At Colgate University, there's a summer reading list that suggests five books before freshman year. At George Washington University, days of orientation are devoted to the subject of separation anxiety.
But only parents need apply.
These programs are examples of a growing array of university-run programs that help parents say goodbye to their new college freshmen.
But at Penn, New Student Orientation organizers just want to get parents off campus.
All of the orientation events involving parents ended by Thursday afternoon, because, according to NSO Director David Fox, he and his staff "encourage parents not to hang around."
It prevents students from getting to know other kids and "being part of their College House life," he said.
But there's certainly a growing market for universities that cater to nervous parents.
The Baby Boomer generation put their kids through hours of piano lessons and soccer practice, and for some, it's hard no longer being involved in their child's every decision.
"Students that are heading off to college these days, their relationship [with their parents] is much closer, and communication more frequent than any [generation] before," said Mark Thompson, director of counseling and psychological services at Colgate, who helped put together the reading list for parents.
Titles include Letting Go, For Parents Only, and Don't Tell Me What to Do, Just Send Money.
"All of a sudden, to be that involved, and then have your son or daughter [leave for college] -- the void is . significant," Thompson said. "This generation is also probably the most protective generation in a long, long time."
There's even an advocacy group for parents of college students. Called the College Parents of America, the group works to provide resources and advice about sending children to college.
"I think parents are looking for guidance from both the school . and the student him or herself as to how much they should be involved," said CPA President James Boyle. "I advise parents to think of it like a coach- or a mentor-type relationship."
Penn does have programs for parents, but they are not as comprehensive as many other schools'.
Last Wednesday and Thursday, Fox said, the University hosted expositions that helped new students and their parents get acquainted with Penn. University President Amy Gutmann formally welcomed parents as well.
The largest event for parents, however, was a parent orientation panel, which Fox said helps to assuage parents' fears on subjects ranging from safety to dining options.
Loren Bagnoli, mother of College freshman Kristin Bagnoli, said that the process of leaving her first child at college was difficult, but that the activities the University offered for parents alleviated many of her fears.
Still, "the president's speech was very comforting," Bagnoli said, and she was impressed with Gutmann's explanation of the University's recent expansion of its safety initiatives.
But the key to happy parents may not lie in extensive orientation sessions but rather in just keeping them informed.
Parents can sign up for e-mail listservs to keep them "in the loop about what's going on," College Houses spokeswoman Dana Matkevich said. "We try to give them as much information up front as possible to make their move-in easier."
Ultimately, Fox said, students have to feel happy at Penn for parents to feel comfortable leaving them there.
"For both student and parent, finding that moment to separate, when the student can fully identify with being at Penn, is an important moment," Fox said.
