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QUESTIONS? WELL, WE HAVE ANSWERS.
2017 PARENTS SURVIVAL GUIDE
PARENTS SURVIVAL GUIDE 2017
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Stay connected
Table of contents
to your student by knowing what’s going on around campus. Get the IDS Headlines email sent straight to your inbox.
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Contacts to know
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Help fight homesickness
9
Parent’s guide to Bloomington
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Advice from a mom
14
Scholarships
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Financial aid
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When to visit your new student
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Column: Retire the helicopter
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Transportation at IU
IDS
EDITOR’S NOTE
AN INDIANA DAILY STUDENT SPECIAL PUBLICATION
IU alumni?
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Michael Williams
Bloomington resident?
MANAGING EDITOR OF PRESENTATION Harley Wiltsey
Fill out your information and deposit this page in the Headlines box before leaving, or sign up online at
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Move-in day
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name (first, last):
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DESIGNERS Emily Eckelbarger COPY CHIEF Kathrine Schulze ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Roger Hartwell
MICHAEL WILLIAMS is a recent journalism graduate.
In our Orienter publication, we at IU Student Media have the pleasure of welcoming the new student that you’ve helped to guide to this point to the IU community. We want to take this opportunity to welcome you, the parents, to this community
CONTACT US idsnews.com Newsroom 812-855-0760
as well. I can say from experience that your son or daughter will rely on you countless times over the course of their college careers, even as they adjust to and embrace their newfound independence. With the resources in this guide, we hope to help you with this important job however we can. For my parents, located over four hours away and unable to visit with the frequency that I know they would have liked, following my exploits at the Indiana Daily Student was one way of staying connected to
Franklin Hall 601 E. Kirkwood Ave. Bloomington, IN 47405
and involved in my college experience. Encourage your student to get involved, and then make sure they tell you all about their new experiences. And if you ever want to know what is happening in your child’s new environment, check in with us at idsnews.com. Congratulations, and welcome.
Michael Williams Summer 2017 IDS editor-in-chief
Business office 812-855-0763 Fax 812-855-8009
PARENTS SURVIVAL GUIDE 2017
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Resources for keeping up with your student’s new home
RECREATIONAL SPORTS A Division of the School of Public Health
YOU PAID YOUR STUDENT ACTIVITY FEE–
SO COME OUT AND PLAY! All IU students with a valid ID have access to RS facilities and programs. You’ve already paid your student activity fee–now enjoy the benefits:
Stay connected to the IU community from afar
• Two Facilities–SRSC & WIC provide unlimited options! • 80+ weekly group exercise sessions
By Kathrine Schulze
• Multiple cardio/circuit & strength gyms
schulzek@indiana.edu | @kas_schulze
• Two recreational swimming pools
You’ve packed up the car, made three extra trips to Target to pick up things you forgot and fruitlessly organized a dorm room that will be messy again within the week. Now you’re standing outside your kid’s new home hugging them tight one last time before you leave Bloomington. They promised they would call every weekend, and sometimes they do, but the conversations usually consist of “Can I have a few bucks for groceries?” or “I forgot my tennis racket at home, could you send it?” It’s not always easy keeping up with your college student, but here are a few ways you can keep track of life in Bloomington without relying on your child to tell you.
• Racquetball/squash/wallyball courts • Basketball & volleyball courts • Walking/jogging/running track • Table tennis & badminton courts • Equipment checkout & short-term lockers
TWO RECREATIONAL SPORTS FACILITIES,
UNLIMITED OPTIONS!
WILDERMUTH INTRAMURAL CENTER (WIC)
IDS FILE PHOTO
Tony Thompson, left, helps his son Ross, right, move into Ashton Residence Center on August 18, 2014.
• • • • • • • • •
Cardio/circuit and strength gyms 9 racquetball/wallyball courts, squash courts & table tennis 10 basketball/volleyball courts Royer pool and diving well Indoor walking/jogging/running track Two multipurpose gyms Open use dance studio Group Exercise/Yoga & Pilates Studio Free equipment check-out
Family Weekend What better way to keep up with your student than by actually visiting him or her? IU has a family weekend every year, and for 2017 it’s Sept. 15-17. Plan your visit now by reserving a hotel room (they go quick) and buying extra tickets to that weekend’s football game, and check out page 16 for more guidance on planning a visit to Bloomington.
IU Notify Sometimes bad things happen. Whether it’s a tornado warning or assault near campus, be in the know with IU Notify. Just go to one.iu.edu and search for IU Notify to sign up. Students can also opt in for these notifications to be sent via phone calls or text messages.
The Indiana Daily Student
IDS
We’ll bring you the news right to your email. Sign up for our newsletter at idsnews.com and always know what’s going on at IU and in Bloomington. You can also follow us on Twitter @idsnews or on Facebook and download our app from the app store.
Social Media
f
The easiest way to keep up with both people and places these days is through social media. Even if your kid won’t accept your friend request, you can still like IU on Facebook to see what the big University news is. IU also has a dedicated facebook page for major crime and weather alerts, IU Emergency Updates. For more social media accounts worth following, check out page 54 in your student’s copy of Orienter.
Parents Association The Division of Student Affairs has a Parents Association to act as a bridge between you and life at IU. At the end of orientation your student should have enrolled you (or his or her other parent or guardian) as a member. Even if you’re not a member, you can still sign up for their IU Family Connection e-newsletter at familyconnection.indiana.edu
STUDENT RECREATIONAL SPORTS CENTER (SRSC) • Cardio/circuit and strength gyms • More-private strength & cardio studios • • • • • •
Seven racquetball/wallyball courts, two squash courts, & table tennis Five basketball/volleyball courts Two multipurpose gyms The Counsilman/Billingsley Aquatic Center (Olympic-sized pool/diving well) Indoor walking/jogging/running track Free equipment check-out
812.855.7772 recsports.indiana.edu
PARENTS SURVIVAL GUIDE 2017
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Settling in
PHOTOS BY VICTOR GAN UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
Move-in day is full of excitement, but also crowds to navigate. Here’s some of the sights to expect. IDS FILE PHOTO
Your student can live in an apartment next year, and you can have peace of mind. Cost includes all utilities, cable, movies on demand, Wi-Fi, and the conveniences that come with living on campus. Furnished apartments with 10-month contracts available. Unfurnished apartments with 10- and 12-month contracts available.
2018-19 sign-up for on-campus starts this October.
Left Cars line up in the circle drive while students move into their dorms August 17, 2015, outside Teter Residence Center. Parking on move-in day will vary at each residence hall, but most have a circle drive or road that you can pull up at for a limited time. After you have finished unloading your vehicle you will want to find parking elsewhere. Grab a campus map at the front desk to help locate the nearest parking lot or garage. Above Cars and arriving students crowd Sunrise Drive in IU’s central residential neighborhood on August 17, 2016. Resident assistants and members of the Welcome Week team will be nearby to answer questions. Carts are usually available at front desks for your convenience, though in limited quantity.
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Left Then-Spruce Hall RA James Eisenhut explains the check in procedure to a student at Spruce Hall. Check in will give you access to your new room as well as plenty of resources and information. Top Then-sophomore Rebecca Haley and Molly Crocker advertise an IU club in chalk. Student groups will be looking for new members all Welcome Week, so be vigilant for ways to get involved. Above Folakemi Olaniyi assists a student with her check in at Eigenman hall.
We’re on campus, online, and in the palm of your hand. Mobile Banking makes it easier than ever for you to manage your account on the go! IU Credit Union members enjoy: • Mobile Banking with Mobile Deposit • Free Mobile & Tablet apps* for Android, Apple & Kindle Fire • Online Banking • Online Loan Applications • Full-Service Branch at 17th & Dunn • Free Checking • And so much more!
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PARENTS SURVIVAL GUIDE 2017
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Find the answers to your questions with IU resources By Lauren Sedam campus@idsnews.com
There are many resources for students on campus, but plenty of these conveniences are available to help parents, too. Here are some you may want to contact during your student’s time here.
IU Parents Association Indiana Memorial Union M088 900 E. Seventh St. 812-856-8187 parents.indiana.edu This office provides a link between parents and the IU campus. The Parents Association supports Hoosier families by keeping them updated on University policies, procedures and important calendar dates and by lending a helping hand, when needed.
Parents can sign up to receive the IU Family Connection e-newsletter via a link on the association’s website, familyconnection. indiana.edu. First Year Experiences Office of FYE 326 N. Jordan Ave. 812-855-4357 fye.indiana.edu The FYE office will be a staple of your student’s freshman year, planning events and guiding new students. Parents may want to check the FYE schedule for events that their student might be interested in. Bursar Poplars Building 400 E. Seventh St. 812-855-2636 bursar.indiana.edu If you’re paying the bills,
the Bursar is certainly an important contact. The office handles all University billing and payments. Office of Admissions 300 N. Jordan Ave. 812-855-0661 admit.indiana.edu/parents This office’s website has information about adjusting to college, campus safety, overseas study and more. There is also a link to its parent Facebook page. Disability Services for Students Herman B Wells Library W302 1320 E. 10th St. 812-855-7578 studentaffairs.indiana.edu/ disability-services-students Parents can find information on how their student can receive
IU Laundry
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disability support services as well as academic and other support on campus. Financial Aid 408 N. Union St. 812-855-0321 studentcentral.indiana.edu/ financial-aid The Office of Student Financial Aid provides can provide information about earning aid, getting federal loans and managing money. LGBTQ+ Cultural Center 705 E. Seventh St. 812-855-4252 glbt.indiana.edu The LGBTQ+ Cultural Center is a resource for both the campus and community on news, events and organizations within the LGBT community.
Health Center 600 N. Jordan Ave. 812-855-4011 healthcenter.indiana.edu If your student has a cold, needs to fill a prescription or even wants nutrition or smoking counseling, direct them to IU’s on-campus health center. IU Visitors Information Center 530 E. Kirkwood Ave. Suite 104 812-856-4648 visitorcenter.indiana.edu This office provides valuable assistance to new and returning visitors to IU. Bloomington Visitors Center 2855 N. Walnut St. 812-334-8900 visitbloomington.com The city of Bloomington
will be a big part of your student’s time here and your visits here. The visitor’s center has information on visiting Bloomington including hotels, entertainment, transportation and weather. Residential Programs and Services 801 N. Jordan Ave. 812-855-1764 rps.indiana.edu RPS can provide answers to your questions on housing, including residence hall living and meal plans. Student Legal Services 703 E. Seventh St. 812-855-7867 indiana.edu/~sls Student Legal Services provides professional, confidential advice for students’ legal issues.
PARENTS SURVIVAL GUIDE 2017
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Ways to help your
homesick student By Grace Palmieri campus@idsnews.com @grace_palmieri
Moving away from home to a new, unfamiliar place can be difficult at first. Homesickness isn’t uncommon among college freshmen, and when they need someone to talk to, they often turn to you — their parents. Here are some ways to help your student adjust to life away from home. Being there Be willing to listen to your child’s feelings and needs. Sometimes it’s nice for students to have someone familiar to talk to. They don’t always need advice, just someone who will listen. It’s important for students to talk to someone at home a few times each week or even once a day at the beginning of their freshman year. Keeping busy Encourage your child to stay on campus as often as possible. This is the best way
to adjust to college life in a new place. This gives students the chance to hang out with friends and classmates and not think so much about home. Keeping busy is always a great way to take your mind off of things that make you sad, worried or stressed. Goal-setting Help your child set goals for himself/herself. This can be for the week, semester or year. It can give them a purpose and something to spend time on so their thoughts aren’t consumed by home. Enjoying alone time While making friends is an important part of adjusting to college life, it’s important for your student to enjoy their alone time. It might help to make a list of activities they like to do outside of class, and ensure they make time for those activities. A care package Send your student a care package. It is always a nice reminder that you’re
thinking of them. Head to page 10 for some ideas on what to send. Visiting campus Plan a visit to campus – you can spend a weekend exploring campus and Bloomington with your son or daughter. Check out different shops and restaurants and see what your child has been up to at IU. Check pages 9 and 16 for more ideas on when to visit, where to stay and where to go. Additional guidance More than anything, it’s important to remember homesickness is something many new college students deal with. It’s rare this leads to something more serious like anxiety or depression, but if you notice your student’s homesickness starting to trigger symptoms of mental illness, encourage them to seek guidance from a mental health professional at IU’s Counseling and Psychological Services.
Don’t get swallowed up by debt. Even the best students can use guidance when it comes to being smart about finances. At MoneySmarts, IU’s award-winning financial literacy program, we offer free services to help your student make good financial decisions in college and beyond.
#getmoneysmart
moneysmarts.iu.edu
f IU MoneySmarts i @iumoneysmarts t @iumoneysmarts
IDS FILE PHOTO
A couple dips their feet in Showalter Fountain on August 18, 2014 outside the IU Auditorium.
L I V E D E L I B E R AT E LY, B U T P L A N T O O M U C H A N D YO U ’ L L S C R E W I T U P. There comes a time when you just have to let go. College is about discovery. And that’s true for parents too. So embrace the uncertainty. Enjoy the moment.
V I S I T B L O O M I N G T O N .C O M
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Restaurants to consider when you’re visiting IU By Bryan Brussee bbrussee@umail.iu.edu @BryanBrussee
Bloomington offers a broad selection of restaurants, ranging from American eats like Malibu Grill to international fare like Taste of India. Even the most picky of eaters will find something delicious to eat in Bloomington. Treat your student to a break from dorm food and take them out for a meal next time you’re in town. Experiencing Bloomington’s culinary scene is one of the best ways to engage with Bloomington and IU’s culture, so dig in. Taste of India Let’s get this out of the way: You can’t go wrong with any restaurant down Fourth Street. That said, Taste of
India is among the best of the bunch. Whether it’s for the lunch buffet or the dinner menu, a trip to Taste is always worth it. FARMbloomington Farm is a fantastic choice for brunch. The upscale rustic atmosphere is great and the food is even better. Make sure to try the biscuit basket with a cup of coffee. The pizzas and burgers – only on the dinner menu - also warrant mentioning. It can be get busy during parents’ weekends, so reservations are highly recommended. Red Found down Walnut Street, Red serves up incredibly authentic Szechuan right here in Bloomington. The dumplings in particular are outstanding. Definitely worth a trip, but
those with sensitive palettes beware – the food can get spicy. Sushi Haru If you’re looking for sushi in Bloomington, you’ll want to check out Sushi Haru. For those averse to seafood, the menu boasts Chinese staples like orange chicken as well. The Fantasy Roll lives up to its name. Sake bombs are available, because this is Bloomington. Malibu Grill Right in the middle of downtown Bloomington, Malibu Grill serves up pretty much what its name implies: steaks, seafood and burgers. Slightly more surprising, however, is the excellence of its pasta and the scope of its wine menu. Malibu Grill is great for any special occasions.
IDS FILE PHOTO
Customers eat outside Malibu Grill, situated in downtown Bloomington. Diners can choose from a menu with steak, seafood and pasta options. For a quintessentially Bloomington experience, locally brewed beers are also available.
Give the gift of memories ARBUTUS INDIANA UNIVERSITY
2015
Your years at IU will fly by. And a few years from now, you’ll want your Arbutus. The Arbutus yearbook captures the issues, people and events that define a student’s college experience. Publishing since 1894, the yearbook is a long-standing tradition and a vital part of IU culture. Call 812-855-9737 or go online to iuyearbook.com to order a copy today.
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SEND THE PERFECT CARE PACKAGE Nothing banishes the homesick blues like a surprise in the mail. Make your student feel at home by sending a care package or two to their residence hall. Try including these items to build the perfect care package.
Starbucks Gift cards If your student has called to talk about the woes of late nights at Herman B Wells Library or 8 a.m. classes, this is a good option. Various locations on and near campus accept Starbucks gift cards, such as the Starbucks Inside the Indiana Memorial Union or the location on Indiana Ave.
Chocolate and sweets If you can bake something homemade, like cookies or brownies, you’re pretty much guaranteeing a thankyou call home. But your child’s favorite candy and other snacks should do the truck too. Be sure to include expedited shipping if you plan on shipping perishable food.
Toiletries Putting some essential hygienic items in a care package will save your student a trip to the store, which could help a great deal on a busy week. Gather up a few items they might be running low on, such as laundry detergent, deodorant, bandaids or shaving accessories.
A taste of home Are you from out of state? Sometimes just sending Texas’ best salsa, a Southern MoonPie or a bottle of Vermont maple syrup will help ease homesickness.
PARENTS SURVIVAL GUIDE 2017
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Something cozy If you didn’t happen to snag one while doing your initial round of dorm room shopping, consider adding in a snuggly blanket or pillow during the colder months.
Socks Everyone enjoys getting a new pair of socks, no matter how much they deny it. Whether they are the classic white or adorned with animals, they’re sure to be appreciated.
Something seasonal When the weather turns cold, send items to keep your student warm. Try a knitted hat and gloves, a scarf or an extra sweater. In the spring, send sunscreen, sunglasses or some new sandals.
Things they forgot No matter how long that college packing list was, you probably forgot something. Add things like stamps, school supplies, or an extra water bottle.
A letter or family photo These are a nice connection to home for a student, even if they won’t admit it.
ILLUSTRATION BY HARLEY WILTSEY | IDS
PARENTS SURVIVAL GUIDE 2017
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Parent’s perspective IDS managing editor Andrew Hussey talks to his mom about being a parent and sending her first child off to college. Andrew Hussey | aphussey@indiana.edu
What parts of my early college experience were you able to be there for and what parts did you wish you were there for? I was there orientation, parent’s weekend and the football game. It was good to be there for the parent’s weekend because it was about midway through your freshman year. I wish I was able to attend your Honor’s Convocation. What was the hardest part of dropping me off at IU? The hardest part about dropping you off was knowing that this was the first step in the process of letting you go into your new, independent life as an adult. The first few days were tough, especially leaving you that first day.
IDS FILE PHOTO
New Student Orientation brings students and their parents to campus as they are introduced to their new environment.
What would you have wished you would have known about the transition to being apart? I wish I knew how much I was going to miss you, and how much in that initial stage that you needed your space to get adapted into the college routine.
How did you balance being supportive and being there for me without being overbearing and letting me do my own thing? I tried to make myself available to you, but let you set the pace and instigate, as far as communication went. If you needed support, I was available, but I tried to allow you to figure things out on
GET NEWS FROM IU BLOOMINGTON Find all of your news about IU and the Bloomington community from the Indiana Daily Student. With in-depth local news coverage, opinion columns, sports, entertainment and more, you’ll always be in the loop. The IDS is available for free at more than 375 locations on campus and around town. You can also visit IDS online or check out our redesigned mobile app.
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PARENTS SURVIVAL GUIDE 2017 your own and learn how to be independent. How important were my grades and my GPA to you? Your grades/ GPA mattered to me, but I didn’t worry about it because I knew you had always been self-motivated and would do your best. What items do you wish you would have sent with me to college? Nothing, I probably sent too much stuff with you, trying to prepare for every situation. In reality, you didn’t use more than a quarter of it and you could always go into town to get something you needed.
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best way to stay in touch. It’s less intrusive, and you always seem to be on your phone so it was the easiest way to get updates on how things are going. Looking back on the last three years, do you have any specific advice you would give to parents of next year’s freshmen? I think the hardest part about being apart is the communication, or lack thereof. So, be specific with expectations and have a discussion about it before they leave. Also, to realize that this is the time for our kids to grow up and we can’t fix things for them. As hard as this is to accept, this is exactly the way it is supposed to be.
What was the best way to keep in touch? Texting seemed to be the
COURTESY PHOTO
Hussey and his mom pose for a photo at IU’s Sample Gates.
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Helping your student with financial aid By Suzanne Grossman campus@idsnews.com
Making the money work for school can sometimes be hard. Even after finding ways to pay you still might miss an important step in the set-up process. We spoke to Jackie Kennedy-Fletcher, the director of the Office of Student Financial Assistance to help your student successfully find and keep financial aid. Papers, papers everywhere Applying to college comes with such a long paper trail, but some are more important than others. Kennedy-Flether stressed the financial reward letter and packet is of utmost importance. You should have received this letter sometime in March. She recommends students and parents
carefully read the letter and make sure they have enough funding to cover IU. The letter includes how much financial aid their student qualifies for, how much it costs to attend IU and the leftover amount parents and students will have to pay. The letter also comes in a packet with information on basic financial aid definitions and a guide on how to receive more financial aid. Finally, any emails or letters from the Office of the Bursar or Student Central are important for parents to read over carefully because they often require some sort of action, Kennedy-Fletcher said. Need more money? If your student didn’t receive enough financial aid to cover school, and
you don’t have enough to cover the bill, there are a few options. Students and parents can apply for additional student loans or private loans. However, Kennedy-Fletcher warns parents to highly consider how much loan debt they and/or their child is willing to take on. She encourages parents and students to look into other sources of money such as employment or additional scholarships. Student Central on Union can also help advise parents and students about their best financial options. It also provides information about student and private loan options on its website under the financial aid tab at studentcentral.indiana.edu. Impending deadlines Another key aspect of financial aid is making sure
you pay by the right date. Not paying on time can result in late fees. Eventually, if the payments aren’t made the University can put a hold on your student’s records and prevent them from enrolling in the next semester. First, it is highly recommended students apply for financial aid before March 10. This ensures you will get the most possible funding. If your student hasn’t applied yet, he or she still can, but funds are limited. The financial aid application must be filled out each year and for the 2018-19 academic year the application will be open sometime in October. The next big deadline for payments will be for the first tuition and room and board payment. This will be billed to your student’s bursar account in late August
and will be due Sept. 10. All bursar bills are due the 10th of the month. For example, if your student visits the health center in October, the bill will likely be due Nov. 10. If the payment can’t be made, students and parents can also set up a payment plan, which would change dates payments are due. To set up a payment plan, call Student Central for help at (812) 8556500. Deadlines are another important reason to stay on top of emails and letters because many of the actions required will have deadlines that could have bad consequences if not met on time. Keeping tabs Finally, and possibly most importantly, parents should have their student set them up as a third party user on
their bursar account. This allows parents to monitor activity and track financial aid progress. It will also send the parents email alerts of bill payments and grades to parents upon request. To sign up as a third party user, follow the instructions below. Log in to One.IU. Read FERPA disclosure agreement (only presented first time you access page). Click I accept. Provide a username, password, and first and last names for your user. Note: password must be at least eight characters, contain one number and is case sensitive. Click Bursar Balances and Bills box. Enter Third party user’s email address; confirm address by entering again. Click Save user.
PARENTS SURVIVAL GUIDE 2017
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JOIN IUSF
Lessen the burden
indiana university student foundation
If you’re considering taking out loans to help pay for school, check out these scholarships that may help in the coming years.
Leadership for a Lifetime
By Suzanne Grossman campus@idsnews.com
So maybe the financial aid gods aren’t favoring you or your child came up short on securing scholarships while in high school. What now? It might seem like the time to apply has past but, don’t worry, you’re not totally out of luck. There are several scholarships your student can and should apply for while already a student at IU.
have a real hoosier experience
The Hudson and Holland Scholars Program This program is mainly for incoming freshmen, but does offer limited amount of spots for first- and second-year students as well as transfer students.
have fun and make friends
Due date: TBA, but likely sometime in February 2018 Eligibility: This program is open to all students, but strong consideration is given to students with underrepresented minority backgrounds. According to its website, students typically need a 3.5 GPA to be competitive. Hutton Honors College The Hutton Honors College only awards scholarships to incoming freshmen who are accepted into the college, but its grant program is open to anyone. The college offers grants for research, thesis work, capstone projects, internships, travel abroad and more. Due date: Varies because grants are given on a semester basis. Check the HHC Grant Program tab at indiana. edu/~iubhonor/. Eligibility: Maintain a 3.4
IDS FILE PHOTO
Hutton Honors College
overall GPA and a 3.7 GPA within your major. Cox Scholars Program Many of the Cox Scholars scholarships are only for incoming freshmen as well, but your student can still apply to be a Cox Legacy Scholar throughout their time at IU. Due Date: March of each year Eligibility: This scholarship is mainly based on having a job. Students must earn at least 25 percent of the official cost of attendance at IU. They must also have a 3.0 GPA and be classified as an Indiana resident. You must also file for FAFSA by March 10 of the upcoming year.
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Alumni Association The GLBTAA gives both academic and emergency scholarships to students at IU. Any student can get up to two academic scholarships and two emergency scholarships. The academic scholarship rewards up to $1,000 per scholarship and the emergency up to $1,500 per scholarship. Due date: Academic scholarships can be applied for between October and March through one.iu. Emergency scholarships can be applied for at any time. Eligibility: The academic scholarship is awarded to those who can demonstrate involvement in activities
promoting diversity and raising awareness of LGBT and related issues. The emergency scholarship is awarded to those who have lost financial support for being open and honest about their sexual orientation. In addition to these scholarships, most majors offer scholarships within their field for work students do while in school. There are also several essay contests and things like case competitions that award money as well. If your student looks hard enough, there is hardly any reason they should be without at least one scholarship. For more scholarship info visit scholarships.indiana. edu or search scholarships at one.iu.edu
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More membership Information Can Be found at
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PARENTS SURVIVAL GUIDE 2017
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When to visit and tips on where to stay when you do. By Alison Graham akgraham@indiana.edu | @alisonkgraham
After dropping your student off at their residence hall and driving home in an empty car, all you can think is, “When can I visit?” As a parent of an IU student, you should know there are good and bad times to visit, depending on what you’re looking for in your own IU experience. IDS FILE PHOTO
The IU homecoming parade on Kirkwood Avenue on October 16, 2015.
When to visit The Parents Association puts on IU Family Weekend each year to give students an opportunity to share IU traditions and discoveries with their families. This year’s Family Weekend will be Sept. 15-17 and the Office of Student Affairs will have further details on this year’s activities as the weekend approaches. Family Weekend is a popular time for visits, so expect large crowds and less room in local hotels. Another popular time for families to visit is Homecoming Weekend, which will be the weekend of Oct. 14. Homecoming is an incredibly busy time when alumni, families and University leaders visit campus. Homecoming Weekend is jam-packed with events like the football game, tailgating, the Homecoming Parade and other famous IU traditions. Hotels are booked quickly and campus is crowded, but for both Family Weekend and
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PARENTS SURVIVAL GUIDE 2017 Homecoming there are plenty of scheduled activities for students and families. If you’re looking for a calmer weekend, try visiting in the fall on a weekend with few events. Campus is beautiful in September and October and you’ll have the opportunity to focus on spending time with your IU student. And you won’t be overwhelmed by the crowds. Where to stay One of the most popular hotel destinations in Bloomington is the Indiana Memorial Union’s Biddle Hotel. The hotel is right in the center of campus and within walking distance of downtown Bloomington. The athletic stadiums are not far and there is ample parking in the IMU lots. All 200 rooms are being remodeled and updated this summer, so the hotel will be top notch for families to use in the fall. The Biddle Hotel is booked full quickly, especially during busy times like Family Weekend,
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Homecoming and graduation. If you want to book a room during those times, be sure to plan ahead and reserve your spot as early as possible. Besides the Biddle Hotel, there are numerous lodging accommodations around Bloomington. The Hilton Garden Inn on College Avenue is located just north of downtown Bloomington’s main square and about a ten minute walk to the Sample Gates. The Hyatt Place on Kirkwood Avenue is located just a few blocks from Bloomington’s thriving nightlife scene and numerous restaurants on the square. Just a few blocks south is the Courtyard by Marriott Bloomington, which is about five blocks to almost a dozen ethnic restaurants, including Indian, Thai, Chinese, Korean, Turkish and Burmese. Outside of hotels, there are also a few bed and breakfasts and small inns that will give you a more homey Hoosier experience.
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The Biddle Hotel is part of the Indiana Memorial Union, allowing guests to stay right in the heart of the IU campus.
Off Campus Housing Agency The agents of OCHA! are out searching for the best rental properties in Bloomington. We find, show, and negotiate leases for students and anyone looking for leased property. We make it easy! www.ochasgotcha.com 1-844-321-6242 info@ochasgotcha.com
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COLUMN: Parents, it’s time to retire the helicopter. Hello parents. We need to talk. First, I’d like to congratulate you. Your child was accepted to IU, which is a great accomplishment you and your child should be proud of. Your son or daughter is about to make a huge and sometimes brutal life change and, by extension, so are you. For 18 years you have raised and cared for this person you’re going to send to college. You cooked for them, did their laundry, force-fed them cough syrup when they were sick and drilled them on finishing their homework and studying for tests. You were probably with them every step of the way through their college admittance process to keep a careful eye on those application deadlines and remind them what their social security number is when they inevitably forgot. And that’s what we need to talk about. While these acts of caring made you an involved and helpful parent in grade school, we only have one name for it on college campuses: helicopter parent. Dr. Carolyn Daitch defines helicopter parenting as “a style of parents who are over focused on their children. They typically take too much responsibility for their
children’s experiences and, specifically, their successes or failures.” There is no room for this kind of over- involvement in college and I’ll give you two main reasons why. One, your kid needs to learn that failure is a part of life. I get it. No parent wants to sit idly by and watch their child fail. You don’t want to see their dreams shattered when they learn they’re not good enough for something. You never want them to be unhappy and there’s nothing wrong with feeling that way. But your child will fail at some point. They aren’t going to get the grade they want on every test they take and paper they write. They’re going to get overwhelmed and not study enough. They’re going to miss the bus and burn their breakfast. They aren’t going to get every job they apply for. They aren’t going to like every job they get. That’s life. Your job isn’t to protect them from these failures but to teach them how to handle it. Second, college isn’t just about getting a degree to hang on a wall. It’s about learning who
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you are and becoming your own person, independent of your parents. You learn a lot about yourself when you’re suddenly responsible for every aspect of your life, whether it’s passing a class, doing your laundry or finding a way to feed yourself everyday. Your child needs to learn who they are independently of you. That can’t happen if you’re calling their professors to check on grades, booking their dentist appointments and bringing them home every weekend so you can wait on their every need. You have to remember your student isn’t just your “baby” anymore. They’re an adult. Taking a step back from your child’s life doesn’t make you a bad or neglectful parent. It doesn’t mean you love them any less or you’re setting them up for failure in life. You’re just helping them learn to navigate this world on their own. You’ve done a great job getting them to this point where you have to let them go. Let your child do the rest. opinion@idsnews.com @LexiaBanks
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PARENTS SURVIVAL GUIDE 2017
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Transportation options for Bloomington and beyond By Brian Seymour campus@idsnews.com
With the expansive IU campus, students might feel overwhelmed when it comes to getting from one place to another. Thankfully, the campus is well equipped to help your incoming student make it to class on time. Here are some resources you’ll want to help them consider. BUSES IU offers four campus busses that will take students anywhere they need to go, the A, B, E and X routes. For students out late, the Night Owl bus runs from 10 p.m. until 3 a.m. so your student doesn’t have to travel on foot during late hours. For more information on the campus bus service, check out iubus.indiana.edu.
Additionally, Bloomington Transit serves the greater Bloomington area, including much of campus. This connection will allow your student to go off campus for food or entertainment. There are at least 14 different routes that stop at apartment complexes, the College Mall and the downtown area. With a student ID, your student rides free. Check out more information at bloomingtontransit.com. CARS Bringing a car to campus is something many students consider as freshmen. A car can be useful if your student wants to leave campus for food or entertainment. For example, the movie theater on College Mall Road would be a long walk. However, there is also bus that
can do the job. There are also a number of cab companies located in Bloomington as well as services like Uber which offer rides anywhere students may need to go. Students who bring cars have the option of purchasing campus parking permits or residential parking permits. Campus permits only allow your student to park in designated spots on campus that are marked with the same letters that appear on the pass. Generally, freshmen will be given a permit to park in the football stadium parking lot. Parking here requires that all student cars be moved in advance of game days. Residential parking permits allow parking at residence halls, however students usually have to add their name to a waiting list to obtain
these. Parking spaces are limited, and spaces near academic buildings are almost never offered to students. For information about parking permits, spaces and other rules about having a car on campus, check out parking.indiana.edu. BIKES Bikes are a great option for traveling to and from classes. They can be locked up outside many campus locations, including most academic buildings, residence halls, the Indiana Memorial Union and the Student Recreational Sports Center. Bikes on campus must be properly registered through IU Parking Operations. Those parked in campus racks also need a properlydisplayed bike permit, which can be purchased for a one-
IDS FILE PHOTO
The E line is one of four campus busses that service the IU campus. Students can use the bus to navigate between classes, dorms and food options.
time fee of $10. Bloomington is bikefriendly as well. Several roads have bike lanes to increase biker safety. AIRPORT TRAVEL Shuttle services are offered between Bloomington and the Indianapolis airport for students and residents, which
stop at the IMU and residence halls among other locations multiple times per day. Both Go Express Shuttle and Star of America Shuttle offer trips from Bloomington to the Indianapolis International Airport. For more information, visit goexpresstravel.com and soashuttle.com.
Mark your Calendars
Remind your student to get an early start on their housing search for 2018 at the Fall Housing Fair. With houses, apartments, townhomes, campus locations and more, the Housing Fair is a one stop shop for finding their next home.
Tuesday, October 24 Alumni Hall in the IMU
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idsnews.com/housingfair
HOUSING FAIR