From the moment your student starts thinking about college to the day they walk across the graduation stage, parents and guardians play a vital role in their success.
This guide is designed to help you understand that evolving role, from pre-college planning to supporting your student’s on-campus experience. We’ll look at parent and guardian demographics, how you can be involved in the college selection process, what you need to know about FERPA (the law protecting student privacy), and some common on-campus policies you should be aware of.
Who are today’s parents and guardians?
Today’s parents and guardians represent a diverse group with varied backgrounds, experiences, and financial circumstances. They’re tech-savvy, mostly from the Gen X and Millennial generations, and most have some college education.
According to Eduventures® Prospective Parent Research™, 87% of today’s parents and guardians have attended at least some college. They also plan to send an average of three children to college.
What do parents and guardians look for in a college?
When parents and guardians are helping their children choose a college, cost and reputation are top priorities. They often rely on rankings from U.S. News & World Report or Niche, but other reputation indicators are important, too. According to the same Eduventures study, nearly half of parents and guardians start thinking about college as early as 9th grade, especially if their children have the academic background and access to pursue higher education.
How involved are parents and guardians in the college search?
Parents and guardians are often heavily involved in the college search process, and, in many instances, they’re the driving force. According to Eduventures’ 2024 Prospective Parent Research, about 71% of parents and guardians consider themselves at least 50-50 partners in their children’s college decision.
That’s why it’s so important for colleges to understand the viewpoints and desires of parents and guardians as they ramp up their recruitment and marketing efforts.
To recruit effectively, colleges should:
- Understand the wide variety of preferences among different types of parents and guardians.
- Highlight aspects of the college’s reputation that go beyond rankings.
- Engage with families early in the college search process, especially families with students who have access factors that may limit their higher education options.
- Directly address the concerns of parents and guardians.
Navigating FERPA and Student Privacy
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. It limits who can access a student’s information.
FERPA affects how parents can access their child’s educational records. Once a student turns 18, they have control over their records, not their parents. Before a student turns 18, parents generally have the right to review their child’s records.
For students under 18, parents or legal guardians usually have to sign applications and consent forms.
Supporting Your Student’s On-Campus Life: Housing and Mail
There are several ways you can help your student feel supported while they live on campus. Here’s a little more about housing and mail.
Addressing Mail and Care Packages
Student mail is usually centralized and distributed to mailboxes, so make sure you use the right format when you address mail to your student. Use their name as it appears in their UAOnline account.
Care packages are a great way to let your student know you’re thinking of them. We often hear from parents that sending a little something in the mail can really brighten their student’s day.
Housing and Meal Plan Payments
Housing and dining charges are applied to your student’s account. You can arrange to share account access with your student, so they can keep track of their charges.
You can easily share account access information with your student through UAOnline.
Guest Visitation Policies for Minors
If you’re a student hoping to host a minor, be aware of the following rules:
- Guests under the age of 16 are not permitted to stay overnight in student housing.
- Guests who are 16 or 17 years old need permission from their own parent or guardian, as well as permission from the resident’s parent or guardian.
- This permission must be submitted in writing at least two business days before the visit.
To conclude
Parental involvement is critical to student success, and research proves it.
As a parent or guardian, you can play an active, supportive role in your student’s life while also respecting their growing independence. When you strike the right balance, you help them succeed in school and in life.