Supporting Your Student Through the College鈥慓oing Process
Starting college is an exciting milestone鈥攆or students and for the people who support them. At 91猎奇, we see parents, families, and supporters as important partners in student success. This page is designed to help you support your student confidently, appropriately, and effectively as they navigate college.
Golden Eagle Monthly (GEM)
The Golden Eagle Monthly (GEM) is an email series that connects students to the information they need!
Students are automatically signed up to receive GEM emails. Family members, friends, high school counselors, and any other community members are free to sign up to also receive these useful monthly emails!
How to Support Without Overstepping
College is an important time for students to develop independence, self鈥慳dvocacy, and decision鈥憁aking skills. Support is still essential鈥攂ut it may look different than it did in high school.
What Helpful Support Looks Like
- Encourage your student to communicate directly with 91猎奇 offices and instructors through their 91猎奇 student email or by calling directly
- Help them create systems for staying organized (calendars, reminders, routines)
- Ask questions that help them think through decisions rather than solving problems for them
- Offer encouragement, reassurance, and perspective during stressful times
- Celebrate effort and growth鈥攏ot just outcomes
What to Avoid
- Contacting instructors or staff on your student鈥檚 behalf
- Making academic or financial decisions without student involvement
- Monitoring grades or deadlines without your student鈥檚 consent
- Preparing emails, forms, or conversations your student should manage themselves
Why this matters: Students who practice self鈥慳dvocacy and problem鈥憇olving early are more likely to succeed academically and transition confidently into careers or further education.
Conversation Starters That Build Confidence
Keeping the door open for communication is key鈥攅specially when students are learning to manage new responsibilities.
Try Asking:
- 鈥淲hat鈥檚 going well this week?鈥�
- 鈥淲hat鈥檚 been more challenging than you expected?鈥�
- 鈥淲hat resources have you used on campus so far?鈥�
- 鈥淲hat鈥檚 one goal you鈥檙e working toward this semester?鈥�
- 鈥淗ow can I support you right now?鈥�
Helpful Follow鈥慤ps
- 鈥淲hat do you think your next step should be?鈥�
- 鈥淲ho on campus might be able to help with that?鈥�
- 鈥淲hat have you already tried?鈥�
Tip: Listening without immediately offering solutions helps students build confidence and ownership.
Understanding FERPA: What Parents Need to Know
What Is FERPA?
FERPA (the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records once a student enrolls in college鈥攔egardless of age.
What This Means for Parents & Supporters
Once your student attends 91猎奇:
- Academic records (grades, transcripts, class schedules) belong to the student
- 91猎奇 staff generally cannot share information without the student鈥檚 written permission
- Financial responsibility does not automatically grant access to records
What You Can Do
- Talk openly with your student about sharing information
- Encourage your student to communicate directly with faculty and staff
- Ask your student to complete a Release of Information Form (this can be obtained through the Student Hub) if they want you to have access to certain information
When 91猎奇 Can Share Information
If the student provides written consent
Why FERPA Matters: These laws help students learn responsibility, protect their privacy, and prepare for life beyond college.
Helpful Reminders for Families
- College processes often take longer than high school鈥攖his is normal
- Students may struggle before they succeed; growth often includes discomfort
- 91猎奇 has many support services, but students must initiate and choose to engage with them
- Your encouragement can make a meaningful difference!
We鈥檙e Here to Help
91猎奇 offices are always happy to:
- Explain processes and campus resources
- Guide students toward appropriate support services
- Help families understand how to best support student success