Welcome to The Citadel Family!

My name is Captain Taylor Skardon and I serve in the Office of Parent Programs, which is a relatively new position which we will continue to build over the next few years. I am a 1982 Cid Grad who served 30 years in the Navy. When it came time to retire, my wife and I decided to return to Charleston to be closer to our families. The timing worked out that General Rosa was looking to hire a new EA and I fit the bill. One of the parts of the job I hated was having to give parents and families the bad news when their cadet had done something that would result in them having to leave The Citadel for a semester or permanently. In most cases they told me "if I only had known."

When I completed my tour in the President's Office, I went to work for the Provost who allowed me to see what we could do to improve the flow of information to parents and families. She said before I get started, do some research on what is out there.

So What Does The Data Say?

Studies show:

1) College students whose parents and families engage properly have greater success in college. Engaging "properly" is the key term. The most successful maintain a healthy relationship with their cadets while standing back and letting them make their own decisions. Instead of telling them what to do, you should work to become one where you are available to them when they come to you for advice. Note, when they come to you.

2) As much as we would like them to look to The Citadel Administration, you will remain the person they turn to for advice.

Our Goals

As we began to build this office, we had three goals in mind:

1) To help parents and families be better informed so when their cadets came to them with an issue, they could be an effective advisor.

2) Serve as a reference point to connect you with the right people on campus or provide advice if asked.

3) Help parents and families enjoy the experience of having a cadet at The Citadel.

We have put together this Parent Orientation with the hope it will help you become more familiar with the services the college provides to your students, but more importantly provide recommendations for conversations you and your cadet should have before Matriculation Day and throughout the year. Although the quality may not be perfect, I think you will get the information you need. Also I will continue to add modules as I needed - so keep checking back. If there are subjects you would like to learn more about, please let me know ( parents@citadel.edu ) and we will do what we can to create a module that addresses your needs.

Decision Maker to Advisor

College is a great time where your cadet will experience new things and have the opportunity make their own decisions. We understand that each cadet is unique and their relationships with their families are different. It is our hope that they will "spread their wings" and transform their relationship to one where they find great value in coming to you for advice as part of a process of informing themselves before making a decision - a decision - and its outcomes - they take ownership of. There will be times that they fail - which the system will almost ensure they do because it how they respond where the transformation and personal growth takes place. Getting back up, taking responsibility for their actions and learning from their mistakes is what make The Citadel Experience so special.

There are some issues I want you to know about and have a conversation about before your cadet reports to The Citadel. Some of these are more important than others because if they violate the policy, they will not be able to remain at the college - the two main ones are violating our Honor Code and our Drug policy.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at parents@citadel.edu (preferred) or 843-953-6088. Email is preferred because the x6088 number is forwarded to my cell phone and if you catch me away form the desk I won't have the tools I need to give you an answer.

Again welcome and Go 'Dogs!

Taylor Skardon '82
Captain USN (Ret)

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