ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ

By Deanie Kepler
ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ Director of Parent and Family Programs

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

• Familiarize yourself with : All students must provide proof of meningitis vaccinations before moving into campus housing. In addition, ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ's mandatory health insurance policy requires students to either provide documentation of private insurance coverage or to enroll in the each term - for fall 2010, by August 27.

• Remind your student to take the tutorial online. It is required.

• Be sure to check out the regarding prohibited items in the residence hall. Help us keep your student safe!

• Remind your student about as well as in the city of Dallas. Role-play different situations they might find themselves in and see how they respond.

• 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. Make sure your students have the numbers for 214-768-3194 (during regular office hours) and 214-768-2141 (24-hour nurse response line).

• Stay informed about the .

• Did you fully complete your student's

College Smarts

• Remind your student to take the online. It is also required.

• Have a discussion about this year's assignment. Students will discuss it together and 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!" from Residence Life and Student Housing on room decor.

• Talk to your student about having a roommate and about the importance of the they will fill out during the first week of school.

Taking Care of Business

• Did your student set you up as an ? (Parents can call 214-768-3417 for help once they've been authorized.)
Also, did your student fill out the through Access.ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ? After students grant access, parents will need to to view the records.

• Be sure your student knows how to separate clothes for the washer and dryer, which are free of charge in residence halls.

• Discourage your student from bringing expensive jewelry that cannot be replaced.

For the Family

• Make reservations for September 24-26. 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.