Supporting Your Panther: A Guide for Families and Supporters
Starting college is an exciting milestone, not just for students, but for their families and supporters too. We know this transition can bring both pride and a bit of anxiety. That’s why we’ve created this Family Resources page, designed to help you feel informed, connected, and confident as your student begins their Florida Tech journey.
We also offer a Family Orientation Program, tailored specifically for families and supporters. This program helps you learn more about campus life, meet key university staff, and discover how you can support your student from day one.
Interactive Resources
Navigating the “letting go” process is different for every family. These recommended books can help guide your journey and provide insight into the college transition:
-
She’s Leaving Home: Letting Go as My Daughter Goes to College — Connie Jones
-
When Your Kid Goes to College: A Parent’s Survival Guide — Carol Barkin
-
Letting Go: A Parent’s Guide to Understanding the College Years — Karen Levin Coburn & Madge Treeger
Communication with Your Student
Your student is learning to navigate adulthood—but your support still matters. Open, encouraging communication plays a big role in their success.
-
Stay engaged. Ask about their classes, professors, and campus involvement. Even a quick text, care package, or call can remind them you’re cheering them on.
-
Encourage involvement. Students who join clubs, teams, or organizations tend to feel more connected and manage their time better.
-
Promote campus connections. Remind them to build relationships with academic advisors and professors—these mentors are key resources during challenging times.
Your Part
As a family member, you are an essential part of your student’s support system. While they’re gaining independence, your guidance can still make all the difference:
-
Know key dates like breaks, midterms, finals, registration, and tuition deadlines.
-
Familiarize yourself with Florida Tech resources, such as:
-
Academic Support & Tutoring
-
Career Services
-
Counseling & Wellness Services
-
Campus Engagement & Student Life
-
-
Set realistic communication expectations. Your student may not call every day—and that’s okay! Encourage regular check-ins while respecting their growing independence.
The University's Part
At Florida Tech, your student isn’t just a number—they’re part of our Panther family.
-
We treat students as capable, responsible adults.
-
We work closely with them to ensure academic success, personal growth, and community engagement.
-
Most importantly, we care deeply about their well-being, safety, and development, both inside and outside the classroom.
Together, we can make this chapter one of the most empowering experiences of their lives.