages when you get the chance; these brighten anyone's day and are a treat to receive.  Don't forget about e-mail.  This is a convenient way to stay up-to-date, but do not overdo it!  The key is to find a balance between too much contact and not enough.  Here are some helpful books to help you find that delicate balance:

Letting Go:  A Parent's Guide to Understanding the College Years, Third Edition by Kevin Levin Coburn & Madge Lawrence Treeger

The Launching Years by Jennifer Wyatt & Laura Kastner

Empty Nest...Full Heart: The Journey from Home to College by Andrea VanSteenhouse

Almost Grown:  Launching Your Child from High School to College by Patricia Pasick

Loving and Letting Go by Carol Kuykendall