CMC Parent Newsletter
Summer 2025

In this issue:

Beyond Orientation: What Comes Next?

The Book of Me: Author[ity], Identity, and Empowerment

Parents and Families: See You at a Chapter Event in Your Local Region

Student Privacy for Healthcare and Grades: The Parent Perspective | (Leer en español)

Volunteer with the Parent Network!

Show Off Your CMC Pride!

Beyond Orientation: What Comes Next?

By Denise Stolte P’28

It’s Sunday evening, August 17th. You’ve just hugged your new first-year student goodbye in Claremont, maybe wiped away a tear or two (yours or theirs—we won’t tell), and now you’re heading home with a swirl of emotions: pride, nostalgia, and perhaps just a touch of anxiety.

You’re likely wondering: What happens next?

Rest assured, your student is about to embark on a whirlwind of new experiences—making friends, choosing classes, adjusting to life on campus. You may not hear from them as often for a while they’re off bonding with classmates on campus But don’t worry, the radio silence won’t last long. Soon enough, you’ll receive a flurry of texts or calls filled with questions, excitement, maybe some panic, and quite possibly requests for snacks or advice on laundry.

To help you stay one step ahead, here are a few key milestones and dates to keep in mind: 

Campus Life & Involvement

Once they’ve conquered their course schedule, students typically dive into the social side of college life. Claremont McKenna College offers over 50 student clubs and organizations, ranging from cultural and service groups to pre-professional and purely-for-fun clubs. The annual Club Fair takes place during the first or second week of classes, and if nothing quite fits, students are encouraged to start a club of their own. (Yes, even one dedicated to competitive hammock napping—dream big!). Students will also be able to check Handshake, where they will find many opportunities for on campus employment. They can obtain more information from the Soll Center for Student Opportunity. 

Come Visit: Family Weekend (February 14-16, 2026)

If you’re already dreaming up an excuse to return to campus (you’re not alone), look no further than Family Weekend, happening February 14-16. This dynamic three-day event brings together parents, families, and students for panels, professor talks, receptions, and a deeper dive into campus life. A highlight this year: the you can tour the new Robert Day Sciences Center, the home for the Kravis Department of Integrated Sciences. Think cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary collaboration—all nestled in Southern California sunshine. 

Breaks & Beyond

• Fall Break: October 11–14. 
  A quick breather for students, perfect for catching up on sleep, laundry, or both.
• Thanksgiving Break:  November 26-30. 
  Their first real return home—prepare for big hugs and even bigger laundry piles.
• Final Exams: December 8–12. 
  And just like that, their first semester wraps up. Expect them home soon after—wiser, possibly a little sleep-deprived, but definitely happy to see you (and your fridge). 

College life is a journey—for students and for parents. Hang in there, stay connected, and trust that your student is in good hands (and maybe learning to do laundry, too). 

The Book of Me: Author[ity], Identity, and Empowerment

By Dr. Melanie J. Malinowski P’27

“Adult life is in and of itself a challenging curriculum.”

Dianna Graves, Vice President for Student Affairs

The unattainable and, frankly silly, expectations I had heaped on my daughter, Echo, came screaming back to me last May as I helped her move out of her dorm room. Tearfully, she looked at me and said, “I am still learning how to be a human, Mama. This is my first time here on the planet.”  I stopped talking and hugged her. I felt happy and sad and proud and awed, for she had come to this gorgeous realization in spite of my parenting.

We do not intend to enact such strongholds of control over our children’s lives, over their inner narratives, but, somehow, we do.  Well, I did.  So, when I began researching and interviewing for this article, I thought I knew what Self-Authorship was and that I had prepared my daughter to step into that space with ease.  However, as I learned, Self-Authorship encompasses far more than simply “owning” the narrative of one’s life.

Dianna Graves ’98 (D.T.) defines Self-Authorship thusly: “CMC’s approach to student affairs and residential life is designed to complement and reinforce our academic learning environment through vibrant social and community experiences. We seek to graduate responsible leaders who are invested in their individual and collective success and well-being, and their desire to make a difference in the lives of others. The development of the epistemological, intrapersonal, and interpersonal capacities that help individuals achieve these goals and to navigate the cognitively complex world we live in are encompassed in the notions of self-authorship.” She continues, “Learning takes place when people pursue meaning from their experiences in a developmental context. What is known matters, but so too does the how in which we come to know.” Learning and becoming comfortable with how decisions are made, the process of self-reflection and self-reliance, become integral to young adults in their individual and unique self-authorship odyssey.  Conceptually, Self-Authorship warrants the development of a strong internal voice, one unwavering, confident, sound, and I might add, trusted; freedom from structures built in childhood (narratives, beliefs, truths); empowerment; and learning the “hows” of decision making, all in the interest of evolving into adulthood, according to Graves, “armed with the collaborative and creative skills to address [complex] problems, and most critically, . . . to become resolved to do the important, courageous work it takes to do well and to do good in the world,” to succeed as “productive and responsible leaders.”

Claremont McKenna’s commitment to wholistic scholarship, leadership, and personhood creates a space for the implementation of the self-authorship model. Graves notes that “through cognitively dissonant experiences, in the classroom, on athletics fields, through research and summer experiences, and so many other co-curricular opportunities, students grapple with concepts of self in relation to their own sources of identity, their relation to others, and their relation to the world.”

Our family experienced this concept in practice this summer. Echo always wanted to be home in Houston, with her familiar room, dog, friends, us, food, her car. Until this summer. She wrote over forty applications for internships and eventually attained one working in a lab in Madison, Wisconsin. Her growth over the course of her two years at CMC reflects her participation in programs offered but also shows how she embraces her own choices to get a job, buy a scooter, cut nine inches off of her hair, move to Wisconsin alone, take the bus, meet soccer players for pick-up games, and join a club dedicated to altruism in all of its iterations!

Claremont McKenna’s incorporation of self-authorship relies on staff members who are “highly trained and motivated to guide students through challenges,” says Graves, noting that this is a “high touch model,” demanding much from staff and students.  The CARE Center, the Athenaeum, the Romero Success Coach Program, and the Dean of Student’s office as a “transformational” space where students go for guidance and assistance while working through decisions are only a few of the examples of opportunities available to students as they evolve.

Self-Authorship empowers students: “CMC is uniquely suited to guide students through immense challenges with appropriate support in academic, research, co-curricular, and professional contexts.  From the institution’s founding, CMC’s rigorous liberal arts curriculum has been energized and complemented by pragmatic applications to hands-on concerns.  Students are pressed to explore, be intellectually curious, and reflect deeply on how their education informs their sense of self and contributions to others.”  And the empowerment, according to Graves, radiates beyond the student, for one’s own self-authorship emboldens the student to grow reliably, responsibly, successfully, as a sound human and willing participant in the universe.

In the interest of brevity, I have offered a small and perhaps a bit reductive synopsis of self-authorship.  The article “Developing Self-Authorship in College to Navigate Emerging Adulthood,” by Marcia Baxter Magolda and Kari B. Taylor, found in The Oxford Handbook of Emerging Adulthood, edited by Jeffrey Jensen Arnett, provides a more thorough understanding of this concept, as well as furnishing examples, anecdotes, and stories from student participants in a longitudinal study. The article opens with a short discussion of the liminal space between adolescence with its structures and adulthood with its freedoms, two spaces far away from my own thoughts.  Yet when Echo reminded me that, yes, this is her first time in this life, that she is new and trying to figure it out, I envisioned a book, a whimsical pageless tome, Echo’s journal, self-filling in front of me, in front of her, in her mind and heart, as she navigates her own way.

Parents and Families: See You at a Chapter Event in Your Local Region

by Arti Kumar P’27

As parents of a member of the Class of 2027, we know firsthand the mix of pride and anxiety that comes with sending your student off to college—especially from a distance. During our son’s first two years at CMC, our local Seattle chapter has been a true blessing. The chapter hosts several events each year that keep us connected to CMC, its community, and all the exciting things happening on campus. As parents and family members of CMCers, you are invited to attend local chapter events in your area!

We’ve enjoyed a wide range of activities: new student send-off parties (perfect for incoming freshmen and their families), a baseball game (go Mariners!), Topgolf (easy and fun!), wine tastings (cheers to new friends!), as well as thought-provoking programs featuring President Hiram Chodosh and Dr. Ran Libeskind-Hadas of the Kravis Department of Integrated Sciences. Each gathering has offered something unique—whether it’s a chance to learn more about the college’s future or simply to relax and connect with fellow CMC families.

This year, our chapter is even starting a local walking group—combining community with wellness! Through these events, we’ve met parents with wonderfully diverse stories and experiences, while our son has built friendships with alumni, current students, and families. He especially looks forward to reconnecting with the Seattle community each summer.

Thanks to our chapter, we truly feel part of the CMC family. Every event is an opportunity to have fun, make meaningful connections, learn something new, and give back. We are deeply grateful to the alumni volunteers, faculty, and staff who make these gatherings possible. Your efforts have helped us find a sense of belonging with CMC—one we know will last long after our son graduates.

We wish you and your student a wonderful journey filled with joy, connection, and the lasting bonds that come from being part of the CMC community. To find events in your local region, please visit : https://www.cmc.edu/families/parent-family-events#chapter.

Student Privacy for Healthcare and Grades: The Parent Perspective

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) was designed to protect student’s rights by maintaining the privacy of educational records, and providing guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading information. The College realizes, however, that some students may want to share their academic progress with their parents and welcome parental support when it comes to healthcare and academics.

Parents and students over the age of 18 may want to have a conversation regarding the release of educational and medical records, and arrive at a mutually satisfactory agreement. More information regarding the specific forms is below.

Healthcare: Student Health Services (SHS) and Monsour Counseling and Psychological Services (MCAPS) follow all required HIPAA and privacy guidelines, unless students pose a danger to themselves or to others. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA), protects the privacy of medical records. As soon as a child turns 18, parents no longer have access to their medical information even if they are still covered by the parents’ health insurance. Students may elect to sign a Medical Release of Information Form, allowing health-care provides to share information with the authorized person.

If your student is a CMS athlete, be aware that athletes will be asked to complete the annual NCAA Student-Athlete HIPAA Authorization Form with the rest of their NCAA Eligibility paperwork. This allows athletic trainers, physicians, and other medical providers to freely communicate about an athlete’s healthcare-related information. It also allows coaches to be kept informed on the status and severity of injuries. In order for parents to be informed about sports-related health information, athletes would have to also sign the aforementioned SHS Medical Release of Information Form.

Grades and Educational Records:

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), is a federal law that administered by the Department of Education. FERPA applies to all institutions that receive funding from the department. Once a student reaches the age of 18 and enrolls in college, FERPA rights transfer from the parent to the individual student. As a result, CMC cannot release education records—including grades—to parents unless the student has given prior express written consent. Students may access, fill out, and sign a FERPA Release Form and bring it to the Registrar’s Office in order for their parents to have access to their grades. (In accord with FERPA laws, CMC’s full written policy with regard to educational privacy and student privacy rights can be found on the website.)

Privacidad de los estudiantes para la atención médica y las calificaciones: La perspectiva de los padres

La Ley de Derechos Educativos y Privacidad de la Familia (FERPA) fue diseñada para proteger los derechos de los estudiantes manteniendo la privacidad de los registros educativos, y proporcionando lineamientos para la corrección de información inexacta o errónea. Sin embargo, la universidad es consciente de que algunos estudiantes pueden querer compartir su progreso académico con sus padres y agradecen el apoyo de los padres cuando se trata de la atención médica.

Los padres y los estudiantes mayores de 18 años pueden tener una conversación sobre la divulgación de los registros educativos y médicos, y llegar a un acuerdo mutuamente satisfactorio. A continuación, encontrará más información sobre los formularios específicos.

Atención médica: Los Servicios de Salud de los Estudiantes (SHS) y los Servicios Psicológicos y de Asesoramiento de Monsour (MCAPS) siguen todas las directrices requeridas por la HIPAA y de privacidad, a menos que los estudiantes representen un peligro para ellos mismos o para otros. La Ley de Portabilidad y Responsabilidad del Seguro Médico (HIPPA), protege la privacidad de los registros médicos. Tan pronto como un adolescente cumple 18 años, los padres ya no tienen acceso a su información médica, incluso si todavía están cubiertos por el seguro médico de los padres. Los estudiantes pueden optar por firmar un formulario de divulgación de información médica, lo que permite que los proveedores de atención médica compartan la información con la persona autorizada. El formulario se puede encontrar aquí.

Si su estudiante es un atleta de CMC, tenga en cuenta que se les pedirá a los atletas que completen el formulario anual de autorización HIPAA para estudiantes-atletas de la NCAA con el resto de su documentación de elegibilidad de la NCAA. Esto permite que los entrenadores de atletismo, los médicos y otros proveedores de servicios médicos se comuniquen libremente sobre la información relacionada con la atención médica de un atleta. También permite que los entrenadores se mantengan informados sobre el estado y la gravedad de las lesiones. Para que los padres sean informados sobre la información de salud relacionada con el deporte, los atletas también tendrían que firmar el mencionado Formulario de Divulgación de Información Médica de SHS.

Calificaciones y registros educativos:

La Ley de Derechos Educativos y Privacidad de la Familia (FERPA), es una ley federal que administra el Departamento de Educación. La FERPA se aplica a todas las instituciones que reciben fondos del departamento. Una vez que un estudiante alcanza la edad de 18 años y se inscribe en la universidad, los derechos de FERPA se transfieren de los padres al estudiante individual. En consecuencia, CMC no puede divulgar los registros educativos -incluidas las calificaciones- a los padres, a menos que el estudiante haya dado previamente su consentimiento por escrito. Los estudiantes pueden acceder, completar y firmar un formulario de autorización FERPA y llevarlo a la Oficina de Registro para que sus padres tengan acceso a sus calificaciones. (De acuerdo con las leyes FERPA, el documento completo de CMC con respecto a la privacidad educativa y los derechos de privacidad de los estudiantes se puede encontrar en el sitio web).

Volunteer with the Parent Network!

As the parent/guardian of a CMC student, you are part of the Parent Network and uniquely connected to the College through your student. The mission of the Parent Network is to help students and their families make the most of their CMC years by providing information about campus life, important milestones and events, and by offering a variety ways to learn more about and connect with the College and each other.

Whether you live across the globe or down the street, there are many ways to become involved. Please visit the volunteer page here to learn more and submit an interest form.

CMC will be the center of your student’s life for four years and beyond. We encourage you to be connected and engaged!

Show Off Your CMC Pride!

Looking for the latest in CMC parent gear? The CMC Supply Shop ( https://www.cmcsupplyshop.com/) has you covered! Make sure to catch our pop-up during Family Weekend (February 14-16, 2026)!

Follow us on Instagram @cmcsupplyshop to stay up-to-date on the latest designs, sales, and promotions.

We hope you will display your CMC pride on-campus, at home, and wherever your travels may take you.