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ALUMNI & CAMPUS NEWS
BILLY HOWARD
> GO-TO GUY Lon Vickers
has his hands full as dean of
student life helping students and
parents with the college transition.
A GROWING TREND
> The trend toward smaller
families has allowed for more
focus to be put on each child
– that’s true even as children
enter their college years.
> STUDENT LIFE
Helicopter parents
OFFER HOMELAND SECURITY
Hovering as their fledglings struggle to leave the nest, helicopter
parents have become an increasing phenomenon on
campuses across the country as the Millennial Generation,
born between 1982-2002, reaches young adulthood.
“I have seen a real change in who I hear from,” observes
Dr. Lon S. Vickers, dean of student life, who has spent 38
years in higher education. “We’ve always dealt with parents
in some shape or form.”
But in the past, students usually did the communicating, at
least during the early stages, by first contacting the resident
or academic advisor, then the director of resident life or the
department, and so on. But today that protocol has changed.
“We have no knowledge that anything’s even wrong until I get
a phone call from the parent directly,” says Vickers. To help
deal with the deluge, some colleges have already established
an office for parent relations and Marietta is considering
creating a parent advisory council or board.
Among the many reasons for the shift is the fact that in the
1960s and ’70s, there was an explosion in child development
theory stressing the importance of parental involvement during
the early years. This has now carried through to the college
selection process by helping fill out applications and flying with
their child all over the country to check out schools. Also, says
Vickers, “the educational philosophy went from grouping kids
according to their academic levels to an emphasis on selfesteem,
a sense that each child is as good as the next.”
Things were different back when the Boomers – now
Mom and Dad – were youngsters. “Families were larger, and
you couldn’t devote as much time to each child,” continues
Vickers, the oldest of six, who has one adult daughter. There
was also the attitude that children were like waffles: if you
didn’t get the first couple exactly right, you could do better
the third or fourth time around.
But the biggest umbilical cord today is an electronic one:
the cell phone, e-mail, instant messaging, etc. Whether
selecting a course, figuring out how to do a term paper, or
measuring detergent for a load of laundry, it’s easy to flip
open that ubiquitous silver device and start pressing buttons.
“Technology has shrunk the world, and allowed for an
unsurpassed immediacy of communication,” says Vickers.
“During academic advising, cell phones constantly ring, with
students consulting the parent on each and every course.”
And sometimes advisors find themselves speaking directly to
Mom and Dad and justifying why his or her child should take
a particular class.
Although Vickers sees parental concern as a good thing,
it has its downside. “College is a transition, a time to leave
home and strike out on your own,” he says. “So it’s OK to
test the waters and be challenged, and yes, even occasionally
fail…that’s how you learn and grow. The child is going to
college, not the parent.”
It’s not uncommon for a young adult to be traumatized
over a problem one moment, then completely OK the next.
So, even though they may get an upset phone call, parents
should keep things in perspective, and only become involved
when the issue becomes severe. By giving students the
opportunity to work out things on their own, the parent is acting
as more of a coach, says Vickers. “Rather than stepping
up to the plate to hit the ball, the coach gives them advice on
how to best play the game.” Once the helicopter recedes, the
students get back to the business of growing up.
SANDRA GURVIS
When the air turns crisp, the leaves begin to turn and the pads begin to pop, it usually
means it’s time for Marietta College Homecoming, this year scheduled for
Oct. 13-15. Coming up with a theme that captures the imagination or leaves open
the opportunity to promote the variety of events that make up such a weekend
can be a challenge, but this year the Alumni Relations Office and College Union Board put their
heads together to brainstorm a common theme that would reach across all Pioneer audiences!
“Once Upon a Time at MC” is an open invitation for graduates to return to their alma mater
and remember when with classmates, friends, professors and colleagues. While much of
the schedule is a familiar one with Greek reunions, the parade, football game and All-Alumni
Banquet, there are a few new wrinkles designed to refresh the program and encourage
Pioneers who don’t often cross paths to stop and say hello.
On Saturday morning, the Christy Mall comes alive with a Navy Blue & White festival atmosphere
featuring music, entertainment, opportunities to visit with faculty and friends or score
that perfect souvenir. Top it off with a special alumni lunch before heading to one of the many
athletic events and you have a new and exciting Homecoming alternative.
Later that same evening, the Alumni Banquet will feature a program that includes the very special
presentation of four distinguished individuals for induction into the College’s Hall of Honor.
Top it all off with a return of the All-Alumni Breakfast on Sunday morning and you can see
why we are so excited to welcome back our alumni looking forward to remembering “Once
Upon a Time at MC.”
For more information, check out www.marietta.edu/alumni/homecoming/
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