Preparing to Launch your College Student
You’ve made it through the college admissions process and your child is excited to leave for college. What practical things should you do to prepare other than the big dorm shopping trip?
Access to health information - Once your child is 18 you will no longer have access to information about their health unless your child files certain forms. Consult an attorney to be sure you have the correct forms for the state you are in and the state your child is going to college. Make sure you have records of these forms on your smart phone in the event of an emergency.
HIPPA Authorization form - Student signs this to give permission to health professionals to disclose health information to designated parties that they specify. This information can be limited and is not all encompassing.
Medical Power of Attorney – This gives you authorization to make medical decisions on your child’s behalf in the event that they cannot make their own decisions regarding their care.
School specific forms – Check with the school that your child is attending to be sure any related forms are completed prior to your child starting.
Access to academic records at the college – Once your child is 18 you can no longer access their academic records even if you are paying the tuition bill. In order to give you access your child needs to complete the following Waiver of Ferpa form.
Durable Power of Attorney – this document would allow you to take care of any business on behalf of your child in the event that he is not able to do so (file taxes, lease issues, etc.)
Insurance - Line up insurance to cover their possessions while in college. Consider tuition insurance.
Establish Emergency Contacts
Family friend or personal contact in city where student is attending school who can serve as a personal support as needed particularly in an emergency.
Name/Phone Number of Resident Advisor.
Name/Phone Number of Roommate(s) & parents.
Ensure Student knows whom to contact in different types of emergencies.
When to call 911.
When to go to the local emergency room vs. on campus clinic.
Local Pharmacy.