Parents Preview - August 26 & 27, 2009

At commencement exercises in May,  420 proud members of the Lewis & Clark class of 2009 received diplomas. Today our thoughts turn to the day when your son or daughter will enter that same arena of celebration and honor.

If you have not saluted your child's wisdom of late, do so now. They have chosen a college with a talented faculty, a dedicated staff, and a justly praised curriculum. Above all, it is a college that will encourage your daughter or son to inquire into subjects they have not yet encountered, explore questions never before heard, and express themselves with a clarity and force they may not know they have. Simply stated, your child has chosen a college of superb quality in every respect and you should be proud of that.

If you are like most Lewis & Clark parents you have a lively curiosity about the College and want to follow your child's progress. To help you do do just that, we are hosting Parents Preview on August 26 & 27, 2009 that will introduce you to the campus and the transition to college life.

We look forward to hosting you for this important program.

Program Overview

Parents Preview is a specially designed program for the parents of new Lewis & Clark students. The program runs simultaneously to the first two days of New Student Orientation, August 26 & 27, 2009. It is our intention to introduce you to the College, familiarize you with the academic program and many student services but still provide you enough time with your son or daughter so you will feel you are leaving your child in good hands at the conclusion of the program. It is our hope that many of you will be able to attend the program. If you can plan to travel to Portland in August, it will be well worth it.

We have received excellent reviews from parents over the last several years. "The Parent Program has been a well designed transition from being with our kid alot early on to a gentle weaning at the end. I feel good about leaving my PRECIOUS daughter with Lewis & Clark. I'm ready; she's ready. Thank you for giving us both confidence in this milestone moment of our lives."

"We got a sense that Lewis & Clark has the resources to help our student realize his educational goals--and not only has them, but is very active about making them available and accessible to students. Though it was difficult to leave him when we finally had to go, we felt much better about it for having spent the time on campus these few days."

Program Details

• REGISTRATION FOR PARENTS PREVIEW IS OPEN!   If you haven't registered for the program before August 24, it's possible we won't be prepared with a pre-printed nametag for you. However, don't let that keep you away!  We would be pleased to welcome you to campus and anticipate your full participation in the program.

• 2009 Parents Preview Schedule   The final schedule was was posted on Thursday, August 20, 2009.  You will recieve a hard copy in your arrival folder if you plan to attend the program. 
• 2009-2010 Academic Calendar   The academic calendar should assist you in making travel plans for your student to and from the campus.  Please note residence halls opening and closing dates and times.
• Summer Mailing Schedule   This is a list of those items you and your student can expect to receive by mail throughout the summer.
• Pioneer Prep Check List    Your "Pioneer" (our mascot and now, your son or daughter) should use this important list to insure that his/her transition to the College is smooth and efficient.
• Family Resource Guide    The FRG was sent to parents of students entering in Fall 2009 in mid-June.  We recently discovered an error in the dates for Fall 2009 on page 6 of the Guide.  Final exams end on December 16 and residence halls close at 3pm on December 17, 2009.  We apologize for any confusion.

PARENT CLASS - Your Student and You: Turning Change into Growth During the First Six Months of College

This course is designed to acquaint parents of new students to the transitions and developmental opportunities that their students will face their first semester at Lewis & Clark College. In addition, the course also serves to provide information and knowledge to parents to aid them in their own transition as their relationship with their student moves to a new state. Due to the unique opportunity the course has to aid families of first year students, we are making it available to any parent of a first year student that wishes to enroll.

The course is taught completely online and is free for parents to take.  Once every other week parents can participate in a live class where lectures will be given and parents can pose questions and discuss material from anywhere using a computer and an internet connection. During the 6-7:30pm class times, parents will log on and view the lectures while also listening to the College’s online radio station, KLC. Parents can call, email, or post their questions in real time. The materials will also be available as downloads so parents who cannot view the course during the scheduled class time may view and listen whenever they choose.

We'll have sign up sheets at the "Introduction to Academic and Student Life" session on Thursday of Parents Preview.  If you are not able to be there but would like to sign up for this class, please email Amy De La Cuba at delacuba@lclark.edu with your first and last name and email address you would like us to use.