Simon & Schuster has published an updated edition of You’re on Your Own (But I’m Here If You Need Me): Mentoring your child during the college years written by Marjorie Savage, retired Director of the University of Minnesota Parent Program. The liaison to parents of more than 29,000 students annually, Savage developed nationally acclaimed parent/family programming centered on research, communication, and technology. She remains a frequent speaker and consultant on the topic of family-college relations, both nationally and internationally.
Savage drew from her personal and professional experience to write the acclaimed first edition of You’re On Your Own, in 2003. Goodreads.com, said, “With anecdotes and suggestions from experienced parents and college staffs nationwide, the strategies and tips provided throughout will help you to create a loving, supportive partnership responsive to the needs of both you and your children.”
The website, College Parent Central, praised the book: ”You’re On Your Own is a combination of common sense, reassuring and helpful advice, strategies and tips for parents and students, and straight talk about sometimes uncomfortable subjects.”
The book is a “recommended read” for parents by colleges and universities across the country, including Grinnell College, Colorado College and the University of Houston.
Currently an education specialist in the UMN Department of Family Social Science (FSOS), Savage is a longtime research collaborator with Jodi Dworkin, interim FSOS Department Head, professor and extension specialist, and they have produced a series of online resources and seminars for parents on college finance and alcohol use as well as the website, Parenting College Students. Savage is also an expert contributor at Parent Tool Kit, produced by NBC News Learn.
She received her bachelor’s degree in Sociology at the University of Michigan and a Master of Business Communication degree from the University of St. Thomas. Savage was honored twice by the Association of Higher Education Parent/Family Programs Professionals for innovative institutional initiatives and has also been honored with a Minnesota College Personnel Association Innovation Award as well as the UMN College of Human Ecology Award for Innovation and Mission Advancement.
