Congratulations! Your student is a BMCC Panther. As a family member or friend, we know you want to do everything you can to help your student succeed.
Here are some ways you can help support your student through their college experience:
- Review the Academic Calendar
- Direct your student to the Student Hub
- Make sure they are enrolled in First Year Experience (FYE)
- If your student qualifies, encourage them to enroll in a Success program
- Attend Orientation
- Encourage your student to self-advocate
What is my role as a relative/friend supporting my student?
Your students is now in college, which is a new and exciting experience. It can also be scary. Have a discussion with your student about how much you should be involved in their college journey. Will you keep track of their class schedule, or will they? Should you have access to their email? College is an environment in which students are learning to be more self-reliant. We challenge students to meet their potential while supporting them in their educational journey. Also, colleges are required to comply with the FERPA Act. We cannot reveal personal or confidential information about a student, including class schedules, email addresses, and academic standings, regardless of who is paying the tuition.
Finally, what is most important is to fully support your student! If you notice your students is struggling, we have many services and programs that can help them overcome any challenges and barriers to their education. Explore the Student Hub for all the resources we have available
Do I need to provide my financial information so that my student can qualify for Financial Aid?
If you are a parent or guardian of your student, you will most likely be required to provide financial documents so that your student can apply for Federal Aid. More information about your role as a parent or guardian in the financial aid process can be found in the Office of Financial Aid.
Should I attend Orientation and other new student events with my student?
Some events are for students only. The purpose of these events is for students to meet their peers, faculty, and staff so they can begin acclimating to the college environment. However, there are some events that family and friends are invited to and encouraged to attend.
Is BMCC a safe place?
The Public Safety Department maintains 24-hour public safety coverage of the campus. The campus peace officers carry the status of sworn New York State law enforcement personnel in accordance with Section 2.10, paragraph 79 of the New York State Criminal Procedure Law, with the power to make and process warrantless arrests and issue summonses. For more information about how Public Safety keeps our buildings safe, please visit Public Safety.
What does it mean to self-advocate?
Self-advocacy is the ability to speak-up for yourself and the things that are important to you. Self-advocacy means you are able to ask for what you need and want and tell people about your thoughts and feelings.
Self-advocacy means you know your rights and responsibilities, you speak-up for your rights, and you are able to make choices and decisions that affect your life.
The first step in self-advocacy is to identify what you need to know. It can be helpful to have a discussion with your student about what questions and concerns they have, and encourage them to find the resources and services that can help them answer those questions. Often, just reaching out to someone and asking can prevent your student from struggling through their college experience.
If you have more questions or concerns, please contact New Student Programs at newstudentprograms@bmcc.cuny.edu.
