Now that September is upon us there is still so much to do to get ready for College! Even if your child has started, we are just now getting into the thick of things.  The sales have started, Bed, Bath, & Beyond is on the tips of everyone’s tongues, and our Kids are getting their summer adventures out of their systems before they bid farewell to their friends. As they prepare to start the next chapter of their lives, there are a few things to do before we unleash them on their merry ways! Whether they are attending a University, Community College, or Trade School it is both exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time.

We attended Aryn’s day-long college orientation in June. She was able to pick her classes, pick up her ID card, and meet with her advisors. There were info sessions for Parents which were very helpful. We were able to hear presentations from the Department Heads, discuss financial aid and student accounts (the fun stuff) and ask any questions that we had. All in all, it was quite overwhelming and exciting at the same time. 

Now that the dust is settling, and the countdown has begun, I wanted to share a list of essential items and forms you should check out before your child starts college (or soon after).

Forms to familiarize yourself with:

• FERPA Form: FERPA stands for the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. In a nutshell, by having your child sign the FERPA form, they are permitting you to have access to their student records. Allowing access to their information may seem like an invasion of privacy for some, or a helicopter parents dream come true, but it is a critical item to have on file with the College. If your child is over 18 years old and enrolled in a post-secondary educational institution, FERPA gives them the right to privacy regarding grades, enrollment, and billing. I have heard stories of parents who are helping provide their kids with their education, while unbeknownst to them their student has failing grades, dropped out of several classes, or did not pay for fees and tuition. Doing these things puts a lot on the line: suspension from school, jeopardizing graduation, and most importantly putting financial aid at risk. Aryn and I discussed this in detail, and she wanted me to be able to have access to her information. I think it is better to be safe than sorry. For more information on FERPA click here

• Health Insurance Coverage – This tip applies if your child will continue their health insurance under you or your spouse. If your child lives on campus outside of your health insurances service area (typically 45 miles from your home address), I would suggest you check with your provider and verify local Hospitals and Medical Groups that they will be able to utilize. Keep in mind that Emergency Room services are covered in any given location. If your family uses an HMO plan, you will need to change your child’s Primary Care Physician (PCP) to someone in their new local service area to ensure that routine office visits are covered. If you use a PPO plan, you can see any physician as long as they are participating in your covered network. The best thing to do is call your insurance provider to verify that they have contracted providers in your new area. Doing so will reduce the chances of being surprised by denied insurance claims.

• HIPPA Form: HIPPA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. This form authorizes medical care providers to release and share medical information about the student to parents. Without it, health providers are legally prohibited from sharing information even with a student’s family members. In emergency situations, it is imperative that your child lists either you or your spouse as a designated person on their forms. If your child still has coverage under your insurance plan, and you receive a bill, without a HIPPA form on file listing you as an “OK to talk to” you will not be able to address their account if there are issues with the billing. They will, of course, take payments, but if an appeal is needed, you would not be able to initiate it without your child’s consent.

• Auto Insurance – If your child will take their car with them to school, make sure you update their information with your auto insurance company. Rates are generally determined by where their car is garaged. You may see a change in prices, but it is always good to keep them in the loop in case of theft or accidents. Also, don’t forget to ask for the “Good Student Discount”! Every little bit helps!

• Banking – It’s always good to make sure that your child will have access to a local branch of your families banking institution. Many college campuses have ATM’s, but they usually come with a price. If you bank with a Credit Union, they may reimburse you for non-network withdrawal fees. It’s always wise to double check. Those 3.00 – $4.00 withdrawal fees can add up!

As parents, we are aware that our children are turning into adults before our eyes. Yes, we should start to loosen the reins and make them more responsible as they get older, but 18 is still young, and they may not fully understand the complexity and importance of these items. Discussing these tips will make them aware of things they need to know over the next four years, and it will also give you peace of mind!

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