Parents & Family
The Office of Residence Life recognizes that attending college is a time of transition for both students and parents. Research also shows that parents and families are the first people students contact when they experience a challenge at school.
While students attend college to receive an education, it is also known that they spend the majority of their time at college outside of the classroom. This means that your student will spend a great many hours in their residence hall. Residence Halls are great environments that support student retention and academic achievement. We encourage your student to meet new friends, attend hall programs and participate in Hall Council.

The Office of Residence Life is here as a partner with parents and families. As an office, the staff are here to support you and your student's success at college. Our professional Hall Directors are a great starting point for you as parents. Resident Advisors are a great resource for your student when they have a question or concern.
As students transition from children to adults, how do you keep abreast of what is going on in their lives, especially if they aren't very communicative? It is common for parents and families to inquire about their student's well-being.
Who's your contact?
For Students | Resident Advisor
For Parents | Hall Director
Emotional Support | College can be frustrating. For many, it is a time of confusing relationships, redefined friendships and transition. Many struggle at first.
Students have a tendency to call parents and families when they are having an emotionally difficult day. Many choose to share positive experiences with their friends and a higher proportion of the negative experiences with their families.
You can provide a listening ear for negative and positive experiences by making a point to ask about the good things that are happening as well. Students need to be reminded about the positive aspects of their college experience to build upon these experiences.
Before you contact University Staff, consider the following:
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) | When students take on the legal status of “adult,” FERPA governs how BGSU handles student records. This federal law does not allow us to share any part of a student’s record with anyone without the student’s written consent. This includes student conduct records, academic records and any records pertaining to student housing. The only exception is in an emergency.
Being denied access can be difficult to comprehend, particularly for families who pay for their student’s education.
It is important for your student to be the primary source of information that you receive. Encourage them to communicate openly and honestly with you about issues involving their education. This is a critical skill to develop and helps build trust and respect between families and students.
Top Questions to Ask Your Student
Consider asking these Top 10 questions to help your student transition to the college environment and assist with his or her success!
1. Are you going to class?
Skipping class is the #1 reason many students fail.
2. Are you studying at least 25 hrs per week?
College is a full-time job. Students should be in class, studying and doing homework 40 hours per week. This hard work will pay off in the years to come.
3. Are you scheduling your "goof-off" time?
Everyone needs downtime, it’s how we absorb and make meaning from what is learned in the classroom, but new college students need to learn to manage their "goof-off" time.
4. Do you know the last day to withdraw from classes?
After this date you cannot withdraw from a class and dropping below a full-time student status can affect your financial aid.
5. Are you starting your assignments early?
The unexpected happens. Students get sick, their computer dies, etc. Starting assignments early plans for the UNEXPECTED.
6. Have you seen your advisor?
Students need to meet with an advisor (usually in October) to plan for next semester.
7. Have you gone to your professor's office hours?
Professors like to help students. Encourage them to visit the professor during office hours. The earlier this relationship is established, the more comfortable they will be to ask for help.
8. Are you going to tutoring or visiting the Learning Commons?
The BGSU Learning Commons offers a number of resources, such as tutors or study sessions to help students succeed at BGSU.
9. Have you formed a study group?
Studying complex material is more efficient with a study group. It’s helpful if they make connections with people in their classes by forming a study group.
10. Have you talked to your Resident Advisor (RA) about it?
Resident Advisors are a great resource for students. If your student is having difficulties with their roommate, is experiencing issues relating to homesickness or adjusting to college, please encourage your student to talk to their RA. They are armed with numerous resources to help mediate situations or help your student make connections on campus.
Parent Online Resources:
- bgsu.edu – Getting to know the University’s web site can help you encourage your student to utilize the resources available to him or her.
- bgsu.edu/studenthandbook - Encourage your student to read the Student Handbook, so they’ll know their rights and responsibilities as a BGSU Student.
- collegeparents.org – An online resource with numerous articles for parents of today’s college students. Because it’s a national resource to parents all across the country, you can take comfort in knowing that you’re most likely not alone in what you’re experiencing with your student.
Books:
- “Letting Go: A Parents’ Guide to Understanding the College Years” – Karen Levin Coburn
- “The Naked Roommate and 107 Other Issues You May Run Into at College” - Harlan Cohen
- “When Your Kid Goes to College: A Parents Survival Guide” – Carol Barkin
- “You’re On Your Own, But I’m Here if You Need Me: Mentoring Your Child During the College Years” by Marjorie Savage