Editor's note: Barry Courter has a 25-year-old son who is a college graduate and a 20-year-old daughter who is a junior in college.

Q: Dad, a lot of young people are starting college for the first time this week. Any advice?

A: Go to class, lock yourself in your dorm room and study. That's it. Seriously, use all the lessons about right and wrong you've been taught over the years but also get out and experience life. Try new things. Meet new people. But, really, do go to class. Handle your business. And, parents, you'll sleep better knowing that no phone call is good news.

- Barry Courter