They Say...

• WHAT’S MY DAUGHTER BEEN UP TO?

• LETTING GO...Tips For Parents Of

New College Students

• HigHligHt on...Service

The Judson College Newsletter for Parents

Fall 2011VOL. 10 NO. 01Oct. 21, 2011www.judson.edu

They Say...Is a quarterly online pub-

lication of the Judson Col-

lege Admissions Office. Its

purpose is to give parents

of current and prospective

students helpful informa-

tion about college, Judson,

and life as a parent of a col-

lege student--particularly,

life as a parent of a Judson

student.

Comments, concerns, or

guest contributions may be

sent to the newsletter edi-

tor, Mary Amelia Taylor, at

mtaylor@judson.edu.

To subscribe to, or to un-

subscribe from, this news-

letter, click here.

*Judson College is an Equal

Opportunity Educational Insti-

tution/Employer.

A Word from the editor

What’s My Daughter Been Up to?.........................................................................2-8 Welcome Week...........................................................................................................2-3 Rose Sunday Reflections..............................................................................................4 Academics........................................................................................................................5 Faculty.................................................................................................................................6 Campus Life.................................................................................................................7-8 Athletics...............................................................................................................8transitions...............................................................................................................9-10 Letting Go...Tips for Parents of New College Students..............................9-10Highlight on Service............................................................................................11-12Upcoming Events.................................................................................................13-14

in this issue:

If the slanted golden light and crisp air don’t give it away, the more frequent yearnings for pumpkin bread, apple cider, and sweet potato pie certainly do: it’s Fall.

Yes, it’s October, and another fall semester at Judson College is in full swing. New and returning students and faculty have had time to adjust to Judson’s rhythms, and you, whether it’s your first, second, or third year, have been adjusting to life at home without your daughter.

The first few weeks of the 2011-2012 school year were a whirlwind of activity: Welcome Week, Rose Sunday, Marion Matters, the MMI Picnic and Step Sing, the President’s Reception, etc. Reality set in soon, though, and life at Judson settled into its normal routine: classes, dining hall meals, study sessions, athletic events, Chapel services, club meetings, fundraisers, movie nights, and trips to Wal-Mart.

Two Judson traditions, however, mean it’s officially Fall. The Jr-Soph class has conquered its most trying time at Judson: Pageant. After a long, full month of late-night practices, the Jr-Sophs produced a very entertaining version of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. If you are the parent of a Jr-Soph, you might feel as if you have your daughter back again. I know the professors are glad to have brighter eyes and less-divided attentions in their 8am classes! As mid-terms approach, one last tradition beckons in the fall season with certainty…Hockey. Field hockey practices in preparation for November 5’s Hockey Day started the Monday after Pageant, and even new

players are already showing great promise. There’s a congenial atmosphere on the field that already reveals the formation of sisterly bonds through teamwork and even a little friendly competition. Players sing after every practice: “Judson without a hockey is like a spring without a fall. There’s only one thing worse in this universe, and that’s no hockey at all!”

I, too, have broken out my hockey stick and shin guards and have been playing with the students and a couple of other JC alumnae. The practices have been a good break at the end of the work day. Though I’m new to this editorial position and perhaps to you, I’m not new to Judson. I graduated in 2009 and, after completing graduate school at the University of Mississippi, returned to Judson as its new Marketing and Web Communications Specialist. I’ve got some big shoes to fill – my predecessor started this newsletter, and I’ve inherited quite a responsibility. I hope this first issue is helpful in filling you in on what your daughter’s encountered thus far this semester at Judson—and in helping you understand how to be supportive of your daughter while also learning to “let go.”

I’d love to hear from some of you about your learning experiences through your daughter’s time at Judson, so please do send some thoughts to me at the email address to the left.

Until next time,

MaryAmeliaTaylor

Freshman Catee Moss and her mom Cristy Jeter. Catee’s a Social Work major from Red Level, AL.

On our cover:

My first experience of Welcome Week at Judson College was as a nervous but expectant freshman student. After the rush of move-in day and saying goodbye to my parents, the next several days felt like summer camp. The JC staff and student leaders whisked us from one activity to the next, keeping us too busy to be unbearably homesick while acclimating us to an early-to-bed, early-to-rise schedule for those upcoming 8a.m. classes.

WELCOME WEEK 2011 seemed very similar. A tightly-scheduled whirlwind of activity followed August 21’s freshman move-in day. Right after you left that evening, your daughters played get-to-know-you games, received an overview of residence life policies, and took part in late-night devotions.

This night new students met their Lead-ing and Mentoring Peers, or L. A.M. P.’s. From introducing new students to professors and Judson’s values and traditions to help-ing them find their classes, L.A.M.P.’s are your daughters’ guides through Welcome Week and their first semester at Judson. Samantha Hale, a senior L.A.M.P., explains her duties: “I moved back a week ear-ly to prepare for the ar-rival of our new sisters!...Being a L.A.M.P. means that I am that first friend for most of these fresh-men and am there for them when they need help adjusting to col-lege life.”

During the two days between move-in day and the day classes started, students had 8a.m. breakfasts, met faculty and staff, and at-tended numerous meetings and assemblies, where they received a crash course in Judson’s values, cultural protocol, traditions, songs, and relationship to the Marion community. Then CLASSES began, along with volleyball and soccer games.

On Welcome Week’s Friday afternoon, most of Judson’s campus participated in MARION MATTERS, a concentrated time of commu-

nity service projects in the Marion/Perry County area. Students, faculty, and staff members split into 22 groups (a Marion Matters record) and spent the afternoon reading and doing craft projects at Albert Turner Elementary School, visiting with Perry County Nursing Home residents, do-ing maintenance work in Marion Cemetery, and painting the East Perry Community Center, to name a few projects. This event encouraged students and staff to partici-pate together in Judson’s mission of service to the Marion community, and along the way, students and staff alike made friends

and learned valuable lessons. Said senior Molly Beasley, “[Mar-ion Matters] is a wonderful way to get the year kicked off right by serving the people of the town and having fun with new friends!”

With Saturday came prepara-tion for ROSE SUNDAY, the second campus-wide tradition of the school year (after Marion

Matters). Rose Sunday celebrates Judson’s ties with nearby Siloam Baptist Church, whose early members were among instru-mental Judson College founders. Satur-day began early, as upperclassmen took advantage of the morning’s cooler tem-peratures to teach freshmen to weave ivy into long chains to line the brick sidewalk on the front lawn of Judson’s main build-ing, Jewett Hall. This act is meant to signify the weaving of Judson’s classes together in bonds of sisterhood.

Afterwards the students rehearsed the

procession to Siloam Baptist Church that would take place on Rose Sunday.

Saturday afternoon brought another set of Judson traditions--this time with neigh-boring Marion Military Institute (MMI). MMI hosted a PICNIC for the new Judson students in its gymnasium, and then stu-dents of both institutions made their way to Judson’s campus--heel-wearing Judson girls in cars, and MMI cadets in marching formation. There Judson students hosted a STEP SING from Jewett’s front steps for the MMI cadets, who stood in forma-tion at parade rest on Jewett’s front lawn. Judson students had been practicing Step Sing songs, unique songs passed down through many generations of Judson stu-dents, since their first day of orientation. A reception/mixer in Judson’s dining hall followed the Step Sing. Samantha Hale re-calls that “The MMI Step Sing was a little bittersweet. Since I will be graduating next year, this was my last time to do this. Still, it gave me the same understanding of the importance of traditions and sharing them with the new students.”

Another example of this “sharing” of traditions occurred on Rose Sunday. Se-niors wore caps and gowns, with single roses pinned on by their Judson little sisters. After class picture sessions and a serenade featuring Judson songs only seniors can sing, the procession to Siloam began. Underclassmen emerged from Jewett first and stood on either side of the brick sidewalk, outside their hand-made ivy chains. They picked up the ivy chains and held them at the beckoning

“I...have something

really beautiful to

honor with these

traditions.” ~Rivers

WelcomeWeek

2

Page 1 Page 1

Welcome Week, cont’dof the Senior Class President, Laney Jolley, who led the Seniors’ procession down the sidewalk between the ivy chains. At the end of the sidewalk, Seniors stopped, and each class sang a self-composed blessing before the short walk to Siloam, and a special service there, began.

For new students, though all were probably glad to settle into more regular schedules, Welcome Week’s activities were the first taste of the SISTERHOOD rec-ognized and celebrated by Judson’s traditions. Megan Gorum, a transfer student, summed it up well: “Welcome Week felt like total chaos. We were running here and there, everywhere around campus. We got very little sleep during that week, and then on top of all the crazy plans Judson had in store for us, classes began. However, even with the running round and no sleep I got the chance to meet some of the best girls any person could ask for.”

Sunday evening the first SENIOR SERENADE took place in Jewett’s foyer. Seniors, dressed in caps and gowns and holding lit candles, sang Senior songs (a Seniors-only collection separate from the Step Sing repertoire) to underclassmen, who perched on blankets and clutched stuffed animals. A verse and chorus from a Senior song seems fitting to close Welcome Week--and this article:

The ivy chain on Rose Sunday bound us together In love’s sweet devotion for aye.For there’s a meaning to old traditions; They tell a story that never dies. Our hearts will cling to these golden memories--Of thoughts of sisters and love that binds.

Wel

com

e W

eek

Phot

os

MMI Picnic

Marion Matters

Step Sing Practice Click for video!

Marion Matters, photo by Autumn Herron, Freshman

Choir members on Rose Sunday

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Last year, Rose Sunday seemed somewhat silly, in that we were doing all of these “symbolic” traditions that didn’t symbolize anything to me at the time. Now, all of the symbols have meaning to me. I have seen and experienced Sisterhood for a year now, and have something really beautiful to honor with these traditions. ~Rivers Brunson, Jr/Soph

I’m a 3rd year, and Rose Sunday was completely different for me this year. I loved the feeling of walking out on the bricks with all of the underclassmen holding up the ivy vine for us. ~Amanda Carle, 3rd year Senior

Last year,as a freshman,I thought Rose Sunday was just the most wonderful thing ever! As a JR/Soph I thought it would be just like last year except we get to pin a rose on our big sisters, but it was much more than that. Getting to pin the rose on my big sister was really special since it was her first time in her cap and gown, but then we got to sing our big/little sister songs and a blessing to each other. I ended up right in front of my big sister as she walked down the walkway in between the ivy, and I held it up proudly for her. Even though we didn’t exactly remember all the words, I will never forget it. ~Staci Chesser, Jr/Soph

My perspective on Rose Sunday is bittersweet. I am so ready to start a new phase in life, but I will dread the absence of Judson’s sisterhood in my everyday life after graduation. I loved seeing my classmates that I have come to know as sisters walk together to Siloam for the last time as students. The nostalgia of that experience was almost tear-provoking. I love my Judson sisters and I will miss them dearly after graduation. Also, Brother John Nicholson’s sermon couldn’t have been more appropriate for our class. He spoke on leaving a legacy...I appreciate what Judson

This was my final Rose Sunday as a Judson Student. It was great to finally put on the cap and gown and understand the hard work and significance of wearing it. Seeing my whole family there to support me really meant a lot. The memories made here over the past four years are ones that I will take with me for a lifetime. There is something special about this place. Rose Sunday is just the beginning of it. ~Samantha Hale, Senior

has taught me about living a life of influence, especially through this tradition. After all, if Judson’s founders hadn’t lived a life of influence, then we wouldn’t participate in a wonderful tradition called Rose Sunday. ~Ryan Dowling, Senior

Rose Sunday Reflections

Seniors Amanda Nolander, Kaylee Crenshaw, Jessica Darwin, and Laney Jolley. White tassels indicate class officer positions, and colored robes indicate SGA President (yellow) and Senior Class President (white).

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Emily Hand, a freshman and a Judson Student Blogger, wrote a blog entry about her first chemistry quiz, entitled "We're not in Kansas anymore."

"Annie, I think I failed this quiz."

I managed to maintain a 4.0 GPA in high school without much of a hassle. Back then, "Annie, I think I failed this quiz" probably meant I had made a 'B' or in worst case scenario, a high 'C.' This time was different -much different. When I entered chemistry class on Friday, I sat down at an empty table ready to take a quiz just like chemistry students do every Friday. I was prepared…or so I thought... Dr. Williams smiled a "good morning" and handed me a blank quiz. I flipped it over and scanned the problems. As I slowly came to the realization that my brain did not retain all of the information that I attempted to cram into it, my confident gaze turned into a horrified stare. My eyes darted from problem to problem looking for something…anything…that could offer a glimmer of hope to my moment of despair. I picked up my pencil and began fumbling with the problems and related information in an effort to get at least some partial credit on answers that should have come easily."

Read on to see the resolution and what Emily learned.

Kasey Barton, a junior and author of Judson's Hot Blog of the Month, called the problems affecting Emily and others an "epidemic"!

"Public Service Announcement: There's a New Epidemic on Campus"

Tired? Stressed? Seeing dark, puffy eyes when you actually find time to look in the mirror? If you have fallen victim to any of these symptoms, then you might be suffering from "Lack of Sleep Due to a Load of Studying" Disorder. While the title of this disorder is fictional, the symptoms are very definitely out there.Right now on Judson's campus, girls are getting their first taste of exams for the semester. Sweatpants are becoming more popular, and dark circles have replaced the bright, smiling eyes from the first days of class. While the upperclassmen know that they have to get back in the groove of studying, the freshmen are getting their first doses of the BIG tests. Dr. Wilson, Dr. Whitaker,

and Dr. Frazer are all names known to newcomers by now. These names are not associated with easy classes, either. These are the names of the professors that offer some of the most challenging courses on campus.Last week, a few of the upperclassmen were asked to speak at JUD 101 (orientation course). We were invited to talk about why we came to Judson College and to answer any questions about study skills from the freshmen and transfers. One of the first questions was, "Can you do a study group for Dr. Wilson's biology class?" Haley Gates and I looked at each other and laughed. Since both of us study biology, we knew exactly how that girl was feeling. We proceeded to tell them how we handled it our freshman year. We told them the common "tools to success" story: No procrastinating, go to each and every study session, take advantage of office hours."

Read on to discover Kasey's "favorite study tool.”

The study sessions Kasey mentioned are numerous. Students and professors keep regularly-scheduled hours blocked out to help students with questions--in a Writing lab, Business Department lab, Math and history study sessions, and more.

Kari Hatley, a freshman in Dr. Price's Math 105 class, says, "The study sessions have helped me so much. Before I took my first test I went to the study session and got help with the problems I had, and I had a lot! [The tutor] stayed 15 minutes longer than what she had to just to help me and make sure that I understood the problems. Thanks to the study session, I made a 95 on my test!"

“There’s a New Epidemic on Campus”

AcAdemicS These first months of the fall semester have been quite an adjustment, for freshmen and returning students alike.

Study Sessions, Anyone?

...now has Wi-Fi and has completed its coffee corner. In addition to a purchased sink, the coffee corner contains several shelves for mugs and a coffee counter, built by Judson student Rachel Walker, her dad (Wallace Walker, Jr.), and cousin (Preston Honeycutt). Students and faculty can often be seen enjoying a cup of coffee there, and Dr. George Washburn, librarian, has said that the coffee station has been responsible for increased traffic in the library--he’s been surprised at the numbers recorded by his new door counter--well over 300 in the first week after the door counter’s installation. Thanks, Rachel and family!

The Library...

Read Audra’s recent blog posting about the library!

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Though the academics are tough, Judson’s close-knit, supportive academic enviroment has been revealed in many capacities thus far this semester.

FAcULTY

“Get off the Bench!”

Judson welcomed new members to its faculty and staff this term -see the news story and who the people are here!

Judson students got to meet them and other faculty and staff members on Sept. 12 at the Judson College President’s Reception, hosted by Dr. and Mrs. David Potts at the President’s Home on the Judson campus. All freshmen and some upperclassmen dressed in formal attire to meet most faculty members in a long receiving line. Pictures and refreshments were numerous!

Dr. David Potts with students Christina

Carter, Emily Dundore, Jessica

Darwin, and Kaylee Crenshaw

Students also got to meet Judson’s faculty in another capacity. Faculty and staff members put aside all formality and professionalism and entertained students with hilarious acts in September 24’s Faculty Follies and Staff Shenanigans. Musical numbers from Sister Act by the Residence Life Staff, electric guitar selections by Dr. Arnold (psychology professor and Assistant VP of Academics), and the Andrews Sisters’ “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” by Academic Dean, Dean of Students, and VP of Development were a few of the

acts. Judson President Dr. David Potts narrated “The Grasshopper Opera” while Dr. Jonathan Brown, piano professor, Dr. Betty Campbell, voice professor, Dr. Bullard, Religion Dept. Head, and Mrs. Leah Washburn, Admissions office manager, sang. Elvis even made an appearance! The event served to reveal professors’ less-intimidating sides, thus strengthening relations between staff and students. Many students were often doubled over laughing --one student sitting behind me said, “I haven’t laughed this hard in a long time.” See more photos from the event here.

See more photos from

the President’s Reception here!

Students Emily Fitzgerald and Beverly Cox show off their personalized lab coats and displays for Tri-Beta and Science Club.

Judson’s “Get off the Bench!” event occurred September 20 on the quad between the library, student union, and Barron Hall. The event showcased various clubs, groups, and majors and minors for new and returning students, encouraging them to meet other students and faculty members and to be involved in campus life in all its forms. The event’s flyer encouraged students to be involved, “Because college is what YOU make of it!” Ms. Angela Dennison, Social Work

professor, talks about Judson’s new Social Work program with students.

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campus Life The Jr/Soph class’s production of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory on Oct. 1 was a great success. Many of you were there, so I won’t summarize. For months the Jr. Sophs practiced and held fundraisers--t-shirt sales, a yard sale, and a bake sale--to raise money for their production. Late-night practices guarded by freshmen from intruding Seniors (the theme of Pageant was to be a secret from big sister classes) made students bleary-eyed and not altogether prepared for early-morning classes. Said Jr/Soph Rivers Brunson (and Charlie’s mom in the play), “I had a breakdown yesterday. Pageant is definitely stretching me as a person…both as a student and as a participant in a production. God is teaching me ...a lot about time management.” Pageant has been a time-honored tradition whose purpose is, along with entertaining the Judson/Marion community, unifying Judson’s sister classes. Its motto is always “Love Conquers All.” Rivers says of her Pageant experience as a Jr.Soph: “I’m also able to see very clearly what the Body of Christ should look like -working together, correcting one another, and ENCOURAGING each other constantly! It really is an amazing--though trying--experience.”

PAGEANT 2011

Read a great story about a Pageant break-in by senior Brittany Hall and her friends here!

Other student blog entries re-capped Pageant, and those may be found here and here.

More photos from this year’s Pageant may be found on Judson College’s facebook page. Don’t forget to “like” us there!

The Judson College SGA sponsored its third annual Coffeehouse on Sept. 23. Students were all invited to participate in poetry readings, monologues, and musical performances, while being served fair trade coffees and teas. Prospective students staying on campus before Sept. 24’s Preview/Scholarship Day were also invited to attend and meet current students.

SGA Coffeehouse

Club News The Art Club has been hosting movie screenings on Wednesday nights. Among those featured have been Casablanca, Stardust, Alfred Hitchcock’s Rope, and the 1995 A&E adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. In late Oct.-early Nov., the Art Club will join with the Art and English Departments to host the Tournées French Film Festival. See details here.

Then English Department and English Club will be sponsoring a Jane Austen English Country Dance Nov. 5. See details here.

The Business Department sponsored a cookout for its students and interested persons at Judson’s Clubhouse on Sept. 21. See a few photos from the event here.

Kappa Delta Epsilon (KDE) has been hosting several fundraisers this semester, including the sale of concessions at softball games, and a penny-in-a-jar guessing game. For $5, participants could guess how many pennies were in a jar for a chance to win a bucket filled with $200 worth of Judson merchandise. A winner will be announced soon!

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campus Life

The Lady Eagles soccer team participated in two days of community service projects in Marion in August, including stuffing backpacks with school supplies to be distributed to the county’s schoolchildren.and visiting with nursing home residents. The team has had a good season--with an 11-5 record, the girls and new Coach Ken Headley will play their final regular season game in Chattanooga, TN on Oct. 28.

The Equine Department at Judson announced its new IHSA team members in September, and the program was featured in a segment of RFD-TV’s program Time Well Spent. In late September, the program received a $50,000 pledge from the Alabama Farmers Federation and ALFA insurance; the funds will be used to add classroom facilities to the program’s new equine center. The Judson College Equestrian western team placed third overall at their first show, in North Georgia on Oct. 8, and qualified two riders for the end-of- season western regional show. See details here.

Judson’s volleyball team has been actively practicing and traveling to games, but the Lady Eagles have also been busy serving and supporting causes. In August the team hosted a one-day Vacation Bible School at Berean Baptist Church in Marion, and the team has been playing in pink jerseys throughout the month of October in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. The team hosted a “Pink Day” and created a ribbon for Judson students and staff to fill with names of loved ones and friends touched by breast cancer. Check the Volleyball Schedule page for current team record.

Date Event Details10-NOV.10 AlABAMA BAPtiSt

BEginningS ExHiBit Bowling Library - Open to the public during regular library hours.

25 Al lt. gov. KAy ivEy to SPEAK At CHAPEl

11:00am Ramsay-McCrummen ChapelFor a full Chapel schedule, click here.

26 toURnéES FREnCH FilM FEStivAl SCREEning

7pm L’Illusioniste/The Illusionist

31 tREAtS on BiBB St Student activities groups host alternative trick-or-treating event for Marion children

31-NOV. 4 ADviSing AnD REgiStRAtion FoR SPRing ClASSES

October Event Calendar*For sports events, check the Athletics pages at www.judson.edu, and for other events, check the Academic Calendar.

The Lady Eagles basketball team has been practicing for the season and has been selling bleacher seats and t-shirts steadily. Their first game will be Oct. 31 at home against Oakwood University.

Softball’s reached a pause in its season, and will begin preparing for its Spring season, which kicks off with a match-up against Stillman on Feburary 17. See the schedule and team record here.

AthleticsRead Samantha’s Athletics Blog!

Soccer players Ashley Bryan and Kearson Roberts at an afternoon practice.

Thanks, Ashley, for the photo!8

TransiTions Whether you’re a first-time college parent or have been navigating higher education with your daughter for a year or more, you’ve undoubtedly disccovered that college

is DIFFERENT. It changes your relationship with your daughter, and sometimes it’s difficult to know when to be the hovering “helicopter parent” and when to let her handle things on her own. It’s not easy for your daughter, either. Finding where she fits at school and at home when she visits can be a stressful, confusing task for her, too.

Recognize this is a time of ambivalence for all parents.

The excitement and joy about opportunities awaiting your child are mixed with the waves of nostalgia and a sense of loss. Talk with other parents who are going through the same thing.

Recognize your child’s conflicting emotions.

Your child, like you, is being pulled between past, present and future ... one day exclaiming “leave me alone; I’m 18 years old. I’m independent” and the next complaining “you’re never around when I need you.” Your child’s ups and downs are a sign of the ambivalence of this transitional time.

Talk to your child about how you’ll keep in touch.

Do you want a planned time to talk or do you want to be more spontaneous? A cell phone can be a wonderful way to keep in touch, or it can be, as one student described, an “electronic leash.”...E-mail and instant messaging are also wonderful ways to keep in touch. Just don’t count on a reply to every message.

Acknowledge that college today is different.

Although century-old buildings may look untouched by time, college life today is very different from the campus scene 25 or 30 years ago. For those of you who went to college, think twice before beginning a sentence with, “When I was in college...”

Ask about courses rather than focusing on grades.

Invite your child to share with you the discovery of new ideas, academic interests and intellectual passions.

Be a coach rather than trying to solve your child’s problems yourself.

You’re likely to hear more than your share of problems. College students usually call their parents for reassurance when things aren’t going well, and call their friends with the latest exciting news. When you get those late night phone calls, and you will, you can encourage your child to use the appropriate campus resources — to go to the health service or career center, to talk to an advisor, dean, a counselor or tutor. Read resource information sent to you by the college so you can be an informed coach for your child.

Make a financial plan and discuss expectations with your daughter.

Develop a tentative budget and be clear about who will pay for what. For example, some parents pay for books and supplies, while their child is responsible for incidental expenses such as snacks, movies, and CDs. Other students are responsible for earning a percentage of their tuition. Teach your child about responsible use of credit and debit cards.

Discuss academic goals and expectations.

Remember, many freshmen do not do as well academically first semester as they did in high school, and many change their minds about their proposed course of study. Ask them what they hope to accomplish academically during their first year. It is important for them to take ownership of their education. Grades are not the only indication of learning.

This “Transitions” section will hopefully be helpful in deepening your understanding of adapting to life with a college student--and as a college parent.

The following are excerpts from an article entitled: “Letting Go: Tips for parents of new college students,” written by Karen Levin Coburn and Madge Lawrence Treeger at Washington University. The article in its entirety may be found here. Hope you find the information here insightful as you learn to live as a Judson College Parent.

Though school’s started, it’s not too late to: Communication is key!

REMEMBER: College students care more about what you think than they are likely to let you know.

They quote you, talk about you and look to you for encouragement. As they journey toward adulthood and independence, sometimes they want your advice and sometimes they just want you to listen. And as one of them put it, “We just won’t tell you which time is which.”

Embrace Ambivalence

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When she comes home...Be an anchor.

Keep your child informed about changes at home. College students want their parents to accept all the changes they are making but want everything at home to stay the same. So it’s important to keep them informed about changes at home, whether it’s moving a younger sibling into their room, or, on a more serious note, about illness in the family or the death of a pet. They need this from you in order to feel secure and maintain a sense of trust.

Tell your child ahead of time about family plans, especially over the holidays, so that she can make plans accordingly.

Renegotiate expectations.

Your child has been making decisions on how she will spend her time for many months. You, however, may have strong feelings of your own when she comes in late at night, sleeps late in the morning or arrives late for dinner. Most students respond well if parents treat them with respect. For example, a parent might say, “I know you’re used to being out until all hours of the night at school, but I can’t sleep when I wake up at 2 in the morning and you’re not here. Let’s talk about how we’re going to handle this so that we’ll both feel good about it.” It takes flexibility and communication to find a common ground.

While she’s away...Send care packages.

Early in the year, sharing popcorn or chocolate chip cookies is a wonderful way for a student to meet hall mates. Photographs are personal reminders of home. Holiday decorations, baskets of treats at exam time, and even everyday necessities like shampoo and quarters for the washing machine are reminders that say, “I’m thinking of you.”

Expect change.

Students will change the way they think and the way they look. Many will change their majors and career goals. They need you to stick with them, have patience when they are uncertain, and support them as they chart the course of their own lives.

“going HoME” by Lindsey Holt - Freshman, Arab, AL

i find myself in my college dorm room, once again attempting to pack up two weeks of dirty clothes in order to return home. However, i am not filled with the same excited anticipation that i was on the first weekend i went through this routine.

It was a month ago, and I was so happy that I was going back home to the familiarity of family and old friends. I had the idea in my mind that I would be going back and finding everything just as I had left it—a world frozen, waiting for me to return. So imagine my surprise when I got there to find that things had changed, and everyone

was going on with their lives without me.

My parents and brothers were now going about their own personal schedules that didn’t include me. They all acted strangely towards me—not quite sure how to find the medium between treating me like the child they’ve always known and the independent adult I am slowly but surely becoming. The house looked different, thanks to my mom’s deciding that my absence means it’s time to redecorate. And the huge old oak tree I grew up playing under was being cut by my father because its giant dead

limbs were too dangerous.

Hoping to seek solace from old friends in the never-changing Arab, Alabama, I went to a football game. There, my friends welcomed me with hugs and “I miss you’s,” but there was an awkwardness that had never been there before. They were still in the same place they had always been, and I was moving on—we were no longer part of

each other’s daily lives.

I was stunned. Nothing here was supposed to change—it was all supposed to keep cycling as always. I was the only one who was supposed to be changing. Alas, that was not the case. I learned that first trip home that I can’t expect my new life to move forward to exciting horizons, but magically expect my old life and old acquaintances to be there exactly as they were for me to return to. Now, as I am once again packing to return to the town I call home, I don’t expect it to be the way I last left it, but I am now looking forward to the new adventure of discover-ing what changes await me in the great old place called

home.

Read more Judson student blogs here!

Transitions, cont’d

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Highlight on... SERVICEAccording to the U.S. Census Bureau, Perry County, Ala., where Judson college is located, is among the poorest counties in the nation. Thirty-one percent of its residents live below the poverty level, while the U.S. national average is 9.2%. Service to this community and the world is a tradition at Judson, foundational to its mission of truth informed by the light and love of Christ. This tradition continues the vision of Light and Truth embraced by Judson’s namesake, Anne Hasseltine Judson, who traveled to Burma in 1813 as America’s first female foreign missionary.

For the past several years, Judson’s Office of Faith-Based Service and Learning (FBSL) has been devoted to this mission. Reads the FBSL 2009-2010 Annual Report,

“The Office of Faith-Based Service and Learning at Judson College exists to facilitate the meaningful engagement of faculty and students with the people and needs of the surrounding community and the world. This mission is accomplished through assisting faculty members in the planning and implementation of academic service-learning projects integrated into course curriccula, as well as through the coordination of service opportunities within the Division of Student Services. This process not only reinforces and expands traditional learning experiences of students, but also instills in them the same deep concern for those who live in poverty that can be found in the teachings of Christ. Through their involvement in service learning, Judson students are learning to combine the knowledge they gain in the classroom, their gifts and talents, and their desires to make a difference to become effective agents of change in Perry County and beyond.”

Judson College is the only private Christian college in Alabama to receive a Community Engagement Classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Judson has also been listed on the President’s Community Service Honor Roll, the highest federal government award for institutional commitment to volunteerism, service-learning,and civic engagement, for the past four consecutive years. For the past four years, 85% of Judson students have taken part in community service, well above the national institutional participation average.

Recalls FBSL Director Susan Jones, a 2002 Judson graduate, “Last year Judson students helped distribute food to 300 needy families, put books in the hands of over 500 children, helped 24 high school students prepare for college, distributed nearly 800 pairs of shoes to people with diabetes, and took part in tornado relief efforts benefitting residents of 8 counties.” Judson students have also been involved in building projects at Perry Lakes Park, local freshwater monitoring, local economic studies, local school classroom activities and teaching units, house construction and insulation projects, oral history projects, animal partnership and therapy initiatives, restoring a community center, and painting a mural for a local business owner. In all of these projects, students have had opportunities not only to serve but to grow in skills and in character themselves. Writes Jones, “These initiatives are of substantial importance in providing young women with the holistic education [Judson has] been striving to offer since 1838--an education that impacts and informs not only minds, but also hearts and lives.”

“The work of faith-based service learning at Judson College places students in dialogue with the poor of the Black Belt and in meeting critical needs of children and families, thus providing a hand up. The beauty…is that…the giver and receiver are both blessed by the exchange. Students and faculty alike find meaning in authentic service--living the exhortation of Christ in the…Gospel of Matthew.” ~Judson President David Potts

Quoted by Michael J. Brooks, “Faith-based service learning part of Judson experience.” The Alabama Baptist (August 11, 2011), 9.

Read about the meaningful experiences of our students involved in FBSL projects on the following page and in our service/missions student blogs!

~Rivers Brunson ~Bethany Rush

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• Judson began this fall semester with Marion Matters, a campus-wide afternoon of service to the Marion/Perry County community, on August 21. Though you’ve already read a little about it (Page 2), here’s a quick recap: Students, faculty, and staff divided into 22 groups, which participated in various projects coordinated by Judson’s FBSL Office, includng a painting project at the East Perry Community Center, nursing home visits, clean-up of the Marion Cemetery, and reading and craft projects at Albert Turner Elementary School. See what these students had to say about their projects this year:

• Two teams of Judson students traveled to North Africa for eight weeks this past summer in order to train local followers of Christ, who are part of a rural health project, in making reading glasses, using solar cookers, basic hand washing skills, and making a medicinal ointment from a locally grown plant to treat skin disorders.

Service, cont’d

Specific projects:

“My group was supposed to paint the gym or work outside at Marion Academy. Instead we played volleyball with some of the younger girls. It was really fun and made us realize that we are their role models and should set an example for them.” ~Mykela Thompson, Freshman

“This year I was involved in singing step sing songs at the local health center. It was a blast! We found some of the elderly women liked to sing just as much as we did, and they taught us a few things, too! It was such a blessing to see them smile and to hear their voices raised in old-fashioned hymns and songs that have been a part of Judson’s history for so many years.” ~ Molly Beasley, Senior

“My group went to the local elementary school and read a story to the pre-K class. After that we had a small watercolor painting activity, where they were to paint the animals they saw in the story. We took away many life lessons from this experience. Marion is a community with much need for a little extra service and help. Judson College does a good job of creating opportunities for the students to give back.” ~ Samantha Hale, Senior

A few weeks later, several current Judson students joined with alumnae volunteers for a “Saturday of Service” and repainted walls in two hallways at Albert Turner Elementary School (one of the FBSL office’s ongoing projects).

One student participant Carli Ludlow (a Jr/Soph) said, “I feel like every tradition here at Judson is like receiving a Christmas present. There’s just something about them that makes even the

simplest of acts something that you remember for life. One of the best traditions at Judson is the tradition of community service. Not only is it completely humbling to serve others, but it enriches your life. Saturday I got the opportunity to help paint at the local elementary school with

fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumnae! We all went to work immediately, and it was possibly one of the coolest things I’ve ever been a part of. Alumnae were working beside their Judson sisters, sharing experiences and giving tips, faculty members were working with students and chatting about life at Judson, and big and little sister classes were joking with and encouraging one another, all for one cause. Before that day I didn’t know how to paint, but now for the rest of my life, every time I paint I will think of this day when I was able to participate in a great Judson tradition!”

See Page 14 for upcoming projects!

Photo: Freshmen Adele Baker (top), and Emily Booker (bottom) paint at Albert Turner Elementary School with Jennifer Truelove, JC Class of ‘93 and Director of Alumnae Relations.

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•

Date Event Details1-2 toURnéES FREnCH

FilM FEStivAlNov. 1 - Le Fille du RER/The Girl on the TrainNov. 2 - Entre Les Murs/The Class

2:30pm7:00pm Adams-Armstrong Lecture Hall

5 HoCKEy DAy Field Hockey games, Open House, Step Sing, and Wishing Well (Seniors recount their time at Judson with skits and hilarity)

8-9 toURnéES FREnCH FilM FEStivAl

Nov. 8 - Le Père de Mes Enfants/The Father of My ChildrenNov. 9 - Lourdes

7:00pm 7:00pm Adams-Armstrong Lecture Halll

10-12 tHE DiARy oF AnnE FRAnK

Directed by Dr. Billie Jean Young, Judson College Artist-in-Residence

10 “PERRy CoUnty PAtHWAyS” lECtURE

Civil Rights Activities in Perry County: A Live Oral History Event, moderated by Dr. Billie Jean Young, artist-in-residence, Judson College

Ramsay-McCrummen Chapel, 10:30am-12:00noon

12 PREviEW/SCHolARSHiP DAy

Prospective students and families are invited to attend for campus tours, scholarship testing, an equine demonstration, and more.

Contact Admissions (800) 447-9472 or admissions@judson.edu

19-27 tHAnKSgiving HoliDAyS

Residence halls close 2pm Nov. 18 and re-open Nov. 27, 2pm

Upcoming Events

November Event Calendar *For sports events, check the Athletics pages at www.judson.edu, and for other events, check the Academic Calendar.

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Poster designed by art student Katlin Bailey Poster designed by art student Dakota Callicott

Date Event Details3 CHRiStMAS tEA/vESPERS/

oPEn HoUSEAfternoon tea, and Choir Christmas VerspersOpen House for families and friends

3pm Tea6pm Vespers

7-8 lASt DAy oF ClASSES DEAD DAy (no ClASSES)

9-13 FinAlS

14-JAN 4 CHRiStMAS BREAK Residence Halls Close 10am Dec. 14 and re-open Jan. 4, 2pm

15-21 REStoRAtion Service Projects in Marion/Perry County area

JAN 5 SPRing ClASSES BEgin

Treats on Bibb St. - Oct. 31

Annual Halloween event sponsored by FBSL office. Campus clubs and organizations set up treat stands with games, face-painting, etc., to offer a safe, friendly Halloween alternative for Marion children.

Restoration - Dec. 15-21

Week of student-led construction and service projects in the Perry County area.

Upcoming Service projectS:

December Event Calendar *For sports events, check the Athletics pages at www.judson.edu, and for other events, check the Academic Calendar.

And don’t forget to “Like” our Judson College Parents Facebook Page for pictures and videos of campus happenings!

www.facebook.com/Judson.College

Hockey Day - Nov. 5 - Don’t forget to stop by Bowling Library to see the Alabama Baptist Beginnings Exhibit! Christmas Tea/Vespers/Open House - Dec. 3

You’re invited:

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