Welcome to The Citadel Family!

My name is Captain Taylor Skardon and I serve in The Citadel's Office of Parent Programs. 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 enjoy greater success in college. Engaging "properly" is the key term.

2) As much as we would like for cadets to look to The Citadel Administration for information, you will remain who they turn to for advice.

3) The most successful parents and families maintain a healthy relationship with their cadets while standing back and letting them make their own decisions. Instead of telling them what to do, we encourage you to develop the relationship to where you are available to them when they come to you for advice. Note, when they come to you.

Our Goals

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

1) Inform parents and families so when their cadets came to them with an issue, they can be an effective advisor.

2) Provide Parents and Families with suggested topics to discuss with your cadets during the school year.

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

4) 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 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 come to 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 is in how they respond where the personal growth takes place. Getting back up, taking responsibility for their actions and learning from their mistakes is where the growth happens and what makes The Citadel Experience so special.

There are some issues I want you to know about and have a conversation about before your prospective 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 violation of 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 I can get an answer sooner for you.

Again welcome and Go 'Dogs!

Taylor Skardon '82
Captain USN (Ret)

So let's get started on preparing for Matriculation Day by clicking on the "NEXT" button below.