Believe . . . Achieve . . . Discover . . .

This is an exciting time in the life of your student. There may be many sacrifices you have made for your student to be here, and there are hundreds of different reasons for the choice they have made.

The Visitor's Orientation Program is held separately, but on the same day as the student's Orientation. This program will allow parents, spouses, friends and others the opportunity to:

• Discover what the college expects from students and what students can expect from the college
• Learn ways to offer support and encouragement to the students
• Share concerns and fears with other families and college personnel
• Find out what is available on campus and in the Rochester area
• Tour the campus.

The college will provide lunch or dinner.

When and How to Reserve your Space for this Program

For planning purposes, please have your student sign you up for the Visitors Program when they sign up for their Orientation program. There is no cost for this program. To make a reservation for either or both programs, call (585) 292-2552 or e-mail us at orientation@monroecc.edu. We look forward to seeing you!

A Letter to Parents

When students leave home for college, they begin some of the most exciting (and sometimes daunting) years of their lives. This is true also if they continue to live at home with you while they being this new adventure. And you are part of that.

These are the years where children are testing themselves in living without your constant presence and guidance - yet they still need you. Most college students and graduates agree that the college years should involve challenges and transitions, resulting in self-discovery. The challenge you face, as a parent, is to give them the respect and space to experience those challenges and transitions, waiting for that shining moment of self-discovery - and this is difficult.

Giving your child that space is one of the most difficult challenges that parents face. Which is better - the parent ready to give advice, if asked, or the parent demanding daily reports? What a dilemma! You may want to be involved in their life to the same extent as you always have been - some of your children may allow this and some may want some distance. Here, we would like to give you some advice to stay in touch with your student, whether they are still living with you or not.

Attend the Visitor Orientation - this will give you some valuable information you can use later on to assist your student, and will help to make you feel more comfortable with your child's choice to attend MCC.

Understand that demands on your child's time will be different.

Let your child make his/her own decisions about what their academic program will be and what classes they will take.

When possible, offer advice only when asked.

Be enthusiastic and available for them, but don't be pushy.

Some Questions to Keep the Communication Going with Your College Student

• How are your classes?
• Have you bought your books?
• Have you been eating in the Terrace?
• Do you have a study group?
• Are you eating right?
• Do you have an advisor?
• Are you getting to know your professors?
• How much free time do you have on campus?
• Have you looked for a job on campus?
• Have you joined an organization or club?
• Have you met anyone from your high school?
• When do you study? Where?
• When are midterms scheduled?
• Have you talked with any of your professors?
• Have you decided what classes to take next semester?
• Do you know how to register for classes?
• How many finals do you have?
• Are you happy with your major?
• Are you able to motivate yourself?
• How are you feeling?
• How can we (I) help?