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Top 10 Things Every Parent of a First-Year Student Should Know
One of the most important things you can do as a parent is to help your student learn to speak for themselves and ask for help when it is needed. Refer them to the resources and people on the campuses where they can get assistance and support. By doing this you will help them develop confidence in their own abilities to solve problems, overcome challenges, and experience success they can claim as their own.
1. Spiritual Opportunities
: Experiences for spiritual enrichment is what makes CSB/SJU such a great place. Opportunities for students include Campus Ministry programs, volunteer opportunities, Companions on a Journey groups and programs at CSB, Men’s Spirituality groups at SJU, Benedictine Friends, Knights of Columbus, and student clubs and organizations including Magis, Fideus et Ratio, and Prepare Ministries. Students are invited to attend the Sunday night Student Liturgy on either campus (6:00 pm at CSB and 9:00 pm at SJU). Students are also welcome to attend the daily prayers with the monastic communities on both campuses.2. Health Care: A fee for service clinic and pharmacy is located at St. John’s in the Quad and there is also a fee for service clinic and pharmacy in St. Joe. Numerous health care providers are located in St. Cloud. You will need to check with your insurance provider regarding coverage (in network vs. out of network) for your student and the appropriate options for seeking health care while enrolled at CSB/SJU. All students are required to have health insurance. Students who are not covered with their parents can purchase health insurance through CSB/SJU.
3. Car: Students do not need a car on campus. The buses run between St. John’s and St. Ben’s on a regular schedule. There is also a bus that goes into St. Cloud on the weekends.
4. Cell Phone: The cell phone plans that receive the best coverage in the area are Sprint, Midwest Wireless, and Verizon. Other plans work but sometimes coverage is sporadic.
5. Banks: TCF, Wells Fargo, Bremer, and US Bank all have branches in the St. Cloud area. There are also local banks including the First State Bank of St. Joseph and Central MN Federal Credit Union. There are ATMs on both campuses and students can also cash checks at the Student Accounts Office.
6. Alcohol Policy: CSB and SJU comply fully with Federal and State laws governing alcohol and drugs. Students under the age of 21 cannot legally possess or consume alcohol. A student who violates the alcohol policy (or other policies) is required to meet with a student development staff member to discuss the situation and their role in it. A sanction is imposed based on the nature of the incident and the individual student’s role. As parents, it is important that you talk with your student about your expectations regarding their use of alcohol since they will be in a new environment with different responsibilities and freedoms.
7. Roommates: Sometimes roommates have conflicts with each other. Students are encouraged to talk with each other to work out differences, and the residential life staff will assist as needed. If the conflict cannot be resolved, a room change can take place based on available space.
8. Rooms: Basic items are provided including a bed and desk. Students are responsible for cleaning their own rooms. Vacuums and brooms are available for student use. Students can decorate and personalize their rooms within the guidelines provided by residential life. Bed lofts and futons are available for rent on both campuses. CSB students also have the option of renting a small refrigerator.
9. Family Weekend: Mark your calendars for October 10-12, 2008! The weekend is filled with activities for the whole family to enjoy including fine arts programming, movies, and sporting events.
10. Security and Safety: Both campuses provide security 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Services include monitoring of security and safety systems, fire systems, and building access. Code Blue emergency phones are located throughout both campuses. The Security staff also provides escorts and assists with lock-outs and jump starts. Students are important partners in maintaining a safe campus. Students are urged to be attentive to their own safety and report any suspicious behavior they may see. We encourage you to talk with your student about making choices that reduce their risk of harm and increase their awareness of personal safety.