Being the parent or a family member of an FGLI student is a very unique experience, so we hope that the tips below are useful in navigating your student throughout their college years.

In terms of finances:
Become well-acquainted with FAFSA and the CSS Profile so that you are able to best support your child whenever it comes time for those forms to be filled out annually:

  • Make sure that when they approach you with any questions, you are able to patiently answer them to the best of your abilities.
  • Visit CSS Profile and Student Aid in advance to learn about applying for financial aid.
  • Remember to be vigilant of any deadlines and proactively prepare any supplemental documents you may need to fill out the applications.

Getting as acquainted as possible with the Financial Aid office:

  • If you have any questions about your child’s financial aid reward, make phone/Zoom meetings with their financial aid officer 
  • Move-in day is an opportune time to set up a meeting with the Financial Aid Office
  • Check if your child’s bank offers financial literacy courses for college students
In terms of emotional support:
  • Be a consistent, positive, and supportive force for your FGLI student 
  • Encourage your child to be open with you regarding their hardships in college and let them know that you are not there to condemn them for the trials they may face while in college
  • Do not put strenuous amounts of pressure on your child- the prospect of being the first person of one’s family to graduate from college is a difficult burden to carry
  • Acknowledge that the first year at college may be quite a difficult one, considering that it will be a new experience for both you and your child
  • Send care packages! Send packages with:
    • Food supplies
    • Toiletries
    • Cleaning supplies
    • School supplies/stationary
In terms of helping your student access various resources on campus:
  • Encourage your student:
    • to use on-campus counseling services
    • to join student organizations once on campus so that they are able to form a community while at school
    • to apply/interview for programs supported by financial aid/Experience Vanderbilt during breaks
      • These programs are great because they are usually service opportunities, they allow students to create stronger bonds with other students, and they further supplement their resume
      • Such programs include Alternative Spring Break, Alternative Winter Break, internships, and more!
    • Help your student seek out internships, Work-Study and non-Work-Study employment opportunities, and service opportunities
    • HireADore is a great resource to find a plethora of on-campus opportunities for students
In terms of finding community as the family member of a FGLI student:
  • Search for and join Facebook groups where you can find common ground with parents of other FGLI students and share common experiences/information for navigating the college experience.
  • For example, group members are able to:
    • Exchange resources on locating scholarships/grants (often specific for certain majors, demographics, and socioeconomic statuses) 
    • Find helpful information about renting/purchasing more affordable textbooks
    • Converse about the most optimal options for student loans 
  • Meet and interact with other FGLI parents/family members at FGLI-targeted programming during freshman orientation
  • Attend parent events in your area and make connections with fellow parents of FGLI students