Talking Points for Parents with College-bound Children

Addressing Financial and Health Issues

- Power of Attorney - gives parents the right to sign documents, pay bills, oversee financial accounts, etc., in case the child cannot take care of these items for some reason.

- Health Care Proxy - gives parents the right to make decisions for the child in cases of emergency. Whoever is appointed the proxy should be identified on a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA, form to give medical professionals permission to share information about their patient. If your child is attending college out-of-state, check in with your health care provider. Medical directives are also specific to the state in which your child will be attending college.

- Living Will - states your child’s wishes regarding the extent of life-extending medical treatment that they would want to receive in case they are incapacitated, as well as their interests in donating organs. A will is especially important for families that have invested in estate planning techniques aimed at passing wealth down through the generations, because the adult child's assets will go back up to parents if nothing is in writing to stipulate otherwise.

- The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is when a student turns 18 years old or enters a postsecondary institution at any age, then all rights afforded to you as a parent under FERPA transfer to the student ("eligible student").

However, FERPA provides ways in which a school may — but is not required to - share information from an eligible student's education records with parents, without the student's consent.

For example:

➢ Schools may disclose education records to parents if the student is claimed as a dependent for tax purposes. ➢ Schools may disclose education records to parents if a health or safety emergency involves their child. ➢ Schools may inform parents if the student, if he or she is under age 21, has violated any law or policy concerning the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance. ➢ A school official may generally share with a parent information that is based on that official's personal knowledge or observation of the student.

Miscellaneous Items for discussion:

➢ Traffic Tickets – sometimes even one ticket can impact insurance rates

➢ Parking Tickets – impounded cars incur costly fines!

➢ Rental Agreements / Security Deposits (Renter’s Insurance) / Co-signer’s Responsibilities

➢ Credit Card Debt / Bank Overdrafts

➢ ID Theft

➢ Property Theft such as expensive electronics and computers, jewelry

➢ Repaying student loads . . . is real, regardless of your situation. Be aware of what you are signing up for – see https://studentaid.ed.gov/repay-loans/understand/plans

➢ Upcoming changes with filing for aid

- FSD ID - https://ifap.ed.gov/eannouncements/051619AddEnhancementstheFSAID.html

-IRS plans to stop faxing and mailing 3rd party tax transcripts - https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-takesadditional-steps-to-protect-taxpayer-data-plans-to-end-faxing-and-third-party-mailings-of-certain-taxtranscripts

Schools have better security than ever, but students are ultimately responsible for their own safety. Safety tips to discuss with your child include:

- Know your surroundings and trust your instincts - Keep campus safety phone numbers in your cell for emergencies - Lock your door. Don’t loan your key to friends. - Don’t accept drinks (alcoholic or otherwise) from others. Remember alcohol is the #1 date-rape drug - Students should let someone know where they are going, who they will be with, and when returning - Students should not prop doors open - Students should be careful about posting personal information and statuses on Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking sites

- Safety first . . . Students should understand what steps upper classmen take to maintain their safety. Check out some of safety apps available for your phone such as Circle of 6, Guardly, bSafe, Panic Guard, MyForce, On Watch - Check the Education Department’s Campus Safety Resources - http://ope.ed.gov/campussafety/#/ - Students should understand their rights covering Sexual Harassment Protection and Due Process - http://clerycenter.org/policy-resources/the-clery-act/ - Students should educate themselves in regards to Hazing Awareness and Prevention - http://hazingprevention.org/

WELLNESS

– For more on emotional well-being and what to expect, see The Jed Foundation - http://transitionyear.org/.

Educational Consulting BEFORE YOU LEAVE FOR COLLEGE

Dear Graduates - Congratulations! You've weathered the college admissions process and learned a lot about yourself and the art of decision making.

Now, here's some tips to consider before you leave for college. . . 

* Safety first . . . Make sure you understand what steps upper classman take to ensure their safety. Check out some of safety apps available for your phone such as Campus Sentinel, Blue Light, On Watch, bSafe and Watch Over Me available at itunes. 

* Make sure you have your legal house in order  . . . When you turn 18, you are considered by law an adult. For your parents to be able to continue to assist you in important matters, such as medical, financial and other legal issues, these four documents are essential: 

1. Advance Care Directives for Health Care and Mental Health – permits parents to act on behalf of their child in regards to health issues; will include a HIPAA Waiver so that parents can access medical records and healthcare information in order to make informed decisions
2. Durable Power of Attorney – permits parents to act on behalf of their child in regard to financial or other legal issues
3. HIPAA Authorization Form – gives parents permission to speak to doctors concerning their child’s health issues
4. FERPA Release – gives parents permission to speak directly to school officials in regard to grades and other school related issues

* Because of Summer Melt (the phenomenon in which incoming college students who have committed to attend a college/university decide during the summer to change their minds and attend another institution. This sometimes happens when students are admitted over the summer to a school that places the student on a waitlist in the spring -Wordnik), some colleges may have additional funds. When students change their decisions to matriculate to a particular college, not only does space open up, but more money (from relinquished financial aid awards) may be available for need-based and merit aid. Remember, timing is everything (this is after May 1st decisions have been made, during the summer before August). Families should establish a relationship with their child’s Financial Aid Counselor at the particular college. Share, and be ready to document, extenuating circumstances.

*Understand the Greek scene and philosophy, before you decide to or not to rush. For most, Greek Life is a 4 year commitment of your time, resources and money. There are pros and there are cons. Rushing 1st semester can be a huge distraction, but does encourage academics with the membership requirement of a certain GPA. Life long friendships are formed and tremendous community service rendered; but with some, the party atmosphere and exclusivity can be detrimental.  

* Repaying your student loads . . . is real, regardless of your situation. Be aware of what you are signing up for – understand what’s involved from the beginning – see https://studentaid.ed.gov/repay-loans/understand/plans

*  Familiarizing yourself with the academic landscape and expectations will make your life less stressful. Take time now, before you register for college classes, to read departmental homepages, course descriptions and the undergraduate catalog, including grading particulars and academic standing descriptions. Gather opinions about professors.  Note important semester deadlines such as course withdrawal dates.  

• Make sure you have completed all the necessary documents and secured housing. Remember, this is a yearly process (especially for maintaining and securing financial aid).

• Make sure you attend summer orientation and connect with other incoming freshman via Social Media postings (warning – Colleges routinely check such postings).

• During on-campus orientation, meet with an academic advisor to discuss 1st semester courses. Balance is essential for academic success. Consider course rigor, logistics and time commitments in pacing yourself from class to class and developing a reasonable schedule.

• Develop relationships with professors; reach out to them during their office hours. Join study groups and utilize teaching assistants, academic support centers and library resources. Asking for help is central to successful outcomes. Build a network of resources and KEY people around yourself.

• Socially, get connected, but again, pace yourself. Know your Housing personnel and Resident Assistant.

• Be well. Take care of yourself first. For more on emotional well-being and what to expect, see The Jed Foundation - http://transitionyear.org/.

by Patricia Nehme, CEP - MY EDU ADVISOR