For Parents & Guardians

You student will be treated as an adult once they are enrolled in college. This means their grades and finances are no longer communicated directly to you as the parent but instead to the student themselves.

• How will you communicate about grades, finances or other personal issues?
• What are some ways your student can share this information with you?
• How can you ask these questions with sensitivity and care?

College can be daunting but also a safe place for students to learn to take responsibility for themselves. You and your student can discuss what parts of the college process they can be responsible for.

For instance, your student may:

• Arrange and schedule appointments for  academic counseling.
• Arrange for their own transportation to Foothill College for any appointments, compile any documents they may need for appointments such as transcripts, medical documentation, photo ID.
• Decide if they would like invite a parent or advocate to participate in any counseling or other school meetings. Select and schedule their classes with the help of a counselor.

• Discuss school options such as classes, majors, and scheduling. Be careful not to "take over" this decision-making process.

• Help prepare them for appointments with school officials such as counselors.

• Brainstorm and problem solve with them and encourage them to take steps to remedy the situation. If you feel it's necessary to contact a school official, encourage your student to arrange for a meeting.