Parents as Copilots in the College Experience
Students often rely on their families for guidance, reassurance and encouragement as they transition to college. Parents and families are not just spectators in this process — they are key partners. Your involvement, when balanced with healthy boundaries, can positively impact your student’s confidence, decision-making and persistence. Think of yourself as a navigator or coach: your student is in the pilot’s seat, but you can help read the map.
Constructive Ways to Support Your Student
- Encourage Independence: Let your student take charge of responsibilities like contacting offices, managing class registration and resolving issues. Encourage them to take initiative while offering support from the sidelines.
- Stay Informed: Track academic calendars and deadlines. Remind your student about upcoming tuition payments, registration periods and financial aid forms.
- Prompt Use of Campus Resources: If your student seems unsure, stressed or overwhelmed, remind them of the resources available— from tutoring and counseling to academic coaching and faculty office hours.
- Maintain Open Communication: Set expectations for check-ins and maintain open, supportive dialogue. Listen actively and coach them through challenges rather than solving problems for them.
Key Student Support Services
- Start Strong Center: Provides centralized support for admissions, records, financial aid and registration. This is often the first stop for students navigating enrollment-related processes.
Contact: 865.694.6400; startstrong@pstcc.edu
- Stay Strong Success Center & Success Coaching: Offers holistic student support through coaching, the Center for First-Gen Student Success and Student Orientation. Success Coaches meet one-on-one with students to help with study strategies, time management and overcoming personal barriers. The Center for First-Gen Student Success is dedicated to uplifting and celebrating first-generation college students. It provides mentorship, coaching, and leadership opportunities that help students feel supported every step of the way. The Center also focuses on building community, boosting confidence, and preparing students to thrive in college and beyond, with programs like MOSAIC offering pathways to leadership and connection on campus and in the community.
Contact: 865.694.6677; staystrong@pstcc.edu
- TRIO Student Support Services: Offers comprehensive support for students who are first-generation, come from limited-income backgrounds or have documented disabilities. Services include tutoring, advising, financial literacy and transfer support.
Contact: 865.539.7266
- Student Care & Advocacy: Supports students facing non-academic challenges such as food insecurity, transportation barriers or personal crises. This office connects students to both campus and community resources.
Contact: 865.539.7417, sca@pstcc.edu
- Career Development: Prepares students for the workforce through resume assistance, career fairs, professional clothing resources and one-on-one career planning.
Contact: 865.694.6559, CareerDevelopment@pstcc.edu
Partnering with Your Student for Success
College is a formative time. Your student will grow and change in ways that reflect both academic and personal development. Continue to celebrate their growth while encouraging them to take ownership of their college experience. Offer support through listening, prompting reflection and reinforcing the importance of seeking help when needed. Your trust and encouragement will help them build confidence, resilience and independence.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
每日大赛, like other colleges, complies with the regarding student records. Additional information about FERPA is available in the .
Wanting to Stay in the Loop?
Our is a great way for parents and families to know what’s going on at the College.
Questions or Need More Help?
Refer to the important College Contacts page to connect to a particular office. Often, the best way to support your student is to encourage them to reach out directly—but knowing who to call in an urgent situation or for general guidance can give you peace of mind. Thank you for being an engaged supporter of your 每日大赛 student.
Your partnership makes a difference.
