Supporting Your New Bentley Student | Guide for Families

A GUIDE FOR FAMILIES

SUPPORTING YOUR NEW BENTLEY STUDENT

WELCOME TO THE FALCON FAMILY Welcome to Bentley University — and to the Falcon Family!

Whether this is your first student heading to college or your last, the transition to Bentley is a major milestone for both students and families. This guide is designed to help you understand what your student will experience during onboarding and beyond, how families can best support that transition, and where to turn when questions arise.

At Bentley, we view families as partners in student success. While your student will take increasing ownership of their academic and personal journey, your encouragement, perspective and trust in the process play an important role along the way.

FAMILY SUPPORT CHECKLIST The New Falcon Experience is Bentley’s structured approach to onboarding and first year transition. It is designed to help students move confidently from pre-arrival tasks to life on campus and into their first year.

Before Campus Arrival Talk with your student about expectations for communication and independence Discuss financial access and FERPA permissions if applicable ncourage your student to complete onboarding tasks and deadlines E on their BentleyConnect portal. If they have any issues logging in, please contact ugadmission@bentley.edu.

Review important dates and timelines on the New Falcon Experience Sign up for family communications and newsletters Attend Falcon Live Chats or family webinars Review move-in logistics and housing details Help your student practice independence skills Discuss health insurance and medical needs Encourage your student to contact campus offices with questions Move-In and Beyond Support your student emotionally during transition Allow your student space to engage in orientation activities Encourage involvement in clubs, organizations and campus life Continue supportive check-ins without attempting to solve every challenge

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UNDERSTANDING THE TRANSITION TO COLLEGE Adjusting to college is an exciting and sometimes challenging experience. Students may go through emotional ups and downs as they adapt to new expectations, routines and relationships.

What Your Student May Experience • Excitement about new opportunities and independence • Homesickness or missing familiar routines • Stress related to academics and time management • Challenges building friendships and community How You Can Help • Listen without immediately offering solutions • Encourage routines and healthy habits • Normalize challenges and reassure your student that adjustment takes time • Encourage seeking support from campus resources when needed Healthy Communication Tips • Ask open-ended questions such as ‘What went well this week?’

• Encourage independence by allowing your student to handle challenges • Avoid stepping in too quickly to fix problems • Schedule regular check-ins instead of frequent daily calls • Celebrate small successes and progress

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KEY RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES

ACADEMICS AT BENTLEY Bentley students graduate to change the world with a transformative business education that shapes the opportunities of tomorrow.

RESOURCES STUDENT SUCCESS Academic advising and academic support services STUDENT ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES Equal educational opportunity for all students UNDERGRADUATE CATALOGUE Information about academic programs, courses and policies HONORS PROGRAM A distinctive learning experience LIBRARY Research librarians, group study rooms, and printers available

LIVING AT BENTLEY Your student's residence hall is more than their home: it’s a place where they develop their sense of self, build connections and belong to a thriving community.

RESOURCES ON-CAMPUS HOUSING Housing questions and support DEFINED COMMUNITIES Dedicated spaces for students with similar interests and passions (program begins in the fall semester only) DINING SERVICES Meal plan information COMMUTER CENTRAL Info for driving and parking on campus BENTLEY SHUTTLE Routes, stops and more

KEY RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES

HEALTH, WELL-BEING AND SAFETY AT BENTLEY

RESOURCES

Every aspect of your student's health and well-being is important to us and supported in a variety of ways.

HEALTH CENTER Health care needs

BENTLEYPLUS Guidance to help students build the skills for future success COUNSELING CENTER Mental health support

UNIVERSITY POLICE Available 24/7 for emergency and non-emergency services EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND INSTITUTIONAL EQUITY Formal and informal options for reporting misconduct CARE TEAM Support for students experiencing stressors BENTLEYSAFE APP Student mobile safety app and tools

TECHNOLOGY AT BENTLEY Our IT support staff is here to help your student navigate this essential part of their Bentley education.

RESOURCES COMPUTING AT BENTLEY Your options, including new purchase guidance MYBENTLEY Access to portals, tools, links and announcements WORKDAY Portal for student account, academic info and more MICROSOFT 365 Provided for all students BRIGHTSPACE Student's access to class content and grades BENTLEY SUPPORT CENTRAL Tech help at your fingertips

KEY RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES

STUDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES

RESOURCES STUDENT ACCOUNTS Billing and financial information TUITION INSURANCE Protect your investment with GradGuard

Student Financial Services is available to help with all aid, billing, student employment and more.

BUILDING COMMUNITY Students are encouraged to take advantage of the resources and opportunities available to them, such as:

RESOURCES ATHLETICS AND RECREATION Competitive sports, intramural programs, fitness and recreation opportunities CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AND SCHOLARS (CISS) Resources and support for international students FALCON FAMILY FRIDGE Community food pantry FIRST GENERATION FALCONS (FIRST FALCONS) Support, resources and community for first-generation college students GENDER AND SEXUALITY STUDENT PROGRAMS (GSSP) Resources, programs, and support for women+, nonbinary, LGBTQ+ students and allies MULTICULTURAL CENTER (MCC) Programs, resources and community focused on diversity, equity and inclusion SPIRITUAL LIFE Support, resources and community for students of all religious, spiritual and secular backgrounds STUDENT PROGRAMS AND ENGAGEMENT/CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS Student clubs, organizations, fraternity and sorority life and campus events

KEY RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES

STAY CONNECTED

• Attend Falcon Live Chats and webinars • Read family newsletters and updates • Visit the Family Information and Resources webpage • Participate in Falcon Weekend and campus events • Encourage your student to stay engaged on campus • Follow @bentleyu and @welcomefalcons on Instagram

NEED HELP? Please review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

If you can’t find what you are looking for, please fill out a form on Bentley Support Central.

• Submit a Family Member Question • Review the Becoming a Falcon Quick Guide • New Falcon Experience Website