3 minute read
To Text or Not to Text
TO TEXT
AMANDA BARDY, Liberty University Alumna, Class of 2015
OR NOT
TO TEXT
Those first few days (or weeks, months, etc.) of separation after your student leaves for college can be agonizing. Often, for the first time, they are living miles away from you instead of coming home each evening, and it is normal to want to fill that physical void with digital communication. It’s right there at your fingertips — the ability to connect with your student in an instant. But how much texting is too much? The admittedly ambiguous answer is it depends. It depends on your student’s personality, your relationship with them, and their needs. Going to college is a vital step in growing more independent, and your student has to learn many lessons through their own experiences. Overcommunication can do more harm than good, as they may feel hindered from fully living in the season they are in. In order to find that balance, there are a few steps you can take. Before saying your goodbyes, talk with your student about what they expect your communication to look like while they are away. Respect their desires, regardless of how much you may want to check in with them.
The next step you can take is to be relationally aware. Pay attention to how often and how quickly your student responds to your texts and calls, and note how often they initiate conversation. It will vary from student to student, even within the same family, and that’s okay! Anecdotally, I texted or called my mom at least five times each week while I was in college, whereas my brothers were more likely do so once or twice a month.
If you want a minimum of how often you can reach out via text, most parents agree that checking in once a week is enough to show that you care and you’re involved without being too invasive. The key is to be conscious of your student’s wants, needs, and desires and to love them well, even from afar.
STUDENT SERVICE CENTER
Located in Green Hall, Room 1896, the Student Service Center helps students and parents find answers to their questions by referring them to the correct office, such as Student Financial Services and the Office of the Registrar. The Student Service Center also offers free notary services to students, faculty, and staff. Call or email to make an appointment. (434) 592-5100 or toll free (888) 632-5551 Liberty.edu/StudentServiceCenter
CARE TEAM
Located in Green Hall, Room 1880, the CARE Team (Collaborate, Assess, Resource, Empower) promotes the safety and well-being of the Liberty community by partnering with other departments to help identify students who may be struggling. CARE assists these students by connecting them with resources that provide support for their mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellness. (434) 592-5638 | CARE@liberty.edu | Liberty.edu/CARE
Hours: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
COMMUTER STUDENT LIFE
Commuter Student Life connects commuter students to Liberty’s campus academically, spiritually, and socially, while also helping new arrivals transition into the Lynchburg community. Should your student be eligible and choose to live off campus, commuter orientation will provide them with important information pertinent to their move, including information regarding the Lynchburg community and ways to get connected to Commuter Student Life through groups such as the Commuter Student Association and Commuter Community Groups. The Commuter Student Association is a club run by commuters for commuters, and Commuter Community Groups is geared toward connecting off-campus students to spiritual resources. Connect with Commuter Student Life at:
OFFICE OF EQUITY & INCLUSION
The Office of Equity & Inclusion (OEI) promotes an enriched educational experience for all members of the Liberty University community. We focus on retaining diverse populations and maintaining an inclusive campus environment. OEI uniquely approaches diversity, equity, and inclusion work by using biblical principles to encourage the kingdom-building role of our God-imaged differences (I Corinthians 12:12-26). These principles ensure that our efforts have a lasting impact on everyone who calls Liberty home. (434) 592-4020 EquityandInclusion@liberty.edu Liberty.edu/EquityandInclusion
