Welcome parents to our website! We added this space for you to let you know that there are a few things that you can do to help your sons and daughters succeed in college. We also want you to know that if you are searching for a university for your son or daughter to attend, we would be more than happy to answer any questions or discuss any concerns that you may have about the biology program or about VSU.

One of the biggest problems our students have is their misuse of cell phones. Getting up and walking out of class to answer a call is not acceptable behavior. Not only is it disruptive to the class, but they will also miss the lecture material. Even when we tell students to turn off the phones during class, many do not. Students often check their phones for messages repeatedly during class. Altogether, cell phones are a huge distraction for the students. And finally, some cell phones have math functions, but they are no substitute for a good calculator.

We live in a society that prizes material possessions, but trying to have it all when your just eighteen years-old is not realistic. Many of our students work to pay for college, but most are trying to pay for new cars, new phones, etc. If at all possible limit work to no more than 20 hours/week, even if that means they will be driving an old clunker around for a few years. Cars come and go, but bad grades are with you for life.

Try and put your sons and daughters into one of our fine dormitories. This will enhance their college experience by being around the campus more often. We also know that students who live in the dorms make better grades.

Remind your children to get involved in the department! Keep asking them about extra-curricular activities such as the biology clubs and working in the research labs of their professors. We know that the sooner students get involved in these activities the better they will do in class and the more likely it is that they will finish college.

Finally, college is not high school. College professors control their classrooms and there is no principal around to force teachers to put up with unruly students. It is quite shocking to a student when they are actually kicked out of class for talking, or not allowed in class because they are tardy. If we say late assignments are not accepted, we mean it. So, all of the bad behaviors that may have been reinforced and enabled in high school will just get you in trouble in college.

We want your sons and daughters to have a fantastic time in college and to leave here well-educated so that they will be successful in their chosen career. Please, speak to your sons and daughters about the items we’ve mentioned here and if they listen to you, they will be well on their way to that success.