On the Same Page

A W&M Family Book Club

Family Engagement invites you to join On the Same Page: A W&M Family Book Club! Over the summer, we will be diving in and reading through Kelly Radi’s Out to Sea: A Parents' Survival Guide to the Freshman Voyage.

During this book club, you can look forward to learning more about the transition from home to university, reflecting on your role as a parent or family member, and contemplating how you can support your student's independence from a distance.

Join us throughout the summer via email, Zoom, and discussion posts to discuss topics, reflect on experiences, and prepare for the next chapter of your family's journey.

Purpose of the W&M Family Book Club

Provide incoming families an opportunity to:

Reflect on their family’s upcoming transition
Connect with other W&M family members
Learn more about how to support their student during the summer and first year at university
Examine their role as a parent and family member
Determine strategies and techniques to allow families to support their student from a distance

Learning Outcomes

Participants will be able to…

Identify and discuss how the key concepts of each chapter relate to their family’s transition
Collaborate with Book Club members to generate solutions to the problems exposed in the book and related problems in their role as a parent or family member
Reflect on the learning that happened for them by reading the book and discussing it in Book Club

Materials

Book Club materials and instructions will be shared via email and will be available in the “On the Same Page Book Club” Community in the W&M Family Connection.

While supplies last, Family Engagement will ship one copy of the book to the shipping address provided in the Book Club registration form.

Schedule

Date	Chapters
June 16th – June 20th	Introduction Week
June 23rd– June 27th	Chapters 1-3
June 24th at 7pm EST	Virtual Meeting #1
June 30th– July 4th	Chapters 4-6
July 7th – July 11th	Chapters 7-9
Week of July 14th	Halfway Point Catch Up
July 15th at 7pm EST	Virtual Meeting #2
July 21st – July 25th	Chapters 10-12
July 28th – August 1st	Chapter 13 – End of book
August 4th – August 8th	Post-Read Reflections
August 6th at 7pm EST	Virtual Meeting #3

Can I still join if I can't participate in every meeting?

Yes! While we encourage attendance at our virtual book club gatherings, they are not required. Families are encouraged to register to receive all book club materials and can read and engage at their own pace.

What are past participants saying about On the Same Page?

"I am so grateful that I signed-up for the W&M book club. Over the months leading up to move-in day, the book helped me with managing my emotions, the list of items needed, and the overall ups and downs of the college process. Most of all, I enjoyed the virtual book group gatherings where I was able to connect with other parents. Thank you for this unique opportunity!"

"This is a must do opportunity especially if this is your first child going off to school. Not only did the book think about things I hadn’t thought about, but I learned a lot about W&M through the discussions."

"Even though this in not our first child going to college, we were able to address many issues with our daughter more in-depth than we did with our first child. We feel the book gave us talking points and great ideas. Thank you so much for all you did to make this possible!"

"The book club was fantastic! As an out-of-state parent it allowed for me to connect with parents in a similar situation. We all could share our concerns, tips and ideas for a smooth transition. I loved that it made me feel part of the W&M community before my student even arrived on campus."

Registration for the 2025 On the Same Page Book Club has closed.

Have any questions? Please contact us at families@wm.edu