Whether your student is away from the home for the first time or has lived away previously, living in residence halls can be an exciting, positive experience.  At the same time, students are likely to encounter some challenges.  There are steps you can take prior to and for the duration of residency to help your student adapt and succeed with on-campus living.  Parents, families, and friends play an important role in promoting their student’s success academically and socially.

Parents and families are welcome visitors to the residence halls. To make your visit easier and to help understand what’s expected of your student, please familiarize yourself with our guest policies before setting out. Throughout the year, parents and families are encouraged to attend special University events with their student. And of course, Cape Girardeau has a number of places to stay and family activities to take part in.

When you aren’t visiting in person, remember how much your student will appreciate hearing from you. Information on mail, packages, and telephone services will help you keep in touch.

We encourage you to keep in touch with your student so that you know what is happening for him or her both in class and out of class, and we will always do our best to help when necessary. Feel free to contact us with questions or concerns. Please understand, however, that we are obligated to respect your student’s privacy and confidentiality. While we won’t be able to share specifics without your student’s written permission, we will be able to share general information about policies and procedures. We will always be able to respond to questions about the University or refer you to someone who knows. Regarding general information about safety and reported crime in and around the University, you and your student have access to information prepared by the University's Department of Public Safety.

Residence hall living is a very valuable experience for all students, and we are here to help your student grow and develop personally, socially, and academically.  Call your student's Hall Director or the Office of Residence Life with any questions or concerns.  We hear from concerned parents all of the time - it's a great part of our work when we talk with parents, families, and friends who care about their student.

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