STARTING COLLEGE A guide for families
Starting College Dear Reader, We are strong believers in the importance of a student's support system as they tackle the challenges and opportunities of college. Whether you are the parent, grandparent, stepparent, guardian, family friend, counselor, coach, or mentor of a college student, you can have a positive impact on the student you care about and their success. PartWelcome!1Part3Part2 Get to know the CSU Pueblo campus 4 Welcome to Colorado State University Pueblo! 5 Steps to success 7 Money matters 9 Health wellnessand A family’s role 16 Best advice for new parentscollege 18 Federal laws and student privacy 20 A new kind relationshipof A plan collegeforsuccess 10 Support campusconnectionstudent’scommuteryourto 12 obstaclesOvercoming 14 Career preparation
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ABOUT US: CollegiateParent provides print and digital resources for the families of college students through our website and in partnership with colleges and universities across the U.S. Please visit CollegiateParent.com to get our latest tips, find out more about your student’s school, sign up for the Loop (our weekly parent eNewsletter), and connect with us on social media.
CONTENT (PART 2–PART 4) CREATED BY: Jo Calhoun, Tami Campbell, Priscilla Childress, Vicki Nelson and Diane Schwemm.
TRANSLATED BY: Kelsey Bennett, Marinela ManeiroGoodwin, José Martínez, and Claudia Gilbert.
DESIGNED BY: Mark Hager © 2022 CollegiateParent. All rights reserved.
While we intend to be inclusive, for the sake of simplicity, in the English articles, we use "parent and family" to refer to a student’s supporters and “student” or “your child” to refer to the student. In Spanish, we use “padre” and “estudiante” or “hijo/a.” However, rest assured that if you are the one who is there for a college student, we are talking to you and dedicated to providing the information you need. This guide touches on many important and helpful topics. There are additional resources in both English and Spanish on CollegiateParent.com , including articles about where to find things on campus, career preparation, a glossary of college terms, and much CollegiateParentSincerely,more.
4 1 Welcome to Colorado State University Pueblo! Dear Parents and Family Members, Welcome (Bienvenidos) to Colorado State University Pueblo! We are so excited for you and your student to join the Pack Family. Through this guide, we would like to introduce you to our campus and provide resources to help you and your student navigate life at CSU Pueblo. We invite you to stay connected with CSU Pueblo as the University is continuing to offer programs and services with the intent to enrich the experience and lives of all students. Below are some ways to stay connected: • The Campus Events Calendar located at csupueblo.edu lists all upcoming events. • You can find out the most up-to-date information about student events and involvement opportunities by becoming a fan of the My CSU Pueblo Facebook page. • The University Operator, 719-549-2100, can connect you to any office on campus. • The CSU Pueblo Website has a wealth of information including a Parent theirsupportinglookAgain,csupueblo.edu/Parentssection,.welcometoCSUPueblo!Weforwardtomeetingyouandyourstudentthroughoutcollegiateexperience. Sincerely, Marie Humphrey, Ph.D. Vice President of Student Affairs & Dean of Students
• TRiO - Student Support Services (SSS) (LARC 357, 719-549-2111) is a federally funded TRiO grant project providing an array of services to low income students, firstgeneration students, or students with a documented disability. TRiO provides the following supportive services: academic action planning, tutoring, academic counseling, career development, financial literacy, graduate school counseling, financial aid advisement, academic success seminars, and monitoring of student academic progress. Students who meet eligibility criteria outlined by the program are encouraged to apply.
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Steps to Pointingsuccess:yourstudent to our academic resources
• The Learning, Innovating, and Networking Center (2nd Floor of Library, 719-549-2333) provides individual and group tutoring for general education humanities, history, and social science courses.
CSU Pueblo has numerous academic support services including free tutoring, a writing center, academic advising, and more. Below is a list of resources that support academic success:
• The Writing Center (2nd Floor of Library, 719-549-2333) provides an inviting atmosphere where students can receive advice and positive feedback on any type of writing from research papers, letters, and writing assignments to poetry and fiction.
Academic Advising: Extensive advising throughout the first two semesters is crucial for the first-year student. Advisors engage with students once they have been accepted to the university to help students create schedules that will foster success at CSU Pueblo and help build a foundation for future semesters. Students can call the Pack Center at 719-549-2584 or visit the Library and Academic Resource Center (LARC) Room 151 to speak with an advisor directly. Services for Students with Disabilities are provided by the Disability Resource and Support Center located in LARC Room 187. They offer classroom accommodation plans based on verified documentation. For more information, please visit their website at centeredu/disability-resource-and-support-csupueblo.orcall719-549-2648.
Tutoring and Writing Assistance: CSU Pueblo has several tutoring options available. Below is a list of the various tutoring centers on campus:
• Hasan School of Business Learning Center (Hasan School of Business 230, 719-549-2175) provides tutoring assistance to HSB students enrolled and regularly attending the business courses. Contact the HSB Tutoring Coordinator to set up an appointment or request a tutor.
• The Math Learning Center (Physics-Math Building 132, 719-549-2271) gives students a place to work in a collaborative and supportive environment. Students can drop by any time and do not need an appointment. The center is open Monday through Friday during each semester and with some weekend hours. The MLC is staffed by tutors who are upper division math, physics, biology, chemistry or engineering students. The tutors are trained to help students work through their own problems in classes as diverse as algebra, calculus, and statistics. The MLC provides CSU Pueblo students a place and a plan for success in college level and remedial math classes.
• Engineering, CET, and CM Tutoring (Technology 163, 719-549-2697) Appointmentbased tutoring for Engineering, Civil Engineering and Construction Management Courses.
• The John L. Garcia, Jr. Language Center (CIHHI, 298, 719-5492578) offers a place for students to improve their foreign language skills in a social setting and supports students enrolled in language programs and their connection to the diverse Pueblo community. The Language Center at CSU Pueblo is a socio-academic space where students can improve their foreign language skills. We offer a variety of activities and events open to students, faculty, staff, and community members. Learning Resources are available at the Library and Academic Resource Center (LARC), 719-549-2361, and include: study rooms, presentation rooms, tutoring spaces, audio visual rooms, study and relaxation areas, and support services. The LARC has extensive technology that includes: wireless internet, PCs, Macs, mobile devices and laptops for checkout, scanners, software, and AV equipment. Students may also purchase beverages, snacks, and food items at the LARC’s Café Libro. Textbook Purchases can be made at the University Bookstore, 719-5492146. The University Bookstore sells textbooks, campus apparel, school supplies, snacks, gift items, cards, and many other items needed by university students. Students can save time by ordering textbooks online and picking them up at the Bookstore. Visit forcsupueblobookstore.commoreinformation.
• Science Learning Center (Life Science 122, 719-549-2652) offers walk-in tutoring support for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics courses. Additionally, we offer group review sessions for many courses, as well as supplemental academic support, professional development, and volunteer opportunities. The Science Learning Center is open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. during the academic year.
Employment and Career Exploration services are offered by the Career Center, 719-549-2980. The Center provides individual career coaching, career exploration and assessment, resume and cover letter development, job and internship search strategies, and career fairs.
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CollegiateParent.com 7 1 Current Tuition and Fees are published on the CSU Pueblo website at csupueblo.edu/business-financial-services/ tuition-and-fees. Money matters result in restriction to register for future terms. Students who register after the payment due date must pay their balance immediately. CSU Pueblo has a paperless billing system. Paper bills are not mailed; students are expected to view their bill online via the student portal PAWS. Failure to keep payment current may
8 1 Payment options Payment in Full (Preferred Option): Students pay their entire balance in full before the payment due date. Payment must be recorded on the student’s account by the payment due date. Finance Charge Assessment Schedule: The Finance Charge Assessment Schedule is a guideline to help students if they are unable to pay off their bill in full by the payment due date. The 1.5% finance charge will be assessed each month for balances remaining or incurred past the due date. Payment methods Online: Via the PAWS student convenienceisEachDiscoverCredit/DebitmethodE-Check:aisweb.csupueblo.edu/login.aspportal:Thepreferredpaymentthatisfee-free.Cards:PaymentfromVisa,andMasterCardareaccepted.credit/debitcardtransactionassessedanon-refundable2.5%fee. In Person: Cashier’s Office: During business hours, payments of check, cash and credit cards (Discover, MasterCard, and Visa) are accepted in the Administration Building, Room 204. Drop Box: Check or credit card payments are accepted. The drop box is located at the Cashiers Office, Administration Building, Room 204. Mail: Payments by credit card, check or money order are accepted by mail. Mail to: CSU Pueblo Cashiers Office 2200 Bonforte Blvd. Pueblo, CO 81001 Phone: Credit card payments are accepted during office hours by calling 719-549-2107 or 719-549-2131. Student Financial Services Location: Administration 212 Phone: 719-549-2753 Email: come,funds.loans,StatefromfinancialEligiblesupplementthroughstudent’sresidesresponsibilityofassistanceandFinancialfinancialaid@csupueblo.eduAidisaresourceforstudentsparentsseekingmonetarytohelpdefraythecostshighereducation.Theprimaryforeducationalcostswiththestudentandthefamily.AssistanceofferedFinancialAidisintendedtothefamilycontribution.studentswhodemonstrateneedmayreceiveassistancethefederalgovernmentand/ortheofColoradointheformofgrants,workstudy,and/orscholarshipFundsareawardedonafirst-first-served,needbasis. Applying for Financial Aid and Scholarships: Priority deadline for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and CSU Pueblo Scholarship Application deadline is March 1 each year, prior to the new academic year’s fall semester. Applying for the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA):CASFA is a safe and confidential way for students to apply for State financial aid and/or work study who are not eligible to receive federal financial aid due to not being a U.S Citizen or eligible non-citizen. Students who are ASSET, DACA, or undocumented can apply for CASFA.
CSU Pueblo offers programs to help your student maintain a healthy lifestyle.
WolfPack Counseling Center Phone: Therapists719-549-2838licensedin the State of Colorado provide counseling in a professional and confidential setting for the psychological, emotional, and developmental support of students. Visits with a counselor are confidential, and the records of counseling sessions are kept separate from academic records. There are some exceptions to confidentiality and they relate to those situations in which an individual describes behavior that indicates a potential for child abuse or threats to harm oneself or someone else.
ThunderWolf Recreation Services & Facilities offers comprehensive experiential opportunities that enhance students’ fitness and wellness, knowledge, personal skills, and enjoyment. The SRC is a student-funded facility that includes: cardiovascular, strength, and conditioning areas; group fitness and dance studio; multicourt gymnasium with an elevated 1/12th mile running track; four racquetball courts (one convertible squash court); swimming pool; rock climbing wall; multi-purpose room; locker rooms; lounge (Wi-Fi access) with indoor & outdoor seating area; health and wellness suite; outdoor athletic track and field; Outdoor Challenge (ropes) Course; and Outdoor Pursuits Programs. To learn more, contact them at 719-549-2085 student.recreation@csupueblo.eduor .
WolfPack Wellness Center Phone: On-campus719-549-2830healthservices include: treatment of acute and non-emergent illnesses, preventative medical services, wound evaluation and treatment, STD screening and treatment, physical exams, women’s and men’s health, minor dermatologic procedures, and immunizations. The WolfPack Wellness Center has an on-site pharmacy that provides antibiotics, over-the-counter medicine, and immunizations. A small fee is assessed for medication or lab work. Health care is provided by board certified or credentialed nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and health care technicians or phlebotomists. There is no charge for an appointment to see a medical provider. However, some services such as physical exams, procedures, lab testing or immunizations may require a fee.
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Health and wellness
Though longtheysuccessfuldreams.commonbackgroundscampusstudentsfirst-yearcometowithdiversetheysharehopesandTheywanttobeincollege,andhopetomakelife-friends.
If you have a college student living at home, you now have another adult in the house. That means they come and go as an adult; you may rarely see them for meals; you might consider keeping their family responsibilities to a minimum. This may be very different from high school! To smooth the transition, talk to your student about:
• Whether or when you will have meals together
Here are three ways parents of commuter students can encourage them to experience college life fully.
Students learn from classmates and friends and spending casual time together is important. Students who live on campus don’t have curfews, or stop what they are doing to be at the family dinner table. They can continue a group discussion into the evening or go to a movie or out for a bite with friends.
Colleges and universities structure campus life to help students achieve these goals, doing everything they can to support academic and social success. A satisfying out-of-classroom experience is important to students feeling connected to their school, and when students are connected they’re more likely to persist to graduation. Does this play out differently for students who live at home during college? Without the experience of living in a residence hall, commuter students must work harder to make meaningful campus connections.
1 Release your students from their childhoodtraditionalroles.
• Household chores • Quiet hours
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• Eating in the dining hall. Many campuses offer non-residential students the option of purchasing a meal plan or buying individual meals. Dining facilities are often in residence halls, and that’s where students bond, classroom discussions continue, and plans — and memories — are made.
connectioncommuteryourstudent'stocampus3
2 Encourage your students to experience all their campus has to offer. This can happen by:
• Staying on campus between classes (when possible). Campus libraries are central gathering places for undergraduates doing group study or just having a cup of coffee. You want your student to be present when and where growth and learning take place.
Explain the advantages of an on-campus job. Part-time work (preferably no more than 15–20 hours a week) increases a student’s chances of doing well academically and has a big social benefit, too. Students with jobs on campus meet more of their fellow students as well as more faculty members, administrators and staff — a great network for career mentorship, professional references and all-around support. Even when our students still live at home, it’s important to give them the freedom that we would if we had left them and their suitcases in a residence hall. They have earned the right to spread their wings, even if they are returning to the nest at night.
Support
• Joining one or two campus clubs or organizations. Student groups based on common interests, cultural identity or faith affiliation offer an important sense of belonging.
12 4 obstaclesOvercoming If a problem begins to seem overwhelming, students may feel as if they can’t “do college.”Common problems for new students include: • Feeling unable to handle the workload • Health issues • Financial worries • Having a job that takes up too much time • Partying too much • Homesickness • Lack of (“imposterself-confidencesyndrome”) First-year college students face many challenges as they adjust to their new lives. Usually they can take small obstacles and minor failures in stride, but sometimes their struggles are more serious. 2
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5. Who is your support network?
2. Is this something you can work on by yourself or do you need help?
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Your student needs to admit they have a problem and give it a name. Much like peeling back the layers of an onion, though, the immediate problem may not be the real problem. For example, your student may see a failing midterm grade. But the failing grade may be the result of not attending class, so attendance is the problem. Why isn’t your student going to class? Are they working or socializing too much and sleeping through their alarm? Are they having trouble understanding the course material and are afraid they can’t do the work? Different answers point to different solutions. Your job right now is to stay calm and to listen carefully. A simple “Why?” will help your student peel back the layers and dig deeper. Step 2: Create an action plan There are questions you can ask to help your student with this stage of the process.
How can a parent know what’s wrong?
If your student confides in you, you are partway to being able to help them find a solution. Even if they don’t communicate much, you may notice warning signs: they call home a lot, or never call; they never want to come home, or come home all the time; once home, your student doesn’t want to return to school; you sense that your student isn’t going to class. Maybe there are physical changes — a dramatic weight gain or loss, or an appearance of stress and fatigue.
4. What successes have you had in the past that you can build on?
Here’s how you can help.
Step 1: Get to the root of the problem
3. Who do you need to talk to? What resources are available on campus? (Consider advisors, R.A.s, coaches, the counseling center, etc.)
1. Are you interested in fixing the problem and making necessary changes?
6. What is the best possible outcome for this situation? Our students don’t want to disappoint us. We can encourage them not to give up, and perhaps even tell them about the ways we’ve learned from our own failures in life. Every mistake they face up to and fix will make them more competent, more mature and more likely to persist to their goal of a college degree.
preparationCareer
Students today can access a world of information that didn’t exist when I started college. Despite that, many students are still making the same career mistakes I made. They assume that career preparation just happens along the Fortunately,way.there are campus resources available to help your student. One of the best is the career services office. The counselors there truly want to see your student succeed! But first, students need to take the initiative and reach out. A quick visit to the career center reveals a variety of services students can take advantage of, including: 1 Job search skills / job postings Career services can help your student learn how to conduct a successful job search. Most offices also maintain an active job postings database available only to current students and alumni. These job postings are usually from employers looking specifically for students interested in a summer job or internship or upcoming graduates seeking a full-time position. As the first person in my family to attend college, I made a lot of mistakes. One was thinking a college degree would automatically lead to a career. I didn’t realize how many other tasks I needed to complete in order to make my dream job a reality.
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3 On-campus recruiting and interviews
Career services staff work hard to develop relationships with businesses, from local employers to global companies. They actively market their students to these companies, many of whom take advantage of the opportunity to hold on-campus interviews. Career services can help your student sign up for these oncampus interviews, or schedule online interviews when those are offered.
2 Resumé and cover letter help For most students, creating their first resumé or cover letter is a challenge. Career services staff can help them by offering tips on format options, items to include (or not!) and current best practices in resumé writing. They can also proofread and offer suggestions for improvements after the initial draft is done.
4 Interview interviewsdevelopmentskills/mock
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Interviewing is stressful, no matter how much work experience your student may have. Students preparing for their first professional interview may feel scared. Career services staff can offer guidance and support. They should be able to provide a list of likely interview questions, helpful tips on answering questions, ideas on how to prepare, and — best of all — staff who will do practice interviews with your student and provide constructive feedback. CollegiateParent.com
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You can be proud of raising a son or daughter who is ready to take on new challenges and responsibilities, whether at a campus across the country or down the street. Here are a few pieces of advice to help with this transition:
1 Realize the academic challenges are much different from high school. Your student will have to study harder, and more independently. Remind them of the many resources on campus available to help them be successful, such as tutoring and writing centers.
Encourage them to get to know their professors.
Best advice for new college parents
The professor can be a vital player in the life of your student and, down the road, a reference as your student applies for internships, jobs and perhaps graduate school. They should introduce themselves to the professor, ask questions and take advantage of the office hours professors set aside to talk to students.
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It’s back-to-school time again…but this year is different. Your student is going to college!
Many students change their goals as they go through college. Support your student as they explore opportunities and possibly work through the process of changing their major.
Even students who are strong writers will need help with papers in college. Remind your student that the syllabus they got on the first day of class will be their friend. Encourage them to make copies of the syllabus from each class so they can keep copies at their desk and also make a binder for their classes with the syllabus as the first page.
2 Understand your student might start college with the goal of becoming a doctor… and may end their four years with a degree in communication.
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17 4 CollegiateParent.com 3 4 Set expectations early. Discuss what information you want your student to share with you. What do you expect from their grades? Do you want them to have a job during the school year? Review the Student Code of Conduct (found on the college website). Will your student share the tuition statement with you? Having these conversations early can prevent misunderstanding.
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Don’t rush in to solve their problems. Growing up means taking responsibility for your own actions. Listen, offer suggestions and steer your student to campus resources. Let them know you have confidence in their ability to handle any problem. Refer them to the counseling center — sometimes it’s easier to talk to someone who isn’t a relative or friend.
6 Know that your student will be busy. With academics, activities, a social life and, hopefully, sleeping, their schedule is packed. Realize they aren’t ignoring you or putting the family on the back burner — they are finding their place and learning to balance multiple responsibilities.
7 Send mail! It reminds them that you and other family members are thinking about them. Students love opening that little mailbox and pulling out a letter or, better yet, a slip telling them they have a package.
Don’t encourage them to come home every weekend. Students need to acclimate to the campus culture, get involved with activities and connect with the new people surrounding them. Plus they usually have homework and should prioritize studying.
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10 Make plans to visit. Take advantage of events the college hosts for family members. Family Weekend is a great time to be on campus and get a glimpse into your student’s new life. Make your plans to attend now!
5 Talk about communication. Talking about talking sounds funny, but it’s an important subject to discuss before your student starts college. Will you set up a certain time of the week to check in? Will you text rather than Whenphone?you do talk, ask open-ended questions that can’t be answered by “yes” or “no” so they have to share. For example, “What have you enjoyed about the transition from high school to college?”
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The privacy protections of FERPA also apply when your student is treated at campus health and counseling clinics. It’s up to your student to decide whether to share information with you about their treatment and/or invite you into consultations with campus health providers.
Federal laws and student privacy
A good place to start is by talking to your student (early in the school year if possible) about their academic goals and how much information you’d like about their grades. Your student may or may not be open with you about how they’re doing in their classes. You can show your support by taking an interest in what they are studying, and not just focusing on grades. If a student wants to let a parent, guardian or other supportive adult see their grades, there is usually a process for granting “third party access.” You may already have a parent login to your student’s account, created with your student’s permission, allowing you to view the tuition statement. Alternatively, if your student is a dependent for tax purposes, the college may disclose these records to you with or without your student’s consent. You will need to provide evidence of your student’s status; steps to follow will be on the Registrar’s page on the college website. Treatment records
How should families deal with FERPA?
Many parents view their students’ college years as a gradual transition from dependent childhood to independent young adulthood. However, there are a few areas where college students are considered adults under the law and parents’ rights to access information about their students are restricted. FERPA Education records Parents do not have automatic access to their college student’s grades. FERPA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, gives parents control of their children’s educational records and transfers that control to students when they turn 18 or go to college. Educational records include grades, transcripts, course schedules, student financial information and disciplinary Becauserecords. of FERPA, the college will not share education records with a third party (including a parent) unless authorized by the student. The exception is “directory information” (a student’s name, address, phone number, date of birth, etc.) which the school can share with third parties. Schools must notify students annually of their rights under FERPA, including how to opt out of having their directory information made public.
EMERGENCY ROOM EXCEPTIONS: The safety and care of a patient trumps HIPAA, so in the E.R., if a patient is unable to communicate, doctors can use their own judgment about sharing information with family members who are present.
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At any time a college is allowed under FERPA to contact parents of students under the age of 21 who violate laws or policies relating to drug possession or underage drinking, and schools are permitted to disclose information in an emergency if it’s deemed necessary to protect the health and safety of the student or other individuals.
Learn more at collegebyfpco/ferpa/parents.htmlwww2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/for-individuals/index.htmlhhs.gov/hipaa/,andcontactingyourstudent’soruniversity.
LEARN MORE
HIPAA The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects the privacy of medical records. As soon as children turn 18, parents no longer have access to their medical information even if they’re still covered by the family health insurance policy. This means that your student’s visits to health providers and hospitals off campus — including the family doctor back home — are confidential. If there is an accident or health emergency and your student is hospitalized, medical personnel will not be able to consult with you without your student’s There’sconsent.a simple form your student can complete which permits health-care providers to share information with you or include you in conversations. Generic HIPAA authorization forms can be found online; your doctor’s office may have one as well. If your student goes to school out of state, it is a good idea to fill one out both for that state and your home state. These forms do not need to be notarized. You and your student should both keep paper copies and store scans on your computer or smartphone.
· Your college student is now responsible for making their own decisions, but they will still turn to you for advice. If there is something you don’t understand about how college works, ask them! They will be happy to trade roles and teach you something new.
Change can be exciting but it can also be scary.
The relationship will change, but this doesn’t mean you won’t stay close or that family isn’t still important to your student. You and the other support people in your student’s life have played a key role in their upbringing. You helped them achieve their goal of high school graduation and applying to college. You are equally important now as you support your student in navigating the many new challenges of college and committing themselves to doing everything they need to complete their degree program.
· You should have high expectations for your student’s academic achievements, but it usually takes students a while to adjust to the rigorous college workload. They may be disappointed with their first semester or two of grades. Help them keep things in perspective and not put too much pressure on themselves.
· Your student may develop new views and opinions as a result of all their new experiences. This doesn’t mean that the values they grew up with don’t still matter to them, but on some issues you may find that you need to “agree to disagree.”
A new kind relationshipof
A few things it helps to remember:
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One of the biggest changes that can happen in a family is when a student goes to college. During this transition from high school to college, it’s natural for both students and their families to have mixed emotions. Even as we are very happy for the new experiences that our students will have, and proud of them for taking on this challenge, we may worry about how it will change them and our relationship.
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· If your student struggles academically in college, or has any kind of personal setback (health, work, relationships, etc.), there are many resources for them. They can find the help they need to solve their problem.