Doug and Joanne Kersten P’27 came to Bryant University’s New Student Orientation excited for their son Nate to embark on his college career. They had visited 16 different schools with him during the college search process and discussed the journey with him every step of the way until it was clear that Bryant would be the best place for Nate to prepare for a bright future.
But beyond that excitement, they shared the same worries of every parent: that their son would make friends, excel in his studies, and find the help he needed if he struggled. Moreover, they wanted to ensure they could provide the best support possible for their child during this big transition.
So, they decided to join him for Orientation and spend two days learning the ins and outs of Bryant though a special program designed especially for parents. “There were a lot of things we knew, but there were some things we didn’t know,” said Doug. “Like our son, we came to Orientation to get some first-hand experience ourselves.”
Learning how to support
Bryant’s Family Orientation runs parallel to the two-day student program and includes sessions specifically designed to assist parents with helping their students make the jump from high school to college, explains Laura Field, Associate Director of Student Events and Orientation Programs. “The program not only provides advice and assistance with regard to helping their students prepare for the first year of college, but also tips and tricks to help ease the transition for the students and families once the fall semester begins,” she says.
In addition to learning about the resources and opportunities available to Bryant students, parents met with Bryant faculty, staff, and administrators who introduced them to the broad network of support their children would receive at the university. From finding roommates to forging an academic path to making lifelong friends, every aspect of the college experience was covered — including where to direct students should they need assistance and how to be effective partners in their students’ development.
“We are here to ensure that your children receive an education that is second to none,” said Madan Annavarjula, Ph.D., Professor of Management and Dean of Bryant’s College of Business, during a session devoted to the impact of a Bryant education. “And I promise you that we will take care of them like our own family, because we are very committed not just to teaching but to helping our students truly find success.”
Bryant University President Ross Gittell, Ph.D., enjoyed lunch with the parents in Salmanson Dining Hall before officially welcoming them to the Bryant community in a special discussion session. “I vividly remember my wife and I taking both of our daughters to college for the first time, and all of the emotions I felt,” Gittell recalled.
Even though the parents and guardians wouldn’t be physically present on campus come the fall, he reassured the audience their students would be surrounded by an entire university committed to helping them throughout every step of their college journey — and beyond. “This is a very supportive community you’ve joined, and you will always be a part of this Bryant community,” he noted.
Hugh McGlone P’27 appreciated the comprehensive overview, and the insight it provided. “This is definitely a transition for all of us, both parent and student,” he reflected. “Being part of this orientation gives us an insight into all the changes our children will be going through.
“It’s all about having more information, because once you have that information, you can figure out how to best support your child,” McGlone continued, noting he also made important connections with several other Bryant parents during Orientation. “If my son needs specific resources and comes to me, I'll have a better understanding of how to offer him some guidance.”
A caring community
For many of the parents, the best part of Orientation was hearing from the students themselves. Mailee Kue, Ph.D., Associate Vice President of Institutional Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, moderated a panel with four current students that touched on a wide range of aspects of the student experience including managing schedules, adjusting to college-level academics, making friends, and, yes, even having fun on weekends.
They also talked about what students needed from their families. Giana Amaral '24, an Orientation Program Student Coordinator, noted she was the first person in her family to go to college, and spoke about her family’s experiences during this time of change. “This is going to be an adjustment for you, as well as for your child — and that's totally normal,” she said.
“But you have to remember, you raised an amazing child and they're going to do great things,” Amaral continued. “They will figure things out. They will make friends, they will get involved, they will pass their classes. They have so many people here to support them, and there are so many resources for them here."
For George Macinnis P’27, the students’ first-hand accounts were exactly what he was hoping for. “I really appreciated that there was no question that they even paused on,” he said. “They all wanted to give us honest answers about what going to school here is really like.”
Plus, Macinnis noted, “It was clear that all of them genuinely loved their school. That’s what we want for our son.”
As the Kerstens prepared to return home at the end of Orientation, they were more excited about their son’s future than ever. “Every single person we talked to here was so open and welcoming,” said Doug. “When everyone you talk to has that same attitude, you can tell it's part of the culture.”
“It makes you feel at home,” added Joanne. “And it makes you feel good that your child is coming here.”
