Student Engagement
Commuter Parents
There is a lot that comes with being a commuter student. Your student is trying to find themselves and where they fit in academically. They are making connections with other students and trying to stay involved while living off-campus. Student Engagement is devoted to making your student’s college experience the best it can be. Like all students, commuter students should enjoy a full and gratifying college experience.
So, how can you help as a parent?
- If your student will be a new Freshman next fall, attend parent orientation for your student. They will see value and feel supported by you, and you will learn about many opportunities available to your student.
- If your student is a current student at Tech, encourage them to join the Off-Campus and Commuter Student Network.
- Encourage your student to be involved with campus activities. Being involved in things on campus outside of the classroom will help them feel more connected to their peers, find mentors and advisors, and feel a sense of belonging within the campus community.
- While your student may still live at home it is important for them to make connections with other students. Don’t be discouraged if they are hanging out with their friends instead of being at home. You will continue to be a large part of your student’s life, but it is important to help them take this time to grow into responsible adults.
- Stay connected with your student by showing interest in their academics and activities. Let them know about opportunities that you learn of through the Parent and Family Association or Tennessee Tech social media. Students have a lot of information to keep up with, and you may be able to help them learn about opportunities and feel confident in pursuing them.
Frequently Asked Questions
- » What if my student is on campus late and does not feel safe walking to their car?
University Police are here on campus 365 days a year, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Students can call 931-382-3234 to request an escort to their car. Students should also report any behavior that they find out of the ordinary at 931-372-3234. For crimes in progress and in emergency situations, please call 9-1-1 or utilize one of the emergency phones stationed on campus.
- » What if my student locks their keys in their car?
Call on-campus security at 931-372-3234.
- » Where do I park when I come to campus?
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Any person who is not a current faculty, staff or student may obtain a visitor permit. Visitor permits allow guests to park in any visitor space or purple zone on campus. Visitors may obtain a visitor permit through the parking portal or directly from the Parking & Transportation Services office in the Roaden University Center. If coming to the office to obtain a permit, please be sure to have your license plate number readily available.
After 4:30pm a parking pass is not required to park on campus.
- » What are my rights as a parent about knowledge of my student?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.
FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children's education records. These rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level. Students to whom the rights have transferred are "eligible students."
