Parents can hear panel discuss college

Everything you do (and don't) want to know about your student going off to college will be discussed by a panel at Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart.

Hosted by the Alumnae Parent Association, the free event is open to the public and will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 1, at Woodlands Academy, 760 E. Westleigh Road, Lake Forest.

"Much of what we'll cover will be driven primarily by the audience's questions," said panel moderator Chris Denniston. "There are many resources for the college-bound student, but few for the parents."

Topics the panel is ready to discuss include academic adjustments, drug use, depression, binge drinking, roommate issues, homesickness, college activities, sexual activity, visits home, managing money, concerns your child is having, parents' rights and visits, studying abroad, internships, Greek life, tactics to help your child be independent, and letting go.

Panel members include:

• Jennifer L. Fast, PsyD, assistant dean of students, director of health and wellness at Lake Forest College, will discuss depression and risky behaviors such as binge drinking, prescription drug abuse and illegal drug use by college students.

• Maryellen Lovell, parent of a college junior and freshman, will address how she has handled a myriad issues her children are experiencing on campus.

• Elizabeth Snider, Lake Forest College program director at the Gates Center, will address issues from the college's perspective, ranging from dorm life to safety to picking college activities.

• Joanne Yorro, Committee Representing Our Young Adults (CROYA) program director, will share her insights into concerns students have about going off to college and the adjustments they are contemplating that they don't tell their parents.

To make a reservation, email apa@woodlandsacademy.org no later than April 28, or for more information, contact Denniston at (847) 295-5584. Seating is limited.