Staying Engaged While Giving Space
Maintaining communication with your student is important, but so is fostering their independence. Discuss expectations around:
- How often you’ll be in touch (calls, texts, video chats)
- When you’ll visit campus
- Expectations for visits home (responsibilities, time with friends, curfew)
Encourage them to build a strong support network by:
- Engaging in extracurricular activities and student organizations
- Seeking internship and career-building opportunities
- Developing friendships beyond their immediate family support system
Keeping an open dialogue is key. Before your student leaves for college, talk about your expectations on key topics like:
- Academic performance and responsibility
- Financial planning and budgeting
- Campus safety and emergency preparedness
Campus Resources
Academic Success and Personal Growth
App State offers numerous academic resources to assist students. Encourage them to seek assistance early:
- Academic Assistance:
- Academic Advising Center for first-year students and undeclared majors
- Writing Center support for both academic and personal writing processes
- Disco Student Learning Center offers tutoring services and success seminars
- Registrar Services: Degree tracking, academic calendars, and graduation requirements
- Transfer Support: Guidance for transfer students to integrate successfully into App State
Beyond the classroom, students can explore:
- Campus Life: Clubs, organizations, arts, and recreation
- Global Learning: Study abroad and international engagement opportunities
- Research Opportunities: Make discoveries and solve problems through mentored research experiences
- Career Preparation: Resumé help, career coaching, and job placement support
Encouraging Self-Reliance
College teaches students self-reliance. Help them navigate essential services:
- Financial Aid & Scholarships: FAFSA, scholarships, and opportunities for financial aid
- Student Accounts: Tuition, billing and payments
- Campus Housing: Housing applications, residence halls and learning communities
- Campus Dining: Campus dining options and meal plans
- AppCard Services: Campus ID access for dining, residence halls, and events
While students gain independence, family support remains essential:
- Schedule regular check-ins to offer encouragement and advice
- Discuss stress management strategies and mental health support options
- Guide them to seek campus resources when challenges arise
Health & wellness resources available include:
- Student Health Center: Primary care, immunizations, and pharmacy
- Counseling Center: Free consultations, crisis support, and mental health resources
- Wellness & Prevention Services: Events and peer support for holistic well-being
- AppCares: Campus-wide support network for student safety and success
Preparing for Emergencies
Help your student create an emergency plan that includes:
- Important contacts and campus resources
- Steps to take in case of academic, personal, or health-related issues
Encourage your student to sign up for AppState-ALERT for real-time emergency updates. You can also explore emergency preparedness resources to help them plan for various situations on campus.
Understanding FERPA and Student Privacy
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law governing the access to, and privacy of, educational records. Student consent must be provided to allow specified family members to have authorized access to academic, student accounts, financial aid and/or conduct records.
Learn more about FERPA polices at App State.