Newswise — As thousands of students prepare for their first year away at college, they need to consider how to navigate the newness of college life as well as what clothes to bring and what books to pack, says Gettysburg College Vice President for College Life and Dean of Students Julie Ramsey.
"One of the key added values that residential colleges such as Gettysburg offer students is a safe environment in which to test drive independence," Ramsey said. "It is a missed opportunity for parents who don't allow students to try and succeed or try and fail at solving problems on their own."
In the last few years, Ramsey has observed that these life lessons are being increasingly short-circuited by "helicopter" parents-a term bandied about to describe parents who intervene in issues that students would typically deal with themselves-relationships with roommates and professors, questions about grades, class schedules, and more.
"An important piece of our work involves helping students develop a strong sense of personal autonomy, responsibility and accountability," Ramsey said. "My advice to students is to make every effort to solve your own problems. If you run up against something you don't feel equipped to handle, talk to your adviser or a college counselor. Talk with your parents about your experiences, but don't immediately pick up the cell phone every time you run into a roadblock."
Gettysburg College is a highly selective four-year residential college of liberal arts and sciences. With approximately 2,600 students, it is located on a 200-acre campus adjacent to Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania. The college was founded in 1832.
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