Parent Resource Center

Our goal is to develop partnerships with parents to support the academic success of students at Nicholls as they move toward a career or advanced university study.  We focus on having students engage in critical thinking to identify their own needs and develop skills to balance study, work, recreation, service and special interests activities that enhance their opportunities for success in the larger society. 

To help your child become a responsible, independent and successful young adult, here are some things you can do at home…..Tips:

For PARENTS of ALL STUDENTS…

• As soon a student is accepted for admission to Nicholls, he or she is given an email account.  Encourage them to use it to contact the University to get any information needed 24 hours a day.
• Have your child to apply for financial aid FASFA early (as soon as parents file income taxes) and follow up with paperwork until you know exactly what kind of aid you will be getting.  Don’t wait until the summer to start this process because it can take weeks before you have everything in place.
• Ask your child to do an assignment:  Provide you with a budget estimate of the costs of college.  Most students have no idea of what things cost and simply expect Mom or Dad to see that expenses are covered.
• Work with your child to develop an overall budget to meet those expenses.  The student’s budget should include two parts:
  • Income:  financial aid awards, personal savings, part-time student job income, monetary gifts or scholarships, family contributions, etc.
  • Expenses:  tuition & fees, housing, meals, books, clothing,
    vehicle and/or transportation costs, special needs, etc. 
• If your child has a credit card, have a discussion about the
  • Responsibilities – paying bills on time; and not buying everything they think they want
  • Limitations – having only one major credit card with a reasonable monetary limit on it; buying only what is affordable and saving for emergencies
• Talk with your child about the changes and challenges that each of you expects after high school (old and new friends, family values, new experiences, handling the stress that comes with change, etc.)
• If your child suddenly makes a change in his or her lifestyle, tastes, clothing, friends, habits, etc., don’t panic.  Almost always, it’s a phase related to the pursuit of self-discovery and self-identity.  As long as you keep the lines of communication open, they should be O.K., but if you have serious concerns, please contact us so we can help you assess the matter without intruding into your child’s normal development into adult independence.
• Encourage your child to get involved in at least one student organization on campus (either their major’s club, a special interest group or a recreational team).  The University has a responsibility to encourage participation in group activities that expose students to diverse people, opinions, perspectives and experiences.  Everyone will have to put something on a resume.
• Expect to disagree with some of the decisions that your child makes.  As long as their health and safety are not endangered, you may want to allow them to learn from their mistakes or poor choices.  Some of the best lessons in life will come after mistakes are made.
• Discuss “personal safety.”  Making good decisions, trusting your instincts, and asking for help when needed are pieces of advice that work for everyone.
• In general, allow your child to take charge of their lives and decisions.  It’s good practice for college and the real world.

For PARENTS of Resident Students:

• If your child has never lived away from home for more than a few days, expect him or her to experience some “homesickness” in the residence hall during the first week or so.  He or she will get over it.  It may be the first real challenge they experience that teaches them that they can overcome and adjust to the world outside of home.
• Expect yourself to worry about whether your child is going to be O.K. in this new place, especially if he or she doesn’t know anyone.  In a relatively short time, they will make new friends and will develop a routine for themselves.
• Your child can easily walk to all of the services that he or she will need on campus:
  • Close to classes (average 5 minute walk)
  • Close to cafeteria and food outlets (average 3 - 5 minute walk)
  • Close to campus athletic, recreational, and leisure activities
  • Close to medical and counseling services on campus and to the local hospital which is two blocks from the main campus
    Note:  University Police or Acadian Ambulance will transport your child to the hospital in an emergency.
  • Close to religious centers near campus (3 – 5 minute walk)
  • For safety and security, Residence Hall front desks are staffed 24 hours a day.  Everyone, including students, must show an I.D. to enter the building.  The staff person will also assist your child with information and respond to emergencies as needed.
  • University Police also patrols the campus 24 hours a day to provide added safety, particularly for students who work at night.
  • Special educational, recreational and social programs held in residence halls to meet the needs and wishes of the residents
  • Numerous opportunities to get involved in a variety of campus and community activities and leadership experiences
  • Resident students participate in campus life activities at a higher rate than commuter students
• Expect your child to call home to complain at some point about the residence hall, the food, the roommate, the instructors, the classes, or boredom because of “nothing to do.”  Get into the habit of encouraging your child to go out and seek their own solutions to the problems or complaints they have.  (Of course, you should feel free to contact the University if their concerns are serious and you think your child needs more intensive guidance and support).
• Encourage your child to seek employment on campus.  There are many opportunities for resident students to work in their own halls and hours are flexible.  They can get information on employment from any staff person in their building.
• If your child has a vehicle, he or she can purchase a decal which allows reserve parking next to his or her building.
• The Residence Life staff and elected student representatives in the halls 

For PARENTS of Commuter Students:

• Given the price of gasoline, we encourage you to evaluate the cost of having your child commute daily versus living on campus where he or she does not need a car.  You may find that the cost to live on campus is not so far beyond what you may be budgeting for commuting expenses. (put cost comparison below…here)
• Make sure that your child has a back up plan for getting to campus in case the car develops mechanical problems.  Have your child find someone in your area that commutes to Nicholls.  They can negotiate commuting on a regular basis or commuting together only when one or the other has transportation problems. This also saves on gasoline expenses and vehicle wear and tear.
• Don’t expect your child to have the same schedule as high school.  If he or she is following the same pattern, you need to talk about what might be missing.  Work experience and involvement in a campus or community organization is very important to gaining valuable experience for future employment. 

For more information, please visit our website at www.nicholls.edu/life, call at (985) 448-4199/4525 or email:  judy.daniels@nicholls.edu.