September is right around the corner.
Attending orientation to learn about the finer details of life on a campus, negotiating off-campus housing for older college students, and calculating the financing of the remaining balance are all top of mind for new and returning college-bound students. But there is more!
Protecting your college student, new or returning, and your family is critical. Please take a minute to consider some essential steps to make their (your) academic year successful and safe.
What’s the big deal? It’s all about reaching the ripe old age of eighteen. A milestone in their lives and a new designation in the eyes of colleges and universities, as well as the legal and medical world. They are now adults.
Our children will always remain young at heart, but when they turn 18, the rules change. An eighteen-year-old becomes responsible for themselves, including their medical care, status as a citizen to vote, legal and law enforcement actions, and other consumer actions. As adults on campuses, traveling to and from, and beginning to live independently, it is critical to have the proper documents and agreements in place to support and protect your college-age student and family.
Life on Campus
Here is a summary of the essential documents and areas to help protect your student and family:
- FERPA Agreement – signed by the student and parent(s) annually; the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), is an agreement that permits school administrators to speak with parent(s) about academics, housing, financial, campus life, infractions (public safety), and more. .
- The HIPAA Authorization Form allows a physician to speak with a parent regarding the medical needs and condition of an individual eighteen years or older. Having a HIPAA Form (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) in place can assist a college student when seeking medical attention. It is recommended that the jointly signed document (parent(s), legal guardian, and student) be kept on a student’s smart device.
- Health Care Proxy, also known as a Healthcare Power of Attorney – it allows the designated individuals (parent or guardian) to act on behalf of the student to make health care decisions on their behalf if unable to make or communicate those decisions. Check your specific state guidelines
- General Durable Power of Attorney—The designated person can act on behalf of a student and assist in managing financial needs, paying bills, and handling business-related matters.
- Living Will—for students who have assets, are part of a family trust, or have other investments.
- Tuition Insurance—protects your investment when your student can not complete a semester due to injury, illness, or an unforeseen reason. Typically schools do not issue refunds after thirty days once a semester begins. Many have stricter guidelines. Note: Plans do not cover early separation, withdrawal due to academics.
PLUS
- Immunization records must be current, including all vaccinations. For many higher education institutions, this now includes COVID-19 for the Fall. Check with the college to determine if they have a specific form that a student’s primary care doctor must complete before arriving on campus. Medical records take time; don’t wait.
- When students are attending school outside their family’s health care insurance network, it is important to determine upfront if there are in-network providers covered through the insurance carrier; medical, dental, ER. Added protection from service like Aflac can bring peace of mind and financial support, especially for Division III student-athletes.
- Having a valid US passport is vital for students who plan to attend college outside of the US (full-time or study abroad). With the current reported backlog, students should plan accordingly to apply for a new or renewing document.
- Students bring lots of items, some of which are valuable, which can potentially be misplaced, lost, or stolen. Smart devices, laptops, and other technology can be a huge temptation, so parents should check their coverage through their homeowners insurance policy.
- If a car is going on campus (commuting or dorm student), parents should check coverage including personal injury, and property liability. .
- Personal safety, self-defense, and situation awareness are paramount on a college campus. Learn 10 School Safety Tips every student, high school or college-age, should know. Encourage your college students to be vigilant and remember to say something if they see something!
Individuals who are part of the Sandwich Generation and caregivers for their parents may be very familiar with some of these documents, but they often miss executing them for college students. Consult with your Family Law, Estate Planner, and insurance agent to add peace of mind to your lives. Don’t have one, call me.
There is no denying it, annually, many college students consume an excessive amount of alcohol, resulting in visits to the ER to have their stomachs pumped or worse. The temptation is enormous, and pressure can outweigh wise choices even for the most mature. Have that frank conversation about drinking, drugs, and making wise social decisions. Their choices are the key to a successful college career.
Sending a young mind off to college can be like opening the barn door and letting the horses run free. Help your college-age student understand the need to be their advocate and make wise and safe choices. Schedule a time for regular check-in, texting, or calling. Listen for changes in behavior and energy levels. Don’t helicopter, but don’t leave issues sleeping until a semester break or the end of the year.
As the dad of four college graduates, I encourage all parents to prepare the documents and resources before students and the family need them.
For more information on these and other college planning needs or to connect with a medical, legal, insurance, or safety professional, call me at 617-240-7350.