The assignment for the college-level American Government class I teach was simple enough. Research the US House Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, and answer the six questions—some rote, some not—I provided.

One of the biggest transitions for new college students and their parents is that students now own their academic careers. While as a parent your “advice” is still crucial, your “consent” is no longer required. Here is a look at the rules governing academics and the roles parents can play.

Helicopter parents are the moms and dads that hover, swoop in and solve every problem for their child. They intervene when it’s not appropriate to do so. If you’re sending your teen off to college, now is the time to back off. Helicopter parenting has become such a phenomenon that many colleges and universities are adding that very session topic to their freshman parent orientation programming.

We know this day is coming. We hope for it, work hard for it, and yet…we can find ourselves wishing it away when it arrives. For 18 years, we prepare to take our kids to college. We cultivate their independence, encourage their achievements, and sit alongside them through the roller coaster ride of college admissions.

When your son or daughter was in the midst of the search process for college, chances are that he or she (and possibly you) spent countless hours poring over college websites. College websites have become an extremely important admissions tool. Many students who visit colleges say that they were drawn to a particular college because of its website. Admissions professionals work hard to make their sites not only informative, but also appealing and representative of the institution.

It’s nearly here! Your student is looking forward to leaving your home soon for their first year of college. They are excited about meeting new friends, ordering late night pizza, and stepping out on their own. Which are all great, but let’s also be practical. To reduce misunderstandings or conflict, here are some nitty-gritty talking points you may want to discuss with your student before they leave for college.

Recent high school graduates are busy enjoying their final weeks of summer, and soon they will be stepping onto college campuses for the first time to enter a new chapter.

Most college students can just show up on move-in day, attend orientation, and settle in without a hitch. However, for students with disabilities, including chronic health or mental health conditions, or physical or learning challenges, the process of transitioning to college should begin well before moving in.