Questions & Answers for Parents & Families

Q: How can I find specific offices on campus?
Q: Can you help me locate my student…there has been a family emergency.
Q: Can you send me grades and/or transcripts for my student?
Q: What are the policies for parking on campus?
Q: How can my son/daughter get involved in the various student programs available at PUC?
Q: Where can my son/daughter find out about community service opportunities?
Q: The weather is very severe. Will classes be held?
Q: My student needs to withdraw from class. What should we do?
Q: My student is enrolled in classes but has just been called to the military. What do we need to do?
Q: I have questions regarding my daughter’s Financial Aid. Who should I contact?
Q: I have questions regarding my child’s fees. Who should I contact?
Q: Does my student have to maintain at least a 2.0 like she did in high school to keep her scholarship?
Q: What do we need to do to “renew” the scholarship?
Q: My son/daughter started at PUC a year ago, but had to sit out for a while, can they still use their scholarship?
Q: Can my daughter/son get tutored in the Student Support Services program?
Q: Can only minorities be a part of the McNair Program? Is a minimum grade point average required for participation?
Q: Does the McNair Program offer academic scholarships?
Q: How much does it cost to join the Fitness Center and what are the hours of operation?
Q: Do you offer any help with resumes on campus?
Q: Do you offer “job placement?”
Q: Do you offer any career related workshops?
Q: My family member is a non-traditional student. Will she need to market herself differently due to her age to compete with a younger workforce?
Q: How can my student find a job on campus?
Q: What is Federal Work Study?
Q: Does my student need to have FWS to work on campus?
Q: What should I do if my son does not have health insurance, but is interested in obtaining coverage?
Q: Can the information gathered during a patient visit be discussed or given to a professor or other staff at Purdue?
Q: If the student wants medical information released, may they have SHSC release it? What is the procedure one should use if a student WANTS medical information released to a professor?
Q: My daughter is having some personal problems and I think it would be helpful for her to talk with someone qualified to offer her advice. Is there such a service on campus?

Q: How can I find specific offices on campus? - back to top

A: Many offices can be identified by clicking the “Search” link on the main page of the University homepage at www.calumet.purdue.edu. This is where most offices are listed and maintain contact information on their specific webpages. If you know the name of the individual or the department, the “directory” available on the University homepage is another easy way to search for specific faculty and staff on campus.

Q: Can you help me locate my student…there has been a family emergency. - back to top

A: Campus Police respond to emergency requests and can be reached at 219-989-2220.

Q: Can you send me grades and/or transcripts for my student? - back to top

A: The University cannot provide information about student records to anyone except the student. You should advise your student to visit the Registrar to request transcripts or information about logging into their PC Star account. The Registrar can be reached in LAWS 130 or by phone at 219-989-2210.

Q: What are the policies for parking on campus? - back to top

A: Students may park in any designated student parking lot at any time or in non-gated faculty/staff lots after 4:30 or on the weekends. Students need not register their cars on campus. Parking fees are included in Student Service Fees.

Q: How can my daughter get involved in the various student programs available at PUC? - back to top

A: There are many opportunities for students to participate in extracurricular activities on campus. Some students enjoy participating in student organizations on campus. Advise your daughter to call the Office of Student Activities at 219-989-2369 or invite her to visit the website at www.calumet.purdue.edu/ccld/life. Students may also wish to explore the recreational activities available through the intramural program. Additional information can be found by calling 219-989-2050. Your daughter may visit their website at www.calumet.purdue.edu/fitnesswellness/intramuralevents.html.

Q: Where can my son/daughter find out about community service opportunities? - back to top

A: Student Activities is in contact with various community agencies looking for student volunteers. Community service agencies and opportunities are found at http://www.calumet.purdue.edu/ccld/life/volunteer.html. For more information, students should contact Student Activities at 989-2369 or stop by the Student Union Library 104b.

Q: The weather is very severe. Will classes be held? - back to top

A: Information regarding weather-related closings can be found by visiting our website at www.calumet.purdue.edu. You may also turn to the local radio station, WJOB (1230 AM), for updates.

Q: My student needs to withdraw from class. What should we do? - back to top

A: Contact the Office of the Registrar at 219-989-2210 or visit the office in LAWS 130.

Q: My student is enrolled in classes but has just been called to the military. What do we need to do? - back to top

A: Contact the Office of the Registrar at 219-989-2210 or visit the office in LAWS 130.

Q: I have questions regarding my daughter’s Financial Aid. Who should I contact? - back to top

A: Due to FERPA the student would need to contact the Office of Financial Aid and Student Accounts with any questions/concerns regarding financial aid. Please call (219) 989-2301.

Q: I have questions regarding my child’s fees. Who should I contact? - back to top

A: Due to FERPA the student would need to contact the Office of Financial Aid and Student Accounts at (219) 989-2560 if he/she has any questions regarding fees or tuition payments. A sample bill can be viewed on http://www.calumet.purdue.edu/finaid/AboutBill121405.pdf that explains the different charges and credits.

Q: Does my student have to maintain at least a 2.0 like she did in high school to keep her scholarship? - back to top

A: The student must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as stated by the University in order to continue to be eligible for his/her scholarship and any other aid received from Purdue University Calumet. GPA is one of the criteria discussed in the SAP policy. The entire SAP policy can be found at: http://www.calumet.purdue.edu/finaid/forms.html

Q: What do we need to do to “renew” the scholarship? - back to top

A: You must make sure that your student completes the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have it submitted to the federal processor by the March 10 deadline. You must also be certain that edit letters from the State Student Assistance Commission of Indiana (SSACI) are acknowledged by the June 10 deadline. Also, return any additional paperwork requested by Purdue University Calumet’s Office of Financial aid expeditiously.

Q: My son/daughter started at PUC a year ago, but had to sit out for a while, can they still use their scholarship? - back to top

A: Yes. As long as they apply for financial aid by the deadline and are maintaining satisfactory academic progress, scholars have up to ten years to use their eight semesters of eligibility.

Q: Can my daughter/son get tutored in the Student Support Services program? - back to top

A: Yes. SSS provides free tutoring for most subjects. Referrals may be made to the Skills Assessment Office if tutoring is needed in higher level courses.

Q: Can only minorities be a part of the McNair Program? Is a minimum grade point average required for participation? - back to top

A: No, the program is open to all eligible Purdue University Calumet undergraduate students regardless of race and ethnicity. McNair scholars have varying grade point averages. However, it is expected that McNair scholars achieve academic performance that is in line with them being accepted into graduate programs.

Q: Does the McNair Program offer academic scholarships? - back to top

A: No, the McNair Program does not provide any assistance toward undergraduate or graduate study. The Program provides students with a system of services and activities that increase their likelihood of being admitted and succeeding in graduate study.

Q: How much does it cost to join the Fitness Center and what are the hours of operation? - back to top

A: Charge for undergraduate students is $20 per semester. Graduate students are charged $49 per semester. The hours are as follows:
Monday – Thursday 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Friday 5:30 AM to 8:00 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Q: Do you offer any help with resumes on campus? - back to top

A: Yes. The Office of Career Services offers regularly scheduled resume and cover letter reviews six times per week. They also conduct one-on-one career coaching if your student prefers more attention. Career Services is located in SUL 349 and can also be reached at 219/989-2600 or careerservices@calumet.purdue.edu .

Q: Do you offer “job placement?” - back to top

A: Not exactly. Since Career Services is not an employment agency, we do not offer direct placement with employers. We believe every student should be afforded equal access to each opportunity and each employer. However, by providing services that address all aspects of career development and preparation including job searching and interviewing techniques, we are confident we can assist your student in his or her search.

Q: Do you offer any career related workshops? - back to top

A: Yes. Career Services offers career development workshops through our “Backpacks to Briefcases” series. Titles range from the value of internships to benefits and salary negotiation. The workshops focus on topics that will aid students in the transition from campus to career. Throughout the year, we often visit classrooms to present on topics requested by the faculty and staff. If your student is looking for discussion on a particular topic not offered, we encourage a personal career coaching appointment.

Q: My family member is a non-traditional student. Will she need to market herself differently due to her age to compete with a younger workforce? - back to top

A: It depends on the company’s parameters and needs. First, have your student do some introspection. Have her think about who she is, what skills she has, her experience, skills, talents, passions, and communication skills. Encourage her to research the company thoroughly and be sure she understands what the employer is seeking in a candidate. Next, she should highlight what she has to offer the company, based on what the company needs. What your student can offer should be relevant to the job expectations. Your student should plan to have her resume reviewed by career professionals. We don’t want your student to lie or embellish her skills, but we don’t want her to minimize her abilities either. Remind your student to practice her interviewing skills as much as possible. One’s life experience, wisdom, maturity and work ethic are characteristics to discuss during interviews. Employers appreciate enthusiasm, passion and commitment. Family members should encourage their students to be true to themselves during the job search. If the job is a fit for them and for the company, they’ll get the offer. If not, there will be something else. But be sure your student seeks opportunities that are relevant to his or her education, experience and abilities. DON”T FORGET… remind your student to avoid discussing any personal issues or money on the first interview. For a personal career coaching session or to schedule a mock interview, students should visit the Office of Career Services in SUL 349 or call 219/989-2600 for an appointment.

Q: How can my student find a job on campus? - back to top

A: Students need to register with CareerTrax, our on-line job posting system at www.pucjobs.com. They can simply follow the instructions for registering as a student. On campus positions are listed under the employer of “Purdue University Calumet” and the location of “Campus”. If they need assistance they can visit the Office of Career Services in SUL 349 or 219/989-4119.

Q: What is Federal Work Study? - back to top

A: Federal Work Study (FWS) is a need based award received through financial aid. Students should indicate that they want to be considered for employment. It is not a grant, so it is not free, but it is not a loan and does not need to be paid back. Students work on campus to earn their FWS earnings and receive a paycheck as they would in any other form of employment. The money earned is theirs to keep, as a means to offset the cost of attending school.

Q: Does my student need to have FWS to work on campus? - back to top

A: No. However, it is helpful. FWS enables a department to pay 30% of their wages while the FWS program supplements the other 70%. This enables departments to hire more students. Not all jobs require students to have FWS, but each job listing will state if the position requires applicants to have been awarded FWS. For more information, please call the Student Employment Coordinator at 219/989-4119.

Q: What should I do if my son does not have health insurance, but is interested in obtaining coverage? - back to top

A: Visit the Enrollment Service Center in Lawshe 130 for more information about insurance companies that provide student health insurance.

Q: Can the information gathered during a patient visit be discussed or given to a professor or other staff at Purdue? - back to top

A: No, absolutely not. The clinical services at Purdue are strictly confidential and are not shared with anyone other than staff in the clinic. This includes the Counseling Center, unless given permission by the student. With student permission, it is anticipated that the SHSC and the Counseling Center will work together to provide maximum benefit. The only exception to this would be if a student was actively suicidal or homicidal. The appropriate authorities would be notified as directed by State Law to ensure everyone’s safety.

Q: If the student wants medical information released, may they have SHSC release it? What is the procedure one should use if a student WANTS medical information released to a professor? - back to top

A: Yes. We want to be as helpful as possible. If your student has another health care provider and she wants information faxed, she should visit the SHSC and sign a medical release form. If students have mental health issues they want addressed at Purdue’s Counseling Center, they will also need to sign a release for the medical staff to discuss any information with the counselors. Students may state precisely who is to receive information and for how long information is to be released to specific individuals.
If your student requests that information be released to Purdue faculty AND has signed a release, we can let a faculty member know that the student was seen at the clinic, the date, the seriousness and length of the illness. After the student has signed a release, the student must email the director at panares@calumet.purdue.edu , provide the e-mail address of the professor(s) to be notified and then let the professor know of the SHSC policy. We do not have the authority to provide written excuses from classes. It is up to the student and professor to discuss allowances for illness.

Q: My daughter is having some personal problems and I think it would be helpful for her to talk with someone qualified to offer her advice. Is there such a service on campus? - back to top

A: Please have your daughter schedule an appointment with a staff member in the Counseling Center. The Center is staffed by licensed mental health professionals and counselors under their supervision. Students can take advantage of individual counseling sessions as well as workshops and seminars. There is no charge for the first 20 individual sessions and all workshops and seminars are available at no charge.