Parents
We know you've worked so hard to support your student in becoming an LU Cardinal. Parents and families are highly valued members of Lamar University. You play an important role in assisting your student, from offering help with applications, volunteering your time, financially supporting college programming or simply encouraging them to persevere.
Because parents are an integral part of the admissions process, we want to keep you updated with all the latest LU information. Join our Cardinal Parent and Family Portal to stay up to date with the latest LU news! This is a free resource available to all parents and family members of incoming and current cardinals.
The Lamar University Parents Association is here to enhance communication between the University and families of Lamar students. If you're a parent or a family member of a LU student, you're already a member!
Support for Parents
Health and Safety
- Student Health Center
Free and low-cost medical services - University Police
Certified Texas peace officers patrol campus, enforce local, state and federal laws; and investigate violations. Officers are assigned regular shifts to monitor university housing and adjacent parking lots. - Shuttle Service
In the evenings, a free shuttle service provides transportation for around campus. - Security Cameras
New security cameras and emergency phones placed at strategic locations across campus provide more protection.
Life Outside the Classroom
Academic Support
Lamar University offers several programs to help students achieve their full academic potential whether they need extra help or extra challenges.
- Academic Programs
- Advising
All freshmen and new transfer students are required to meet with an academic advisor before registering for classes, and many departments require advising for all majors each semester. - Financial Aid
- Bookstore
- Registering for Classes
- Tutoring
Along with free tutoring, the office of Student Tutoring and Retention Services offers workshops on topics such as study skills, test preparationand time management. - Honors Program
Honors students may enroll in enriched core curriculum classes, participate in interdisciplinary seminars, pursue independent study and initiate enhanced projects in classes to match their interests. Honors students have access to specialized scholarships and peer mentoring. - Academic Calendar
- Career Counseling
- Commencement
- International Student Services
Adjusting to College Life
You can help your student make the transition to college life by striking the right balance between providing support and fostering independence.
Discuss both financial plans and academic expectations. Encourage your student to make responsible decisions about alcohol and other lifestyle choices.
You can help by recognizing that your student is an adult who still needs a coach but not a rescuer. Listen and offer encouragement while urging your student to take advantage of resources on campus and to solve his or her own problems.
You should be aware that a federal law, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), protects the privacy of student educational records and may restrict your access to certain information, including grades.