Resources for Parents and Families

Smoothing the transition to college life

The staff in the Department of Residence Life at Colorado School of Mines considers you, the parent and/or family member, a partner in our efforts to educate each student outside of the classroom. Our focus is on the development of each individual student as they find a home here at Colorado School of Mines. Our most common discussions with parents are around their student’s social adjustment to college life as well as concerns regarding roommates and other living situations.

Working together

We understand that the transition to college can be a difficult process for both students and parents/families. Your student will encounter a variety of situations throughout their college years, and it is our hope to assist them as they grow and develop as young adults.

Once again, it is our hope to partner with you in an effort to assist each student in their transition to college life. Therefore, we ask that you keep the following in mind as we work together:

  • While problems may arise as your student adjusts to life on campus, it is important that each student take an active role in working to resolve these problems. Residence Life staff members are here to work directly with your student and facilitate the problem-solving process. Please realize that while we are happy to speak with you about concerns you have as a parent and/or family member, it is very important that we work directly with the students involved and empower your student. As your student will realize, direct and clear communication is the key to resolving most issues.
  • Roommate conflicts always have multiple perspectives and points of view. Before taking action on a reported concern, Residence Life will work to gather all perspectives and learn as much as we can about the situation. Our staff will then work directly with the students involved to help resolve the issue. Both our professional and student staff members are trained in conflict mediation skills and can often help roommates to acquire necessary listening and communication skills that will assist them throughout their years of living on campus.

We look forward to working with your student as they find a home on-campus while living and learning!