USU Parent & Family Program
At Utah State University, we’re committed to every student’s success—and we recognize that parents and family members are a vital part of that journey. The USU Parent & Family Program provides the resources and support you need to help your student thrive at every stage of their academic career.
Parent & Family Big Questions
No matter what stage of the journey you and your student are on, it’s natural to have questions, like:
- How can a university education translate into success for my student?
- How can I intentionally engage in ways to help my student be successful?
- How should my student and I take advantage of resources available?
You can find the answers to all this and more in this handbook or via our online resources.
Parent & Family Outcomes
- To empower parents and families to navigate this new part of their student’s life.
- To understand the structure and mission of the university.
- To assist parents in helping their student to become a learner.
- To learn best practices and behaviors to support their student.
- To discover the resources that are available for parents to help their student succeed.
- To help parents become a part of the Aggie Family.
Table of Contents
A Breakdown of USU's Resources
Student Services
- What is Connections?
- Affordability
- Student Money Management Center
- FERPA
- Student Involvement
- USU ID
- Career Design Center
- Campus Map
- Academics
- Additional Academic Support
- USU Libraries
- Disability Resource Center
- Housing and Resident Life
- Student Health Services
- Counseling & Prevention Services (CAPS)
- Suicide Prevention and Wellness Resources
- Public Safety
- Sexual Misconduct
- Campus Store
- Academic Calendar
USU Alumni Association
Aggie Network - Connecting Students With Mentors
A free online service from the USU Alumni Association, the Aggie Network puts students in touch with USU alumni, faculty, staff and other professionals eager to help them expand their networks. Students can learn about job and internship opportunities and seek career advice from a community of fellow Aggies.
Ride with Aggie Pride
With an Aggie license plate, Utah residents can show their Aggie pride every time they drive. The $25 fee directly supports student scholarships.
Get Social
Connect with us on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter) and Instagram to stay up to date on what’s happening around the university, like the latest info on upcoming alumni events and travel opportunities. Follow along @UtahStateAlumni.
Advice For Aggie Parents & Families
Some basic facts parents should know
- Financial difficulties are the number one reason students drop out, according to self-reported data.
- Nationally, less than 60% of students who begin a 4-year degree complete it within 6 years.
- Students who feel a connection to campus and engage with co- and extra-curricular activities are more likely to graduate.
Encourage students to do the following
- Enroll in USU 1010: University Connections
- Meet with an advisor
- Complete the FAFSA each fall, even if they don't think they are Pell-eligible. (Most scholarships requrie a completed FAFSA)
- Visit USU Scholarships each December to find and apply for scholarships.
- Get involved with co- and extra-curricular activities, including clubs, intramural sports, research with faculty, leadership, etc.
- Create a 4-year financial plan
What USU is doing to help students graduate
- The University Catalog has suggested 4-year plans for each major (see the USU Catalog)
- USU ABLE helps students do more than just survive. This includes a media library full of stories of persistence.
- USU has a variety of resources found in this guidebook. Student fees help pay for these services, so students should use them.
- For more tips on helping your student succeed at every stage in their college career, visit USU Parent Tips.