During her first day on the job as the UI’s new dean of students, Lyn Redington had the opportunity to immerse herself in campus life—by helping one of her two college-aged daughters move into a University of Iowa residence hall.

“Move-in was so incredibly organized,” says Redington. “I’m honored to be part of the UI team, and I think it’s going to be a great year for students, staff, and faculty. Go Hawks!”

Redington already has experience with the state’s two other public universities. She earned a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from Iowa State University, and before coming to the UI, she spent 21 years in student services roles at the University of Northern Iowa, most recently as director of residence life. Prior to that, she worked at the University of Arizona, Indiana University, and the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater.

Redington recently chatted with Iowa Now about her first order of business as dean of students and how family members can best support their students.

What do you expect to be your biggest challenges—and your biggest priorities?

My first priority is to listen and learn. I am excited to meet my colleagues and to learn how I can assist and support them in their endeavors.

I have been challenged by the size and scope of the university. Not only are there 32,000-plus students, there are also some 5,000 faculty, and several thousand staff members in the Division of Student Life alone. I have been walking around with several organizational charts to help me keep track of everything.

Now that you are the parent of two college students, what are your biggest concerns?

While I know it’s an investment, I am concerned about the affordability of higher education. My daughters have both secured on-campus jobs, which, I hope, will help them learn and understand the short- and long-term expenses associated with going to school.

Time management is one of the most important skills to be successful in college. I hope they understand time is one of their greatest resources—and that how they spend their 168 hours each week will be a key factor in their success.

Finally, I hope they will make wise decisions—about their academics, their friends, and how they choose to be involved and engaged with their respective universities.

What can parents do to best support their student?

Trust them. For years, we were able to share our values and goals with them. We need to trust that they listened to us and will use what they learned at home in their lives as emerging adults.

Challenge them. When they call home with a concern about a roommate or a class or financial aid, challenge them to resolve the issue on their own. Ask them what they think they should do—then allow them to do it.

Support them. When they call or text with information about a new friend, a student organization they are thinking about joining, or their decision to change their major, let them know you support them.

Love them. Just because they are attending college doesn’t mean they don’t need to hear that we love them and miss them. Send a letter or a care package—who doesn’t love homemade cookies?—sometime during the semester.