Families of new students
As the parents, guardians and families of new students, you are invited to attend both:
- your student's orientation, and
- a separate orientation session especially designed for you,
where you'll learn valuable information to help your student
succeed at Century College.
No reservations are needed.
Family orientation
The family orientation will:
- introduce you to the Century College campus
- provide an overview of student and college services
- advise you on how to support your student
- provide a guided tour of the Century College campus
- include a question and answer session with the orientation staff and student ambassadors
Helping your student succeed
Recommended Books
We recommend the following books to help ensure your student's success:
- A Guide for Families of Commuter Students: Supporting your Student’s Success by Cathie Hatch and Tracy Skipper
- An Educated Choice: Advice for Parents of College Bound Students by Frank A. Brock
- A New Beginning: A Survival Guide for Parents of College Freshmen by Kaye McGarry
- You're on Your Own (But I'm Here if You Need Me): Mentoring Your Child During the College Years by Marjorie Savage
Make a Campus Connection
- Encourage your student to get involved on campus by participating in Welcome Week activities, Student Success Day, and one of the many student clubs!
Frequently asked questions
How many credits are required to keep my son or daughter on my insurance policy?
Most insurance companies require students to maintain full-time status, or 12 credits, to remain on their parents' policy. However, an insurance company may be willing to accommodate a part-time load during a particular semester, due to extenuating circumstances.
Will I have access to my student's records?
Students enrolled at Century College (including those in the Post Secondary Enrollment Options program), are considered an adult and all college records are private.
This is according to the Data Privacy Act in compliance with the Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). A student may authorize you to have access to their records. Please contact Century's Records Office for more information.
How many credits can my student realistically handle?
You should not assume that all students must take 12 credits each semester. When registering for courses, students should consider high school performance, assessment test results, and outside commitments (work, family, community involvements).
How long does it take to finish a degree?
The highest degree Century College awards is an associate’s degree, sometimes referred to as a ‘two-year degree’, which can be misleading for the following reasons:
- It is possible to finish a degree in two years by taking 16 credits each semester (not including summer) and starting out in college level courses.
However, if a student is taking skills-building courses or fewer credits, it will take longer to finish a degree. Summer session can be an opportunity to make up some time.
- Certain programs have special application requirements and deadlines that must be met and often they fill early.
Will an academic counselor be assigned to my student?
Students are not pre-assigned an advisor, but can meet instead with a counselor of their choice throughout their time at Century by contacting the Career and Counseling Center. It is also important for students to make connections with their faculty by talking with them during open office hours.
Ask Century
Visit Ask Century or call 651-779-3315 if you have additional questions about the New Student Orientation program.