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The OMA staff at UMASS Lowell want to extend our best wishes to your child as they embark on their college journey. As a parent, we understand that you want to support your student in making important decisions for their future, that's why we've created this blog.

Sending your student to college can be an intimidating experience, particularly if they live on campus. This transition can be a significant adjustment for both the student and the parent. It is important to prepare yourself and your student for the changes ahead and to remain supportive throughout the process. It's common for parents to question how to be supportive when their student is away at college, especially if they have never attended college themselves or are unfamiliar with the American college system. It's important for parents to find a balance between being supportive and overbearing, as hovering can hinder a student's growth and independence. This article will provide a few ways you as a parent can support your new college student.

Attending a family orientation before the start of the school year is highly recommended. It provides parents with an opportunity to learn about the resources available to their student on campus and to get a glimpse of student life. You can either ask your student about it or look into it yourself, here.

Author’s Personal Student Experience:

• In my own personal experience, my family attended my family orientation before my freshman year. They saw my residential room and building and met my future supervisors at the Office of Multicultural Affairs, where I work on campus as part of my work-study job. This helped my family understand and get a good look at where I would spend my time while on campus. My on-campus work-study job is now a familiar topic of conversation when I go home for the holidays. My family is well-informed about the nature of my job and the tasks I perform.

My family had the opportunity to meet the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) staff, and I want to let you know that you and your student can also take advantage of this. OMA offers a program called Rising 360°, which is available to all incoming Black, Latinx, LGBTQ+, 1st gen, transfer, and international students. During the opening week before the academic year, OMA holds a Student Success Summit, where students can learn about the office’s resources, including 1 on 1 coaching, peer mentoring, and life skills such as prioritization and time management. Additionally, students can network with staff and alumni at UMASS Lowell. Being part of Rising 360° is an excellent opportunity to make connections and access valuable resources. Information Sessions to learn more about the program will begin at the end of July.

Rising 360°Info Session Dates & Times: Join HERE!

• Thursday, July 27, 8:00am
• Tuesday, August 2, 2:00pm
• Tuesday, August 8, 12:00pm
• Monday, August 14, 6:00pm

We hope you have found this resource informative and valuable. At the Office of Multicultural Affairs, we recognize that family is a vital part of your student's academic success and cultural well-being. Our staff supports students' independence while nurturing familial traditions and heritage. In the next blog articles, we will share more insight and real-life experiences of UML students and their families.