Supporting Transitions: Parent and Family Guide 2025-26

Supporting

Transitions

2025

A HELPFUL GUIDE FOR CSU PARENTS AND FAMILIES

WITH SUPPORT FROM

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©2023 U.S. ARMY. PAID FOR BY THE U.S. ARMY.

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Table of Contents Engaging with Parent and Family Programs

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August

14

September

18

October

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November

24

December

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January

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February

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March

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April

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May

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June

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Supporting Transitions

is a partnership with CSU Parent and Family Programs & Rocky Mountain Student Media.

Photos Courtesy of

CSU Parent and Family Programs, CSU MarComm, and Rocky Mountain Student Media

Cover Photo by

Paige Molenkamp

Publication design by Tiffany Bernabei

Advised by

Christa Reed Maddie Christian

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Principles of Community During Ram Orientation, the team in Parent and Family Programs introduces new parents/families/supporters to CSU’s Principles of Community (inclusion, respect, integrity, service, and social justice) because these principles shape how students engage with one another as part of the CSU community.

This also applies to how our office works with you as a student’s family member/supporter to ensure we are all collaborating to make CSU’s community welcome, inclusive, and just.

INCLUSION

We create and nurture inclusive environments and welcome, value and affirm all members of our community, including their various identities, skills, ideas, talents and contributions.

INTEGRITY

We are accountable for our actions and will act ethically and honestly in all our interactions.

SERVICE

We are responsible, individually and collectively, to give of our time, talents, and resources to promote the well-being of each other and the development of our local, regional, and global communities.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

We have the right to be treated and the responsibility to treat others with fairness and equity, the duty to challenge prejudice, and to uphold the laws, policies and procedures that promote justice in all respects.

RESPECT

We honor the inherent dignity of all people within an environment where we are committed to freedom of expression, critical discourse, and the advancement of knowledge.

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EXPLORE

STUDENT EMPLOYMENT AT THE LORY STUDENT CENTER

Apply through Handshake!

Why work at the LSC? Flexible schedules accommodate classes.

Connect with others on campus.

Develop transferable skills.

Work-study and nonwork-study positions available.

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Make a Handshake account Apply the “On-Campus” filter in the jobs tab Submit your application for available jobs!

Scan the QR code to learn more! lsc.colostate.edu/lscstudentemployment/

40+ Unique Employment Locations @csulsc @csulsc

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CSU Civic Engagement and the First Amendment CSU has intentionally focused on education about democracy and the role of free speech at a public institution of higher education. This includes classroom discussions, books at the library, major speakers and student-led events.

Universities bring together individuals who represent virtually every background and opinion, all who co-exist on the same campus.

We are talking with each other, learning from each other, and challenging each other as well as challenging our own assumptions.

Learning to respectfully talk with and engage with others who have different beliefs, experiences and points of view exercises muscles of democracy and prepares you for leadership in the world.

CSU was founded on the revolutionary idea of democratizing education. As a land-grant, public research university, it is CSU’s role to strengthen and model democracy. Today, CSU has the responsibility to continue to build an inclusive community that engages in civil, thoughtful, and productive dialogue.

More Information on the First Amendment

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Need legal advice?

Student Legal Services provides guidance and counseling on many different legal topics: • Landlord and tenant issues • Personal injury and property damage • Immigration • Ticketed or arrested for a criminal offense • Business creation • and more!

SLS.COLOSTATE.EDU (970) 491-1482 LSC 274

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Engaging with Parent & Family Programs Parent and Family Programs is the “main hub” where anybody that a student identifies as “family” or a “supporter” can contact to ask questions, get help with a problem their student is facing, or get coaching on how to have different kinds of conversations with their student.

How students define “family” is important to us, because family can include direct family members, distant family members, family friends, aunts, uncles, friend groups, grandparents, trusted religious figures, neighbors, and so much more! We believe that all forms of family are welcome at CSU, and we invite you to partner with us! Please call or email us!

Colette Sterling, M.S. She/Her/Hers Assistant Director, Parent and Family Programs Christie Mathews She/Her/Hers Director of Parent and Family Programs and HDS Outreach Dr. Kerry Nakasone Wenzler She/Her/Hers Executive Director, Orientation, Transition, and Family Programs

970-491-6680 | parentfamilyprograms@colostate.edu Visit our website

Supporter: A person who is actively interested in, wishes success for, and encourages someone (a student), regardless of their relation to that person.

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Join the CSU Family Connection!

Brought to you by Colorado State University Parent and Family Programs and CampusESP

By joining the Family Connection, families and supporters of Colorado State University will have access to: A Personalized News Feed: all the information you need to support your student and their journey at CSU, in one place Regular Email Newsletters, on your schedule: we'll send your email newsletters at the frequency you choose Alerts via Email and Text Message: we'll send you important reminders and advice via email. And soon, you'll be able to receive text messages from here as well!

Scan the QR code or visit colostate.campusesp.com to log in or sign up.

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Accessing Student Records: Financials & Information We know that covering the cost of tuition and other expenses is top of the mind for families every semester, alongside thinking about financial aid. Before your student came to college, chances are that you had access to most information in middle school, high school, primary school, and elementary school. Coming to a college campus, that access becomes restricted due to FERPA.

FERPA 101: The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 • FERPA is designed to protect the privacy rights of student educational records and to ensure the accuracy of those records.

• FERPA applies to currently enrolled or formerly enrolled students (regardless of age or parental dependency status) • FERPA applies to all institutions that receive Department of Education funds What this means for you is that you gain access to only specific kinds of information, but your student must allow it by inviting you into what we call FAMweb. Your student can give you access to their financial records and much more through the FAMweb portal. For more information, as well as a question and answer section detailing how you can get access, scan the QR code. If you have questions about FAMweb or FERPA, please reach out to Parent and Family Programs as we are more than able to coach you on best practices around your student and their information.

FERPA

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FAMWEB

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Stay Co

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onnected Subscribe to Rocky Mountain Student Media newsletters to stay in the loop about what’s happening on campus.

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August 2025 Conversation Check-In August is an exciting month filled with so many ways first-year, transfer, continuing and international students can get to know one another, get connected, and start the semester positively. As the semester continues, start talking about plans for you and your student to check-in. This could include texting regularly, having one or two phone calls a week, hosting a family Zoom session and more! Take time to talk about what will work for your family and your student.

Many students, both new and continuing, seek academic accommodations for their courses to aid them in being successful in class whether it is with homework, test taking, and/or having a learning aid (and more). Ask your student if they might need to meet with a specialist at the Student Disability Center (SDC) if they have a documented need for accommodations. The SDC’s calendar fills up quickly, so the sooner your student can see someone, the better! Their phone number is 970-4916385 and their email is sdc_csu@colostate.edu.

Navigating the Transition – Adjustment Periods For first-year students, this time brings so much energy, and for continuing students, this is a great time to reflect on steps to take towards success (however your student defines that – it looks different for everyone). With all this excitement, nervousness, and energy, there is sometimes an assumption that everything has to happen all at once. For some students this might be true, and for many others it is not! The adjustment period for a student being at CSU varies widely, and Parent and Family Programs is here to help coach you through how to have those conversations!

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SDC Website

Listed Resources Welcome to the Ram family! Transitioning into Colorado State University is an exciting milestone, and the New Student Checklist is here to help make it smooth. Here’s how it works:

Required Tasks: Marked as “must,” these are

essential for a seamless college start. Encourage your student to prioritize them.

Optional Tasks: Labeled as “may need/choose,” these can be tailored to your student’s unique needs and background.

Critical Dates August 17-18 – Early Move-In (Fees Apply) August 19-20 – Fall Move-In and Ram Welcome for Supporters, Families, and Parents August 19-24 – Fall Ram Welcome for First Year, Transfer, and International Students

Resources: Each task includes links and contact

details for further information at Colorado State.

Both students and families have access to the checklist. Students can track their task progress via the Ram Start Dashboard by logging into their RAMweb account.

August 25 – Classes Begin August 31 – Last day to add classes without override

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Materials THAT MATTER

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Photo Credit MKM Build Photography

Stop in for an exceptional selection of quality CSU gear at competitive prices.

Your purchase of official CSU gear helps support CSU students, as 100% of revenues are returned to Colorado State for student programs and services.

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DAY ONE ACCESS The CSU Bookstore delivers course materials seamlessly in your Canvas classroom online portal.

TEXTBOOK PRE-ORDER Simply preorder your materials, then wait for the email indicating it is time to pick up your physical items.

Extended hours during the first week of classes!

BUY NOW, PAY LATER Use your student account and pay for materials with your tuition bill.

bookstore.colostate.edu @csu_bookstore 17

September 2025 Conversation Check-In SAFE – VAT, and Student Conduct Being at CSU means your student is now a part of a larger Ram Community where Rams Take Care, Rams Take Action. Now is the time to talk to your student about how they are centering mental health, physical health and wellness, and the overall wellness of others around them. CSU has lots of resources students can use to help themselves and other students. For first-year students, this means talking with their Resident Assistant (RA) in their residence hall, which is who to talk to if they are struggling or notice another student struggling.

One resource students at CSU can take advantage of is the Survivor Advocacy and Feminist Education Center (SAFE). The SAFE provides confidential crisis intervention and emotional support as well as resources for survivors of sexual assault, relationship violence and stalking. Within the SAFE is the Victim Assistance Team (VAT), a 24 hours a day/7 days a week/ 365 days service that provides confidential advocacy service to CSU students in need of support. Victim Assistance Team can be contacted at (970) 492-4242.

SAFE Center

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Students Navigating New Values In their first semester, college students often meet different people and face new ideas that might challenge their existing beliefs. This learning and growth continue throughout their time on campus as they gain new skills and experiences. At CSU, students have many opportunities to broaden their perspectives through various events, programs, and courses.

If students seem unsure or frustrated about changes in their values or beliefs, it’s a normal part of their growth. It’s important to support them and give them space to understand these changes.

Critical Dates Latinx/e Heritage Month September 1 – Holiday, University closed/ no classes September 9 – Last day to add/drop courses

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Campus Map

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October 2025 Conversation Check-In Academic Support

The Institute for Learning and Teaching (TILT) provides tutoring services for various subjects including biology, chemistry, math, and physics as well as private tutoring options.

The Native American Cultural Center’s (NACC) Eagle Feather tutoring provides free in-person tutoring for various campus subjects such as biology, college composition, math, physics and more. All students are welcome to use this free service.

The Calculus and Writing Center provides academic support for students enrolled in calculus courses and/or need support in their writing.

Academic Success, Disabilities, and Neurodivergence For many students who identify as neurodivergent and/or have a disability and/or learning difference, seeking accommodations through the Student Disability Center is one of the first steps that we recommend. Another resource that offers individualized support for students is called Opportunities for Postsecondary Success through the Center for Community Partnerships.

The OPS works to help neurodivergent and/or students with disabilities become more organized, academically effective, adjusted to life at CSU, and so much more. Talk with your student if they hold these experiences and are seeking help!

Housing over Fall Break – Things to Know Now is a fantastic time to start talking about Fall Break (Nov. 22-Nov. 28) housing plans for your student! Fall Break is beginning a week later than it usually would. If your student is returning home, make sure they are preparing their roomfor being gone over break. Explore how you and your student can plan a trip back home, or what support will look like if they choose to stay on campus over Fall Break. Students living on campus will have options to stay on campus over Fall break. Contact Housing & Dining Services for information.

TILT

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NACC

OPS

Writing Center

Calculus Center

CSUSA & CAFSA & FAFSA Every year, students are highly encouraged to apply for financial aid to help subsidize the cost of higher education. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the federal government’s application to determine financial aid eligibility for most types of financial aid. This includes students with DACA. Students who would qualify under ASSET (or cannot obtain U.S. citizenship) can apply for the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CAFSA).

The CSU Scholarship Application (CSUSA) is a competitive online scholarship application for many of the scholarships at CSU. Scholarships are available in all class levels (entering first-year undergraduates, transfer, 2nd bachelor’s, graduate and Professional Veterinary Medicine.) The CSUSA includes both merit-based and financial needbased scholarships. To be considered for needbased scholarships through the CSUSA, your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be submitted beforehand.

Critical Dates Domestic Violence Awareness Month October 16-18 – Homecoming and Family Weekend October 28 – Spring 2025 Registration Begins

CAFSA

Homecoming

Navigating the Transition - Celebrating the Halfway Point!

October marks so many noteworthy points for students. For first-year students, they have officially made it half-way through their first semester (yay!). For those who love football, October hosts CSU’s home game which also includes celebrating Homecoming and Family Weekend! Homecoming and Family Weekend hosts popular events and traditions such as the Lighting of the A, the Bonfire, Festival on the Oval, and tailgates of all kinds. And, we know not all families can be present for these celebrations. Talk with your student about what traditions you all can start at home to mark their progress and celebrate their victories, no matter how big or small. More information about HCFW can be found at Homecoming.Colostate.EDU

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November 2025 Conversation Check-In The “Oh No” moment of receiving lower grades Whether your student is a first year or a fifth year, it is always a challenge to receive grades they weren’t ready for. If this is the case, the most meaningful way to support your student is to know where they can go for help. The Office of Academic Advocacy offers an overview of early intervention programs and what the academic probation process looks like. Talking to their instructors, teaching assistants, and academic advisor are crucial steps to take if they find themselves struggling.

Health and Wellness Physical and mental health are just as important as grades, finding one’s community, and gaining career skills. At CSU, it’s important for students, families, and support systems to understand what is available to rams for their overall support and wellness. The CSU Health Network is the primary location that students can turn to for counseling, physical health and wellness needs, an on-campus pharmacy, and so much more. The CSUHN offers many great online resources as well to help students understand how to work through challenge and growth while they are in college. For example, the CSUHN offers flu shots for CSU students, which is open and available to them especially during the Fall semester.

CSU Health Network

Office of Academic Advocacy

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Navigating the Transition – Cultural Resource Centers Being on a college campus like CSU means that your student has met and will continue to meet so many incredible people whose life experiences are different than theirs. This can lead to growth and development within your student in ways that may be surprising if they come home for Fall Break. For example, if your student has not been around other people who look or identify as them (say if they are LGBTQIA+, or identify within a historically marginalized racial or ethnic group), this may bring up conversations that are different from what they experienced in K-12. CSU’s Cultural Resource Centers offer resources and community spaces for students from many diverse populations, and are available to all students, and Parent and Family Programs is happy to help you and your student connect with these resources!

Critical Dates Native American Heritage Month November 14 – Friday End Course Withdrawals (“W”) Period, Repeat/Repair Deadline November 22 – Nov 28 Fall Break Begins December 1 – Classes Resume

Cultural Resource Centers

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Care for Body and Mind CSU Health Network is your student’s home for health and well-being at CSU. Students can access a wide range of medical, mental health and health education and prevention services. Learn more at health.colostate.edu.

(970) 491-7121 151 W. Lake St.

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December 2025 Conversation Check-In Plans for Winter Break

As your student is preparing for the end of the semester, now is a fantastic time to ask them their plans for either staying on campus, in Fort Collins, coming home to visit family, or other plans. If they are coming home, check in about expectations for how they can be their best (well rested) selves. Ask them about what went well for the fall semester and what could change or improve, whether it was about classes, health and wellness, finding community, or shaping their career.

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Take advantage of the winter break to consider summer plans CSU offers in-person, online, and hybrid summer courses. By participating in summer session, students have the opportunity to reduce overall academic-related costs, graduate sooner, and earn earlier. Students can experience the immersion of the short summer sub-terms and still have time to work, travel, visit family, or re-energize. Financial aid is available, and nonresident undergraduates pay a reduced summer session base tuition rate.

Three of five students participate in summer session during their CSU journey.

Critical Dates December 12 – Last Day of Classes December 15-19 – Final Exams

CSU Summer

Additional benefits of participating in summer session include completing an AUCC core requirement a fall course prerequisite, or a course for a minor, or repeating a course to earn a better grade, while staying on track for graduation. Many experiential courses are offered on the main campus, at the CSU Mountain Campus and other locations, including research, study abroad, and internships. The Summer Session 2026 schedule will be available in early January, but in the meantime, last summer’s courses can be viewed on RAMweb and the CSU Summer website for an idea of offerings.

Visit summer.colostate.edu to learn more.

Navigating the Transition – Rest, Recharge, Re-Engage!

Rest is crucial! If your student is visiting home or taking time for themselves in Fort Collins, ask them if they have set aside time to do what brings them joy, whether it is hanging with friends or loved ones, going on vacation, or spending time with a hobby they love. This can help them feel more energized about the spring semester, and more excited to envision what their upcoming semester can be like.

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January 2026 Critical Dates

Conversation Check-In

Early January – Spring Ram Welcome

Academic Adjustments

Early January – Summer Session 2026 schedule is available January 1, 19 – University Offices Closed January 20 – Classes begin January 25 – Last day to add without override

If your student struggled academically in the fall semester, now is a perfect time to talk about how your student can be more academically successful. The Institute for Learning and Teaching is a fantastic place for them to go for study skills, and be sure to ask them their plan for getting to know their instructors, attending office hours, and asking for help from classmates.

Summer Session 2026 schedule is available in early January!

Registration begins in RAMweb March 24, the Tuesday after spring break. The summer schedule is available in RAMweb and on the CSU Summer website, where courses can be filtered by subject, term within summer session, AUCC course, and delivery type (in-person, online, or hybrid). Courses may be added throughout spring semester.

Students can discuss how summer courses fit with their academic plans with their advisor or Academic Support Coordinator (ASC).

Explore Financial Aid/Summertime Savings and Why Summer? (including brief student videos/testimonials), and discuss how summer may benefit your student.

Nonresident undergraduates pay a 30% reduced summer rate.

Learn more at summer.colostate.edu.

Navigating the Transition – Keep Going!

With the changing seasons of spring also comes a quick semester! The transition between fall and spring can be a huge shift for students, as the spring semester can feel like it is picking up very fast. Students can become disconnected as summer approaches, so ask your student their plan for keeping the fall energy and momentum going for spring! This could look like getting involved through Student Leadership Involvement and Community Engagement (SLiCE) which focuses on student involvement, organizations, and engagement or finding spring events to attend through the CSU Events calendar.

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February 2026 Conversation Check-In Tax Season Beginning this month Tax Form 1098-T becomes available on FamWeb. To view or print your form log in to FamWeb, go to Billing and Tax Information --> Tax Information --> 1098-T Reporting Form. Your students will also have access to this form through their RamWeb following the same instructions above.

Interpersonal Conflicts – Try the SRC! The Student Resolution Center provides students with conflict resolution and student conduct services. Conflict resolutions services are voluntary, neutral, confidential support for students navigating disputes, procedural challenges, and interpersonal conflict. Student conduct services are one-on-one meetings to discuss alleged violation of the Student Conduct Code. Hearing officers listen to student perspectives, determine responsibility, ensure accountability, and provide educational and restorative outcomes when appropriate.

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Navigating the Transition – Prepare for Life Off (or on) Campus!

For many first-year students, now is about the time where they start thinking about what living off campus could look like. This could also be the case for many continuing students or current students who are just looking for somewhere else to move! Talk to your student about Off-Campus Life’s Student Handbook.

If your student would like to continue living on campus, there are plenty of options available! Have them check out housing.colostate.edu.

Critical Dates Black History Month February 4 – Last Day to withdraw from courses

Off Campus Life’s Student Handbook

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March 2026 Critical Dates

Conversation Check-In

Women’s History Month

Summer Session 2026 Registration Opens March 24!

March 14-20 – Spring Break Begins March 23 – Courses resume March 25 – Summer registration opens

Summer registration begins the Tuesday after spring break for in-person, online, and hybrid courses. Learn the reasons students choose to participate in summer study (including videos) at Why Summer?. Easily search courses and discover what’s possible at CSU Summer.

Students can live in on-campus housing, paying only for the weeks they stay, and explore on- and off-campus student employment opportunities through the Career Center.

Summer-specific learning resources are available to help students succeed. Learn more at summer.colostate.edu.

Navigating the Transition Summer Employment With summer approaching, now is a fantastic time to start talking to your student about what they plan to do about summer, which might involve finding a job or internship. Outside of the extensive events and programs CSU’s Career Center offers to students, they also offer one on one appointments and many online resources for students. These resources include Handshake, which is the online portal CSU utilizes for employment opportunities inside and outside of campus. Share these with your student and have them reach out!

CSU Summer

Career Center

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April 2026 Critical Dates Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) & Southwest Asian North African (SWANA) Heritage Month April 17 – Last day to Withdrawal, Repeat/Repair Deadline

Conversation Check-In Major Changes and Growth Did you know that around one-third of students on a college campus end up changing their major at least once through their educational careers? No matter what year your student is, it’s always worth having a conversation about how they feel about their major. Some questions you can ask include the following: What do they like about it? What brings them joy about their major? Do they know anyone in the career field they want to go into who has their major? Could they see themselves working in this career field after they graduate?

Major changes are an expected part of the student experience, and if your student is interested, have them talk with their academic advisor about all the implications of changing their major.

Navigating the Transition – Summer Re-Entry Depending on the student you support, “coming home” for the summer will look very different. If your student has been on campus for a time, now would be a great point to talk about any family vacations, summer traditions, or ways your student can get support and care while they remain in Fort Collins. If your student is getting ready to end their first year on campus, it’s possible they might have gotten used to an independence they might not have had previously. If they plan to stay with you for the summer, talk about the boundaries both of you have while they are home.

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May 2026 Conversation Check-In

Time to Celebrate!

For those of you who have students who are graduating, now is the time to get ready to celebrate their massive accomplishment! Whether you can come to their graduation ceremony or not, there are plenty of ways your student can be celebrated at home and on campus! Make sure they are checking their commencement emails for up to date information on their specific ceremonies.

For non-graduating students, getting to the end of their academic year is still an achievement worth celebrating too. Ask your student how they might want to be celebrated, and work with them to come up with some plans to offer closure to their year at CSU!

Critical Dates Jewish American Heritage Month May 8– Last day of classes May 11-15 – Final Exams May 15 – Commencement May 18– 4-, 8-, and 12-Week Summer Terms Begin

Navigating the Transition – Resilience and Community If your student is mentioning that they are feeling more disconnected than they might have their first semester (or previous semesters), the summer offers time to talk about what it will look like for them to get re-engaged at CSU. We often find that the more students are connecting into involvement opportunities on campus through the SLiCE (Student Leadership Involvement and Community Engagement) office and seeking out opportunities in their academic departments, the easier it can be to find a new group of friends and community. Let them know it can take time to find people to connect with, and that if they stick to their values and their interests (whether academic, social, or career-based), they will find connections with others.

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June 2026 Critical Dates

Conversation Check-In

LGBTQIA+ Pride Month Begins

Engaging with Parent and Family Programs Beyond Year One

June 12 – First 4-Week Summer Term Ends June 15 – 2nd 4- and 8- Week Summer Terms Begin

While a lot of the work we do at Parent and Family Programs is focused on that initial transition your family and student(s) have their first year on campus, we do a lot of work with families beyond that! We aren’t just here in times of crises, but also in times of celebration or curiosity! When we say that we coach, refer, and explain, it applies to the entire time you and your students are a part of the CSU Community!

If you have not signed up yet, our CSU Family Connection portal is a fantastic tool that will help you understand what each year on campus looks like, has a ton of valuable information, and shares how you can continue to engage with us!

Navigating the Transition – Support Beyond the 1st Year A myth about college life that tends to get perpetuated is that the first year a student is on campus, whether they are first-year, transfer, adult learner, or international students, is that they’ve likely found all the help they need and a parent, family member, or supporter can finally step back. While this can be true for some students, the transition into college can remain consistent throughout a student’s entire time on campus. For example, entire friend groups could change during their third year, or a major change in their second year means that the plans a student might have had about the future suddenly changes. Identity development, especially for marginalized students, continues to remain a huge part of who they are long after they graduate. Take this time to ask your student, “What does support look like from us as your family for this next year?”

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