Frequently Asked Questions
What should I be doing before my child leaves home to get ready for orientation and for college?
Anything you can do to help your student take care of the personal responsibilities of college will contribute to success on the Hill. Some of the practical skills include laundry, organizational skills, financial management, and cleaning.
If your student has a medical condition that requires medication or ongoing treatment, be sure they understand daily care and any symptoms that may indicate a need for treatment or an adjustment in prescriptions.
Be sure to turn over time management and decision-making to your student. At college, students will need to manage their own schedules, and they will be responsible for their decisions.
How can I help my student prepare to register for classes?
Although it is helpful for students to look over course offerings and information about the major they’re most interested in, they won’t be able to plan their schedule before they arrive for McDaniel Local. Your student will meet with an academic adviser and receive advice about signing up for classes that will satisfy academic requirements and move them toward graduation.
Talk with your student about the benefits of balancing the types of classes they take the first semester. Suggest that they ask their adviser for ideas on selecting a class with a small enrollment, a class that combines lecture and discussion, and maybe one class that will introduce them to something entirely new and different.
My student grew up in a small town where we know everyone. I’m worried about safety at McDaniel. What should my student know about staying safe?
The first and best advice is to talk with your student about using common sense, their instincts, avoiding walking or traveling alone at night, letting a friend or roommate know where they are going and an estimated time of return, and keeping belongings safe and secure.
For more information about campus safety, see Campus Safety.
When is new student orientation and what can my student expect?
New student orientation is August 22-25, 2024, with residential students moving onto campus on Thursday, August 22. Please note that fall sport athletes will have different move in days and that information will be sent be the coach and the department of athletics.
What’s the best way for our student to get to know their new community?
Encourage them to jump in and start exploring it themselves! McDaniel’s orientation program, coupled with the McDaniel Local Experience, helps your student connect to their new home and provide the information they need to start college on the right foot! It introduces them to college life, connects them with peers, and helps them build community.
Mark your calendar for our annual Parent & Family Weekend. Hosted by McDaniel College, this weekend is designed for parents and families to come to the Hill to learn more about their students home away from home. Parent & Family Weekend 2023 will be held Nov. 3-5 and in 2024, we will gather Nov. 15-17. Our Parent & Family Resources page will have information leading up to the weekend. If you have any questions, please email pfc@mcdaniel.edu
Who should my student see if they are having any difficulty?
Academics: Your student should discuss their issue with their professors and/or advisor. They also have a success coach in academic life. Have them schedule an appointment at academiclife@mcdaniel.edu. General support and mentoring are provided to all students through these relationships. Additionally, McDaniel has many academic supports in place for student success.
Residence Life: Your Green Terror should contact their Resident Assistant (RA). Working in conjunction with the Office of Residential Life, RAs work to foster a living environment that is supportive and productive to all groups and individuals on the Hill.
Athletics: Your student should discuss any concerns they have about their athletic experience with their head coach directly. These concerns may involve playing time, scheduling, or challenges they may be experiencing with transitioning to competing in intercollegiate athletics.
Who should I contact to notify my student if I have an emergency?
The Office of Campus Safety can be reached at 410-857-2202. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. If they can’t immediately assist you, they’ll be able to direct your call to someone who can!
If my student is sick, where should they go?
If your student is sick, they should visit McDaniel’s Wellness Center. A licensed registered nurse is on staff in McDaniel's Wellness Center to serve as the medical liaison with the Carroll Health Group Primary Care practice and to assist students in navigating the medical resources available to them in the Westminster area. The center is located on the second floor of Winslow Hall.
To make an appointment or if you have a question for the nurse or nurse practitioner, email or call us at wellness@mcdaniel.edu or 410-857-2243.
What types of wellness services are available to students?
In addition to our Wellness Center, McDaniel also has a Counseling Center focusing on short-term individual counseling, group counseling, crisis intervention, and educational programs. Visit our Student Wellness page to see everything that we have to offer on campus as well as available outside resources.
My student is living away from home for the first time. What can they expect?
As a residential liberal arts college, McDaniel recognizes that learning also occurs outside the classroom. Each residence hall is assigned a resident assistant (RA) — a student who lives in the hall, functions as a peer adviser and is the initial contact person to assist students with problems and concerns. In addition, they can help students find appropriate professional resources on and off campus. To find out more, visit Residential Life and their FAQs.