F&Mily Guide to Supporting Your Student in College

College is exciting and challenging for students and their families. Learn more about how you can support your student as they navigate their journey through college.

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Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. Learn more about FERPA and review our FAQ below.

What is considered an educational record?

Grades, billing information and disciplinary cases are considered private.

Are there exceptions to FERPA?

The College will contact families in emergencies, certain disciplinary cases that involve alcohol or drugs, or when a student drops out of good disciplinary standing with the College.

Will you talk to us when we call?

You can always call us if you have questions. We can be 100% open about how our processes work. While we can't share details about a student's particular situation, we can share general information. A tip for you is to ask, "If a student were experiencing _____, what could we expect the College's typical response to be?" In most cases, you will get the information you need to help your student.

Can my student give me permission to have access to information?

Yes. Students can grant access to family members, employers, other institutions, or anyone they choose. However, it is always our expectation that students will play the primary role in managing their responsibilities.

 

Academics

 Academic Calendar

 Keep track of upcoming dates on our academic calendar.

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Course Catalog

Explore the fields of study, courses, and curriculum available at F&M.

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Registrar

The Office of the Registrar is responsible for maintaining the academic records of all current and former students and for upholding the academic policy set by the faculty. Find out more about course registration, graduation requirements, and more to help your student stay on track.

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Academic Support Resources

Whether a student is seeking tutoring on a particular topic, wants their paper reviewed for grammar, or is curious to learn effective study habits, there are many options for academic support at F&M.

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Finance & Billing

Tuition, Fees & Billing

Each student is charged, on a semester by semester basis, fees that cover tuition, housing, food, and some College charges for activities and labs. Learn more by viewing the schedule of fees and expenses for this academic year.

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Tuition Payment & eBill

F&M uses an online billing and payment system for student tuition bills, meaning paper tuition bills are not printed and mailed. You may access to view and print the billing statement and make payments online after your student has set up authorized user/proxy access.

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Financial Aid

At F&M, we welcome talented students from all economic backgrounds. We offer a variety of need-based aid and merit aid. We pledge to meet 100 percent of an admitted student’s institutionally determined financial need for all four years on campus.

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Health, Wellness & Safety

Student Wellness Center

A healthcare partnership with Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, the Student Wellness Center is a fully integrated center providing accessible, confidential, high quality medical and mental health services to support the academic and general wellbeing of students.

Health Insurance Information

Health insurance coverage is required for all full-time undergraduate students enrolled at F&M. College policy requires students to maintain health insurance coverage that covers them every day of their higher education career, including summer and breaks. The College’s student health insurance policy is administered by QM Services and runs August 1 to July 31.

The Office of Student Accessibility Services (SAS)

The Office of Student Accessibility Services (SAS) works with students who have disabilities to determine reasonable accommodations and ensure that they have equal access to all aspects of their education. Accommodations may include academic, dining, and housing needs.

Public Safety

F&M’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) is an accredited law-enforcement agency on campus committed to making the F&M community a safe one for living and learning. The team works 24 hours a day to maintain a safe atmosphere for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

DipCares Referral Form

If you’re concerned about a student at F&M, you can make a report through our referral form. The DipCares program allows anyone who is concerned about a student — including F&M employees, family members, roommates, and more — to submit reports. Once a report is received, DipCares will reach out to the student and offer support as deemed appropriate. NOTE: If you are worried about the immediate safety of a student/self, please call 911 or F&M’s Department of Public Safety at 717-358-3939.

Transportation

We offer free on-campus shuttle services to both libraries, several of the residence halls, and various off-campus locations. At the end of the semester, we also offer shuttles services to Baltimore-Washington International Airport and Philadelphia International Airport for a fee.

Getting Involved at F&M

Connect With F&M Parents & Families on Social Media

Meet other proud families of F&M students on this Facebook page just for parents and families. You’ll have opportunities to ask questions, join discussions, and more.

Attend an Event

Parents are encouraged to attend F&M’s diverse event offerings. Opportunities to connect with other members of the F&M community occur year-round, both on campus and in the hometowns of F&M's numerous regional chapters.

Join the Parents Council

The Franklin & Marshall College Parents Council is a group of prominent and influential parents of current Franklin & Marshall students who serve as knowledgeable and generous advocates for the institution. Through service, advocacy, and philanthropy, our Parents Council leaders help advance the mission of Franklin & Marshall, and enhance the living and learning experience for all current and future F&M students.

Become a Volunteer or Mentor

Parents are among F&M's most loyal donors, but they are just as generous with their time. They volunteer to mentor students, come to campus to discuss the challenges and opportunities within their industries, and help us place F&M students in internships and jobs.

Be Our Biggest FAN

Volunteer alumni and parents from around the nation serve as ambassadors for the College as part of the Franklin & Marshall Admission Network (FAN), which builds community among past, present, and future students and parents of F&M and promotes the benefits of an F&M education to prospective students and their parents.

Join F&M’s True Blue Network

Are you interested in hiring a Diplomat as an intern? Or are you open to answering a student’s questions related to your industry? Parents are welcome to become members of the True Blue Network, F&M’s networking site, to help launch an F&M student or graduate into success.

Plan Your Visit to F&M

Planning a trip to F&M? Stay at hotels near campus and grab a bite from one of Lancaster’s more than 100 restaurants, cafes and eateries, featuring food from around the world! Explore our recommendations, including our hotel and bed and breakfast partners that offer a special rate for F&M visitors.

Dine and stay in Lancaster »


Reinstatement from Leaves of Absence

A student who is on any type of leave — whether voluntary or required — must apply for reinstatement before the student is allowed to return to Franklin & Marshall College. 

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Get in Touch With F&M

Do you have any questions? We're happy to help. Feel free to reach out to us at families@fandm.edu or visit our contact page.

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