Orientation - Parents and Families Orientation
When a child, family member or significant other starts University it is a major time of transition for not only the student but also for the ones who support them. At The University of Trinidad and Tobago, we consider parents, families and significant others to be partners in ensuring their student's success. As partners, we look forward to working together with you to help you learn more about the University and get you involved in supporting the many programs and services the University has to offer.
The transitioning period can cause multiple stresses on everyone involved. Your student now has to develop problem solving and decision making skills. They will be balancing competing demands, coping with stress, and developing personal initiative and the ability to monitor themselves. Due to these changes the relationships in the student’s life are now greatly affected during this time. The stress of these issues begin impacting the student affecting their relationship with parents, family members and significant others. That feeling of lack of support is experienced by everyone due to the changes of the demands on them. The limited time the student will have requires additional support and reduces the support they can give to others.
The University of Trinidad and Tobago has many support systems in place to aid this transition period which supports you and the student through a successful tenure at the University. The Student Support Services Department is made up of several units whose main purpose is to support the student though their time at the University. As parent, family member or significant other you can ease the transition and be supportive by: Providing encouragement and hope
- Not adding undue burdens
- Keeping communication lines open – Encourage your student to talk, discuss, share their experiences
- Helping your student maintain a balance
- Helping your student maintain their spiritual well-being
- Becoming familiar with campus resources
- Encouraging your student to get involved on campus (engaged students are successful students)
During the first year at the University, your student will experience many things. It is a year full of discovery, inspiration, good times, and new friends. However, your student may also experience indecision, disappointments, and missteps. The University is dedicated to partnering with the parents, families and significant others of the students to support and ease this period. Parents, Families and significant others who accept and try to understand this experience are providing support and encouragement when it is needed most. Please view the following video below which will help you to gain a greater understanding of the support you can provide for your loved one during their tenure at the UTT.
Thank you for choosing the University of Trinidad and Tobago and we look forward to working and interacting with you.
