A Special Invitation to Parents and Families

Parent Connection

A successful college experience requires a partnership between the student, the student’s family, and the university. Because this time can be both exciting and challenging for the entire family, we offer a one-day program designed to complement your student’s orientation experience. Whether you are supporting your first college student or your last, we want to provide you with valuable information that will help you support your student’s transition to Northwestern State University.

The Parent Connection program runs concurrently with day one of Freshman Connection, but is a separate program to meet the specific needs of parents and families. Parent Connection will provide you with an overview of the academic and co-curricular resources available to your student at NSU. You will meet professional staff, faculty members, and current students who will share valuable information on college success. Learn where and how to get support for your student, meet other families of NSU students, ask questions, and feel confident in your student’s ability to succeed in college.

Kid Konnection

Kid Konnection is designed exclusively for siblings (ages 5 – 12) of new NSU students to help them learn more about their big brother or sister’s new home. Activities include arts and crafts, a campus tour, and meeting Vic the Demon. Participants will receive lunch, an afternoon snack, and fun NSU stuff. In order for a sibling to participate in Kid Konnection, they must have a parent/guardian attending Parent Connection.

Parent Connection is open to all parents/guardians, however, lunch is on your own. We invite you to join us at Iberville Dining Hall, where tickets can be purchased for $8 at the door.

Kid Konnection is limited to siblings ages 5 – 12.

Pre-registration for Parent Connection and Kid Konnection is encouraged. Students can pre-register family members for Parent Connection and Kid Konnection through the orientation registration system in their myStatus portal.

Planning Ahead – Here are a few things you can do to expedite the check-in process and ensure both you and your student have a positive orientation experience:

  • Have your student fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  The priority target date for incoming freshmen is May 1. Students should submit the FAFSA as soon as possible to ensure timely disbursal of financial aid.  Your student can complete the FAFSA at fafsa.gov.
  • Make sure your student completes the housing application.  Questions about housing options can be directed to:  nsuleasing@campushousing.com; or by calling, 318-214-5400.  For more information visit, nsula.edu/campushousing
  • Make sure ALL admissions documents have been submitted:
    • Immunization Waiver Form or Immunization Compliance Form
    • ACT/SAT/ACCUPLACER SCORES. The myStatus will show the test date for the scores NSU currently has on file.
    • Cross Enrollment Agreement Forms (if required).   The myStatus will indicate if this document is required for your student and if it has been received.
    • Official college transcripts (for all dual enrollment courses).  Students taking dual enrollment courses at Northwestern State University are not required to submit a transcript.
    • Have your student complete the Student Information Release Authorization Form.  If your student would like you, or another individual, to have access to view and discuss their student records, they must sign the Student Information Release Authorization Form.  This applies to academic information, student accounting information, financial aid, and medical records.
    • Talk to your student about their fall schedule.  While at Freshman Connection, your student will meet with an academic advisor to register for classes.  Parents/guardians will not attend the academic advising and registration sessions during orientation.  Now is the time to discuss career goals, academic expectations, schedule preferences, and course options.  Access the University Catalog to learn more about your students declared major.
    • Book your overnight accommodations.  Overnight housing is provided for students attending the two-day Freshman Connection programs. If your student selected the early arrival option, they must be prepared to pay the $22 early arrival fee at the time of check-in.   Family members or guests attending Parent Connection are responsible for all meals and off-campus accommodations: Natchitoches Hotels & Lodging
    • Send an important message to your student that you are supportive in their decision to attend Northwestern State University and want to be involved!

For questions regarding Freshman Connection or Parent and Family Programs email freshmanconnection@nsula.edu or call (318) 357-5559.