Journal of College Orientation, Transition, and Retention

Let Your Fingers Do the Talking

An Analysis of a College Parent Listserv

Kimberly Nehls

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24926/jcotr.v14i2.2662

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Abstract

While the primary purpose of an institution is to focus on the student, colleges and universities would be remiss not to place emphasis on the relationships that students maintain with their parents during their college career. Parental involvement can have a positive impact on the students’ personal development and success in college. This study explores the main concerns and questions of parents. Based on content and discourse analysis of a college parents listserv over a 5-month period, the main topics discussed were living arrangements and transportation. Other discussion topics included “letting go” and supporting the student. Knowing information like this means that orientation staff can adequately address these issues and keep parents involved in the life of campus.