My perspective on the UT Austin Family Orientation
It was a worthwhile event that answered all of my questions.
[Feel free to share this post with other parents having upcoming orientation sessions.]
I accompanied my LHD for the June 5-7 orientation at UT Austin. Despite not having any preconceived notions about what to expect, I walked away from UT Austin Family Orientation on June 5 with a great appreciation for what the school is doing to prepare and support my daughter over the next four years.
Verdict: It was well worth the time and effort, especially if this is (a) your first time attending an orientation at UT or (b) this is your first orientation overall.
What I enjoyed most
The list is long, but I single out a few of the most interesting elements below.
Hearing from staff
David Laude, long-time chemistry professor, gave a great talk during the welcome session on the importance of supporting our kids as they take this big step and our roles change.
“No matter what, love your kids,” he said.
Talking to other parents
One great equalizer in this journey is that, no matter how prepared our kids are for August 21, they are not nearly as prepared as they might think they are. Talking to other parents makes clear that we are all dealing with kids who have taken one big step—high school graduation—but who are about to take another one that will be a shock to the system, no matter how well-adjusted or calm they might seem now.
I enjoyed talking to parents whose kids are eager to leave home but who have not shown a willingness to prepare as former thinks they should.
“Partnering for a Safe and Secure Campus”
This was one of the most anticipated sessions, given that my daughter will be leaving a small, safe town and going to a big school in a large city. As expected, there were lots of questions, and the captain of UT PD was on hand to answer them, making parents aware of the resources available to students and how the latter is educated on accessing those resources.
Faculty and staff comments
The continiually emphasized that they were taking strides to make students aware of the academic, social, emotional, athletic, etc., resources available to them. This helped drive home the point that they are taking seriously the need to support our kids beyond the classroom, recognizing that many of the challenges they’ll face won’t be academic.
My overall favorite part of orientation
I enjoyed talking to staff at Moody College on the steps they are taking to ensure our kids hit the ground running in preparing for life four years from now. They are getting in front of students early and often to help them reach their long-term goals, including providing access to professional mentors who can help guide students beginning almost immediately.
This is huge to me, in large part because many—too many—students graduate from college each year without either a clear goal of what they want to do or whether or not the degree they now have has thoroughly prepared them for the future.
Biggest piece of advice
Have questions in mind that you’d like to see answered, pick sessions that germane to your interests (Q&As are great for this), and have questions ready in advance.
The most poignant takeaway
It came from Texas Parents Association director Susie Smith, who moderated a Q&A with UT parents who answered questions about what to expect when our kids leave home this fall. She spoke of the changing role (becoming a consultative parent) with our kids being a challenge, but that we should remember that they will get stuck, need us and reach out—in their own time.
“You have to trust in what you’ve built in them, who they are,” she said. “It’s still there [even if you can’t always see it.]”