Top Parent and Family FAQs for CSU

Q:  How can I access my student’s grades, academic standing, tuition, and fees status?   

A:  The disclosure of student records is governed by the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA), which allows records to be released once permission is given from the student.

For more information on privacy and access to student records, please look at the FERPA information on the Registrar’s web page. Because of this privacy law, parents and families access information through their students. Students can access many parts of their educational records and conduct secure transactions with the University through their RAMweb accounts.

Q: How does my student set up an email account?

A: All Colorado State University students, faculty, and staff are given a free email account on one of Academic Computing & Network Service’s (ACNS’s) central servers with the creation of an eID. Visit the eID web site to create an eID.

Q: How can my student find information about jobs on campus?

A:  Students can find job listings online at RAMweb. Students go to RAMweb and login using their eID, then select the Job Listing link. Students have also shared they learn about jobs through word of mouth, fliers, and independent office/department advertising.

Q: Does my student need a parking permit?

A: Yes! All vehicles parked on campus require a Colorado State University parking permit. Annual and daily parking permits are available for purchase at Parking Services in the Lake Street Parking Garage.  Permit prices can be found on our web site. Students should also register bicycles for only $10 in Green Hall.

Q: How do I receive my student’s CSU bill and when is the payment for tuition, housing, and other charges due?

A: CSU uses e-Billing to notify students, parents and families of the amount due for tuition, University housing, and other charges. The payment due dates are:

• September 10 for the fall semester.
• February 10 for the spring semester.

Learn more at Student Financial Services.

Q:  Who do I talk to about billing questions?

A:  Contact Student Financial Services. You may visit them in Centennial Hall or call them at (970) 491-6321. Payments for tuition and University housing can be paid online through RAMweb by students, or FAMweb for families.

Q: My student has a hold that prevents them from registering for classes. Why?

A: The University utilizes holds to stop registration and other transactions when the student fails to fulfill some obligation. While there are multiple reasons for holds, most holds reflect past due accounts or disciplinary actions. The reason behind a hold is provided to the student when they log on to RAMweb.

As indicated above, the University can only discuss a student’s educational record (including holds) with parents or family members if the student has provided consent or the parents have established the right to access.  Students who wish to discuss a financial hold are encouraged to contact Student Financial Services. You may visit them in Centennial Hall or call them at (970) 491-6321. Students can discuss academic holds with their academic advisor or faculty member.

Q:  My student is moving off campus. What are some resources they can access to help them with their search?

A: Off-Campus Life offers a variety of programs and services to help your student have a successful transition into the Fort Collins neighborhoods. Services and resources range from providing listings of available rentals in Fort Collins to roommate matching. Off-Campus Life also provides information on City ordinances and how to be a good neighbor.

In addition to the services Off-Campus Life provides, Student Legal Services can assist students in understanding rental contracts and their rights as tenants. For more information.

Q: Where can my student and I learn more about study abroad programs? 

A: The Office of International Programs (OIP) in Laurel Hall (on the Oval) is the central resource for information on international activities on campus and abroad.

The OIP maintains reference materials on a wide variety of study abroad and internship programs, short-term work and volunteer opportunities, grants and scholarships, and has resources for students to travel abroad. Study Abroad Advisors are available to assist students in learning how to research programs, identify those that meet university requirements for credit transfer, and answer questions they may have about incorporating international experiences into their studies at CSU.

Q: How do I find information about my student’s commencement ceremonies?

A: On the CSU webpage (www.colostate.edu) go to Events Calendars on the navigation bar, then scroll down and select “Commencement.” Future graduation dates and schedules are listed until spring 2016!

Q: How does my student change residence hall rooms if he/she doesn’t like his/her roommate?   

A: Students should revisit their roommate contract to see what changes need to be made to make the living environment conducive to both students. During this process, students can use the office manager as a resource in changing the roommate contract. If that doesn’t work, students should contact their Resident Assistant to find an appropriate solution. Students should be aware that changing room assignments is a last resort and it is likely both roommates will have to move to a different room.

Q: What is the protocol the University uses to contact parents if my student is in an accident?

A:  The University only contacts individuals designated as the student’s emergency contacts.  Emergency contacts are contacted if the University learns that a student has been transported away from campus to the hospital. Upon learning of an accident, we work with emergency contacts through the student’s recovery process utilizing Student Case Managers.

Q: How can my student get involved on campus?

A: In their first semester, students can participate in the First Year Mentoring Program, allowing students to join other new students who share their interests, passions, or identities.  FYMP groups meet regularly in the fall semester and students are paired with a Faculty/Staff Mentor and a Peer Mentor.

This program is a non-credit opportunity designed to help students make the most of their college experience by building strong connections with the CSU community. For more information, visit Orientation and Transition Programs.

Additionally, CSU offers close to 400 Student Organizations to meet the needs of many of our students.  The current Student Organizations are listed on the SLiCE web site and students can gain more information using the contact information listed on this site!

Q:  How can I help ensure my first year student makes a successful transition to a second year at CSU?   

A. Encourage your first year student to attend the Getting to Year 2 @ CSU Conference in February of each academic year! Getting to Year 2 @ CSU is a conference in the Lory Student Center where first year students (in their second semester) attend breakout sessions specifically created to address second year student issues. These topics include challenging academics, establishing future goals, transitioning to off-campus life, managing finances, feeling a connection to campus and faculty, and more. For more information, visit Orientation and Transition Programs.

Q: I am used to being involved with my student’s academic career.  How can I become involved with my student at the collegiate level?   

A: You can become an active member in the RAMFAM Association!  Our parent and family association helps to advance the CSU student and family experience in the university’s ongoing mission of excellence by supporting parents and families, providing feedback to the University regarding student issues, and assisting with recruitment and retention.  If you are interested in volunteering, please visit the RAMFAM Association web site.