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Subject:
Questions from a first-year parent
Wed, 27 Oct 1999
From: D.A.
Hello!
I am the parent (mother) of a first-year student, and I'm a
first-year parent. My firstborn (*G*) is attending MTU for
the Computer Programmer classes/degree. We are from Detroit,
MI. I am sending this because I have "tons" of questions!!!
1) How much snow and cold temperatures do the kids
really
have to deal with? Can he still ride a bike in the winter
months (as he claims he can)?
2) What is the most important thing (besides money) that I
can send or do for my son while he is at MTU?
3) How much does it take (including hotel and meal costs) for
him to take the charter bus home and back during school
breaks?
4) If anything were to happen (accident wise), how would I
know? (I guess I'm still nervous!)
5) Is drinking really a problem at MTU in the winter months
as rumors say?
These are a few questions, but if anyone would like
to
volunteer any other information, I'd be thrilled to receive it!
Thanks much!
______
From: "Dennis K. Walikainen"
<dkwalika@mtu.edu>
1) We average around 200 inches of snow per year, but our local road crews,
and especially MTU crews, take great care of the roads. However, I wouldn't
recommend riding a bike. One heavy, slushy adventure, and he'll be cured!
It does
not get too cold that often, in part because of the same Lake
Superior that gives us all that snow!
3) The Bus, the Escape Express, will be leaving Friday,
November 19, 1999.
Round Trip: $80
One Way: $55
Phone 906-487-2406 (Undergraduate Student Government Office)
Route # 1, Lansing, Detroit
November 19, 10:00 p.m., Leave Houghton, Michigan Tech
November 20, 5:00 a.m., Arrive Grayling, Holiday Inn,
8:00 a.m., Arrive Lansing, Lansing Mall,
CATA Bus Stop by Mervyns
(NW side of Mall), I-96 West to Saginaw Street (M-43), exit on 93B, go
approximately 2 miles east on Saginaw
8:45 a.m., Arrive Jackson, Jackson Crossing
Mall, Toys R Us
Entrance, Exit 138, West Ave, I-27 and 94.
9:30 a.m., Arrive Ann Arbor, Arborland Mall,
Washtenaw Entrance
10:15 a.m., Arrive Detroit, Cobo Hall Front
Entrance
November 28, 8:00 a.m., Leave Detroit, same as above
8:45 a.m., Leave Ann Arbor, same as above
9:30 a.m., Leave Jackson, same as above
10:15 a.m., Leave Lansing, same as above
1:15 p.m., Leave Grayling, same as above
8:15 p.m., Arrive Houghton, MTU
Route # 2, Detroit, Troy
November 19, 10:00 p.m., Leave Houghton, Michigan Tech
5:30 a.m, Arrive Grayling, Holiday Inn
7:30 a.m., Arrive Saginaw, Meijer's Thrifty
Acres, Bay and Tittabawassee
8:00 a.m., Arrive Flint, Genesee Valley
Mall, South Hudson's Entrance
9:00 a.m., Arrive Troy, Oakland Mall, Lot
L-4, Back of Sear's
9:45 p.m., Arrive Detroit, Cobo Hall Front
Entrance
November 28, 9:00 a.m., Leave Detroit, same as above
9:45 a.m., Leave Troy, same as above
10:45 a.m., Leave Flint, same as above
11:15 a.m., Leave Saginaw, same as above
1:15 p.m., Leave Grayling, same as above
8:15 p.m., Arrive Houghton, MTU
4. The Dean of Student Affairs Office would be in touch
with you, and they are
excellent with any situation. Really a top-notch staff.
Marty Janners is our Dean of Students, and her phone number is
906-487-2212, e-mail: <myjanner@mtu.edu>.
5) I don't know what the rumors are, but I can tell you
our campus is part of
a nationwide movement to stop binge drinking. Alcohol awareness is very
high here, and more and more students seem to be getting the message.
Thank you for the great questions!
______
From: G. K.
Hello,
I am a parent of a senior at MTU. I felt compeled to write a response
to
your questions.
1) Snow. The kids all know that the UP gets lots of snow.
They love it, or
learn to live with it. From everything I have heard, the snow removal
crews
are phenomenal. Bike riding? That is questionable.
2) What is the most important thing to do for your student besides money?
I
have always felt that showing your love and concern are the best. I used
to
send the exam packs, (available from a fraternity, I think) with a note
letting him know we were thinking of him. We would talk every day of exams
so he could relieve some anxiety. I like to buy funny cards and sent them
for no reason. I once found a great card that had a snow dome with a man
shoveling inside. On the inside of the card the message said something
along
the lines of "Everytime I finish shoveling the kid goes and turns
me upside
down."
5) Drinking. I have heard a few stories about drinkers. Each one of our
children have been raised with beliefs about alcohol. That is something
my
son has chosen not to do. He has great friends and is involved in MANY
activities.
As a parent, I have never worried about my son at MTU. I
feel that the
natural environment and the personnel offer so much for the students.
Enjoy the time at quarter break with your son. He may want
to sleep and go
out with friends.
______
From: L.B.
I am a first year parent too, with all the concerned and love for my child
too.
So far I am pleased with Tech too, my child is finding great
friends with
morals too.
Thu, 28 Oct 1999
Hi, Everyone: This is the greatest tool! My son is hoping
to go to MTU
next year and I am already stressing about his leaving, so these
communiques are very helpful and comforting. What a feeling of
camaraderie and knowing other parents before he even gets there.
Are the students allowed to have their own vehicles at MTU?
I hope so,
since we live in Grand Rapids and I would like Brian to be able to come
home when he wants...
Thanks, everybody who participates in this ongoing dialogue.
Anyone who
has any tips/hints for me about easing the separation anxiety will be
listened to!
_______
From a parent of a Tech grad.
Our son graduated last spring, is employed at the Chrysler Tech
Center in Auburn Hills and has already found fellow tech grads in
the area. Last Saturday a small youth group affiliated with a local
church went out apple picking, watched a movie together at one of the
MTU grad's apartments. The atmosphere of MTU and friendship of tech
grads extends beyond the graduation ceremony.
Needless to say you are hearing from a very satisfied MTU
parent.
_______
From: D.A.
Thank you! That is a wonderful testimony to what I am being to perceive
as a
good choice I made!
Whew! |
