College is not only a major milestone in a student's life but also in your life. You are a vital component to helping your student reach their goals and be successful.
We've provided information, links, and resources here so you can have a better idea of what the IU East college experience is like, and be able to help them find any resources or services they might need during their time with us.
We're so happy your student is a part of our pack!
New Student Orientation (NSO) gives you and your student a closer look at what life is like for a IU East student. As you discover the exciting resources available, you will feel like you are already a part of a campus committed to excellence.
This mandatory orientation is conducted prior to the start of each semester. Sessions cover several topics including:
Your student will receive information about NSO in the mail and by email, and you are more then welcome to attend this orientation along with your student. If you have questions about NSO or how to sign up, contact the Office of Admissions!
A student's first year is such an amazing time in their life. It's a time of making new friends, self-exploration, nervousness, uncertainty, and excitement. As a parent or family member, you can help your student have a smoother semester.
Be aware of campus resources so that when your student comes to you for help, you can gently nudge them the right direction; then sit back with pride as your student finds their own answers, gets support for their own challenges, and finds confidence and empowerment in this new phase of their lives.
One very important resource on campus that is dedicated to the overall success of the first year student is the Office of Student Success (OSS). It's the gateway to IU East for new students, connecting them to faculty, programs, and resources that support undergraduate learning. Their support team includes success coaches, a ScholarCorps Specialist for 21st Century Scholars, the Student Advocate, and academic advisors. The OSS team is available beyond a student’s first year too – students can contact OSS for all kinds of help, for as long as they are enrolled at IU East.
Indiana University East complies fully and fairly with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which protects the educational records of a student. When a student enters (is in attendance the first day of classes at) IU East, regardless of age, all rights to inspect and review the educational record transfer from the parent to the student.
Under FERPA, the parent has no right to review the record unless the student grants it in writing. University staff members are not permitted to share any information, other than designated "directory information," with anyone outside of the university system. Exceptions to FERPA are allowed in life-threatening emergencies.
Restricted information includes but is not limited to:
Learn how your student can manage access to their information and more about their rights and privacy on Red Wolf Central.
Figuring out how your son or daughter is going to pay for college is a legitimate concern, but understanding what options your student has available may help ease some anxiety you may be feeling. Most of the communication about your student's financial matters will happen between the University and your student. If you are assisting your student with financial matters, we urge you to keep the lines of communication open. The University is limited to the amount of information that can be provided to the parents, due to federal FERPA regulations.
To gain a better understanding of how your student is to pay for their education take a look at Red Wolf Central's Apply for Financial Aid section for details about financial aid, how to apply, important facts about receiving aid, and the different types of aid available (loans, grants, work study, and scholarships). Information about Money Management is available on the IU MoneySmarts website. Helping your student develop, or empowering your student, to create a budget is an integral part of your students success. When creating an accurate budget for the academic semester, do not forget to consider the cost of attendance including: tuition and fees, personal expenses, transportation, books and supplies, and room and board. You can also create a personalized cost of attending college, including your student's selected program, planned living and transportation expenses with the MoneySmarts Cost Calculator.
For various reasons your student may not qualify for financial aid or may receive an inadequate refund check and requires more money to survive. If this is the case then your student may need to work. Students who are enrolled in school full time and work part time (12-15 hours/week) are statistically more successful than students who work more or less hours. Also, please understand that students who work on campus, via a work study job, statistically do better in school then students who work off campus. Knowing this information, please encourage your student to do the following:
College is not just about going to school to earn good grades with the hopes of obtaining a job post graduation. While this is an integral part of college, it is also about the experience of going to college. To get most out of this amazing experience, it is important that your student gets involved in some of the various opportunities on campus. Research shows the more involved and engaged a student is into their college experience the more likely they are to succeed and graduate!
Please encourage your student to get involved with something they are passionate about. Whether it is joining student government, a student organization, or an athletic sport, or simply attending the various events on campus, or cheering on the athletes at one of the multiple sporting events. To encourage your student to get involved, be sure to check out Red Wolf Life to learn about what's happening on campus!
As the first day of school approaches, be aware of your student’s emotions. They will feel excitement, nervousness, stress, and anxiety. This is part of the process, but be supportive and encouraging! Help your student make wise decisions about major changes in their life. Listen with an open mind, be supportive, and be encouraging of your student's experiences!
Take time to discuss academic expectations ahead of time (i.e.: GPA related scholarship requirements). Encourage your student to use the first year to explore different majors and utilize the Office of Career Services to develop and set his/her own career goals.
Help your student devise a budget and financial plan for the academic year. Discuss how to spend and budget money appropriately throughout the year.
College students have a lot to balance including being in school, studying, tutoring, working, volunteering, participating in student organizations, sports, and much more. The time usually spent with friends and family will decrease. Discuss expectations of how often you plan to communicate and see each other.
Have adult conversations about the use of alcohol, drugs, and other personal choices your student will be making. Encourage responsibility, but understand that you cannot control your student's decisions.
College is a time for students to meet new people, make new friends, and try new things! Back With the Pack events are designed to help students make connections with one another and to the campus. Encourage your student to participate in these events and others throughout the semester and talk with them about what they've experienced.
When problems arise, teach your student how to advocate for themselves by using the information you learn at New Student Orientation, and from websites with information about services and resources including:
Be mindful of stressful periods during the semester (i.e.: exam time). Help to minimize stress by offering encouragement, provide them with a favorite meal, or give them a care package to get through exams!
Indiana University East
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