Todd Delaney and his wife, Darcey, traveled to Coral Gables from San Diego, California, to help their son Cole, a first-year marine biology student, move into one of the University of Miami’s residential colleges.
While this is the couple’s second time sending a child off to college, it didn’t make the goodbyes any easier. The Delaneys said that they are proud of their son’s accomplishments, excited about his future, and pleased with how things went during move in.
“The process has been super easy, and everybody we’ve encountered today has been awesome,” said Darcey Delaney.
Tumeca Givens was moved to tears as she accompanied her daughter, Tianni Holman, to the check-in area at Lakeside Village during ’Cane Kickoff, the University’s weeklong orientation program for new students and their families. Holman, a first-year biology major, and four members of her tight-knit military family traveled from North Carolina.
“It’s surreal,” said Givens. “I’m not ready for her to leave home but we’ve given her the foundation—the integrity, the selflessness, the independence—she’s ready. I’m sad she’s leaving but I know she’ll do great.”
Nearly 2,700 new students are expected to begin their undergraduate career at the University this week, and various departments across campus are working diligently to guarantee the newest ’Canes family members have the smoothest transition possible.
The Office of Undergraduate Admission is dedicated to guiding enrolled students and their families through the transition to college. It features a family mailing list and a Guide for Parents and Students (GPS) Team, a group of undergraduate peer advisors that was on call all summer to assist in navigating the way. A monthly family e-newsletter, Hurricane Family Connection, is sent by the Student Affairs’ Department of Orientation and Commuter Student Involvement, to keep families informed of new resources relevant to supporting their students.
Visit the Student Affairs website for additional resources for parents and families.
Sean Crandall, dad to first-year political science student Kate, said he feels assured that his daughter is in safe hands at the University. Kate and her family traveled from upstate New York.
“I feel confident that she’s going to be a part of a community, and that she has all the right resources available to her to succeed,” he said. “I feel she’s prepared, and we’re excited for her.”
Amy Lopez, who brought her daughter, Mia, a first-year psychology student, from Charleston, South Carolina, said that she had a mix of emotions as she helped her daughter move in on Tuesday afternoon.
“I’m excited, nervous, and a little anxious,” said Lopez. “I hope that she is happy here, that she makes great friends, and of course has academic success.”
Patricia A. Whitely, senior vice president for student affairs and alumni engagement, pointed out that all the connections with incoming students and their families throughout the summer is intended to build community and make the transition as smooth as possible.
“It is wonderful to have new ’Canes joining us on campus this week,” she said. “We hope that parents feel their child has made the best decision in choosing the University of Miami for their college experience, and we look forward to having families back on campus for Family Weekend in October.”
