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July 2012


Welcome to Eckerd College!

On behalf of the Eckerd College Parent Council, we are pleased to welcome new students and parents to Eckerd College! The Parent Council's mission is to enhance communication between parents and the College. The council is comprised of volunteers who work diligently with the College to encourage parental support and involvement through Admission, Advancement, and Career Services, and to generally spread the word to all students and parents about everything Eckerd.

 

The council meets twice a year, typically in the fall and spring, and also volunteers at many campus events. Serving on the Parent Council for the past three years has been extremely meaningful. It has provided us an excellent opportunity to be a part of our son's college experience and to give back to the institution that has given him an incredible academic home. With the new school year, we hope you also will become engaged at Eckerd College.

 

If you have any questions or would like to become involved in the Parent Council, please feel free to contact us or anyone on the council. We look forward to meeting you in the fall!

 

Warmest regards,

 

Bill and Leslie Pearson (P '13)

2012-2013 Parent Council Chairs   

 

Ceremony of Lights

Preparing for Autumn Term

 

As you make plans for your trip to Eckerd College and the beginning of your son or daughter's first year, you may be feeling both anxiety and excitement. It's a time of transition for your entire family. Members of the Parent Council are available to answer your questions and ease your mind. Please contact us at parentcouncil@eckerd.edu, and we will do our best to help.

 

 

Summer Writing Assignment   

 

To encourage students to think about the connections between their lives and the lives of others, the summer writing assignment is to write an essay on issues addressed in Tracy Kidder's Strength in What Remains. Details on the assignment can be found here. All essays must be submitted by August 1.



Back-to-School Shopping   

 

If you prefer to purchase residence supplies such as bedding, towels, toiletries and desk supplies once you arrive, there will be plenty of time to do so. Some nearby options:

  

CVS/Pharmacy (.6 miles)

3501 54th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, 727-864-1546

  

Walmart (2.4 miles)

3501 34th Street South, St. Petersburg, 727-906-4647

  

Target (11.8 miles)

4450 Park Street North, St. Petersburg, 727-548-0400

  

Bed Bath & Beyond (8.2 miles)

Crosswind Center, 2060 66th Street North, St. Petersburg, 727-384-3131

  

Need a ride to the stores? Campus Activities will organize a shopping trip on Saturday, August 11, at 2 p.m. Meet in front of the mailboxes.

 

 

New Student Helpful Links

 

The First Semester...What Will I Need?

 

 

Summer Reading: Strength in What Remains by Tracy Kidder

 

MicroFridge Rentals

 

Personal Property Insurance

  

Linen Program (sheets, towels, blankets, etc.)

 

 

 

Hotel Information

 

An extensive list of accommodations can be found on the Eckerd College Web site: Hotel & Local Information. 

 

 

Autumn Term Schedule for Families: The First Two Days! 

 

Please find below a schedule of events for families. Students have a separate schedule of events during Autumn Term. Download the full schedule here.

 

Information Technology Services (ITS) staff will be available to help set up computers. Call 727-864-8318.

 

The Eckerd College Campus Bookstore will be open during the day on Friday and Saturday. Freshmen will need to buy books for Western Heritage in a Global Context (WHGC).

 

Friday, August 10

8:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Check-in, Fox Hall

 

4:10-5:00 p.m.

Mentor Meetings for ALL students and their families,  

Various Locations

 

5:30 p.m.

Ceremony of Lights, McArthur Gymnasium

 

6:30 p.m.

Welcome Picnic for Families and Students,  

Fox Hall & Hough Quad

 

 

Saturday, August 11

8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Bookstore Open 

 

8:00-9:30 a.m.
Good Morning Breakfast for Families, Fox Hall

Students DO NOT attend this breakfast. They will attend their first Autumn Term course. 

 

9:45-11:30 a.m.

Long Distance Parenting and Successful Power Shifting,  

Fox Hall

An interactive program focused on the inevitable shift in power that takes place when a son or daughter prepares to leave home...and then does. 

 

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

International Students and Families, Fox Hall

All international students and families are invited to stop by and sign up for a visit with Olivier Debure, Director of International Student Programs. During this meeting, you will be able to ask questions about obtaining a driver's license, insurance, visa regulations, working on campus, or any other concerns.  

 

1:15-4:00 p.m.

Waterfront Open House, Eckerd College Waterfront

Typically, the Waterfront Open House is the final event that families attend during Autumn Term. It's time now for students to start to get to know one another and their new home! 

 
Connect with Us

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Talk to Us
 

Have a question or comment for the Parent Council?    

 

 

Important Dates and Deadlines 

 

Freshmen Arrive

August 10

 

Autumn Term Begins

August 11

 

Transfer Student Orientation

August 29

 

Residence Halls Open for Returning Students

August 31 

 

Fall Semester Begins

September 3

 

Family Weekend 2013

February 22-24     

   

 

What Your Student May Be Experiencing Now   

  • She is adjusting to a new life, new responsibilities, new relationships and new freedoms.
  • He is excited about moving away from home but may be homesick.
  • She is excited about college life but may be insecure about academics and her social life.
  • He is starting fresh, which may be a relief for some students and a concern for others.

What Parents Can Do
  • Accept your changing role as a parent by providing support, encouragement, advice and guidance, without the control you once had.
  • Set realistic expectations for your student regarding academics, financial responsibilities and drug/alcohol use.
  • Listen and provide reassurance. Encourage your student to be independent and responsible.
  • Become familiar with Eckerd's resources and stay informed about what's happening on campus.

Helpful Hint

Remember to take care of yourself! This is a period of adjustment for parents too. Your mixed feelings of joy and sorrow, pride and loss are normal. It's a good time to focus on your own hobbies and interests. And remember that your student still needs you and loves you, even if he doesn't say it.

 
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