UAlbany launches course for student parents and families

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The University at Albany announced the launch of a new semester-long course for family members of new students. The course's goal is to help families better understand the college experience and learn how to support their loved ones through the process.

The free online course, called Great Danes 101, was launched earlier in August and is available in English and Spanish. Throughout the semester parents, guardians, and support people of new students can learn about the basics of college and life at UAlbany, the academic calendar and support services available for students, and how to support the students through common stressors like homesickness and academic struggles.

The course is self-paced but families are encouraged to navigate the classes weekly since they are sequenced to coincide with events happening on campus. Family members of new students can enroll in the course at any time throughout the fall semester.

Weekly office hours will be held every Wednesday on Zoom from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. and in person during the family weekend on September 28 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Campus Center. Anyone with questions can contact greatdanes101@albany.edu for more information.

“More than 30 percent of our students are first generation, so establishing this course for family members and guardians, who may be unfamiliar with the culture and structure of university life, was important to us,” said Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Carol Kim. “We know that family and guardians are one of the strongest sources of support our students have. Familiarizing them with important dates on the academic calendar, like add/drop deadlines, midterms, and finals, helps them support their student. Great Danes 101 is offered in English and Spanish, and we are very proud of how engaging and comprehensive the course is.”