The Role of Parents and Family

Here is a “To-Do” list for parents or others in supporting roles

• Try to give your student the chance to experience college in his or her own way.  There are some ways that you can encourage your student to make the most of his or her college experience.  Becoming familiar with the college policies, procedures and timelines will make you a better resource for your student.
• Encourage your student to formulate a plan for their education including choice of major and potential transfer plans.
• Encourage your student to get involved on campus through student clubs, organizations and activities.
• Talk with your student about classes, work load, possible academic problems that may arise, and how to deal with them.  
• Remember that college should be viewed as a full-time job and that your student may have to adjust work, family and other responsibilities to compensate for this new commitment.
• Know about important dates in the semester, like advising week, registration, withdrawal deadlines, mid-term and final exams and be prepared to support your student accordingly.
• Encourage your student to visit the Financial Aid Office to get info and meet deadlines for applications for full eligibility to state and federal sources of aid.  Provide your student with relevant document info for the FAFSA application in a timely manner.  
• Encourage your student to use all the free resources available to students and to be comfortable asking for help before it’s too late.
• Know that when a student reaches the age of 18 or begins attending a postsecondary institution, FERPA rights transfer from the parent to the student.  Exceptions based on dependency require authorization prior to releasing any confidential educational information such as enrollment records, grades and course schedules.
• Know the difference between caring vs. enabling