Parent FAQs
ARE ALL STUDENTS REQUIRED TO ATTEND AN ORIENTATION PROGRAM?
All incoming LSU Shreveport freshman are required to attend a Freshman Orientation session before they can register for classes. Freshman Orientation provides numerous opportunities to help new freshmen adjust to the college experience. Not only do they interact with other new students, but they also get to meet current students, who "know the ropes.” Students receive individualized assistance with class scheduling, get to know where things are on campus, learn about student life on campus and register for the upcoming semester’s classes.
IS THERE AN LSU SHREVEPORT PARENT ORIENTATION OR CAN I ATTEND FRESHMAN ORIENTATION WITH MY STUDENT?
Freshman Orientation is limited to students. However, there is a Parent Orientation designed so that you can learn about the University and assist your student in their transition to college. The program will assist you in understanding the transition issues your student will be experiencing, provide practical suggestions for supporting your student's success, and answer your questions about financial aid, housing, activities, and other resources on campus. It will also allow you to meet your student's Dean, the administrators, and participate in a campus tour.
There will be a Parent Orientation during every Freshman Orientation session.
Check-in is at 8:30 a.m. and Parent Orientation will start at 9 a.m. and lasts until 3:30 p.m. for all Parent Orientations except the April 12th Orientation. On April 12th, check-in will be at 10:30 a.m. and Parent Orientation will start at 11 a.m.
AM I REQUIRED TO ATTEND?
Parent Orientation is optional, however, we do encourage parents to come if possible.
IS THERE A COST TO ATTEND?
There is no cost to attend parent orientation. Since parent orientation includes lunch, refreshments and materials, a reservation is required. Because you must have a reservation to attend, we ask that you submit one registration form for each person attending.
HOW DO I REGISTER?
For registration information, download the Parent Orientation Registration Form, fill it out and return it. The registration form must be received one week before the Parent Orientation you would like to attend. You will receive an email confirmation once your registration form is received and processed.
WHEN ARE THE UPCOMING FRESHMAN AND PARENT ORIENTATION SESSIONS?
- Friday, April 12, 2013 – Students entering Fall 2013 semester
- Tuesday, May 21, 2013 – Students entering Summer 2013 semester
- Friday, June 14, 2013 – Students entering Fall 2013 semester
- Friday, July 12, 2013 – Students entering Fall 2013 semester
- Friday, July 26, 2013 – Students entering Fall 2013 semester
- Tuesday, August 13, 2013 – Students entering Fall 2013 semester
- Tuesday, January 7, 2014 – Students entering Spring 2014 semester
Check-in is at 8:30 a.m. and Parent Orientation will start at 9 a.m. and lasts until 3:30 p.m. for all Parent Orientations except the April 12 Orientation. On April 12, check-in will be at 10:30 a.m. and Parent Orientation will start at 11 a.m.
HOW ARE STUDENTS PLACED IN ENGLISH AND MATH?
Results of the student's ACT or SAT scores determine placement in English and Math courses. ACT and SAT scores are the most objective and accurate measure available to predict a student's performance in college classes, such as English and Math. These scores are carefully reviewed in light of the student's previous educational experience and desired college curriculum. LSU Shreveport can also use Compass test results in place of ACT or SAT scores for placement in Math and English. For more information about the Compass test, contact Continuing Education at (318) 798-4177.
WHAT IS THE COST OF ATTENDING LSUS AS AN UNDERGRADUATE?
The cost of attending LSU Shreveport (tuition and fees) is based upon a number of factors, such as residency status and the number of hours a student is enrolling. A full schedule of fees is found on the LSU Shreveport website at Accounting Services.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT IF MY STUDENT IS ELIGIBLE FOR FINANCIAL AID?
All financial aid decisions are based upon the results of the Federal Application for Free Student Aid (FAFSA). Information regarding this process is available at the LSU Shreveport Financial Aid Office . The FAFSA form is completed on-line. For more information, contact the LSU Shreveport Financial Aid Office (ADM 202, 797-5363) or visit Financial Aid online.
WHAT ASSISTANCE IS THERE FOR STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES?
LSU Shreveport offers a variety of assistance for students with disabilities, whether a learning, physical, psychological, or sensory impairment. The student must contact the Student Development's Director, who coordinates any accommodation on campus. The student will participate in a brief interview, provide documentation of the disabling condition and, if determined eligible for services, assist the Director in developing the most appropriate accommodations. For more information, contact SDCC (ADM 228, 797-5365) or visit Disability Services online.
WHO CAN GIVE ME INFORMATION ABOUT MY STUDENT’S PROGRESS OR GRADES?
Only your student can provide you with this information. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA, also known as the Buckley Amendment) is a federal law that provides guidelines for educational institutions regarding protection and release of student education record information. This law states that the right to inspect an educational record is limited solely to the student; parents have no inherent rights to inspect the educational record.
