Going to college means your son or daughter (your new student!) is taking on adult responsibilities. Your role as a parent changes, but your student still needs you.
Students need you to support their growth, development and independence and to be a stable force in their ever-changing world. On occasion, they even need your advice — just remember they may not ask for it! The most important thing you provide is being there when they need you. Don’t worry if you don’t have all of the answers. College staff are available to assist your student and the best response is sometimes "that's a good question to ask your counselor and let's discuss what the answer is after you do."
Before Enrollment
Ensure student has the following completed before enrollment: - Dallas College application.
- Submit official transcripts to college Admissions/Registrar’s office.
- If under 22 years, provide student’s meningitis vaccination.
- File Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) as soon as possible starting Oct. 1 through June 30.
- Have your student call the college financial aid office to discuss his/her financial aid status.
Your student should complete the above steps at least two months before official start of semester. Document processing times can take longer than two weeks.
Entry Semesters
First enrollment to 15 hours: - Ask student if Guided Pathway (a major) has been selected.
- Encourage your student to meet with academic advisor to discuss educational plans and majors.
- Work with your student on filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) as soon as possible starting October 1 (Remember, FAFSA/TASFA must be completed every year).
Ask your student:
- What classes they are enrolled in?
- How are classes going and do they like the professors?
Progress Semesters
15-45 hours: - Encourage your student to meet with academic advisor to discuss long term educational plans and classes.
- Ask your student about their advising visit (Student should have a print out of remaining classes to complete degree).
- Strongly encourage your student to attend at least one community or Dallas College sponsored job fair.
- Ask your student:
- What majors are you considering?
- Why are you thinking of those?
- What do people do with those majors?
Completion Semesters
45 hours to completion: - Encourage student to meet with academic advisor to discuss Dallas College Program of Study.
- Ask your student what are their plans when they complete the degree, and where do they picture themselves five years from now with the degree?
If it is to transfer to get a bachelor's degree:
- Strongly encourage/assist student in researching financial aid and scholarship options at your transfer school.
- Ask if your student wants you to attend open house days at possible transfer colleges with her/him.
Transition Semester
Graduation to transfer/employment: - Strongly encourage your student to meet with an academic advisor to determine if she/he is ready to apply for graduation.
- Work with your student on filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) starting October 1 (FAFSA must be completed every year).
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If Transferring to a College to Complete a Bachelor's:
- Work with your student on filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) starting Oct. 1 (Remember, FAFSA must be completed every year).
- Strongly encourage continued transfer school visits, and assist your student in completing transfer school scholarship applications.
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If Entering a Career
- Ask how the job search is going.
- Ask to see your student’s resume.
- Attend graduation with your student.
- Strongly encourage continued transfer school visits, assist student in completing transfer school scholarship applications.
- Attend graduation with your student.