Rattler Parent Engagement Program

Welcome to the Rattler Parent Engagement Program
This program is designed to encourage parents to be actively involved in their child's first-year experience as a college student.
 
Parents play a crucial role in their child's success as a college student. During this first-year process, we will communicate, explain, give advice, and be available to answer questions. Parents will have the opportunity to establish relationships with different departments and personnel on FAMU's campus. 
 
We will be available to assist you with anything you need in order to ensure that your child is receiving top-notch education and care, taking RATTLER PRIDE in our motto "Excellence with caring."

The Purpose Of This Program Is To:  
 
- Establish and maintain timely communication with the families of first-year students, 
 
- Provide training and development for first year families to assist them in supporting their freshmen students' goals and objectives
 
- To provide parents with information and resources that will help their students have a successful college career.
 
 
*Although at this time most parent involvement will be virtual and supported by social media, Parents will have access to resources like 'Parent Engagement Specialists', who can direct them to the appropriate office and/or personnel in order to resolve any issues or concerns.

Rattler Parent Newsletter

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The Rattler Parent Newsletter is a monthly e-newsletter that provides, parents and family members with necessary information about what the University has to offer both you and your students in regards to academic resources on campus, community events, advising tips for the semester, and other involvement opportunities that students can take advantage of throughout the year.

 

 

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Common First-Year Challenges: Our experience has shown that many first-year students experience similar challenges as they make the transition to their new lives on campus.

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  • Homesickness

  • Homesickness is a common struggle for many students. It is important to remember that what often hurts about being homesick is not simply that your student is away from home, but rather that they haven't made Florida A&M another place to call home. Returning home often (or focusing on wanting to be back home) can keep the homesick student from creating familiarity. Encourage your student to find places on campus to create routines, take study breaks, exercise, and enjoy a snack. Also, advocate that they take steps to make living spaces comfortable, with reminders of home and also pointers of the future. You can also suggest that your student joins a new club or organization. Finally, ask about who your student has met and learn about their new relationships.alth & Well-Being
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  • Facing Challenges

  • Your student is likely to experience the ups and downs of emotional and practical challenges associated with college life. Among the most common experiences are:
  • - Feeling disconnected
  • - Struggling to develop habits such as time management, prioritization, and staying healthy
  • - Acclimating to academic expectations that may be more challenging than anticipated
  • - Managing a level of social and cultural diversity that may be different from the communities with which they are most familiar
  • - Comparing oneself to others and becoming discouraged
  • - Having difficulty managing relationships, both at home and at school
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  • Returning Home

  • When your student returns home after having been at Florida A&M, you may notice some changes. Most students experience a new level of independence while away at college. Structure and rules at home may seem foreign now. Be sure to have a conversation before the first visit, or shortly after the visit begins. Communication is essential so that your expectations are understood and any assumptions your student may have made (curfew, chores, coming and going, and expenses) are clarified before conflict emerges. New habits may have developed that work when navigating campus, but which do not fit in at home. Often the shift from “child” to “visitor” can occur without anyone actually realizing it. This can affect siblings too, so strong communication throughout the family is key.
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  • Be Supportive

  • There are ways as a parent to support your student while still allowing them the opportunity to grow through their college experiences. Reminding them of their values, interests, and goals while also providing family support is important in helping them navigate their first year.
  • If you think your child needs more help, refer them to the FAMU Counseling services
  • Office of Counseling Services

Parent Engagement 

  • Foster Relationships That Encourage Academic Success
  • Empower Your Students to Handle Their Business
  • Remind Your Students They Belong at FAMU
  • Help Students Focus on What Matter Most, Their FAMU Education
  • Encourage Your Student to Make Contact With Their Professors and Important Departments on Campus
  • Assist Your Student to Create a Budget and Manage Their Money

Committed to Students Success

 

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Contact Us

Office Hours: 9AM-5PM
SBI South Wing, Fourth Floor, Suite 418
Tallahassee, FL 32310
P:
(850)-412-7994
F:
E:
freshmanstudies@famu.edu