New Family Transition Tips

My daughter just returned home from her first year of college. I remember the incredible mix of emotions you are experiencing — excitement, nervousness, sadness, relief at finally having a plan! I have experienced all of these and more, just like you. It is an exciting time for our soon-to-be college students, but this is a big transition for student and parent alike, and I want to assure you that those of us at the Centre College Family Engagement Office are here to support you every step of the way.

As a Centre alumna, I know what an incredible experience awaits your student. Over the next four years, your student will engage in a transformative educational experience, explore the world, make lifelong friends, and build relationships with amazing faculty members. I am so excited for your family as you begin your Centre Experience!

Throughout the summer, you will receive Centre Transition Tips emails from our office and campus partners. These emails will cover important topics to help you and your student arrive to campus prepared for academic, social, and personal success.

I look forward to officially welcoming you to the Centre family in August at our Family Orientation. Mark your calendars for Friday, August 21, and watch for registration information in July. In the meantime, join our Facebook group – Centre College Families – for updates and news throughout the summer and beyond.

I know you have a big transition ahead, and my colleagues and I are committed to providing the support and resources you need to make that transition successfully. If at any time you have questions or concerns about the journey ahead, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at krista.rinehart@centre.edu or 859.238.5508.

As your student prepares for the housing assignment process, we want to share a few ways you can support them during this exciting transition to campus living.

One important step in the process is creating a roommate group in the housing portal for students who have identified a preferred roommate. We encourage you to have conversations with your student about roommate preferences, communication styles and expectations for shared living spaces. While families can provide valuable guidance, we also encourage students to take the lead in completing their housing forms and roommate group selections, as this helps build confidence and independence as they prepare for college life.

Students who wish to request roommates must create a roommate group in the housing portal and ensure that all invited roommates accept the invitation by the June 15 deadline. Encouraging your student to complete this process early can help reduce stress as deadlines approach.

We also know many families are eager to begin planning for move-in and residence hall needs. Because room layouts and dimensions vary by building, measurements are building-specific. After housing assignments are finalized, students will receive an email with details and measurements for their assigned residence hall so you can plan together appropriately.

Thank you for your partnership and support as your student prepares to join our residential community. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to the Residence Life team at reslife@centre.edu.

We look forward to welcoming your student – and you – to campus soon!

Your student has completed taking placement tests (through June 9) and will soon hear from our Registrar about course registration. The excitement of being a college student is building — so now what? Here is a quick overview of the academic advising process at Centre and how your student’s fall academic schedule will be determined: 

Your student is in communication with their summer advisor now. Summer academic advisors are helping students complete placement tests in math and a second language and are planning meetings to discuss appropriate course choices for the upcoming fall term. Each student will meet virtually with their advisor before course registration week of July 6–10. Please make sure that your student is responding to Centre College emails, as advisors will communicate via email to set up important meetings this summer. 

Your student will meet their academic advisor as part of the on-campus orientation activities before classes begin. These advisors will continue to partner with your student through the first two years at Centre. Faculty academic advisors are deeply knowledgeable about our curriculum requirements, campus resources and support, and will help students plan to meet requirements and explore their interests. 

Late spring of their sophomore year, students will select a major and be paired with a new faculty advisor in their chosen discipline. This advisor remains with them through graduation.   

You can learn more about Academic Advising and other campus resources at Centre by visiting Student Support online. If you or your student have any questions about the advising process, you may reach out to mary.gulley@centre.edu or 859.238.5223. 

We can’t wait to welcome you and your student when you arrive for Move-In Day on August 21! This will kickstart the orientation experience for new students, a time for them to learn about our campus community, connect with new classmates, and prepare for the first day of the term. Of course, the transition to college life takes more than just a few days — and that’s where “Finding Your Centre” (FYC: 001) comes in!  

FYC is a one-credit course that new first-year students take in the fall semester and is designed to continue the guidance for navigating college, as well as understanding campus resources and community-building that begins in the summer months. It provides an immediate support network as students settle in at Centre in a number of ways: 

1. PEER MENTORSHIP: Each student will be matched with a First-Year Mentor (FYM) — an experienced upperclassman dedicated to providing guidance, support and insight throughout the transition to college life. Your student’s mentor will be reaching out this week to introduce themselves and will stay in touch over the summer. Then, this same FYM will lead your student and a small group of peers through orientation and will continue to serve as a resource throughout the first semester (including support in the FYC course).  

2.  INSIGHT ON THE LEARNING PROCESS: FYC groups meet weekly during the first semester and provide key opportunities for new students to learn about Centre's campus resources and support services, like the Centre Learning Commons. FYMs and FYC instructors will also share invaluable tips and study tricks to help your student succeed in the classroom and find their academic footing.   

3. A BUILT-IN COMMUNITY: One of the hallmarks of a Centre education is small classes that create a strong sense of community. With no more than 20 students per section, FYC classes are designed to provide a foundation to the community your student will build here at Centre. They will get to know their group before the term even begins, forge bonds over shared experiences their first semester — and may even make some lifelong friends.    

4. FACULTY/STAFF MENTORSHIP: Each FYC group is led by a dedicated faculty or staff member who has volunteered out of a genuine love for Centre and a strong commitment to student success. FYC instructors are here to provide thoughtful guidance and support, offering insights and instruction to help first-year students grow and thrive. They’ll be reaching out to your student in just a few weeks to begin that journey!  

As you can see, “Finding Your Centre” is designed to help your student establish roots here at Centre that will serve them throughout their Centre Experience. Learn more about our FYC program here, and feel free to reach out to ansley.bredar@centre.edu or call 859.238.5341 with specific questions. 

In the last Transition Tips message, you learned about how our FYC course helps new students transition to college life. A significant aspect of the FYC course is to introduce students to some of the embedded support in place for students at Centre — which includes connecting them to resources specific to academic success. 

Chances are, your student has heard their high school teachers say, “It won’t be like this in college!” more than once. This creates a sense of the “unknown” that may be met with excitement, or anxiety, or simply a lot of questions from your student — how different will their classes really be? In what ways?  

Below are some tips to help your student (and you) feel more prepared for what to expect, as well as some of the ways the Centre Learning Commons (CLC) offers support throughout their academic journey. 

College vs High School Courses: 

More Freedom: Students are typically excited about the level of freedom they have over their schedule in college — from the courses they take (and the timing) to what extracurriculars they pursue, and all the ways they can shape their Centre journey.  

• Tip: Time management is key! Taking personal responsibility for how they spend their time is an important part of the transition to college — and can be more challenging than students expect. Many underestimate how much time should be devoted to studying outside of class, for example.
• CLC Resource: Individual consultations allow students to explore time management and study strategies that work for them. 

Variety: Each class is different. This not only applies to the content being taught but also the kinds of assignments, how grades are calculated, the rhythm of the lessons in the classroom, and the tasks required as independent work.  

• Tip: Start with the syllabus. Each course syllabus includes helpful policies to keep in mind and can be a great way for students to feel more prepared for the specific requirements for each course. For example, syllabi include professors’ office hours so that students know how they can meet with their professor outside of class.
• CLC Resource: Peer Tutoring/Peer Mentoring can focus on specific academic areas or on more general study skills. 

Learning Environment: High school courses often focus on teaching basic facts and skills, providing a solid foundation through a high level of guidance and structure. In college, professors often ask students to think through “big questions” and to synthesize many new — even conflicting — ideas, rather than just memorize facts. 

• Tip: Independent does not mean “alone.” Centre’s campus community is full of offices designed to support students in different ways.  
• CLC Resource: Workshops are offered on a weekly basis to address common questions. The Writing Center also offers help with any stage of the writing process. 

You can learn more about what to expect from college courses here. These topics will also be addressed through your student’s orientation experience and FYC course in the fall! 

Specialized Support for Individual Needs 

The Centre Learning Commons is also where students with learning differences find the resources and support they need to do their best. For those of you supporting students with learning differences, here are a few ways you can help your student prepare for continued academic success this summer: Transitioning to College. 

Visit Centre’s Accessibility Services page to learn more about the services and resources available, including how your student can begin the process for requesting accessibility services. (We recommend completing the initial request form as soon as possible, so that those processes can begin over the summer!) 

No matter what courses your student will be taking this fall or throughout their time at Centre, we have resources in place to help them succeed. Please feel free to reach out to Assistant Dean of Student Success Mary Gulley with any specific questions at Mary.Gulley@centre.edu or 859.238.5223.

As your student looks forward to college, creating a new community – one reflective of their interests, passions and personality – likely weighs heavily on their mind.

At Centre, we believe that belonging is more than simply fitting in – it is knowing that you are valued, respected, connected and that your presence matters. We want every student to experience a campus environment where they can build meaningful relationships, engage authentically, contribute their unique perspectives, and thrive both inside and outside the classroom. My staff and I are committed to helping students not only find their place at Centre but also find a sense of purpose, connection and community. As we often say, You Belong Here!

In addition to the many community-building events scheduled during New Student Orientation and the Finding Your Centre first-year programming, here are a few ways you can support your student as they build their college network:

• Encourage your student to join an affinity student organization. These groups are formed around shared identities, interests, and experiences, including gender, race, cultural background, heritage, religion and more. The goal of these organizations is to foster connection, create opportunities for students to feel seen, valued and supported, as well as build communities where students can learn from and celebrate one another. Research consistently shows that students who are actively involved in student organizations are more likely to develop a strong sense of belonging, persist through challenges and graduate. Follow us on Instagram (@centreodi) to see highlights of past programs.
• Encourage your student to attend inclusive events. Our office hosts campus-wide events focused on building meaningful connections, fostering community and strengthening a sense of belonging. These events include “Porch Parties” at the ODI House, convocations, workshops, cultural celebrations and gathering opportunities in the Intercultural Suite. We hope your student will take advantage of these opportunities to connect with others and expand their sense of community.
• Make sure your student participates in Building Bridges and Community Day. Each November, this special day of programming provides students with an opportunity to engage with faculty, staff, distinguished visitors and peers as they explore the richness of diverse experiences, cultures, identities, talents and perspectives that make Centre stronger. The day reflects our commitment to creating a community where every individual can learn, grow and contribute to a culture of belonging. Past sessions have included K-Pop Dance; All Y’all Talk Funny: Linguistic Prejudice; How to Make Kimchi; and Grow Your Roots: Yoga in the Garden.

We look forward to welcoming your student to campus soon and supporting them as they build relationships, discover new opportunities and develop a strong sense of belonging within the Centre community. In the meantime, if you or your student have any questions or concerns about belonging, inclusion or finding community at Centre, please don’t hesitate to contact us at odi@centre.edu or 859.238.5240.