Wendy Schuh, Alcohol and Drug Education Coordinator, MSU Student Health Services
wendy.schuh@mnsu.edu
SHS Website
Kato Party 411 website
Although teens sometimes seem to have one foot out the door, parents still matter and you can help your student make decisions not to drink, smoke, or use other drugs. Nobody said parenting was easy. The more independent your student gets the more you may feel yourself caught between wanting to hold on and getting ready to let go.
Some parents who used drugs in the past choose to lie about it — but they risk losing their credibility if their kids ever discover the truth. Many experts recommend that you give an honest answer — but you don't have to tell them every detail. As with conversations about sex, some details should remain private. Avoid giving your student more information than they ask for, and ask your student a lot of questions to make sure you understand exactly why they are asking about your drug history. Limit your response to that information.
Set Expectations — think through your own expectations about your teen's behavior in college. Be clear about your stance on alcohol and other drugs, including any consequences you will impose if your rules are broken. Try to avoid posing restrictions like putting off paying their tuition. They are asking for help, and removing access to education isn't going to get them the help they need. Be sure your expectations are reasonable, well thought-out, and convey trust and support. Communicate these expectations to your student well before he or she leaves for college.
Drinking — Make sure your student knows that most college students don't drink and that there are plenty of other ways to get involved on campus without copious amounts of alcohol. More information can be found on the Kato Party 411 website.
Party Hosting — While you may think you're protecting your son or daughter by allowing drinking at home or offering to host parties where alcohol is being served, you're not. Not only are you condoning illegal behavior and sending a mixed message to your child, but in several states, including Minnesota, you can be held accountable for serving alcohol to a minor. There are two ways you can be held liable for hosting underage drinking parties - criminal and civil liability. Criminal liability involves a statutory prohibition enforced by the State through criminal proceedings that can lead to sanctions such as fines or imprisonment. Civil liability involves an action by a private party seeking monetary damages for injuries that result from permitting underage drinking on the host's premises.
Be open for discussion but don't discuss your past ~ unless asked. While it may be tempting to discuss your own history of alcohol and drug use during college, it is not advisable. Your student is still an adolescent, and you do not want to give mixed messages about drinking and drug use by telling stories from your past. Your student's life is the focus now.
Information adapted from Facts on Tap; Drug Abuse and Substance Abuse Information; and Parents. The Anti-Drug
Jennifer Myers, Program Coordinator for Fitness and Wellness, Campus Recreation
jennifer.myers@mnsu.edu
Fitness & Wellness
Eating disorders are nothing new, but for parents who have children in college for the first time, the topic takes on a whole new meaning. Many parents think their kids "know better" or think their kids do not have body image issues. The truth is that eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia do not always stem from body image issues but instead from control issues.
Eating disorders are complex conditions that arise from a combination of long-standing behavioral, emotional, psychological, interpersonal, and social factors. Scientists and researchers are still learning about the underlying causes of these emotionally and physically damaging conditions. People with eating disorders often use food and the control of food in an attempt to compensate for feelings and emotions that may otherwise seem over-whelming.
For some, dieting, bingeing, and purging may begin as a way to cope with painful emotions and to feel in control of one's life, but ultimately, these behaviors will damage a person's physical and emotional health, self-esteem, and sense of competence and control. Factors contributing to eating disorders are prevalent in the college atmosphere.
Psychological factors like low self esteem and loneliness can occur if your student feels he or she does not fit in with the college lifestyle or has trouble making friends. Interpersonal factors like troubled family and friend relationships can also be common if your student is struggling with defining a new identity. The first year college student is not sure of where he or she fits within the family and high school social circles since being away at college, making it hard on both the student and the parents. The best thing parents can do is promote the self-esteem and self-respect of your student in intellectual, athletic, and social endeavors.
Parents also need to take a look at themselves to make sure they are not sending signals of conditional acceptance to their children (ex: "I'd be proud of you if you joined the gym/got straight A's/found a boyfriend."). Parents are often too caught up in their own lives to notice changes in their student's behavior. For instance, parents may not notice changes because of less frequent contact or not witnessing their child's behavior (first-hand) since the student left for college.
Your student doesn't "know better" and could have body image issues. If parents accept these facts and accept their student unconditionally, they are on the road to prevention of an eating disorder. Parents are probably the most influential people in a student's life. My charge to you is to be an objective observer of your student's behavior and feelings. Don't assume, don't blame and don't demand, and when your student is consciously or unconsciously crying for help; listen.
Cathy Hughes, Manager for Administration and Information Systems
Department of Residential Life
cathy.hughes@mnsu.edu
Residential Life website
The on-campus room sign-up for the 2007-2008 academic year will take place from Monday, February 5 through Friday, March 30. Students can hand pick the room of their choice at the Residential Life Office. All that is needed is an ID and $250 prepayment (which is applied to room charges next fall).
Single rooms are available! Current Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors, and Grads may choose a single room for next year by signing up before March 30. Current Freshmen may call, email, or stop in at the Residential Life Office to put their names on a waiting list. Single offers will be made beginning March 9 based on availability.
Students who live on campus at Minnesota State University, Mankato enjoy opportunities to make new friends, develop new relationships, and participate in special hall activities and social events. Plus, they'll find many leadership and employment opportunities on campus. When shopping for housing, remember to compare the costs. Consider all that is included when living on campus:
Visit the Residential Life website for more information!
Dr. Jayne M. Larsen, Assistant to the Dean of Institutional Diversity &
Special Assistant to the President for Multicultural Relations
jayne.larsen@mnsu.edu
The Office of Institutional Diversity at Minnesota State University, Mankato is a focus point within our learning community which promotes and encourages all to celebrate the beauty of different cultures. The Office of Institutional Diversity is proud to note that the University over the course of the academic year provides the opportunity for students to engage in cross-cultural learning experiences through special cultural-based programs, ethnic meals, speeches and small to large social-cultural gatherings. The learning environment at Minnesota State Mankato is rich in its student composition, enrolling over 500 international students from 68 countries around the world combined with over 900 students from diverse backgrounds in the US. The rich curriculum at Minnesota State Mankato promotes a greater understanding of diversity, requiring students to take courses that highlight diversity in all academic areas. Conferences sponsored by the Office of Institutional Diversity are offered in conjunction with academic departments so students can receive academic credit. The four conferences are the Pan African Student Leadership Conference, Asian Pacific American Conference, Chicano-Latino Conference and Native Nations conference hosted annually at the University. Diversity courses and experiences at the University help prepare our young people to be leaders in a multicultural/global society.
For more information about conferences sponsored by the Office of Institutional Diversity, go to the Conferences website.
| February 14, 2007 | Summer Job Fair in CSU Ballroom |
| February 23, 2007 | Summer Class Schedule available for viewing |
| March 10, 2007 | Saturday Classes Held |
| March 12 - 16, 2007 | No Classes - Spring Break |
| March 19, 2007 | Summer Term Registration Begins |
| April 9, 2007 | Fall Term Registration Begins |
| April 13, 2007 | Deadline for Withdrawal of Individual Spring Term Classes |
| April 27, 2007 | Deadline for Official Withdrawal of All Spring Term Classes |
Comments and questions about the Family Connection Newsletter can be directed to Office of First Year Experience via e-mail at familyconnection@mnsu.edu.
