Questions to Ask About Services

Know What is Available

Colleges and universities provide services to help support and ensure the success of its students.  HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation include numerous references to the services provided by colleges and universities:

Criterion 3: Teaching And Learning for Student Success

The institution demonstrates responsibility for the quality of its educational programs, learning environments and support services, and it evaluates their effectiveness in fulfilling its mission. The rigor and quality of each educational program is consistent regardless of modality, location or other differentiating factors.

3.C. The institution has the faculty and staff needed for effective, high-quality programs and student services.

Whether it is housing, transportation, academic, financial, life and support, or employment and career services, selecting the right education journey for you should include awareness of the services available at your college or university.What is the cost of attending college?

Accommodations

  • What accommodations are available for me as a student?
  • What do I need to do in advance to assure my needs are met?
  • If I am in college, how do I protect my rights for accommodations?

Laws are written to protect students for a variety of needs and rights. It is important to discuss any accommodations you may need prior to attending a college.

Sources and Information

Housing and Transportation

Questions to Ask

  1. What are options for student housing? On campus? Off campus? Dorms or apartments? Singles or doubles? Are their age restrictions by housing type?
  2. How many years would I be required to live on campus?
  3. Are there learning communities in any dorms?
  4. Is there parking on campus? What is the cost? How near is the parking to classes, offices, and recreational programs?
  5. What transportation options are available to get to and from a campus? 
  6. Is there transportation on campus to get to and from different buildings? 

For residential students, will I be able to select my own room and if not, roommate?

Many residential institutions require first-year students to live on campus for the first year or two.

Are the dorms closed during vacations and holidays?

This can be especially important for international students who will not be able to find accommodations during those times.

Do fraternities and sororities count as “on campus” to meet any residential requirements, and if so when will it be an available option?

Some institutions require students to live in dorms first.

Life and Support Services

How do I find the institution right for me?

Learn about a college or university’s culture. Explore the questions posed by the New York Times.

Be sure to look into your interests.  Ask: What organizations or clubs at the college or universities might fit my interests?

What types of services are available to support me (academic advising, mental health counseling, food bank, housing, childcare, tutoring, career services)?

Check to see what is available, the hours they are offered and if there are additional charges.  Many institutions offer free options to help students be successful.  Your success at a particular college or university may depend upon the services and support offered and how easy it is to access that support.

Is there access to practices, like first year seminars, e-portfolios, capstone courses, student research opportunities, and study abroad?

Research shows that colleges and universities that provide students with opportunities to engage in practices that have a high impact on learning promote greater student success. The Association of American Colleges and Universities has promoted this research and these practices.

Sources and Information:

What opportunities for student voice in the governing of the institution are available, i.e., student governance?

Academic culture often reflects the value of considering multiple perspectives including that of students themselves, often in service to the goal of preparing students to be informed citizens in a vibrant democracy. If you have an interest in the overall governance of your college or university, it will be important to ask questions about these opportunities for offering your voice.

Sources and Information:

How do I find out if I can participate in athletics?

By expressing interest in competing on some of the teams, coaches may contact you to explain the athletic programs and opportunities.  Make sure to find out how you can still complete your studies and compete.  Many institutions offer additional support services to make sure athletes maintain good grades.

How will my rights as a student be considered and upheld? Where do I go and what do I do if I believe they have not been?

Colleges and universities must provide students with the ability to bring grievances or complaints to the administration to be addressed. Ask your institution about the processes for addressing issues of student rights. Information is usually posted in the Student Catalog/Handbook.

How will the school communicate with me in emergency situations like extreme weather, active shooter, security breaches, etc.?

The ability of an institution to communicate with students and to act quickly in an emergency is vital and can literally save lives in these increasingly more common situations.

In addition, colleges and universities are obligated to publish an Annual Security Report because of the Clery Act.


Employment and Career Services

Check to see if there are classes or offices (like Career Services) that can help you and find out what options are available. Also, inquire how the faculty can support your goals.

  • Is there a career planning and employment office available?
  • Will the office help me find a job while I am taking classes?
  • Does the college offer work study opportunities for students?
  • What opportunities are there for me to learn some skills through the program through employers in my industry like internships, apprenticeships, or clinical training? When can students begin participating in these activities, if they are available?  Are there paid possibilities?
  • How does the career office or other support service areas help students find a job when they complete the program?
  • What internships and apprenticeships are available?
  • How will the institution help me to build a resume and prepare for job interviews?
  • How will the institution help me to find a job so I can use the degree or other credential that I earn?
  • Does the institution offer career fairs when employers visit the campus to meet with students?
  • Is there a website with job openings that you can check?
  • What percentage of students obtain jobs through the office when they complete the program?
  • Will I be positioned to get a job when I graduate with a salary to pay back my student loans?

Sources and Information

Buyer Beware: Your education is a large investment, so it is important to have a sense of what jobs are available for graduates, and whether those jobs will come with salaries sufficient to pay back student loans. Many factors impact the answers to this question, including the level of skills and competencies you will take responsibility for gaining. Facts about the job market and entry level salaries associated with specific degree programs are available, however, many institutions will disclose job attainment information on their website under “consumer information” or “student right to know.” Contact the career services office or other related services at the institution for more information.

Questions?

[email protected]