Shows
College Parent Central Podcast#142 - Encore Episode - Why Sleep Matters: A Conversation with Lisa Lewis, Author of The Sleep Deprived TeenMost of us probably know that getting enough sleep makes us feel better, but there’s so much more to it than that – especially for our teens. In this episode, Vicki and Elizabeth talk with Lisa Lewis, author of the book The Sleep Deprived Teen: Why Our Teenagers Are So Tired, and How Parents and Schools Can Help Them Thrive about why our students aren’t getting enough sleep, the dramatic effect that can have on them, and how to help them get more sleep. If you sometimes feel as though your student is sleepwalking much of the time, you’ll...
2025-09-1751 minCollege Parent Central Podcast#139 - Don't Overlook These College Prep Tasks as the Summer Winds DownSummer may be waning, but college prep for soon-to-be new college students is ramping up. Vicki and Elizabeth sat down to record a late summer pre-college episode to let parents know some of the things they shouldn’t bother about at this late date and some of the things that should still get done. It’s important to know the difference. We quickly realized that although there were a few “don’t bother” items, the list of things to make sure you cover was significantly longer. This episode will help you sort out the things you can let go from the “...
2025-08-0657 min
Don't Force It: How to Get into College without Losing Yourself in the ProcessElizabeth Hamblet: Seven Steps to College SuccessIn today’s episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Elizabeth Hamblet, a leading expert in college disability services, about what families often don’t realize when it comes to accommodations in college. We unpack how support systems shift after high school, which accommodations students can and can’t expect, and how to help your student build the self-advocacy and independence they’ll need to thrive. Whether your student has a 504 plan, an IEP, or simply needs extra support, this episode is full of practical guidance and honest insight you won’t want to miss.Bio
2025-06-0538 minCollege Parent Central Podcast#135 The Truth About College AdmissionVicki and Elizabeth were excited in the episode to welcome college admission experts Rick Clark and Brennan Barnard to talk about their book, “The Truth About College Admission: A Family Guide to Getting In and Staying Together.” This book cuts through the noise, misinformation, and unhealthy pressure surrounding college admissions. While acknowledging the admission system system isn't perfectly "fair," Rick and Brennan believe understanding it empowers families to navigate it wisely. We were especially impressed by the focus on practical wisdom for preserving relationships, fostering healthy communication, and maintaining perspective throughout one of life's major transitions. Join us to disc...
2025-06-0446 minCollege Parent Central Podcast#131 The Bigger Picture: Neurodiversity and CollegeElizabeth and Vicki were joined in this episode by Jane Thierfeld-Brown and Lorraine Wolf, important experts in disability services in higher education. Jane and Lorre shared their insights into the complexities that autistic students face as they transition from high school to college. They shared their personal journeys as well as the work they’ve done together, including their new book, Neurodiversity in College: A Parent’s Guide for Autistic Students. Our conversation will help parents tackle the challenge of shifting from a parental “CEO” role to empowering students to manage their own educational journeys. We discussed how legal and pract...
2025-04-0258 min
The School CollectiveUnlocking College Accommodations with Expert Elizabeth HambletIn this insightful episode, we sit down with college learning disabilities specialist Elizabeth Hamblet to explore the complexities of transitioning to college for students with disabilities. Elizabeth shares her journey from high school special education to becoming a trusted expert in higher education support, revealing the disconnect between traditional K-12 training and the realities of college accommodations.We dive deep into key topics, including:The role of college disability services and how they differ from high school supportsDebunking myths around IEPs, 504 plans, and the documentation required for college accommodationsThe challenges and best practices for obtaining and...
2025-03-261h 00College Parent Central Podcast#129 – Raising the Self-Driven Child: A Conversation with Authors Ned Johnson and Bill StixrudIn this episode, Elizabeth and Vicki are joined by education experts Ned Johnson and Bill Stixrud, authors of the book The Self-Driven Child and of the new workbook for parents, 7 Principles for Raising the Self Driven Child for a thought-provoking discussion on how to empower your child to become self-driven, allowing them to navigate their own educational journey with confidence and independence. We tackled the intricate dynamics of parenting children as they transition to college and the overarching message was clear: encouraging self-management and resilience is vital for students facing the pressures of academic life. Join us as we d...
2025-03-051h 08College Parent Central Podcast#128 Help Your Student Complete Challenging Required CoursesAlmost all colleges have a set of required courses for all students – sometimes called General Education or Distribution courses. They’re designed to expose students to a variety of different subjects and disciplines. But what happens when that particular area or course is especially challenging for a student? How do they face this mandatory course that can seem so daunting? Some students may assume or wish that they might receive an accommodation that will waive the course, exempt them from having to take it, or at least modify the course to help them be more successful. But that rarely happe...
2025-02-1943 minCollege Parent Central Podcast#124 – Looking Back at 2024 and Season 5 of the College Parent Central PodcastThis is the time of year when we reflect on the year and another season of the College Parent Central podcast. It’s been a busy year for all of our cohosts, Vicki, Lynn, Elizabeth and Sarah. It’s always fun to get all of us together to share thoughts and stories, but our schedules just wouldn’t allow that to happen this year. So Vicki had a conversation with each of our cohosts and we share those conversations in this episode. We take a look at what’s happening in higher education, our favorite book/article/podcast recommendations for pare...
2024-12-111h 13College Parent Central Podcast#119 – Why Sleep Matters: A Conversation with Lisa Lewis, Author of The Sleep Deprived TeenMost of us probably know that getting enough sleep makes us feel better, but there’s so much more to it than that – especially for our teens. In this episode, Vicki and Elizabeth talk with Lisa Lewis, author of the book The Sleep Deprived Teen: Why Our Teenagers Are So Tired, and How Parents and Schools Can Help Them Thrive about why our students aren’t getting enough sleep, the dramatic effect that can have on them, and how to help them get more sleep. If you sometimes feel as though your student is sleepwalking much of the time, you’ll...
2024-09-1851 minCollege Parent Central Podcast#117 – Supporting Your Student’s Mental Health: A Conversation with Dr. Bianca Busch, The College PsychiatristIf you want to know how to best support your college student through potential mental health or anxiety issues, who better to ask than a psychiatrist? That’s exactly what Vicki and Elizabeth did in this episode. We were joined by Dr. Bianca Busch, founder of The College Psychiatrist, a medical practice that works with college students and their families. Dr. Busch emphasized that each individual is on a unique journey at a potentially stressful time in their life. We learned so much from Dr. Busch about helping students overcome challenges, navigating school and career stressors, relationship issues and id...
2024-08-211h 00College Parent Central Podcast#114 Getting Comfortable with the Uncomfortable: A Conversation with Author Harlan CohenVicki and Elizabeth had a wide-ranging conversation with Harlan Cohen, college transition expert and author of The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into In College. Harlan shared why the transition to college can be so difficult and why finding your People, your Places, and having Patience can make a difference. Harlan encourages parents – and students – to understand that the first year of college, or at least the first semester, may be a terrible mess. Although that may not sound very positive, you’ll want to hear Harlan explain how that knowledge can be freeing and help studen...
2024-07-0358 minCollege Parent Central Podcast#110 – A Guide to Your College Student’s Health: A Conversation with Dr. Jill Grimes the “College Doc”When our student heads off to college, we worry about a lot of things, and one of the primary concerns is our student’s health and well-being. We first interviewed Dr. Jill Grimes, often dubbed the “College Doc” because of her focus on the health of college aged students, back in Episode #024 in 2020, at the height of the Covid Pandemic. It was time to invite her back to hear what’s changed in the last 4 years and also to hear about what’s new in the 3rd edition of her book The Ultimate College Student Health Handbook: Your Guide for Everyt...
2024-05-0155 minCollege Parent Central Podcast#108 – A Conversation About Education, Parenting, and RaceIn this second crossover episode with a Facebook Live even hosted with cohost Elizabeth Hamblet, we were joined by Timothy L. Fields and Shereem Herndon-Brown, authors of The Black Family’s Guide to College Admissions now out in its second edition. Tim and Shereem shared how the book came to be, what’s new in the second edition, and touched on many topics including what makes a strong college essay, college choice and the college search process, and how and why parents can be drivers of the college admission process. You won’t want to miss this conversation.T...
2024-04-031h 01
Application to AdmissionEpisode 44 - Expert Help for Students with Disabilities and Need Accommodations with Elizabeth HambletOur mission is to close the information gap and support students and families as they prepare for the college admissions process. Sometimes our own resources do not address the needs of everyone, hence why we need help. Since we cannot do this alone, and we’re grateful for educators and allies like disabilities and accommodations expert, Elizabeth Hamblet.
Wondering what happens for students with IEPs or 504 plans at college? Elizabeth offers information for parents and students to learn all about the college accommodations system and how disabilities are handled in the admissions process. She used to be a hi...
2024-03-1945 minCollege Parent Central Podcast#105 – Q & A on College Supports for Students with Learning DisabilitiesIn this, our first crossover episode, we joined with Elizabeth Hamblet (one of our new cohosts) as she hosted a Facebook Live discussion with four guests who work in programs for students with disabilities - Brittany Cortinas of the University of Arizona's SALT Center, Ann-Marie Stripling of Focus Collegiate, Mary Sokolowski of College Internship Program, and Adam Lalor of Landmark College. Our panel shared information about how to evaluate what's right for your student and how different programs support students in various ways. Don't skip over this episode if your student does not have a disability or ADHD because...
2024-02-211h 05College Parent Central Podcast#104 Meet the Team: Student Support RolesIn this episode we’re “meeting the team” in two different ways. We introduce you to our new College Parent Central podcasting team as we are joined by new cohosts Elizabeth Hamblet and Sarah Shane, and we also reintroduce Vicki Nelson and Lynn Abrahams for new listeners. But we’re also talking about the team of people at most colleges who are there to support your student. With so many different support roles it’s easy to wonder who does what. We discuss the differences between academic advisors, success coordinators, tutors, disability services and learning disabilities developmental programs. We also break...
2024-02-0755 minCollege Parent Central Podcast#101 – What’s Ahead for College Parent Central?In this episode Vicki and Lynn take a look ahead to Season 5 of the podcast and describe some of the exciting changes we’re planning. We introduce two new co-hosts who will be joining the College Parent Central Podcast Team. Elizabeth Hamblet and Sarah Share will be adding their voices to the season ahead. We’re excited about exploring new topics and perspectives while continuing to provide the support for parents we’ve shared in the past four seasons. We also reviewed a few of the themes we may be talking about as we move forward. Thank yo...
2023-12-0626 min
The Truth about College AdmissionThe Truth About Learning Disabilities and Applying to College - Elizabeth HambletRick and Brennan are joined by Elizabeth Hamblet learning disabilities Consultant and author of “Seven Steps to College Success: A Pathway for Students with Disabilities.” The trio discuss her college journey, what they would prioritize and seek out during a college search, and their recommendations for engaging with disabilities services at your campus.Links:Elizabeth's Website (Consulting, Books, etc.)Seven Steps to College Success: A Pathway for Students with Disabilities ebookTRUTH ABOUT COLLEGE ADMISSION HOMEPAGE -- to learn more about our books, speaking engagements, podcast, and other resourcesGrown and...
2023-11-1426 min
Learn Smarter Podcast267: College Learning Disability Specialist Elizabeth Hamblet and 7 Steps to College Success (Author Series)Rachel Kapp, M.Ed., BCET, and Stephanie Pitts, M.Ed., BCET welcome back College Learning Disability Specialist Elizabeth Hamblet to discuss her new book 7 Steps to College Success: A Pathway for Students with Disabilities. She discusses the origin story of the book and the disconnect between what college disability services can do for learners and what learners and parents expect. She talks about reading this book when the learner is in 8th grade because of the specific impact it can have on parent and learner decisions on course selection. Elizabeth discusses how parents and learners can get surprised in the...
2023-07-0439 minCollege Parent Central Podcast#085 – A Pathway to Success for Students with Disabilities (and everyone else, too!): An Interview with Elizabeth HambletElizabeth Hamblet joined us for a second interview to share highlights of the new edition of her book: Seven Steps to College Success: A Pathway for Students with Disabilities. Elizabeth helped us unpack some of the complexities of college accommodations and student responsibilities that help students make a smooth transition from high school to college. The more parents and students know and understand about the differences in laws and the nature of college support the more successful students will be. We learned so much about how different colleges approach support and the questions students and parents need to ask t...
2023-04-0550 min
Diverse Thinking Different LearningEp. 126: Why Self-Awareness and Self-Determination are Important for College Success with Elizabeth HambletToday we welcome back Elizabeth Hamblet, who previously discussed the transition from high school to college in an earlier episode. She's back today to discuss it further after the publication of her new book Seven Steps to College Success: A Pathway for Students with Disabilities. Elizabeth has worked for two decades as a learning disabilities specialist in college disability services offices. She's heard all the questions, she's guided many students and she's here to talk about the keys to college success: self-awareness and self-determination. In this episode, Elizabeth answers so many questions. What accommodations do...
2023-03-2839 min
2 Black Moms & A MicLet's Talk "Accommodations for College Students with Learning Disabilities" with expert Elizabeth Hamblet (S.2, Ep.2)Does your college student need accommodations for a learning disability? If so, you won’t want to miss our talk with Elizabeth Hamblet, a highly experienced and sought-after learning disabilities expert. Elizabeth specializes in the learning needs of college students, and the process for securing accommodations to “level the playing field” for students. In this podcast, Elizabeth will share her expert insights on · What students with disabilities must to do get accommodations at college· What accommodations for learning disabilities are, and are not, commonly made available· What to expect from colleges when seeking to secure reasonable acco...
2022-09-071h 11College Parent Central Podcast#072 – What’s Special About Commuter Students?Once your student has made the decision to commute to college, they’ll need to think about how to make the most of their experiences. Parents also need to think about how to best support their commuting student. In this episode Lynn and Vicki share some ideas about questions to ask during the admission process, shifting dynamics at home, and what both students and parents can do to make the college transition smooth and fulfilling.Thank you for listening! Much more information for college parents can be found on our website, College Parent Central Fi...
2022-09-0737 minCollege Parent Central Podcast#071 – College Cooking 101: An Inteview with Sarah Long, Author of a Cookbook for College StudentsAlthough most students on campus have a meal plan, many students either don’t have the time to hit the dining hall or they don’t like the food. When Sarah Long’s oldest daughter went to college, she needed some recipes she could prepare in in her dorm room. After texting many recipes, her mom decided to put them together in a cookbook. In this episode Vicki and Lynn talk to Sarah about her book, and her suggestions for using everything from a microwave and blender to an electric skillet and slow cooker to prepare healthy meals – and a few tr...
2022-08-1730 minCollege Parent Central Podcast#070 – Increasing Your Student’s Readiness for CollegeIn episode #068 we talked about how to tell if your student is ready for college. In this episode Vicki and Lynn discuss strategies, conversations and actions that will help your student increase their readiness. We talk about academic readiness, time and self-management, life skills, relationships and emotional readiness. If any of these areas present particular challenges for your student these suggestions will help you better support and prepare them for college.Thank you for listening! Much more information for college parents can be found on our website, College Parent Central Find us on Twitter...
2022-08-0352 minCollege Parent Central Podcast#069 – Getting the Most Out of College: An Interview with Author Elliot FelixWouldn’t it be great if your student could create a successful college experience where they feel connected and supported instead of simply navigating their way through. In this episode Vicki and Lynn talk with Elliot Felix, author of How to Get the Most Out of College: 127 Ways to Make Connections, Make It Work for You, and Make a Difference. Elliot brings his background in college consulting and design to his practical, action-oriented tips that cover everything from knowing options to mastering technology, building relationships, and finding your community on campus. So much to share with your student!...
2022-07-2046 minCollege Parent Central Podcast#068 – Is Your Student Ready for College?We often assume that once our students have been accepted to college that means they’re ready. But many of the students we work with are not prepared for the academic, social and emotional demands of college life. In this episode, Vicki and Lynn identify ways in which parents can evaluate their student’s readiness. We share what to pay attention to and suggest some important conversations to help students and parents explore their next steps.Thank you for listening! Much more information for college parents can be found on our website, College Parent Cent...
2022-07-0642 minCollege Parent Central Podcast#067 – College Health Information You Never Knew You Needed: An Interview with Jill and Dave HenryIn this episode we were joined by Jill and Dave Henry, authors of The Greatest College Health Guide: You Never Knew You Needed, to talk about how students can stay healthy in college. As coaches, Jill and Dave have counseled many of their high school athletes about how to navigate the health challenges they will face in the college environment. Jill and Dave shared some of their personal stories as well advice about how students can manage everything from “food, booze, stress, sex, sleep and exercise.” You will enjoy listening to their energy and good humor and you’ll defini...
2022-06-1557 minCollege Parent Central Podcast#066 – New Book Suggestions for Summer ReadingWe like to read! And summer seems like the perfect time to dig into some new reading – especially if you have a student heading to college, thinking about college, or already there. It’s always good to have some new book suggestions and we have some excellent college parenting books to share. In this episode Lynn and Vicki share some favorite reads that offer parents support, guidance and suggestions – and we include some books to share with your student as well. Thank you for listening! Much more information for college parents can be found on our...
2022-06-0145 minCollege Parent Central Podcast#065 – Talking College with Transition Expert Dr. Andrea BrennerHaving the right conversations is an important way to help prepare your student for college. In this episode we talked with Dr. Andrea Brenner, co-author of How to College and creator of the Talking College Card Deck, a collection of discussion prompts for parents and students. Andrea is a seasoned college professor and former director of an award-winning first year experience program who recognizes the complexity of the transition to college. She shared ideas about how parents and students can use their pre-college conversations to learn from each other and anticipate the college experience.Thank you...
2022-05-1841 minCollege Parent Central Podcast#064 – Supporting Students Who Struggle – Continuing the Conversation with Dr. Lynn ZlotkowskiDr. Lynn Zlotkowski, Director of Advising at Southern New Hampshire University first joined us in episode #061 to talk about Advising and Student Success. We know that no matter how much support students receive from their parents and their college, no matter how much they take advantage of the college resources, some students flounder and fail. In this episode, we asked Dr. Zlotkowski to help us understand some of the reasons students struggle and how parents can respond and help them. Lynn shared her down-to-earth wisdom and advice that will help parents better support their student.Thank...
2022-05-0451 min
Full-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent ChildrenTPP 089a: The Truth About IEPs & Accommodations in College, with Elizabeth HambletHave you ever wondered if your child can have an IEP and/or accommodations in college? My guest for this episode, Elizabeth Hamblet, has the answer to this and many more questions about the high school to college transition for differently wired students.Elizabeth began her career as a high school special education teacher and case manager, and then worked as a learning disabilities specialist at Simmons College and Rutgers University. She is now a learning specialist at Columbia University, where she helps students with time management, organization, reading, and study skills. She also offers programs to...
2022-04-2948 minFull-Tilt Parenting: Strategies, Insights, and Connection for Parents Raising Neurodivergent ChildrenTPP 089a: The Truth About IEPs & Accommodations in College, with Elizabeth HambletHave you ever wondered if your child can have an IEP and/or accommodations in college? My guest for this episode, Elizabeth Hamblet, has the answer to this and many more questions about the high school to college transition for differently wired students.Elizabeth began her career as a high school special education teacher and case manager, and then worked as a learning disabilities specialist at Simmons College and Rutgers University. She is now a learning specialist at Columbia University, where she helps students with time management, organization, reading, and study skills. She also offers programs to...
2022-04-2948 minCollege Parent Central Podcast#063 – Get Real and Get In: An Interview with Dr. Aviva LegattThe college admission process can be overwhelming, anxiety-producing, and thrilling all at the same time. We had a conversation with Dr. Aviva Legatt founder of Ivy Insight College Counseling and author of the book Get Real and Get In: How to Get Into the College of Your Dreams by Being Your Authentic Self. Dr. Legatt shared advice for how students can avoid working to impress admissions officers and focus who they truly are in order to find the college that is right for them. This conversation will help parents think about how to be a facilitator in their student’s...
2022-04-2046 minCollege Parent Central Podcast#062 – Understanding College Senioritis and How Parents Can HelpAlthough the transition into college in a common topic, we don’t talk enough about college seniors and their transition out of school. In this episode Lynn and Vicki explore the reasons so many college seniors feel paralyzed, disconnected, and anxious. Understanding the factors that influence a student’s ability to cope with the changes they are experiencing can help parents support their student through this time. Parents can help their student recognize this transition as a normal part of a whole developmental journey and encourage them as they take their next steps.Thank you for list...
2022-04-0646 minCollege Parent Central Podcast#061 – Exploring the Role of Advising in Student Success: An Interview with Dr. Lynn ZlotkowskiWe had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Lynn Zlotkowski, Director of Academic Advising at Southern New Hampshire University to talk about the role of academic advising in college. Our conversation was wide-ranging and covered the shifting role of parents throughout their student’s academic career. Lynn brought her tremendous insight, energy, humor and fresh perspective to the discussion of how both the college and parents can best support student success.Thank you for listening! Much more information for college parents can be found on our website, College Parent Central Find us on Tw...
2022-03-1652 minCollege Parent Central Podcast#060 – Experiences in College That Can Contribute to Wellbeing After GraduationAs parents, we often worry about how our student will fare in college. But college is just a stepping-stone to the rest of their lives. In this episode Vicki and Lynn discuss the results of a poll conducted by Perdue University and Gallup Inc. that identified six factors that influence graduates’ well-being after college. While colleges have a role in providing these experiences, we emphasized the student’s role in in taking specific actions while in college that will increase their engagement and well-being after graduation. Thank you for listening! Much more information for colle...
2022-03-0242 minCollege Parent Central Podcast#059 – Preparing for Internships and Career: An Interview with Bob MacNeilBob MacNeil has worked in radio and television for many years, but most recently has served as Internship Coordinator at Curry College and has taught courses preparing college students for their internship experiences. Bob joined us in this episode to share a wealth of information about the things students can do during college to prepare for their career and to set themselves apart from the competition. Both students and parents will benefit from Bob’s concrete suggestions and illustrative stories about successful students.Thank you for listening! Much more information for college parents can be...
2022-02-1651 minCollege Parent Central Podcast#058 – Listening MattersListening is one of the secret weapons for communicating and building relationships. As parents, we often don’t listen very well. In this episode Vicki and Lynn talk about why our students sometimes tune us out and some of the listening habits parents fall into that can become barriers to communication. We share some tips and suggestions and new ways of thinking about this undervalued skill. Good listening takes effort and practice, but you will be able to help your student feel heard and empowered.Thank you for listening! Much more information for college pa...
2022-02-0250 minCollege Parent Central Podcast#057 – College Lingo – Can You Talk the Talk? – Part 2So many mysterious terms and acronyms to understand when your student heads off to college! In this second College Lingo installment Vicki and Lynn define and discuss several of the insider terms that colleges use that may not be clear to parents. We cover topics from Accommodations and Assistive Technology to Degree Maps, Degree Audits, Registrar and Academic Probation. We’re only scratching the surface of this new language, but it should get you started being able to understand and Talk the Talk. (Hear the first College Lingo in episode #047.)Thank you for listening! Mu...
2022-01-1945 minCollege Parent Central Podcast#056 – Using the College Years to Prepare for CareerIn this podcast Vicki and Lynn followed up on an earlier episode about professionalism by talking about some of the practical things that students can do during their college years to prepare for career. Students who start early and think about all of their college experiences as preparation for the world of work, will have an advantage. We discuss characteristics that will set students apart as well as how to learn and practice a professional ethic in and outside of the classroom. We consider how parents can support – or sometimes hinder – their student’s professional growth and career development.
2022-01-0547 minCollege Parent Central Podcast#055 – Reflecting on the Past Year of the College Parent Central PodcastAs Season 2 comes to a close, Vicki and Lynn review the past year on the College Parent Central Podcast. It’s been a full year of interviews, trends, important topics, and a few milestones. Join the hosts as they reflect on the past year and preview a new season of the podcast in 2022.Thank you for listening! Much more information for college parents can be found on our website, College Parent Central Find us on Twitter at @CollParCentral Find us on Bluesky at @CollParCentral.bsky.social Sign up for our newsletter for ongoing information
2021-12-1542 minCollege Parent Central Podcast#054 – Thinking About the Transition from College to Professional LifeThe ever-lengthening road from adolescence to adulthood has impacted students’ preparation for their professional lives. College provides the ideal environment for students to experiment with and practice those skills that will help them advance their future careers. In this episode Lynn and Vicki use Jeffrey Selingo’s book There Is Life After College as a framework for discussing how students approach this task of career preparation and how they can maximize their college experiences with their future career in mind. This episode encourages parents to be patient and to continue to help their student clarify what will be required of t...
2021-12-0144 minCollege Parent Central Podcast#053 Campus Sexual Assault: A Discussion with Author and Public Health Expert Susan SorensonThis is a sensitive and important issue for anyone who has a student living on a college campus. Susan Sorenson, author of the book After Campus Sexual Assault: A Guide for Parents, and professor at the University of Pennsylvania joins us to discuss how students, parents, and colleges deal with sexual misconduct. Susan shares advice on how parents can talk to their student before college as well as how to respond if their student shares information about something that has happened. Despite the difficult topic, this episode reminds us that as parents we all “fiercely love our kids” and want...
2021-11-1747 minCollege Parent Central Podcast#052 Undecided Students: Is Your Student Ready to Decide on a Major?20-50% of students enter college undecided about a major. That’s a lot of students! In this episode Vicki and Lynn unpack some of the reasons students may not be ready to make a decision, some myths about undecided students, and some of the questions parents can ask to help their student take control of the process of exploring options. Being an exploratory student may be the best option for some and will help relieve a bit of the pressure on students to make this decision before they are ready. Thank you for listening! Muc...
2021-11-0348 minCollege Parent Central Podcast#051 – Adulting Made Easy – An Interview with Author Amanda MorinWe were joined in this episode by Amanda Morin, author of Adulting Made Easy: Things Someone Should Have Told You About Getting Your Gown-up Act Together. Amanda shared with us why the skills she includes in her book are so important for this generation of students. We covered a host of topics including how to engage in small talk, how to register to vote, how to find the right fire extinguisher for your first apartment and how to zip up a dress if you live alone. Parents and students will both learn new things in Amanda’s book and wil...
2021-10-2047 minCollege Parent Central Podcast#050 - We Celebrate Our 50th Episode with 50 Top TipsWe’re thrilled to be celebrating the 50th episode of the College Parent Central Podcast! We hope we’ve shared helpful information, advice and support in our first 50 episodes. We had fun brainstorming 50 helpful tips for parents and students to celebrate our 50th episode. They range from “Go to Class” (for students) to “Don’t Call Professors” (for parents.) Find the suggestions that speak to you and your student and see how many you can practice right now. Thanks for joining us on the journey so far! We look forward to our next 50 episodes!Thank you for listening!
2021-10-0647 minCollege Parent Central Podcast#049 - The Middle Years of College: Getting the Work DoneSophomore and Junior years make up half of your student’s time in college. Yet these years don’t often get the attention that those transitional first and last years receive. In this episode, Lynn and Vicki explore the unique nature of each of these middle years and discuss the challenges and the growth that your student may face and how parents can best support them.Thank you for listening! Much more information for college parents can be found on our website, College Parent Central Find us on Twitter at @CollParCentral Find us on Blues...
2021-09-1532 minCollege Parent Central Podcast#048 - Your Freshman is Off to College: An Interview with Authors Laurie Hazard and Stephanie CarterIn this podcast episode we had an opportunity to talk with Laurie Hazard and Stephanie Carter, about their book Your Freshman Is Off to College: A Month by Month Guide to the First Year. This book should be on every new college parent’s bookshelf. Laurie and Stephanie highlight information about healthy transitions from high school to college, how to support students in their growing independence, and how parents can shift into their new coaching role. Listeners will not want to miss the wealth of knowledge and experience that these professionals share. Thank you for listening!
2021-09-0152 minCollege Parent Central Podcast#047 – College Lingo – Can You Talk the Talk?So many mysterious terms and acronyms to understand when your student heads off to college! In this episode Vicki and Lynn define and discuss several of the insider terms that colleges use that may not be clear to parents. We cover topics from FERPA through disability laws, admission waitlists and various faculty roles. We’re only scratching the surface of this new language, but it should get you started being able to understand and Talk the Talk.Thank you for listening! Much more information for college parents can be found on our website, College Pa...
2021-08-1847 minCollege Parent Central Podcast#046 - A Story of Hope for Parents of Struggling Students: An Interview with Marie ForceIn this episode writer Marie Force shares the story of her son’s journey as he struggled with learning challenges throughout school. Now that Jake has graduated from college (with honors!) and is headed to graduate school, Marie recounts her personal journey as a parent. Marie’s story will inspire parents whose students might be struggling. Helping your student find their motivation and staying optimistic will be key.Thank you for listening! Much more information for college parents can be found on our website, College Parent Central Find us on Twitter at @CollParCentral Find us o...
2021-08-0448 minCollege Parent Central Podcast#045 – Transitioning from Summer to College: The Importance of the First Six Weeks – Part 3In this final part of our summer college preparation series, Lynn and Vicki discuss how to support your student on Move-In Day and throughout their first six weeks on campus. Parents and students who are prepared for the emotional peaks and valleys of transitioning into the world of college, are better able to feel in control of their experiences. In this episode we offer suggestions for how to support your student on this exciting new journey.Thank you for listening! Much more information for college parents can be found on our website, College Parent...
2021-07-2144 minCollege Parent Central Podcast#044 – Summer Conversations to Help Your Student Prepare for College – Part 2Summer is a perfect time to begin conversations that will help both you and your student prepare for the transition to college. From roommates to money to autonomy and independence, these conversations will help your student articulate both their concerns and expectations and help you get to know your student in a new way. Because Lynn and Vicki are both college professors we also leave parents with a homework checklist of tasks to complete before the summer ends.Thank you for listening! Much more information for college parents can be found on our website, C...
2021-07-0752 minCollege Parent Central Podcast#043 - Using Summer to Help Your Student Prepare for College – Part 1So many decisions! The summer before college is filled with a flood of information, decisions to be made, and a roller coaster of emotions. In this episode, Lynn and Vicki share advice about what to expect during this crossroads summer. They suggest ways you can help your student organize their tasks and make important decisions about the fall.Thank you for listening! Much more information for college parents can be found on our website, College Parent Central Find us on Twitter at @CollParCentral Find us on Bluesky at @CollParCentral.bsky.social Sign up for...
2021-06-1647 minCollege Parent Central Podcast#042 - The Ins and Outs of College Scholarships: An Interview with Scholarship Coach Janet MacDonaldThe scholarship application process can feel overwhelming and complicated to many students and their parents. In this episode, scholarship coach Janet MacDonald shares some of the secrets to making this process more approachable and productive. She helps us understand when to start, what to do, how to get organized and how parents can best support their student. According to Janet, there are more scholarships available now for more types of students than ever before. If you have a student heading to college, this is information you need.Thank you for listening! Much more information...
2021-06-0249 min