Transitions: - The Jewish Theological Seminary

e helpful to sit down together to try to come to an understanding about guidelines when he or
she returns home.
Although students want their parents to recognize their independence and separation, they also
need to know that they are still a part of the family. It is helpful to keep their rooms the same as
they left them so that they know it is still their home. In addition, it is best to be honest about
family events or problems. For instance, if a relative is ill, your instinct may be to hide the illness
in order to prevent your son or daughter from worrying. However, honesty usually proves to be
much more helpful in the long run and may prevent students from feeling isolated.
How can I help myself adjust?
There is no simple recipe for parents who are adjusting to their children leaving home for
college. However, two essential ingredients are the skill of listening and the ability to keep an
open mind. Use your friends and fellow parents of List College students as resources. There are
also a number of books available on transition issues and first-year experiences. We highly
recommend Letting Go: A Parents’ Guide to Understanding the College Years, by Karen Levin
Coburn and Madge Lawrence Treeger. You may want to keep a box of tissues handy!
Academics
List College Dean’s Office
Brush 510, Box 21
(212) 678-8826, listcollege@jtsa.edu, http://www.jtsa.edu/list
Rebecca Grabiner, Associate Dean
Aliyah Vinikoor, Assistant Dean
Jennifer Melendez, Administrative Assistant
Office of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies
Brush 513, Box 21
(212) 678-8024
Shuly Rubin Schwartz, Dean
Shira Cohen, Office Manager
Welcome to the Best of Both Worlds
Your son or daughter has chosen to pursue a unique undergraduate experience. Whether this is
your first son or daughter to enter college, your last, your only, or someone in between, you
undoubtedly share our excitement about this significant milestone in your student’s life. This
guide marks the beginning of what we are confident will be a positive and important relationship,
for all of us share a common goal: the growth and well-being of our students.
As a List College student, your son or daughter will benefit from the dedication and involvement
of many individuals at The Jewish Theological Seminary, Columbia University, and Barnard
College. The entire List College community, from the Office of Student Life to the faculty and
staff, is committed to the success of our students, and we take advantage of our small size to
reach out individually to each and every student.
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