Aggie Parents & Family


November 2005

November 2-16: Drops Require a Late Drop Form (WF on Transcript)
November 16: Last day to submit a petition for late drop form
November 18-December 17: No dropping of courses permitted
November 23-25: No Classes (Thanksgiving Break)
December 5-9: No test week
December 9: Last day of classes
December 12-16: Finals (see schedule of classes for exact times)

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Past Issues

October 2005

Preparing to have your student home during Thanksgiving
The Homecoming

When Thanksgiving rolls around, there is bound to be more than a turkey in the oven. Your student will likely be home for a few days, requiring adjustments and adaptations on both your parts. To make this a happy, rather than a harrowing, homecoming, consider the following suggestions:

Put It Up for Discussion. Instead of imposing a curfew, like you did in high school, or demanding that your student follow particular rules now that he's home, turn it into an adult discussion. Sit down to talk about what you both expect and decide together what feels fair and comfortable. It's another step in developing an adult relationship with your student.
Don't Overplan Your Student. When your student is home for a few days over Thanksgiving, don't give in to the urge to plan every moment for her. She'll need some time to decompress and to spend time with family and friends on her terms. Try to let her know ahead of time what family time is already planned so that she comes home knowing what's what.
Be Prepared for a Different Schedule. Your student may now stay up until 3 and sleep until noon. Ask ahead to see what his sleeping schedule is like so that you're not planning a bunch of 10 am activities while he's home. This can go a long way in spending time with a well-rested, happy student versus a grumpy one.
Get Ready for New Topics and Perspectives. Your student may be very excited to talk about new topics she's encountering both in and out of class. While you may not be used to your student discussing religion or world politics or poverty, embrace the change-her learning is kicking in!
Ask to See Photos and Papers. Before your student comes home, let him know that you'd love to see pictures of his new friends, any papers or projects he'd like to share, publications put out by an organization he's joined, and more. It doesn't have to come across as nosy-instead it's just an expression of "I'd love to see what your life entails now." Chances are he'll welcome the invitation to show off a bit.

Compromise and care can lead to this being a very Happy Thanksgiving.

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