College Parenting

College Parenting Tip of the Month

God is good. Always. Forever (Psalm 100:5).

 Quote of the Month

“The will of God is not primarily a place…for you to go there or work here. The will of God concerns you as a person. If you are the right you, you can follow your desires and you will fulfill His will” (ref. Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Thess. 5:18; John MacArthur, Found: God’s Will, p. 74-75). 

Resource of the Month

“Preparing our children for life often feels at odds with protecting them.” We can do both! Strategies for Growth and Learning: Help for Helicopter Parents by Danielle Pitzer, Director of Sanctity of Human Life, Focus on the Family.

This Month’s Theme: Joy (Rejoice)

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).

Dear Heavenly Father,
We pray for the students to remember all that they have studied for their final exams. You know the plans You have for everyone going into the summer: internships, jobs, marriage, and mission trips. May each one of us ask for Your wisdom (James 1:5), trust in You, and acknowledge You in all that we put our hands to do (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Where there is friction or turmoil, may the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ fill our homes with truth and our hearts with peace. With joy, we ask for Your blessing on each graduate. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Career Readiness This Summer

Sarah Fendrich, Assistant Director of Career Coaching, Career Services

Is your student ready for the summer? Summertime is a great time to gain employability experience through a part-time job, gain industry experience through an internship, and build a network through shadowing. Career Services can help your student develop competitive application materials, strategize how to gain industry experience, and navigate how to pursue shadowing experiences.

Encourage your student to make an appointment with their industry Career Coach today!

Beyond Barriers: Summer Transition Program

Office of Disability Accommodation Support (ODAS)

Incoming freshmen and transfer students who register with Office of Disability Accommodation Support (ODAS) can apply to attend the program from August 4-14. If your student needs to register for accommodations, please use the LUAccommodate app today.

Beyond Barriers is a great opportunity to move into their Residence Hall early, get familiar with campus and supportive resources, and learn about the transition from high school to college while managing a disability. Visit Beyond Barriers for more information about the program. If you have any questions about the summer program, please contact Dr. Ester Warren in ODAS at ejwarren@liberty.edu or by phone at (434) 592-6468.

Identify, Purpose, and Belonging Defined by Biblical Truth

Leanne Gifford, Director of Center for Student Thriving

Center for Student Thriving supports student thriving through creating programs and providing life skills coaching to empower students to be Champions for Christ by living healthy and purposeful lives at Liberty and beyond. James 1:2-4 says “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

Our goal is to help our students build steadfastness and resilience to be a Champion for Christ. Our office offers biblically based Life Coaching to equip students with the tools they need during their college years. Our coaching allows students to explore and discover actionable steps to meet long-term goals focusing on areas of social connectedness, positive perspective, academic determination, and so much more. The Center for Student Thriving also offers workshops and programs that encourage students to develop resilience skills, build healthy boundaries in their life, and equips them with biblical truth to confront cultural norms. Research shows that students who are thriving during their college years are invested, enthusiastic, motivated, socially connected and hopeful. Our office works to empower our students with the skills, tools, and coaching they need to thrive, not just survive their college career.

Encourage your student to explore life coaching with us when they return or begin at Liberty in the fall. Email us at thriving@liberty.edu, call us at (434) 582-2320, or visit us in Green Hall, Room 1880 in the Community Life Office.

Parent PLUS Loan Applications for 2024-25 school year opened in late-April

Julie Williams, Compliance Analyst II, Student Financial Services

The Federal Parent PLUS Loan is for credit-worthy parents of dependent undergraduate students. The amount is based on educational costs minus any other financial aid. PLUS loans require a credit check during the application process. If the borrower has an adverse credit history, he or she may still be able to receive a PLUS loan if they meet additional requirements. Parents are the borrowers of the Parent PLUS loan so the application will require parent information. Because Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized student loans have lower interest rates, please utilize these loans before considering PLUS loans. The steps to complete a Parent PLUS loan are:

• Sign-in with your information at  https://studentaid.gov/.
• Select “Request PLUS Loan” from the options on the left side of the page.
• Choose the type of loan you plan to apply for (Parent PLUS) and complete the application. 

PFC’s Mission for Families | From the First Day of Class to Graduation and Beyond

At Liberty University, you can rest assured that the values you instilled in your children will not be undermined. We take pride in creating an environment where your student feels they have a home away from home. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, or guardian, we are committed to collaborating with you in guiding your student through the challenges and triumphs of the next few years.

Our goal is to support student success and promote an appropriate role for parents and families within the campus community. We hope to encourage you through your transition as a college family. As you move away from the daily monitoring of your child’s decisions and into the role of a coach who listens, prays, guides, and promotes their resiliency, some days may feel like a struggle. The challenges and struggles – and prayers – are all parts of growth. 

The First Days

The first semester in particular will give rise to new experiences, new questions, and many opportunities for your student to practice becoming an advocate of their own – housing, food, time management, friendships, classes, the pace of communication with you, and more.

• For Your First Year – interprets the key dates and activities on the university’s schedule (i.e., the academic calendar)
• Parent and Family Guide 2023-24 – equips LU families with an easy reference to the college schedule and offices
• Frequently Asked Questions  – recommends the departments that support your student’s success on campus

Every Semester

Most importantly, pray. Cover the highs and lows your student experiences during their academic journey. Use our Timeline as a guide. And just for you, use our Faith Stories blogs for encouragement on your faith journey as a college parent.

May you be blessed and transition smoothly into this next stage of your family’s life.

We exist to support the mission of Liberty University Training Champions for Christ by sharing information with students’ family members about the resources, programs, and activities available on campus. Our purpose is to build relationships between parents and the university, promote student success, and support parents through the transition of their students being at college – all the while praying for their highest calling in Jesus Christ.

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