As you navigate the busy final days of your student’s high school career, take a deep breath and congratulate yourself (oh, and your student!) for a job well done. We’re excited to welcome your First-Year Pilot to campus in a few short months for this next exciting chapter in their lives, and I am excited to welcome you, as well! Over the next 4 years, these Parent Newsletters will keep you informed and up-to-date on important dates, campus resources and insights into your student’s college experience.

Like you, I am the parent of a college student; we are walking the same walk with the same hopes and concerns for our students’ overall success; allow me to be a resource for you during these exciting years ahead. Reach out to me at parents@up.edu with any questions or concerns you have.

Here are the Top 5 steps for you to take this month:

1. Let your young adult take the wheel: As your student prepares for college, encourage them to manage their own college experience but help them problem solve from the sidelines as they navigate this important period of transition. This is a great time for them to take initiative and for parents to support them by giving them space to problem-solve and advocate for themselves.
2. Read about UP’s exceptional Program Counselors here, as they will be reaching out to your student very soon.
3. Work with your student to establish Parent Proxy access: This page will provide a definition of FERPA-Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, proxy instructions for students and parents, and FAQs.  In a nutshell, Parent Proxy access grants parents permission to view a student’s grades or tuition invoices via the UP Self Serve portal. Students must initiate the process of granting Proxy access.
4. If you are the local parent of a First-Year ‘commuter’ student: First-time first-year students may live off-campus if they live at home with a parent or guardian within 30 miles of campus. To request exemption from the on-campus housing requirement, your student can log into eRezLife and complete the Request for Exemption Form.  Pro-Tip: if you know your student will be living at home, complete the exemption form before June 27 so that your tuition invoice will not include housing and dining charges.
5. Visit UP’s Shepard Academic Resource Center’s New Student Page to familiarize yourself with campus resources and information about registration, campus life, financial matters and FAQs.

In partnership,

Bryn Rose, Associate Director for Parent Engagement
Office of Alumni & Parent Relations
parents@up.edu
Join the Official University of Portland Parents & Families Facebook page
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