Parent Frequently Asked Questions
- If something goes wrong, where can my son or daughter turn?
- How safe is the campus?
- Is my child required to have his/her own computer?
- What are generally the most difficult adjustments for students?
- What is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and how does it determine financial aid eligibility?
- How can my student get a "workstudy" job on campus?
- Will I be able to check on my students grades or class attendance?
If something goes wrong, where can my son or daughter turn?
If a student is experiencing academic problems, their academic advisor should be their first stop.
If the problem is of a personal nature, the Director of Student Affairs is a good resource.
Students in need of personal counseling may schedule appointments with our part-time counselor.
All counseling services are free to Aquinas students.
How safe is the campus?
Aquinas College intends to provide a healthy, safe, clean, and secure environment for all students and staff.
We have a very low (nearly non-existent) crime rate of which we are very proud
(current crime statistics are available in the Aquinas College Bookstore.)
However, no campus is totally crime-free.
Your son or daughter can protect him or herself by heeding the following advice:
- Protect your automobile.
- Park your car in a well-lighted area.
- Keep your car locked; never leave the keys or other valuables in the vehicle.
- Protect your property. Aquinas College is not responsible for loss of or damage to individuals personal property. Personal property (purses, briefcases, calculators, etc.) should never be left unattended.
- Protect yourself.
- Never walk alone at night.
- Refrain from shortcuts; walk where there is plenty of light and traffic.
- Walk in a group with other people
- Help Us Protect You. Report all thefts and property losses or suspicious behavior to Alan Bradley, our Director of Campus Safety, in the College Bookstore immediately. Do not disturb the scene! For evening security, call 473-4016.
Is my child required to have his/her own computer?
Students are not required to own a computer, however, most classes require assignments to be typed.
Aquinas College offers computers for student use in the computer lab located in the Aquinas Library.
What are generally the most difficult adjustments for students?
One of the most difficult adjustments for students is managing their time.
College is very different from high school, no matter how prepared a student thinks he or she may be.
There are always difficulties with adjusting to their classes and the balancing act between class, work,
and social activities.
Additionally, students should spend several hours per week reading textbook assignments for each class.
If you do not see your child reading or doing homework, there may be a problem.
What is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
and how does it determine financial aid eligibility?
Eligibility for all forms of need-based aid, whether from college, state, or federal sources,
is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The FAFSA must be filed annually between January 1 and March 10 to ensure full eligibility.
The FAFSA determines eligibility for grants (gift aid which is not repaid), student loans
(loans which the student repays after graduation), and work on campus.
Forms are available in the Financial Aid Office or online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
How can my student get a "workstudy" job on campus?
Most jobs on campus are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need according to the FAFSA.
These jobs allow the student to earn up to $1,300 per year by working a limited number of hours in one
of many campus offices.
Additionally, a "Jobs Board" is located near the student entrance to the academic building.
Information about off campus job openings is posted there.
Will I be able to check on my student's grades or class attendance?
In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, student records will not be made available
to unauthorized persons, nor will they be given to any institution or individual without the written permission
of the student.
This includes parents, spouses and family members.
It's a fact.
College is very different from high school, no matter how prepared a student thinks he or she may be. There are always difficulties with adjusting to classes and balancing class, homework, work, and social activities.