Family Members of the Class of 2023,
Welcome to the Miami Family! You are likely filled with anticipation and excitement as your student begins at Miami. College is one of those rare and beautiful things in life where the actual experience, even when hard, is often better than anticipated.
The Division of Student Life at Miami is made up of 14 offices with staff that work to help students clarify their goals, find pathways to achieve them, give extra encouragement when needed, and provide the support students need along the way. As partners in working for the success and growth of your student, we will reach out to you every couple of weeks with issues of Miami Family Focus, which will not only update you on campus events, but also provide advice for conversations with your student. These newsletters will include information about the many resources available on campus and make you aware of important dates and deadlines. Through issues of Miami Family Focus, you will learn about topics that include:
- Enhancing academic success
- Transition tips for families of new college students
- Safety on and off campus
- Being a responsible member of the Miami and Oxford communities.
We know that the college years can sometimes be as challenging and exciting for the family as for the student. How will your role in the life of your student change over the next four years? This is a fundamental question and there is no simple answer that applies to all families. The only universal truth is that all students need the support and understanding of family and friends. Your student's transformation into adulthood will require your confidence and trust, and space to try new things and to learn their capacity for self-advocacy and self-direction. Things may not always go perfectly, but you have spent many years preparing your student for the transition; now is the time to trust that they have learned those lessons well.
Again, welcome to the Miami Family. Watch for the next issue of Miami Family Focus in a week or so, then throughout the school year. We look forward to getting to know you and your student over the next four years.
Love and Honor,
Jayne Brownell
Vice President for Student Life
