Frequently Ask Questions

Yes. Parents are an invaluable resource for students in every aspect of campus life, and the Greek experience is no different. Many chapters have parent events and publications to keep parents informed of chapter events, achievements, and needs. Parents can also get involved by volunteering at chapter fundraising activities or presenting educational presentations, helping the chapter make community contacts, or providing additional resources to assist the chapter in a variety of programming areas.

Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's online searchable directory of alcohol and drug abuse programs located around the country.

First - encourage your student to be involved in campus activities in some way. For some - a Greek society may be a good fit, and intramural sports may be a better fit for others. Either way - studies have consistently shown that students actively involved in campus activities are more successful students.

The Pell Grant program provides grants to low-income undergraduates to help them pay for college. In 2002-03, this program provided $11.6 billion in grants to 4.8 million undergraduate students at 5,900 postsecondary education institutions. Individual grants ranged from $400 to $4,000; the average grant was $2,411. The average family income of Pell Grant recipients who were dependent on their parents for financial support in 2000-01 was $21,599. The average income for financially independent students was $13,658.

Typically, your student's on-campus bookstore will have the best rates and will offer student discounts. You can check out the bookstore online or in-person. Apple offers a hefty student discount here.

The Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program makes loans available to students and their families through some 7,100 participating private lenders. The federal guarantee protects FFEL lenders against loss from borrower default. In 2001-02, the program made 6.3 million loans for a total amount borrowed of over $29 billion. These loans are guaranteed by the federal government, and are designed to give students flexible repayment options.

Visit the College Drinking Prevention site and click on your student's school to learn more. Please note that this is not a comprehensive list.

A Section 529 college savings plan is a tax-advantaged state-administered investment program that is authorized under Internal Revenue Code Section 529. These plans allow investors to save money in an account in which the earnings will grow free from federal income tax and, when used to pay for "qualified higher education expenses," may be withdrawn federal income tax-free.

If a student is struggling in a class, they should schedule an office meeting with the professor. They can discuss challenges, note-taking and test-preparation methods, and tutoring possibilities. The professor can help the student decide if they should continue or drop the class. If the student continues, they should attend every class session.

This depends on the state's in-state tuition requirements. For more information, contact the Bursar or Registrar at your student's university.