MACOMB, ILL. -- Before students start their college career at WIU, they are invited to a two-day orientation program.  Also invited...their parents. Attending the orientation not only makes the transition easier on the students, but on the parents as well.

Nothing can prepare a parent for their first child going away to college. Many students feel lost when they leave home for the first time.  That's where WIU steps in. Through its SOAR program, or Summer Orientation and Registration Program, students can learn what to expect during their time at Western.

"I think this is a really important part of all colleges and universities is to help both students and families get connected and give them the resources to start their fall out in a good step, and give them a good foundation," said Tracy Scott, director of student development and orientation.

The programs throughout the day include a welcome speech, ice breakers to help the students get to know one another, and skits that deal with everyday college life. The focus isn't only on the students...

Scott says, "We have students coming to these programs that maybe are first generation. So their parents have never been to college before. So we have sessions about letting go, and explaining the transition that they may be facing."

Other programs the parents can attend are about health and safety, and how to pay for college. One student we talked with says she wants her mom to go to these meetings.

"My mom is my best friend and we do everything together and for her to not be able to come away with me to school is going to be kind of hard. So hopefully she'll be more comfortable letting me go and I'll be more comfortable knowing that she knows what's going on," incoming freshman Kayla Morphey says.

For parents who still have a few more years to go before sending their student off to college, and even for those students who are in middle school or high school, Scott offers this advice.

"Start thinking now, start having some discussions about what kinds of things they're going to look for in a college...what kind of college environment may be right for their student and what kind of things may their student want to study."

Students are required to stay overnight in the residence halls and they will be paired with another new student.

To find out more information about the SOAR program or anything else at WIU, you can visit www.wiu.edu.