2017 parent newsletter by Franklin College

SUMMER 2017

PARENT NEWSLETTER

www.FranklinCollege.edu

Greetings from Franklin College! I hope that you have had a chance to relax and enjoy the summer. While not as busy as the fall or spring semesters, summer is proving to be full of activities on campus. Construction has started on the science center, summer athletic camps are in full swing and the second session of summer courses has started. The first day of the fall semester is only about a month away! Classes start on Monday, Aug. 28 and, as the parent of a Franklin College student, you are receiving this newsletter to help you stay informed and be prepared for the year ahead. This newsletter includes move-in day details, instructions to help your student find a job on campus, tips on financial aid resources and details about ways you can be involved in the college community. Your student might need some helpful reminders regarding the start of the 2017-18 academic year, and this newsletter includes details on when, what, where and how. The newsletter also may be helpful as you make plans for the fall; information included here may help you determine the best times for a campus visit, events you might find interesting to attend, when your student will be on break, etc. Detailed newsletters have been sent via campus email to all registered students, both new and returning students. Please check to see if your student received and read the newsletter. If you would like to see what was sent to your student, electronic versions of both the new and returning student summer newsletters have been posted under the parent section of the Franklin College website www.FranklinCollege.edu. Please check them out. If you have questions about the information in this newsletter or any other concerns, please contact the college. If you are unsure about whom to contact at the college, call the Parent and Family Helpline at (317) 738-8181. You can also contact me, and I will assist you directly or put you in contact with the person who can best help you. Enjoy the rest of the summer! E. F. Hall III Vice President of Student Affairs & Dean of Students ehall@FranklinCollege.edu

Welcome Week All new students (transfers, commuters and residents) are required to participate in Welcome Week, a four-day new student orientation experience. which starts on Thursday afternoon, Aug. 24, and continues each day and evening through Sunday, Aug. 27. Some additional orientation activities will coincide with the start of classes on Monday, Aug. 28, and continue through the evening of Friday, Sept. 1. All new students are expected to attend and should plan to be off work and avoid other commitments away from campus to eliminate any outside schedule conflicts. During orientation, students will participate in activities with their mentor and LA 100 classmates, contribute to a volunteerism program called Franklin Offering the Community Unselfish Service (FOCUS) Day, meet their academic advisers and learn what it takes to be academically successful at Franklin College.

COMMUTER-STUDENTS are to check in on Thursday, Aug. 24, in the Dietz Center Lobby between 4:30 and 5 p.m. A meeting for new student-commuters will be held at 5 p.m. Meals will be available to commuter-students, free of charge, beginning with lunch on Friday, Aug. 25, and ending with dinner on Sunday, Aug. 27.

RESIDENT-STUDENTS will receive their orientation schedule during move-in day between 1 and 4 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 24. Resident-students’ meal plans begin with dinner on Thursday, Aug. 24. If you have any questions regarding Welcome Week, please contact the office of new student programs at (317) 738-8137.

Student Move-In Information Returning students will move into their rooms on Sunday, Aug. 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. New students (freshmen and transfer-students) will move in on Thursday, Aug. 24 from 1 to 4 p.m. New students should check their Franklin College email account for a housing placement notification email, which will include additional information about move-in day. The notification email also will include ready-to-print labels for the student’s personal belongings. Using the labels will help volunteers ensure the belongings stay together and will help the move-in process go more smoothly. If you’d like a helpful checklist of things students should bring to college, search for “what to bring to college” on the Franklin College website. Moving a new student into the residence halls is an exciting event, but it can also be tiring and a bit hectic. Have no fear! The college community will be there to help. 1.

There will be faculty, staff and other students on hand to help unload and carry items to the student’s room.

Security personnel will help direct traffic and answer questions, as students begin the move in process.

Once you enter an unloading zone, you will have 20 minutes to unload your vehicle. In the Elsey Hall lot, security officers will give you a parking pass to indicate when you arrived.

Move in is simple: Unload your vehicle, move your vehicle out of the unloading zone, next go to the student’s room to begin unpacking and setting up furnishings. If you or other individuals will be on campus to help a student move in but will not have anything to unload from your vehicles, please do not park at Elsey Hall. Use other campus parking lots and walk over to meet your student.

EARLY-ARRIVAL POLICY Only athletes, student organization members and students with prior approval will be allowed to move in early. If you are involved with one of these groups, your coach or adviser will provide more details regarding your early arrival. Should you have any questions about this policy or need to make arrangements for an early arrival for other reasons, please email the director of residence life, Jacob Knight, at jknight@FranklinCollege.edu., by 4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 4.

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Parking Permit Information All full-time and part-time students and visitors are required to display a parking tag when parking on campus. Students may purchase their parking tags beginning Aug. 17, during normal business hours in the security office, located in the southeast corner of the Napolitan Student Center’s lower level. Parking regulations and a campus parking map will be provided when a tag is purchased. The cost of a parking tag is $40 per year and is charged to your student’s account. No cash or checks are accepted. Everyone must pre-register before getting a permit. Instructions with important information will be sent to your student’s Franklin College e-mail address in early August. Permits will not be issued without this information. Parking regulations are enforced year-round. Visitors may obtain a temporary parking tag any time by contacting the security officer on duty at (317) 738-8888. When requesting a temporary parking tag, the requestor must provide their license plate number and the make of their vehicle to the security officer. Parking tag enforcement will begin on the evening of Aug. 28, the first day of classes.

Parent Advisory Council The Parent Advisory Council is the governing body that oversees the Franklin College Parent Association. All parents, guardians and grandparents of current and former Franklin College students are at-large members of the association; these members have a voice through the advisory council, which meets four times annually with college staff and leadership. One of the council’s goals is to improve parents’ understanding of students’ college experiences by providing opportunities for involvement on campus. These include but are not limited to developing activities for Parent Day and Family Weekend. The council also raises funds for the Parent Council Scholarship, made available to returning students who, due to unique family circumstances or hardships, may be challenged to continue their Franklin College education. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Parent Advisory Council, please call the Parent and Family Helpline at (317) 738-8181 or email mschrock@FranklinCollege.edu.

PARENT DAY–SEPT. 30 Parents of new and returning students are invited to spend the day on campus during Parent Day. It’s a great opportunity for parents to network with each other and to learn more about the exciting things happening at Franklin College. Of course, it is also a great opportunity to spend quality time in the afternoon with your student. More detailed information and registration instructions will be sent to you in August. If you have any questions, please contact the student affairs office at (317) 738-8080.

PARENT AND FAMILY HELPLINE Franklin College offers a Parent and Family Helpline to address the variety of questions you may have about your student’s college experience. The helpline is staffed Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m.– 4 p.m. (Eastern Time Zone). The number is (317) 738-8181.

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Mail Services Franklin College provides each enrolled student (residents and commuters) with a campus mailbox. Keys to mailboxes are issued in the mailroom. You will retain the same mailbox throughout your enrollment at the college. Mailboxes are located on the lower level of the Napolitan Student Center. Student mail/packages should have your unit # included in your address. Please use the word “unit” when addressing student mail, as the U.S. Post Office may not recognize “P.O. Box” or “Box” numbers as a Franklin College address, and the mail piece may be returned to the sender.

To mail a student:

To mail faculty/staff:

Student’s name Faculty/Staff name

Student’s unit number

Department name

Franklin College Franklin College

101 Branigin Blvd.

Franklin, IN 46131-2623

101 Branigin Blvd. Franklin, IN 46131-2623

Mail service hours of operation are Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. There is no Saturday mail delivery. The telephone number is (317) 738-8077.

Financial Aid: Online Resources Students have 24/7 access to their financial aid information via the Online Financial Aid System found at: https://fcaid.FranklinCollege.edu. Make sure your student has completed and submitted all requested documentation (found on the Documents and Loans tab in your student’s online aid account). Also, make sure your student has accepted all of the desired awards (done on the Accepting Your Awards tab in your student’s online aid account). Failure to submit requested information or accept awards may result in loss of aid. The Franklin College Office of Financial Aid has an open-door policy and encourages families to ask questions. We want to make sure that you understand every step of the financial-aid process. Please do not hesitate to give us a call at (317) 738-8075, or email us at finaid@FranklinCollege.edu. We are here to help in any way that we can!

Campus Health Center Thank you to the parents whose students have submitted their health forms. If omissions were detected on your student’s health form during our review process, your student should have received an email requesting the needed information. If your student’s health form has not been submitted, it is important that your student complete the process right away. If assistance is needed, or if questions remain, feel free to contact the coordinator of student health services, Cathe DeCleene, by email (prior to Aug. 1) at cdecleene@FranklinCollege.edu, or by phone/fax (after Aug. 1) at (317) 738-8090. Student-athletes have special paperwork to submit in addition to the general Franklin College Health Form. If you are a student-athlete, both forms are required. It is important that students who submitted a health form without including insurance information submit it prior to arrival. The health center will be contacting those who have failed to provide the required information. To avoid being contacted, you can submit insurance information in one of two ways: •

Via fax to the health center at (317) 738-8090. Be sure to include the student’s name and date of birth on the copy.

•

Online through the MyFC portal. Choose Student Affairs. On the right, click Health Insurance Form and enter the requested information.

Summer is a good time to review your immunization records. A tetanus booster is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control every 10 years and, depending on when you received your last dose, you may be in need. Information on all adult immunizations can be found at: http://www.immunize.org/shop/views/adultsched_pg2.pdf. If travel abroad is in your student’s future, a review of immunizations is extremely important, and no time is better than when they are at home. Information on recommendations for your specific travel destination can be found at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel. Flu vaccines will be available on campus this fall. Students will be notified of availability and cost via email. Franklin College Parent Newsletter | 5

Student Employment Students with demonstrated financial need may be allocated a specific amount of money within their financial aid as part of the Federal Work-Study Program. Students who qualify may earn up to the amount allocated by working no more than 20 hours per week in various offices on and off campus. To be eligible, a student must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually prior to the deadline and follow the steps listed below to obtain a position. Please note that acceptance into the work-study program does not guarantee employment. Furthermore, work-study funds are only paid relative to work performed.

STEPS TO FINDING A WORK-STUDY JOB: 1.

From the MyFC homepage, click on “Departments” in the left toolbar.

Click on the “Student Financial Services” department.

Click on the link in the middle of the page, “Students: Click here to navigate to our Student Employment page!”

Click on “Student Applicants.” (This page will provide the options of searching the database for jobs, reviewing recently posted jobs, choosing options for email notification of openings or linking to the Job Planner, which will let your student view jobs that have been offered in the past.)

Choose “Review Job Descriptions.” (Click on each job title for a description, such as pay, hours, duties, etc. Please look closely at Funding Source to determine if this job is open to any students or only those students who qualify for work-study jobs.)

Click on the “Apply for this Job” link, located at the top of the job description, when your student wishes to apply.

Choose “Fill out Application.” (Be sure your student completely fills out the application for the position. Be sure information is accurate and provide a phone number where the student can easily be reached.)

Click “Submit Application.” (After your student has completed and reviewed the application, choose submit. A copy of the application will be sent to the job’s supervisor. The supervisor will contact those students whom they wish to interview and/or hire for the position.)

TIPS FOR FINDING A WORK-STUDY OR ON-CAMPUS JOB: 1.

Encourage your student to apply for multiple jobs to increase the chances of being hired. There is no application limit.

The best time for your student to find a job is at the beginning of the first semester. Urge your student to apply early.

Remind your student to keep class schedules and other commitments in mind when applying. For example, if your student is on an athletic team, then his/her time could be limited in the evening.

Encourage your student to make personal connections on campus with staff and faculty, to identify job opportunities and to express interest in a position.

Students or parents who have questions about the Federal College Work-Study Program can call the coordinator of campus employment with student financial services at (317) 738-8007.

DINING SERVICES JOBS FOR STUDENTS Franklin College Dining Services by Sodexo is looking for student-workers to hire for shifts in various dining and food-service venues on campus. Sodexo offers flexible hours and a competitive pay rate starting at $8.00 per hour, with the added benefit of all positions being located on campus. Sodexo will require a background check and may require a drug screen for part-time positions. Sodexo values workforce diversity and is an EEO/AA/Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran employer. Please have your student fill out an application in the Sodexo office in the lower level of the Napolitan Student Center. Ask for the Sodexo administrative assistant, Linda Bradley, or call (317) 738-8108.

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PART-TIME JOBS FAIR The Career Services Office will be hosting a part-time jobs fair on Friday Sept. 8, in the atrium of the Napolitan Student Center from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Businesses from Franklin, the Edinburgh Outlet Mall and Greenwood will be on site to tell about their openings, hand out applications and, in some cases, do on-the-spot interviews. If your student is considering working off-campus, part-time, while in college, this is a great opportunity to build connections, work on developing valuable professional skills and, of course, generate an income.

Campus Bookstore The campus bookstore offers the course materials, study guides and class supplies your student needs while also offering the sweatshirts, backpacks and tech gear students want. Whether your student prefers traditional textbooks or the latest in digitized offerings, the staff will help your student find the solution that best fits your student’s study style and budget as well as the exact book editions required by faculty. The bookstore offers rent-a-text, new books, used books and digital books. Your student can access the campus bookstore online at www.FranklinCollegeShop.com. Here, your student will find the largest inventory of textbooks as well as everything needed for every day of college life. Students can order online and have items shipped to their home or enjoy free shipping with in-store pickup. If you have any questions, email the store manager, Courtney Carney, at ccarney@FranklinCollege.edu, or assistant store manager, Janet Dowty, at jdowty@FranklinCollege.edu, or call the bookstore at (317) 738-8100.

FERPA and Academic Records One of the most significant changes a parent experiences in sending a son or daughter to college is the difference in privacy standards for educational records at the college. Franklin College is subject to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) that sets federal privacy standards for student records. Read more about FERPA here - https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html. FERPA requires student consent for the release of records to outside parties, except for those agencies entitled to access under the provisions of the act. Consent is not required for certain “directory information,” which may include the following: •

Student’s name, local and permanent address, local telephone number and email address

•

Photograph

•

Dates of attendance, grade level, major field of study

•

Degrees, honors and awards received

•

Participation in officially recognized activities and sports

All other information about students is restricted information. Written consent of the student must be obtained before release of this information. However, if a student is classified as a dependent student (claimed on parent/ guardian tax return), the parent or legal guardian may be granted access to non-directory information, as indicated by the student on a signed release.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT FERPA: Can I call to get information about my student’s academic or financial records? All new and returning students should have completed the “Authorization to Release Academic and Financial Information” form on the new student checklist. The form includes a security code password determined by the student and at least one person to whom information may be released. Franklin College will not share any academic or financial information over the phone without the caller providing the security code password. Grade and GPA information will never be shared over the telephone.

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Can I get a copy of my student’s grades? As a courtesy to students and parents, mid-term grades will be mailed to first-year students at their home address during the fall semester only. Final fall semester grades and all grades for subsequent terms can only be viewed using the online resource called “Self-Service.” Students are assigned a username and password and can access the program on and off campus. How can I get verification that my son or daughter is a full-time student? Insurance companies and other third parties often request verification of full-time enrollment. To obtain a letter verifying enrollment, students must complete the Enrollment Verification/Good Student Discount Form available from the Academic Records Office or on MyFC. Upon completion of this form, a letter of verification can be mailed, faxed or emailed to a third party. How can my student get a copy of his or her transcript? Official transcripts are available for a fee through an online transcript ordering service at http://www.franklincollege.edu/academics/request-your-transcript/. Unofficial transcripts are available through the “Self-Service” program. Accounts must be cleared with the business office before the release of an official transcript. Additional questions concerning FERPA may be referred to the academic records office at registrar@FranklinCollege.edu.

Center for Diversity and Inclusion Franklin College is committed to providing students with the opportunity to live with and learn from people of different cultures, races, sexual orientations, religions, etc. The Center for Diversity and Inclusion offers programming and opportunities to engage students in becoming more informed citizens of our college community and the world. The center’s mission is to support students, faculty/staff and the community by promoting the value of diversity, broadening multicultural awareness, advancing cultural competence and encouraging crosscultural collaborative relationships through education and advocacy. For further information, please contact the director, Terri Roberts-Leonard, at troberts@FranklinCollege.edu.

Student Activities Did you know that students who are involved in co-curricular activities are more likely to have a higher GPA and graduate in four years than those who are not? The Student Activities Center (SAC) prides itself in the variety of programs and events that it sponsors each year. Last year, we offered more than 125 activities that were sponsored by the office of student activities, Student Entertainment Board, Student Congress, office of Greek life, office of new student programs and office of student retention. Frequent program topics include social skills, alcohol education, diversity, service and leadership. Add athletic events, fine arts programs, residence hall activities, religious life programs and convocations, plus opportunities to be involved in the 65 student organizations on campus, and there is a chance for every student to pursue an interest or have fun! Additionally, FC on the Town is a weekend programming series devoted to fun activities away from campus. There’s an activity each month to help familiarize students with social opportunities in the Franklin community as well as to encourage college camaraderie and participation in weekend programming.

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PLEASE CONSIDER HOW YOU CAN HELP YOUR STUDENT MAKE THE MOST OF COLLEGE LIFE: •

Talk to your student about goals for co-curricular involvement. Point out that employers look for wellrounded graduates!

•

Discuss with your student if he/she is over-involved or under-involved on campus.

•

Encourage your student to stay on campus on the weekends. Talk to your student about what interesting college events are on the horizon.

•

Ask your student if he/she checks for campus announcements and emails promoting events.

•

Explain to your student the importance of taking a break from a smart phone, laptop or iPad to experience the world and be present.

•

Strategize with your student about time management.

If you have questions about co-curricular programming on campus or want to refer your student to someone who can help them get involved, contact Keri Ellington, assistant dean of students for student involvement, at kellington@FranklinCollege.edu or (317) 738-8086. To stay in the know, follow @FC_SAC on Twitter or find Franklin College SAC on Facebook.

Greek Life Franklin College is home to four national fraternities and three national sororities. Greek life plays a significant role in the college experience for many Franklin College students. Each Greek organization enhances the college community through academic success, philanthropic initiatives, community service and leadership. Currently, approximately 40 percent of students at Franklin are members of a fraternity or sorority.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS THAT PARENTS HAVE ABOUT GREEK LIFE: What is a fraternity/sorority? Fraternities and sororities are values-based organizations that place emphasis on academics, service and leadership. How does a student join a fraternity/sorority? In September, both the Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Association, the governing bodies representing all the Greek chapters at Franklin College, organize a process called recruitment. Recruitment is an opportunity for your student to learn about each Greek organization and what each chapter has to offer. If your student is interested in joining a fraternity, they are encouraged to complete the Fraternity Interest Form. If your student is interested in joining a sorority, they must register for Sorority Recruitment. Both forms are located on the college website www.FranklinCollege.edu; choose the “Student Life” tab, then look for “Greek Life” on the left menu. How much will it cost for my student to be in a fraternity/sorority? Membership fees vary depending on the chapter and its finances. The new member and initiated member fees for each fraternity/sorority at Franklin can be found on the college website. Financial obligation is a major consideration when joining a fraternity/sorority. What will the new member process look like for my student? The new member education process for your student will last approximately six to eight weeks and involves learning more about their organization, its history, values and philanthropy. Will joining a fraternity/sorority hinder my student’s academic efforts? Scholarship is a value that all the fraternities and sororities share. Each chapter has different programs in place to help their members succeed academically. The cumulative GPA of Franklin’s all-Greek community has been higher than the cumulative all-campus GPA for 15 consecutive semesters.

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What sort of leadership opportunities are available for my student? Is Greek life “worth it?” Each Greek chapter has a variety of leadership opportunities available. As a chapter officer or committee member, your student may learn how to manage a budget, run an effective meeting, speak effectively in public or lead a group of 40-80 peers during a volunteer project. If you or your student would like to learn more about Greek life, visit http://franklincollege.edu/studentlife/fraternity-sorority-life/ or contact the coordinator for Greek life and activities, Taylor Dwyer, at tdwyer@FranklinCollege.edu.

Campus Dining Services Franklin College Dining Services by Sodexo will share a showcase of everyday meal options as well as samples of off-campus dining options during the first week of the fall semester. Students are encouraged to get involved with the college’s Dining Committee. This committee provides feedback and recommendations that help the dining services staff make menu changes and offer special items to keep the menu fresh. To get involved, your student should contact the Sodexo director, Les Petroff, at lpetroff@FranklinCollege.edu, or call (317) 738-8108. You can also direct meal-plan questions to Petroff, or to the college business office at (317) 738-8031 or accounting assistant Cheryl Stewart at cstewart@FranklinCollege.edu.

DINING HOURS ARE: Monday - Thursday: 6:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday: 6:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Continental dining is offered on Saturday and Sunday from 9 - 11 a.m. Keep up with announcements from Franklin College Dining Services by Sodexo on Facebook, follow @FranklinColleg1 on Twitter or find FCdining on Instagram.

Important Dates to Remember AUGUST

OCTOBER

24 - 28

Welcome Week: New Student Orientation

19–20

FOCUS Day

27–28 Homecoming

Returning Students Move-In Day

First Day of Classes

Activities and Resources Fair

Fall Break

NOVEMBER

21–26

Thanksgiving Break

DECEMBER

SEPTEMBER

Labor Day – College Closed

Parent Day

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Last Day of Classes

11–14

Final Exams

Residence Halls Close at 5 p.m.

Holiday Break Begins

Student Affairs Directory VICE PRESIDENT & DEAN OF STUDENTS Ellis Hall

ehall@FranklinCollege.edu

317-738-8080

ASST. DEAN OF STUDENTS & DIR. CAREER SERVICES Kirk Bixler

kbixler@FranklinCollege.edu 317-738-8801

ASST. DEAN OF STUDENTS FOR STUDENT INVOLVEMENT Keri Ellington

kellington@FranklinCollege.edu

317-738-8096

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Marti Schrock DIR. CAMPUS MINISTRY

mschrock@FranklinCollege.edu

317-738-8080

Hannah Adams Ingram hingram@FranklinCollege.edu

317-738-8140

DIR. COUNSELING SERVICES John R. Shafer

jshafer@FranklinCollege.edu 317-738-8080

COUNSELOR Sara Kinder

skinder1@FranklinCollege.edu

317-738-8080

COORD. STUDENT HEALTH CENTER Cathe DeCleene

cdecleene@FranklinCollege.edu

317-738-8090

DIR. DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION Terri Roberts-Leonard troberts@FranklinCollege.edu

317-738-8119

DIR. RESIDENCE LIFE Jacob Knight

jknight@FranklinCollege.edu 317-738-8080

JOHNSON/DIETZ - HOOVER/CLINE HALL COORDINATOR Michael Rivera

mrivera@FranklinCollege.edu

317-738-8079

COORD. NEW STUDENT PROGRAMS Jenna Martin

jmartin@FranklinCollege.edu 317-738-8137

DIETZ HALL COORDINATOR TBA

TBA 317-738-8804

ELSEY HALL COORDINATOR J. Russell Norris

jnorris@FranklinCollege.edu 317-738-8474

DIR. SECURITY Steve Leonard

sleonard@FranklinCollege.edu

317-738-8317

COORD. GREEK LIFE & STUDENT ACTIVITIES Taylor Dwyer

tdwyer@FranklinCollege.edu 317-738-8091

DIR. DINING SERVICES Les Petroff

lpetroff@FranklinCollege.edu 317-738-8108

ASST. TO STUDENT ACTIVITIES & CAREER SERVICES Judy Yarnell

jyarnell@FranklinCollege.edu 317-738-8096

317-738-8801 ASST. FOR RETENTION PROGRAMS Natalie Dilbone

ndilbone@FranklinCollege.edu

317-738-8080

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