Florida Atlantic University 777 Glades Road Boca Raton, FL 33431   Congratulations! If you are on this page, you have or are an FAU student. Read on to find out the inside scoop. Pass on these great tips, tell your friends and like us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Find out more about how to use HaveUHeard as a great resource. Sign up for other great tips at haveuheard.com.

Career Fairs can be daunting. The thought of choosing a career can be daunting, however with a little guidance and a visit to a career fair, the path can become clear. Throughout the Spring and Fall semesters, FAU holds several career fairs. These fairs can be generalized or are split up into different fields, for example, there are fairs for nursing, education, and other various degree programs. FAU also holds fairs for students looking for part-time work and internships. At the urging of my advisor, I went to my first fair during the fall semester of my sophomore year. Some of my sorority sisters joined me as we all wanted to check it out. We made the trek over to the rec center in our best business casual completely unaware of what to expect. We split up as we began to walk around because there were just so many different employers and […]

The Next Step is Living Off-Campus Just a few months after getting your students settled into their dorm, they will start to bring up where they want to live next year. By December, they are ready to sign a lease. It is hard to imagine making a decision so early, however; the demand for living in certain areas is driving the need to sign early. You will hear them mention specific apartments yet all you want to know is the rent amount, is the area safe, how much it costs to rent an apartment. There will be questions you may not have thought to ask and how to keep it economical. By far, the most popular and luxurious group of student apartments are found about a mile away from campus. If you or your student needs some help getting started, FAU does provide some assistance. Your student can log in and find information […]

The Supply is Greater Than the Demand. Here’s How to Sublease HaveUHeard that when a student moves into an off-campus apartment they generally sign a lease for twelve months? (it is actually a 10-month lease that apartments prorated so it gets paid over 12 months).  So how to sublease? A sublet is a legally binding contract between you and the subtenant which allows them to live in your apartment for a specific period of time. Of course, they are responsible for paying rent for that period of time. In order to sublet you must first check local laws. The right to sublet could be written in the lease or perhaps in the state law depending on where you are located. So, for Florida, the lease must say somewhere that you are prohibited to sublease. If there is nothing that states that, you are able to sublet your apartment according to Florida state […]

Learn About Your Options. What better way to learn about a prospective field or career than to do an internship? Obviously, I am a big believer in internships. I did my first internship while at FAU at a law office in West Palm Beach.  It was an amazing experience and I truly believed it helped me to get my first job out of college. Internships allow students to learn, but it also helps them decide if that is actually the career for them. They help them figure out, while still in school, whether the career they envisioned for themselves all along may (or may not) be just what they wanted? The question is how to find one. I’m not going to lie….if you know someone, now might be the time to put the word out there that your student is looking. My oldest daughter got her first internship at Walgreens because a […]

How to Have Your Vote Count While at College When it comes to voting, your vote counts! Voting is important so we want you to be prepared when election day rolls around, here is how to register. Absentee ballots are easy, any Florida resident has the ability to apply for one and vote by mail. This is conducted before election day, and you may return the ballot either by mail or in person. This way of voting should be used when you are unable to be present at the polls. You can register to vote through the FAU website if you are not already registered. FAU is part of the Voter Friendly Campus designation. FAU’s website ensures students have a better understanding of the voting process so you can make an informed decision when it comes time to cast your vote! The website helps with voter registration, voter education, voter turnout. In […]

Many Places to Grab Money, Banks Galore! Leaving for college comes with so many new things, but handling their own money can be one of the scariest. Learning about Banks is very key. We have all kinds of suggestions regarding Working While in College, Budgeting 101 even the Best Credit Cards for College Students, but this blog is all about banking. I, personally, find it best to have an account for my daughter at the same bank as mine. It makes it easy to slide money over whenever I need to. FAU’s banking partner is PNC bank. They have an office on campus and several locations in South Florida and across 20 states. There are many ATMs on campus such as the lobby of the Student Support Services Building, the lobby of the Administration Building, Breezeway Food Court and several branches nearby.  They also offer a Virtual Wallet option which allows you […]

Graduation Already. Time Flies. **This is an unusual and unprecedented Spring (2020) and the situation and circumstances continue to evolve daily. Please start all your planning for any event this Spring by first checking here for the updates directly from FAU** Graduation is around the corner. Remember how when our kids were little we couldn’t envision them leaving us and going off to college? Now, if you are like me, you can’t believe how quickly the time went. It continues to rush by and before you know it, college graduation will be here. Allow ample time to make those hotel reservations. Similar to football and Parent weekends, graduation weekend hotels are at a premium if you want to stay close to campus. Some people book them a year out in order to get the hotel they want. I literally booked my room a solid year before my daughter graduated. Being in Boca […]

More Dinner Restaurants Than You Can Count! Boca Raton is home to literally hundreds of dining options from fast food to fast-casual, from family-style to fine dining. You will find your burgers, pizza, Mexican, Chinese, barbecue, sushi, salads, Mediterranean, a restaurant for every palate, and every price point. When coming to Boca Raton to visit your student or tour the campus with a prospective student, what restaurants are must-visit for dinner? Below we give you a breakdown of some of our favorites. Dining in Boca Raton, especially on weekends and during the months of November through April, are extremely crowded. Some of the restaurants take reservations either through their own website or on websites such as TripAdvisor, Yelp or Open Table. Dinner… 2 Georges at the Cove: SE 3rd Ct. Dockside, an outdoor restaurant with a large selection of local seafood. A typical night includes great views of the intercostal and live […]

Get ready for the big game with these attire tips! The best feeling for any college student, particularly if you’re an Owl, is waking up knowing it’s game day! There is so much preparation that goes into game days: where to tailgate, who to squad up with, and what to wear. Showing up to tailgates and games is more than just rocking your school colors, it is showing your spirit and how much you love your school. It almost feels like a school-wide competition: who can get the most spirited? With this list, you’ll be sure to place in first! It is important that whenever you are shopping for game day attire, you strictly look for your school colors. You don’t want to stick out like a sore thumb wearing the one color that doesn’t match with everyone else. As Game Day gets closer, FAU will announce what colors students are expected […]

A Guide to FAU FAU Stadium for Football Seats Everyone should get to at least one Owl football game. Or, perhaps you want to get season tickets. In the past few years, Owl games have proven to be pretty exciting. One of the keys to making it great, however; is knowing where to sit. For instance, the blazing sun can make a big difference in the fun factor of a game. Here are some thoughts about the best seats for football games. Premium seating options: All great options if you want shade, however, they are more expensive than regular seating. These are some of the best seats to watch the football game and beat the heat as well. Suites: includes 20 tickets, 6 reserved parking passes (which is always a plus to have at FAU), ability to build your own menu with food and alcohol so you never get hungry while watching […]

Who Should You Call When You Need Answers? The important contact info you need to have. Over the years there have been only a few times that I, as a parent, have felt the need to call the campus to resolve an issue. Generally, I try to get my kids to handle it themselves. However, knowing where to call for whatever the issue can be daunting. For instance, trying to decipher how rush works or even having financial aid issues.  Be aware though that, unless your student has given you permission to call or is sitting with you, some departments won’t speak to you, the parent. Check out our blog What You Should Do Before Leaving For FAU to download different legal documents.  These documents give parents’ permission in different medical and legal scenarios. President of FAU: John W. Kelly, Ph.D.  His office is located at Florida Atlantic University Administration Bldg., Room […]

Events and Important Dates for FAU. [**This is an unusual and unprecedented Spring (2020) and the situation and circumstances continue to evolve daily. Please start all your planning for any event this Spring by first checking here for the updates directly from FAU**] Here is where you can find a calendar list of events and important dates for students and parents of the Florida Atlantic University.  We can’t list everything so here is the official FAU Calendar of events. If it is sports you want, check out all the athletic calendars here. 2020 Calendar September 2020 September 19 – Owls vs. Georgia Southern (at Georgia Southern) football, 4 pm September 26 – Owls vs. University of South Florida football, home at 6 pm September 30, 2020 – FAU Fall Career Fair– Virtual- 10 am – 4  pm October 2020 October 3, 2020 – Owls vs. Charlotte football, home at 6 pm October 10, […]

What 529 Pays When you decide to have kids, your first thought is not how am I going to pay for college, but it might be your second. I made a decision when they were about 5 to buy a Prepaid Florida Tuition Plan which is one type of plan, locking in a Florida college. The 529 Savings Plans, or what is also known as a Qualified Tuition Plan (QTP), is a saving was fairly new and I chose not to invest in a 529 savings plan. I wish I had not overlooked this type of tuition plan or had asked their grandparents to invest in a 529 Savings plan, as opposed to gifting them money for birthdays and holidays. Since 1996, 529 plans are a way of saving for college for your student. If you had such a qualified tuition plan or a relative set one up for you, then you […]

It’s nice to get a little lift because you care. Why wait for midterms or finals to send a little something to your student? They may not admit it, but your student probably misses some of the touches of home life, even if their new-found independence trumps a home-cooked meal. When all-nighter study rituals begin, you may not hear from them much. And sometimes you just know they are stressed, which makes your level of stress go up as well. There are many options for making your own to going online and having the whole thing packaged and shipped for you (which is nice too). A great parting gift that you can leave in their room or send as a package is this package of Open When College Pack envelopes. We suggest filling them with either a message, picture, or gift cards purchased in advance but we love the messages. When you […]

Because Grad School Housing Needs are Different For students heading to Grad School, finding an apartment if they are going to a different university entails completely different criteria. My niece and our interns all recently switched universities from where they went for undergrad. Grad School housing comes with its own unique challenges. With expensive tuition and long study sessions, the last thing they need to worry about is finding an apartment near FAU. If you will be attending FAU for graduate school, you probably want to know your options as far as living arrangements go. Graduate school consumes a lot of time and money, so you want to make sure you’re living in the right place.FAU does offer Innovation Village Apartments as well as University Village for graduate students, both of which are on-campus housing. If you’re looking for a place that’s right on campus, one of these would be a great […]

Hotels, A Nice Place to Stay. Boca Raton is not only a college town but also a vacation destination for families looking to hit the beach and indulge in some of the luxurious offerings available around town. Boca Raton has a vast selection of hotel options; all in varying price ranges and distances from the Florida Atlantic University campus. There are a few different things to consider when booking a hotel to visit your student. Some may want a suite, free breakfast, close proximity to campus, or perhaps a hotel with a beach view. Some parents may want to bring the family dog along for the visit. And some may want to make a full vacation out of the trip and opt to stay in Delray Beach or Ft. Lauderdale. Whatever your personal preference may be, there is an option to suit your needs. Loyalty When it came time for my husband […]

How to Get an Advisor Appointment If you’re looking for advice, then you’re looking for one of the most popular locations on campus, the Office of Advising Services at FAU.  It is essential to have a strong relationship with your advisor to ensure that you do not miss any requirements for your major and graduate in four years. While it may be difficult to get an appointment at busy times of year (the busiest times are the beginning and end of the semester), FAU offers several options to meet with an advisor. As an incoming freshman, the advice is key and every student will meet with an academic advisor to select their courses for the following semester during their orientation. These advisors will be located in the University Advising Services Building. (SU-80)  The advisors that a student sees here will be able to offer general advising and information for general education classes. […]

It’s a Good Idea! Students who attend FAU quickly discover that college isn’t all fun and games; success in the classroom requires dedication. At the same time, there are many other opportunities to get involved and enjoy these four years including football games, Greek life, and outdoor activities. A student needs to be able to balance all of this, which can prove daunting to many; however, tutoring is a great option to provide a little extra help. Tutoring isn’t just for classes a student may be struggling in; peer groups are beneficial to students who enjoy studying together or working through problems together. But Just In Case, Get a Tutor If your student mentions that they are having difficulty, there are many places they can turn including speaking with their professor and/or teacher assistant. There are also peer study groups. FAU offers many options for students to help them succeed in their […]

What U Should Know. So you have a student ready to spend the next four years at FAU? That means you will undoubtedly be visiting once or twice. If you have never been to Boca Raton, you may have a preconceived idea about this city. For Seinfeld fans, you may recall that Jerry’s fictional television parents lived in a retirement community called Del Boca Vista (they even sell t-shirts with this fictional city). The novel and film adaptation, “Marley and Me” takes place in Boca Raton. The city is oftentimes referred to as New York South since so many New Yorkers live here part-time (we refer to them as snowbirds) or are now full-time residents. Boca Raton, which actually is a misnomer for a jagged inlet, is not as populous as its Fort Lauderdale neighbor, but you would not know that from the traffic that congests the major roads no matter what […]

Letting off Steam before Finals Mention Spring Break to most parents and immediate visions of lawless partying comes to mind. Spring Break is March 7th through March 13th. While as parents are looking forward to seeing our students after a long stretch without them, they may have other plans. It is not uncommon for students to go away with their friends for Spring Break. For those of you who have students living on-campus, dorms do stay open during Spring Break. Parking is lifted for certain lots. Being that this is south Florida, many students do opt to stay put. They will rather go to the local beaches or Fort Lauderdale or Miami to get a feel for a “real” spring break. During Spring Break Fort Lauderdale is usually packed and everyone is standing, but they all usually have a good time. Many students go to Lulu’s in Fort Lauderdale for the fishbowl drinks. […]

Make Sure Your Package Gets There There are many reasons that a student receives a package. Whether it is just their usual Amazon delivery, a care package for midterms or because your student is under the weather; there are a few things that will make package delivery simpler. If your student lives on campus you should be happy to learn that Upark has a central mailing system. The process is as follows: The mail goes to the leasing office in the lobby. They should then receive an email letting them know they have a package. The email will contain a verification code which they will need to retrieve the package. The student mailroom department is open Monday through Friday from 9-6 pm and Saturdays from 11-3 pm. Times vary in the summertime. USPS deliveries are accepted Monday through Saturday. Should you need to reach the mailroom to check on a package,  the […]

Accepted, Congratulations! Welcome to Paradise as an FAU Owl Class of 2024! Now that you are accepted, you can now take that sigh of relief that a decision has been made and then take a look at our list of what to do next. First, this may sound silly, but check your admissions letter for accuracy regarding their name, entrance term, address and major. If any changes need to be made it needs to happen in writing or online at myfau. When you applied, you would have gotten an ID number, or at FAU they are referred to as a Z-number. It can be found on your application status page. Save this number, you’ll use it for the next four years. When you were accepted, you received a computer account, or FAU Net ID, which can be found on your acceptance letter. This Net ID will be your username to access the […]

A Guide to Eating At College The start of college is right around the corner and many of you might be envisioning your student’s diet as burgers and pizzas and fries, oh my? Sure, we have been making meals for our kids for as long as we can remember. Before you get ready to go on a cooking frenzy, packaging and labeling items to send with them, stop. Because we assure you, college food choices have changed since many of us went to college. Today’s college campuses, in addition to offering burgers, pizza and fries, offer many healthy alternatives as well as meal plan options. Freshman The Easy Way For an incoming freshman who is living in the on-campus residence halls, meal plans are a requirement. My daughter lived on campus so she did sign up for the meal plan. It was a great way to meet other freshmen and learn to […]

How long do we have to wait? Calling admissions? Florida Atlantic University has a rolling admissions system. Students can expect to hear an answer about six to eight weeks after hitting submit. A distraught friend  (A Former Owl) recently called me wondering why they hadn’t yet heard from FAU although they sent in her daughter’s new SAT scores and first-semester senior grades. “How long do we have to wait?” she pleaded. I told her to have her daughter call. Of course, this is for students that have previously been denied admission and or have negotiated a sort of conditional admission. Sometimes, if you can show FAU that your grades have improved senior year or that you brought up that ACT/SAT, they may be willing to work out an agreement. Taking some classes at Palm Beach State College may be part of the deal, but if your student’s heart is set on being […]

You’ll Need to Do This. What is an Entrance Counseling? In July of 2016, the U.S. Department of Education made it a requirement that, in order to have student loans disbursed, all students must complete Direct Loan Entrance Counseling. This counseling includes information needed to successfully repay the federal student loans they will be receiving to help pay for college costs. You can get more information here. If you have not previously received a Direct Loan or Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL), the federal government requires you to complete entrance counseling to ensure that you understand the responsibilities and obligations you are assuming. You must complete entrance counseling before you can receive the proceeds of your first Direct Loan. If you are completing entrance counseling to borrow as an undergraduate student, then the entrance counseling will fulfill counseling requirements for Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans. If you are completing entrance […]

A Guide to FAU’s Bus System If you have ever been to FAU’s campus, you know that driving and parking can be stressful. However, FAU’s Owl Express is here to make parking situation stress-free.  The Owl Express is a free on-campus bus shuttle available to all FAU students, faculty, and staff. FAU currently has two shuttle buses, the red and blue shuttles. Both shuttles circulate around campus and stop at various points so students can park their cars in the morning and won’t have to move them again until they are ready to leave campus. The shuttle bus will also pick up students from both University Village apartments and Innovation Village student apartments. The FAU mobile app has updated to date time estimates and route information for both the red and blue shuttle bus.  The hours of operation vary for each shuttle bus per semester. FAU also offers a shuttle bus for transportation […]

Can You Get By Without a Car? Florida Atlantic University is notorious for having very few open parking spots. I can vouch for this because I have a car and sometimes I feel as if I’m playing a game: find the parking spots before anyone else does.  This creates a huge issue for students whether they live on campus or commute. Some things to consider when deciding whether your student should or should not bring their car to campus is if they will be working at an off-campus job. It is definitely worth it to have a car if you will be working because you have the ability to drive yourself to work worry-free and in your own time. There would be no issue with trying to find transportation if you have a car. If you are a student at FAU, then there is no cost for a parking permit which is […]

“Brunch is breakfast without an alarm.” — Unknown Most college kids sleep late. It’s a well-known fact. So, going out for breakfast on weekends, in particular, may not be an option. Brunch, however, is generally a good option on weekends and there are quite a few choices not far from FAU’s campus. However, if you can get your student out of bed early and breakfast is what you want; check out our blog Wakey, Wakey Eggs & Bakey.  Some things to consider beforehand are price and time. It is not unusual for there to be a considerable wait, even with a reservation, on a game weekend or graduation, at some of the more popular selections. Brunch… 50 Ocean: S. Ocean Blvd (Delray Beach) Located directly across the street from the beach, this second-floor restaurant offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic. 50 Ocean offers up brunch, lunch, and dinner. They are known for […]

Mid-Day Munchies- what’s for lunch? Students are lucky to have so many great dining options at FAU, but sometimes the mid-day hunger requires a venture out for a great lunch. Whether you are a student looking for something other than the campus options, or you are a family looking for something yummy after that campus visit, lunch can be the best meal of the day. Here are just a few of the many great places that the FAU/Boca area offer: Beehive Kitchen–  About 10 minutes from FAU, they are known for their build your own bowls. Charm City Burger Company– Located in Deerfield Beach, their burgers are a must. Cannoli Kitchen: N Federal Highway: Fast Italian food and a large selection of Pizza, indoor and outdoor seating. Don’t miss the chance to try their cannoli, made fresh when you order. Fran’s Chicken Haven– This is a must when you are craving fried […]

Renters Rejoice! Here are some great tips about our favorite apartment rentals. With my daughters, I have three, not one stayed in the dorms beyond their freshman year. My youngest daughter lived in Delray Beach for her last two years at FAU. She lived at Delray Verana and found the rent was reasonable, the rooms were nice sized with each having their own bathroom and she hated moving, which made it her favorite. The commute to campus was only about 10-15 minutes; however, there are several great options closer to campus that can suit every student’s needs. In Boca Raton, the choices are plentiful. Below are some of the more popular apartment complexes students live in near FAU. Some provide buses to campus (which can be important since parking on campus can be a nightmare), some have facilities that rival a fancy hotel (pools, hot tubs, volleyball courts, lounges), some provide reserved […]

Wait, What? It’s Only Spring. Yes, it’s spring, and yes we mean football. It’s crazy I know. But it is springtime when Owls football practice. The 2020 Blue and Red Spring football game will be Saturday, April 18th  with new coach Willie Tagart.  This free event is a great way to spend a beautiful Spring day. It is held at the FAU Stadium on the FAU campus and is free to both the public and students. The day begins with food trucks, music, and a kids zone featuring a bounce house and kids’ activities. Pre-game tailgating can be held in the campus lots on North University Drive adjacent to the stadium. FAU Season Tickets are on sale after the spring game; however, information about seating options and plans can be found here.  You can also learn more at the FAU box office while attending the Spring Game. With FAU coming off of […]

HaveUHeard of These Fees? You can’t get away from the fees! There is no denying that college tuition, in and of itself, is a huge expense; however, on top of the cost, HaveUHeard that some classes have extra fees that may or may not be covered by some scholarships or prepaid programs? Costs of online courses are usually equal to tuition plus a distance learning fee. Distance learning fees are authorized by the Florida statute. They may vary by program, depending on specific costs of curriculum development, technology tools, and course mentors. Each program’s fees are examined annually and adjusted up or down accordingly, on a cost-recovery basis. Online courses will say when they register for that subject: “The cost of this course is equal to tuition and fees for the Academic Year 2019-2020 as determined by Student Business Services, plus a per credit hour distance learning fee (amounts vary).” Not only […]

The Secret to Owl Sporting Events. Did U know… FAU students get in FREE to all Owl athletic events? All they need is their Owl Card and printed ticket from their MYFAU account! FAU is a part of Conference USA and participates in most collegiate sports including football, basketball, baseball, volleyball, swimming, and soccer. The Owls are the reigning Conference USA champions under the direction of Lane Kiffin. The Owls play at FAU stadium better known as The Burrow or Schnellenberger field (In honor of the Owl’s first and beloved coach). The official seating capacity is 29,419. FAU Stadium is relativity new; it was constructed in 2011 and is considered to have one of the best playing surfaces in Florida. With a growing, loyal alumni base and strong student support, game-days are exciting can’t miss events. Student Tailgates occur in the area behind the stadium known as the “Rats Mouth” (the English […]

Here are our favorites! So wakey-wakey! Best Breakfast Restaurants Like any city, there are literally hundreds of dining options from fast food to fast-casual, from family-style to fine dining. Hungry for breakfast, you will find your bagels, omelets, pancakes; a restaurant for every palate and every price point. Depending on whether you are touring with a prospective student or visiting your student in Boca, who will undoubtedly be clamoring for a good meal, the options are plentiful. Some things to consider beforehand are price and time. Another Broken Egg: Via De Palmas. Multiple locations across South Florida, this casual breakfast and lunch spot is a favorite among students. Brooklyn Water Bagel: New York Style bagels. Hot and ready to be served. If you are a big fan of bagels this is the place to go. They also have iced coffee which you can make yourself and add coffee ice cubes so it […]

So Many Sports, So Little Time. Spring may not have football games, but there are tons of other sports to enjoy! When people think of FAU now, they immediately think of football. After this year’s unexpected successful season, Owls fans may want to save their energy for football tailgates and games. But rest assured, FAU has many other Spring Sports that are just as exciting to watch as football. Some of the sports in the spring include basketball, swimming, and diving, tennis, lacrosse, softball, and baseball. The best way to keep track of all of the sporting events and the dates is on fausports.com. The Florida Atlantic Owls play baseball at FAU Baseball Stadium and it is ranked as the best baseball-playing surface in South Florida. It seats 2,000 fans at capacity. The men’s basketball team is definitely worth checking out. Basketball is played in the FAU Arena, also known as “The […]

Other Things You Can Do for Entertainment. There is more than just football for entertainment around FAU, in fact, there is a rich and vibrant arts scene and park opportunities nearby. Now that’s entertainment! If a movie night is what you are looking for, head to the Cinemark Palace 20. There are, as the name says, 20 movies to choose from; all in fabulous reclining chairs with reserved seating. There is also the iPic Mizner Park, which offers a more luxury movie-watching experience. Living Room Theaters is located on Campus showcases independent films and features a European café. For bowling, there are several bowling alleys in the area. Strikes is closest to FAU and feature a bar and grill. Boca Raton has been a city for almost 100 years. Perhaps a visit to one of the museums might be your family’s thing. Check out the Boca Raton Museum of Art or the […]

Shhhhh, Here Is a Great Study Spot! Finding a good place to study is essential for freshman students. College classes are very different than high school; studying is a must and it’s important to find a quiet, comfortable place. Fortunately, there are plenty of study spots on and off-campus. Wimberly Library: FAU’s library is open 7 days a week, however, the hours vary. The library is open later during the final exams. The noise levels vary on each floor (the higher the floor, the lower the volume level). Students can rent computers, chargers, and headphones on the first floor. Students who are studying with two to four people can also rent a private study room, free of charge, for 3 hours at a time. The library also has a Dunkin’ Donuts on the first floor. If your student isn’t a fan of the library (mine wasn’t), there are plenty of other places […]

Seems It’s Always Almost Tax Time. April 15th is right around the corner. As you are preparing your return or having a CPA prepare your return, do not forget to take advantage of the Education Tax Credits available which can help offset the cost of your student’s education. Two Credits Available There are two tax credits available to take, The American Opportunity Tax Credit and Lifetime Learning Credit. The AOTC (American Opportunity Tax Credit) was made permanent by the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act signed in 2015. The AOTC allows credit to be claimed for four post-secondary education years instead of two. The AOTC/Lifetime Learning credits are based on the payment of “qualified tuition and related expenses.” These are the expenses for tuition and academic fees that are required for enrollment or attendance at an eligible educational institution. Qualified tuition and related expenses do not include student activity fees, athletic fees, […]

Alumni Networking, Perks, and More … It happens in the blink of an eye. Before you know it the best four years of your life are over and you are walking across that stage getting your diploma. You didn’t think time would fly by so fast, but it did. You finished college and are graduating. But what happens after you get that diploma? Go back to school? Look for work? Travel? One thing you should do after graduating is to join the Florida Atlantic University Alumni Association. Yes after you graduate you are an alumnus of FAU, but to get some of the perks of that title, you should join the FAU Alumni Association. You should join as soon as possible because those who recently graduated (within the past three years) get a discounted membership price. There are two types of memberships, the annual membership and the lifetime membership (more than half […]

Transforming The Dorm Space To Look Homey. Don’t be alarmed on move-in day when you walk into your student’s bare and cold dorm room. It’s amazing how quickly this space can change with a little planning and some trips to Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, and Walmart. The key to transforming the dorm space into something a little homier is preplanning. Pinterest alone has enough ideas to make your head spin. Of course, decorating for a girl’s room is drastically different from a boy, but both will need a little extra organization. Either way, check the size bed their dorm will provide. FAU’S freshman Resident halls (Heritage Park, Glades Park, and Parliament hall) offer twin extra long beds. The beds in Parliament hall are lofted with the desk underneath, Keep this in mind before purchasing bed risers or organization items. The remainder of the Resident halls (upperclassmen) all have twin extra long […]

When Disaster Strikes! My daughters (and myself) have dropped their phones more times than I care to admit; so much so that even the insurance for accidental damage is used up. When disaster strikes and a phone screen shatters or a laptop stops working just as your student was finishing up a term paper, it can feel like the end of the world for them. I myself am known to panic if my computer freezes up for a moment just as I’m finishing up a work project. In today’s world, it is a difficult task to go on for any amount of time without access to a phone or laptop. The good news is that a repair is only a phone call away. FAU even has a computer and phone repair right on campus. I do, however, highly recommend a backup system for computers. As a Mac user, I presently rely on […]

Is Free Expression, Controversial? Have you ever heard someone on campus yelling about controversial issues or spewing out their religious beliefs and urging that you should follow? Although many people believe that this should not be allowed on campus, it is important that people are allowed to express their freedom of speech. Lively debate is very much promoted on the FAU campus and we must learn to respect each other’s right to have different opinions. Any offensive language or personal attacks, however, is not allowed on the FAU campus. Some students and parents have had issues in particular with certain protestors on the FAU campus. I personally have witnessed this firsthand. FAU, like all Florida public universities, applies something called the Campus Free Expression Act. This act is a law for public universities and colleges in Florida that allows these universities to allow visitors to freely speak in outside areas around campus. […]

If It’s Broke… Fix it and repair shops are a necessity of life! Cars, Bikes, Longboards, and Scooters oh my!  At FAU, you will find all in large numbers. Talk to any student about which is the most useful Fix it places at FAU and you’re likely to get an equal number of answers. No matter the transportation your student is using, they may, at some point, need a repair shop. There is nothing worse than having your main mode of transportation break down. Below you will find a list of repair shops and  HaveUHeard that many local businesses offer discounts on Bike and Auto shops for FAU students? Bike Shops Boca Bike Shop 799 E Palmetto Park Road, 561-218-4309 Trek Bicycle Store 141 NW 20th St., Unit D1, 561-405-6987 Tropic Bike 1501 NW Boca Raton Blvd #3, 561-392-5546 TUNE Cycles 3500 NW Boca Raton Blvd Suite 508, 561- 392-7311 Autobody Repair […]

Online Test-Taking For Today’s Students Technology has changed the way students take tests. My daughter was able to extend one of her holiday breaks by scheduling her exam at home. FAU actually uses two different online test-taking services to prevent online class students from cheating on their online exams; Honorlock and Lockdown. The company Honorlock was actually created by FAU students who felt it was unfair for students to take the class online and cheat. Honorlock is based out of Boca Raton. The way Honorlock works is by monitoring your computer screen/computer actions and recording a video of yourself throughout the test. To begin the test you have to take a picture of yourself, your student ID, and do a 360 scan of the room you are taking your test in. Once you do this, the exam will start. You are screen sharing with Honorlock for the entire length of the test […]

The Flu ends with “U” It’s that season again – and I don’t mean hurricanes. Flu season is generally from October through May; peaking in December. Given that the flu is easily spread by coughing, sneezing, and close contact, and what gets closer than dorm life and classrooms, your student may want to consider getting vaccinated. FAU makes it incredibly easy and it is free too. FAU Student Health Services in Boca Raton keep changing, check for the current hours. Students can walk in for a flu shot or make an appointment by contacting the center at 561-297-3512 or FAU’s Student Health Services Student. Bring a valid student ID. Another option to get a flu shot is at: CVS Minute Clinic – if you go on the CVS Minute Clinic website you can find the one closest to you as well as the wait time so you don’t have to sit around […]

Finding your inner peace. A few years ago, I was looking for a way to help manage my stress. Several of my friends are self-proclaimed yogis so I decided to join them for a class. I have been hooked ever since! Yoga is great for both your physical and mental health. My older daughters have been hooked for years. My youngest fell in love with it when she took the class as an easy elective her senior year. In Boca, there is plenty to choose from, both on and off-campus. If your student is resistant, you may want to remind them that the practice is over 5000 years old. There has to be something to that. In addition, it has been proven to alleviate stress; and what college student doesn’t have some stress? Research indicates that within seven weeks of regular practice, students enjoyed significantly reduced stress levels and as a result, […]

Next Steps… Grad School Exams Time flies when you’re having fun! It wasn’t until college that I realized how true this statement is. While it may feel like you just finished studying for the ACT/SAT, graduation will be looming and many students will be preparing for graduate school exams of some sort. Getting familiar with the vast amount of degrees and programs out there would be the first step. Florida Atlantic University offers over 75 different graduate programs to choose from. If you are considering graduate school at FAU, be sure to check out FAU’s Annual Graduate College Open House. There are also several Graduate College Information Sessions held throughout the year. More information on information sessions can be found here. Consider visiting other colleges as well. This will give you the opportunity to meet professors and ask questions about the program. Start talking to an advisor early to be sure you […]

Summer Can Be the Most Fun Season! Prepare for an exciting summer if you plan on attending FAU Summer B. It is by far the favorite semester of many Owls (myself included). It’s likely going to be a summer filled with firsts; first college class, college party, and new friends. It’s also likely that it’s the first time you can make most of the decisions for yourself like eating cereal for dinner or staying out late. While my roommates and I were nervous to take on all these new experiences, FAU does a great job of making the transition smooth. Florida Atlantic University is a large campus and it’s growing every day. One of the first things my roommates and I did was explore our new home and find our classrooms. My RA was extremely helpful and answered all of my questions (trust me I had quite a few). Her room was […]

The Earlier The Better! [**This is an unusual and unprecedented Spring (2020) and the situation and circumstances continue to evolve daily. Please start all your planning for any event this Spring by first checking here for the updates directly from FAU**] Do you really make your graduation restaurant reservations now? The resounding answer is YES! Graduation is a time to celebrate and a celebration requires a nice meal, a nice meal needs a reserved spot! FAU holds graduation ceremonies three times per year with May being the largest ceremony, broken down by college. Spring Graduation is May 3rd and 4th. Hopefully, you have read our hotel blog and made your hotel reservations. But if you are coming up with your entire family, you may want to reserve your favorite restaurant in plenty of time, as many of the restaurants get extremely busy. To help you out, we are listing the restaurants that take […]

All Aboard the Study Abroad Train! Two words you’ll hear over and over again after orientation, Study Abroad. Study abroad is a wonderful program that gives students the opportunity to travel to their choice of over 20 countries to attend classes while immersing themselves in a different culture. My older daughters chose not to study abroad as they did not want to miss a full semester at their universities. The only regret they had after graduation was not taking advantage of this opportunity. They both have encouraged my youngest daughter, nieces, and nephews to not miss out. For many majors offered at FAU, study abroad can open the door to many opportunities (international business, for example). We live in uncertain and frightening times so the decision to send your student abroad is very personal. The support FAU students receive from the Center of Global Engagement as it applies to travel warnings and […]

A Tour Can Help You Make Your College Decision Taking the campus tour is an essential step to help your students decide where they will make their home for the next 4 years. Some students like to tour before they apply, while others tour schools after they have been accepted. When my daughter was applying to schools, we did both; however, the tours after the acceptance letters were received were very different from the initial visits. Taking the tour after being accepted helps to pinpoint the pertinent things that will help your student make their final decision as to which school to attend. Of course, my daughter loves being an Owl, but your student may have specific things that will help them weigh out the pros and cons of each college. Go with a list of questions, but not the kind of questions that you can just google an answer to. Don’t be […]

Want To Be A Success? Look Professional. As they get closer to graduation, one of the greatest changes our students are about to experience is abandoning their shorts, t-shirts and yoga pants, as they begin to dress for success in their new roles, or as my older daughter stated, for adulting. Dressing for success can be daunting in different ways, but the one that stands out most may very well be its cost. Starting with the career and internship fairs students are attending, students need to look professional. For the young men, this may mean a suit and tie and for the young women, while they have more options, it may mean a suit, pantsuit, skirt, and blouse, or dress. Not to mention proper shoes. For students who may not have the means to go and purchase a new outfit, FAU has the OWL Professional Clothes Closet, a lending service where students […]

When Will Financial Aid Money Disburse? The time has come to pay for your college costs and money panic sets in.  I remember receiving the tuition statement for my daughter, yet her student account showed no Prepaid Florida (which I was fortunate enough to have purchased for both 4-year college and 1-year dorm).  In addition, her bank account did not reflect her Bright Futures Scholarship funds. So when does this money get disbursed? Can you get a deferral for books, living accommodations, and student fees until the disbursement comes? For your student’s specific account details, you should have them log into their account at MyFAU. HaveUHeard that FAU encourages all students receiving financial aid to sign up for a direct deposit? To sign up, go to MyFau.fau.edu to log in. On the top toolbar, select “Money Matters.” Here students will be able to view their student account and find more information on financial […]

Learning To Spend And Save Are Part of Being An Adult. I quickly realized that I needed to place my daughter on a budget when she decided she needed to take her third Starbucks run of the day while at orientation. The university will bombard you with information regarding meal plans, scholarships, FASFA, and financial aid; but an orientation weekend can’t prepare you for the personal decision that is your student’s budget. After Orientation, her father and I decided to have an honest discussion with our daughter to find the best option that would suit our family’s needs. First family rule; I will not pay for alcohol. I am not sticking my head in the sand and pretending kids won’t go out and drink, but I don’t have to pay for it either. They can use their summer earnings for that stuff. Books and school supplies were to go on my credit […]

Apps, The Easiest Way. Remember when you were in college and everything was easily accessible via apps on your phone? No? Well, me either. Our kids, however, do live in this world and there are literally apps that provide things like food delivery, tutoring services, how to create a budget or the perfect bibliography. Below is a list of the apps I thought most useful. FAU and College Studying Apps MyFAU gives students access to FAU resources, including campus maps, Web courses, FAU Email, the library, news, sports schedules, class schedules, emergency information, and more. FAU Guardian: because the first thing on my list is always my child’s safety.  With FAU Guardian, students can report a problem silently via text. It sort of empowers students to prevent assaults before they get out of hand. View crime around the FAU Campus, trigger Mobile Blue Light to send your location and call FAU PD, […]

Get Your Hand Trucks Ready to Move! Because it’s move-in day. From the day your student gets their room assignment, the whole process of move-in can seem stressful, overwhelming, and expensive (start collecting those Bed Bath & Beyond Coupons now) Traditionally, female students tend to take a full-on decorating approach complete with wall décor, signs, picture frames, string lights, desk accessories, and many other decorative items. Male students do not quite go that full in and often just want a comfortable bed, maybe a poster or two and perhaps a rug. Either way, the prospect of making a cold dorm room into a home seems like an arduous task.  According to the National Retail Federation, back to college spending averaged $1330 in 2018. This is big business with college checklists resembling the lists usually reserved for wedding/bridal registries and baby shower registries. And while I won’t sugarcoat the day, a little pre-planning […]

First Applicants Find Substantial Assets. FAFSA is the national Free Application for Federal Student Aid but, based on how aid is distributed, it may as well stand for First Applications Find Substantial Assets. Because aid is distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis, every student that hopes to receive aid for college must fill out this form to even be considered. Every college has its own deadline. For incoming freshmen, they should have filled out this form back in November 2019 and listed the colleges they were interested in attending. FAU’s school code is 001481 for the Boca Campus. FAU’s first priority deadline was January 1, 2020, and the second priority deadline was March 1, 2020. After March 1, applications reviewed in the order they were received.  Of course, your student did not know if they were accepted back then, but they can speak with the Office of Financial Affairs to update their […]

There are Football Pre-game Tailgates in Paradise Football season is upon us and other than making sure you will be properly attired in Red and Blue and that your Owl fingers are up, you will need to know where to go to tailgate and pre-game. Pre-gaming, according to Urban Dictionary, generally means drinking before going to an event where drinks that you will purchase are more expensive. I believe the term crazy fun was included in the description as well. At FAU, the most popular places to Pregame, also known as tailgating, tend to be: The Irishmen – Located on 1745 NW Boca Raton Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33432 (extremely close to campus) closes at 2 am. Similar to O’Brian’s, people come here to drink and watch the game either before, during, or after the Owls play. It’s within walking distance from the stadium, making it a great place to head to […]

How To Be Prepared For Move-In Day. FAU’s move-in day is …well…a lot of work. Be prepared for many trips to the car and possibly one or two to the store for the inevitable forgotten or overlooked item (ours was not having enough Command hooks last year).  The heat does not help, but a hand truck and Ikea bags do. I will not get into the emotional goodbyes at the end of the day, but I will say that large sunglasses to cover my watery, red eyes (and having to wait another 8 years for my youngest to move out) was my savior. M.I.D. is August 15th The day this year begins on Thursday, August 15th for incoming freshmen. Your student will get an appointment as to their move-in time-based on their dorm number. This is based on the students’ first letter of their last name. A – F moves in from 8 […]

Here are the ins, outs and don’t’s. You sent them to college with a car and they are grateful. However, although it will make a weekly Publix run easier, no one really thought about the fact that parking at FAU can be pretty inconvenient and tends to be a problem every year. There are not enough parking spots for as many students live on or drive to campus. For those that do have cars, parking permits, are required for all vehicles. At FAU, there are 3 color distinctions given to each parking lot: Blue, Red, and Green. The Blue lots are reserved for Commuter students. Green lots are reserved for residential students and red is reserved for faculty and staff. Students must register their vehicles online to obtain an EPermit. This is FAU’s new system that uses a student’s license plate to grant virtual parking decals.  If you are in need of […]

LGBTQ Campus Support and Resources College can be challenging for all students, therefore finding ways to make connections with others who identify similarly can make a big difference. The American College Health Association estimate that at least 10% of college students identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, asexual, pansexual, or questioning. Although LGBTQ PRIDE is becoming more prevalent, the LGBTQ community often face additional pressures or concerns. FAU and its surrounding community offer resources and information to both help LGBTQ students navigate the college environment and make connections in a group setting. Students may want to start by visiting the FAU LGBT+ Resource Center. There they will find resources and a supportive campus environment. Students may also want to get involved in Peer Mentoring. Mentors aim to support mentees through many facets of LGBTQ identity development through frank, informal, one-on-one conversations, wherein support and information are provided. Lambda United, LGBTQIA Student Organization […]

Where is a Safe Spot at College? As colleges are doing their best to come up with ideas as to how to keep our students safe and healthy as they reopen campuses, we can only hope that our students will adhere to those rules when they leave their classrooms. Let’s face it; it is not easy to enforce social distancing among a population that has a tendency to want to gather. Isn’t one of the best parts of college, the socializing? We realize we can’t replace a good frat party or tailgate, but there are alternatives to fun near campus and since outdoor fun appears to be the safest alternative these days, we have come up with open-air ideas. Given that we are living under such unprecedented circumstances; we always recommend double-checking on hours, etc. before heading out as activities may be modified or limit the number of persons in each party. […]

Here Are Tips & Tricks On What to Wear You are going to want to know what to wear for recruitment. Welcome to Florida Atlantic University recruitment and life as a Potential New Member, or PNM! This is going to be an exciting time in your life when you get to find the chapter you will be spending your undergraduate years at. When preparing for recruitment, you’ll want to get to school prior to the Fall semester as recruitment begins before the start of classes. Over the course of a week, you’ll get to visit six chapters and get to know the sorority women who are a part of them. We’re here to give you a guide of what you can expect during this exciting time. Orientation Orientation happens the day before recruitment starts. Though we won’t be there to answer questions physically, you will be assigned a recruitment counselor, otherwise known […]

How To Fix A Sick Kid From Miles Away. I don’t know about you, but when they call to say they are sick, the miles between home and school seem even longer. My daughter had the flu during her first semester at FAU. She could barely get out of bed and I checked on her frequently throughout the day. I even offered to drive down if she needed me to. This was not an everyday cold; she sounded miserable and I knew she felt the same.  I was even more concerned because she was a few weeks into the semester at FAU. After about a week and visit student health services, she was feeling better. You would be amazed at how quickly a care package can get to them. (UPS is generally overnight from one Florida destination to another.) Depending on what is ailing them, even the simplest of care packages filled […]

What To Look For In That Ideal Roommate. Finding the ideal roommate(s) can be tough and a hassle. I’m here to tell you a couple of ways to make that process easier. Being an incoming freshman is a stressful time with a lot of different things to worry about. While you might find yourself scrambling to get everything done, you do not want to rush picking your future roommate. One easy way to find a lot of different possible roommate options is to join the official class page for your graduation year. For example, I joined the FAU Official Class of 2020 page on Facebook. The Facebook page is a great way to find people that you gel with. Once on the page, I uploaded a couple of my favorite pictures of myself, and a short description of me and what I was looking for in a roommate. This is a great […]

Is That How Your Favorite Fairy Tale Begins? It’s not just for fairy tales, getting the beauty treatment makes her happy. As the mother of girls, I know all too well that not being able to go to get their hair cut, nails done, eyebrows waxed is something they really miss when they are away at school. Most guys are the same way. Now before anyone gets ready to jump all over the “beauty is skin deep” bandwagon, let me just say, when your student is away for an entire semester, being able to get a hair trim or eyebrows waxed may be important to them. And for special occasions (Greek formals, university banquet, a job interview on campus), they want to make certain their nails look polished. So where are students to go for hair treatments (cut, color, and highlights), eyebrow waxing or threading, manicures, and pedicures? Here are some of […]

The Future Is So Bright You’ll Need Shades! SEE END OF BLOG FOR CHANGES EFFECTIVE WITH THE 2020-2021 ACADEMIC SCHOOL YEAR Bright Futures has been a great source of financial aid for many Florida Students and is now shining even brighter. Summer 2018 was the first-year Florida Academic Scholars received 100% tuition and summer 2019, 75% of tuition is available for Florida Medallion Scholars. The $300 college-related expense stipend is still only available for fall and spring semesters. The requirements for summer are as follows Must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours across all summer sessions. Students with less than 6 credit hours required for graduation, may receive FAS and FMS by submitting a memo on letterhead from an academic advisor indicating less than 6 hours are required for graduation. Graduate-level hours may be approved by the student’s academic advisor.  Students taking graduate-level courses must submit a memo from […]

There Is A Better Way To Get It Paid. Congratulations on Your Child Being Accepted! Now that that’s settled, the idea of actually paying for college looms.  Hopefully, you have prepared in some way but fear not. Finding scholarships can help with the cost of college. If you live in Florida and have purchased a Florida Prepaid plan, then that will start working for you immediately.  Bright Futures Scholarships have also been a goal while in high school, and if earned, they will apply once your student has started. Every year, I hear stories about thousands of dollars in scholarship money that are never applied for.  It does take a lot of work and time to research scholarships, apply for them, and to validate the authenticity of them.  But, that work can pay off at a reduced cost to you. Some are quite competitive, some last for four years, and some are downright […]

Eating Donuts are Not on the Eat Healthy List! Eating healthy can be a difficult task on a college campus. Meal plans, rushing to and from classes and activities, budgets, the amount of burger, pizza and fast-food restaurants surrounding FAU, and, of course, late-night food runs definitely compromise our student’s plan to not gain the Freshman 15 and stay in shape. Recently, college students everywhere have demanded healthier and higher quality food options. While it may be easy to grab that slice of pizza in the Café, FAU offers a wider variety of healthy options for eating in the dining halls. FAU is located in Boca Raton, a city that is ideal for the health-conscious. There are many healthy dining options surrounding FAU that have quickly become student favorites. Beehive Kitchen: Located at Fifth Avenue Shops 1914 NE 5th Ave, Boca Raton about 10 minutes from FAU, they are known for their […]

Check out our list of important documents before your students leave. Before you leave to take your kid to college, there are a few items you will want to take care of that are extremely important. Most college students are 18, although a few are younger, which means they are considered to be legal adults. With that comes a whole lot of independence from their parents, regardless of who is footing the bill for their education. Unless they give you permission or their login information, you will be unable to have access to their health records, grades, pretty much anything that has HPPA laws behind it. Talk to your student about signing over permission for the college to speak with you, before they leave for school. Make certain they understand that without that signed permission, everything, and we mean everything, pertaining to the college, from medical records to financial aid, cannot be […]

Here Is What You’ll Need To Know. After their successful fall 2019 season culminating with a bowl game win, FAU football is ready to show that they can play. I have been going to Owl football games since their program started and continued, as two of my girls became students. The big rival game is against FIU (we’re the reigning champs). An Owl home game is an experience, from the pre-gaming (ask your college student) to the Owl Walk (two and a half hours prior to each home game when fans line up in the Rat’s Mouth and cheer on the players as they walk in the stadium) to the actual game itself. Of course, the 2020 season will look a little different since the plan is to keep the stadium at 20% capacity. However, as Covid-19 cases decrease in the state, that number could change. HaveUHeard that FAU has a Clear […]

Honor Roll Pride It is that time of year when students receive notifications that they have made a collegiate scholar society. The cream-colored linen envelope arrives with its gold embossed logo of said scholar society organization. As a parent, you do a mental cartwheel as you see the invitation. When the initial excitement wears off, read the fine print carefully. There are over fifteen different honor societies at Florida Atlantic University, it is important to understand what each has to offer. Educate yourself as to what they provide in exchange for this membership. Because honestly, there are many organizations on campus that your student can get involved with that will be far more beneficial to their resume and postgraduate application than membership in a society that either profit from the fees they collect. Read their annual report to see how much of their revenue goes toward administrative fees, just as you would […]

Check out these Owl Things to Do If you have decided you want to be an Owl, congratulations! Welcome to the University where there is football in paradise. All Owls will tell you there are some “must-dos” at FAU before graduation. Exploring all of what FAU and Boca Raton have to offer will make your time at FAU that much better. Check out our Bucket List for some popular must-dos. The Offical Bucket See a Movie at Living Room Theaters- Living Room Theaters is an upscale movie theater on campus showing current popular and indie films. They also show classic films. Enjoy a movie with lunch, dinner, dessert, and drinks; all available at student discounted rates. Enjoy a Beer at the Burrow- The Burrow is FAU’s on-campus sports bar. It’s a right of passage to enjoy a beer here once an Owl turns 21. Walk the Tortuga Trail- Check out Florida’s natural […]

Freshman Year is a Challenge The start of freshman year of college can be exciting and nerve-wracking all at the same time. As my time in college is nearing the end, there are definitely a few things I learned along the way that I wished I knew freshman year. Take this advice as someone who has been through it all and can look back and see a better path! Think of me as your future self, it’s not like your parents are telling you this, a fellow student. So listen up. Strive for straight A’s Join a club Go to as many football games as possible Make at least two friends in each class you are taking Introduce yourself to your professor and TA’s to establish a personal relationship Make sure to get along with your roommate, even if you have your differences Stay close with your parents and home friends by Facetiming […]

Memorialize Graduation Day with Photography They say time flies when you’re having fun…that includes the four years spent in college! Commencement is around the corner and an event you’ll want to memorialize. There is no doubt that graduation is a big deal and one you will definitely want to memorialize. It should be celebrated and remembered! Graduation photos are a big deal too; far bigger than the simple cap and gown pic I remember taking….well, a few years back. Students today often hire photographers to guide them around campus and get all sorts of pictures of them in their garnet and gold to commemorate the event. Some students may choose the classic locations around campus to take their photos. Student favorites include the banyan trees, Football Stadium, Owlsley Statute, and the Student Union seal, to mention a few. Others may choose to have some of their senior pictures captured someplace that is […]

What Students Wish They Took Do you have a jam-packed schedule and are looking for an easy, fun, and exciting elective? Or simply looking to learn a new skill and meet new people with the same interest as you? Electives can serve many purposes: fulfill an individual’s major requirement, supplement more rigorous courses to complete a minor, fill a schedule, or simply to have fun. For those who have the time and space in their schedule for a fun and easy elective, this blog is for you! The following electives are great to choose from: Arts & Crafts Art: Elementary School Italian American Cinema Film Appreciation Music Appreciation Drawing 1 Food & Beverage Sociology of Food Criminal Justice White-Collar Crime Business law in an ethical environment Dance Modern Dance Ballet 1 Tap Dance 1 World Dance Health & Wellness Health & Fitness for Life Stress Management Karate Introduction to Sports Management Jogging Yoga […]

No Student Hungry Much like the national campaign No Kid Hungry®, there are many students at colleges throughout the United States that are barely getting by, some putting their nourishment behind paying for college and all of the expenses that go along with college; tuition, books, rent, utilities, to name a few. The USDA average monthly cost of food for a college-age student for a moderate-cost food plan, following the recommended Food plans, is $223.55. According to Education Data, in 2018: Nearly 25% of high school students considered middle class indicated they were not planning to attend college because of the expense In 2018, an average of 45% of students experienced frequent food insecurity Over 50% of students from 2-year institutions and 44% of 4-year students worried about running out of food Nearly 50% of students could not afford balanced meals Many students who are struggling just to keep up with the […]

Blow Out The Birthday Candles! When their birthday rolls around, it can be just one more reminder that you won’t be celebrating together so putting together a care package takes the sting out. All three of my daughters were away at college when their birthdays came. Our family tradition was filling their bedrooms with birthday balloons and eating cake for breakfast. Since I knew none of my daughters would be home on their birthdays, I placed balloon and cake orders and had their roommates or sorority sisters set it all up. They loved that I brought our tradition to them and that they were able to make their friends a part of our traditions. If I couldn’t celebrate with them, at least they knew I was thinking of them. And, don’t forget the decorations… We love this Birthday in a Bag filled with Confetti, Card, Balloons, Candles, and Party Horn. Some of […]

Are you working? Need some cash to make ends meet? Some students have to work to pay for college; some consider their school work their only job and fortunately don’t have to find work outside their studies, and others choose to work while at school to supplement their spending. Whatever the reason, it is rarely a negative when a student gets a job, whether it is to pay tuition or housing, plan for their spring break trip (see our spring break blog for more information on that) or to backpack through Europe after graduation or simply to augment their wardrobe; working, while in school, is not new. FAU will even help students find jobs both on and off-campus by visiting the Career Center and with the Student Employment Office. There are many job fairs, both on and off-campus, with FAU students. Click here to find out about what job fair may be […]

Fall Semester’s Big Event One of the highlights of the fall semester is Homecoming. It’s a time for Owls young and old to celebrate their Owl Spirit. Homecoming has grown into a major event that students and alumni look forward to. Homecoming week for 2019 is October 13th – 19th, 2019. The anticipation builds for so long that there is literally a countdown timer to the beginning of festivities on the Homecoming website. Homecoming Festivities kick off on Friday night with a pep rally for all students on the housing lawn. Owlsley (the beloved mascot) and the FAU marching band help to kick off the festivities. The next event is the annual homecoming Drag show put on by the office of diversity and multicultural affairs. Sunday is the annual 5K Fun run. The run is open to both children and adults in the community and raises money for Autism Awareness. The run […]

Mom…I’m Sick! It’s bound to happen.  At some point, the phone will ring and your mature, independent college student will cry “Mom, I’m sick!” Hopefully, their illness will be a result of their new-found independence that includes lack of sleep, exercise, stress, an unhealthy diet, and hygiene habits that don’t embrace enough hand-washing and can be cured quickly and easily. I sent my daughters to school with a “things you may need that Mom thought of just in case” box. Inside was a thermometer; vitamins, the medicines that they used at home for symptoms of a cold; sinus infection; stomach ache, or other common ‘sick’ ailments. In my experience, my kids and I have had great results taking Source Naturals Wellness Formula. It has been a strong herbal defense supplement in fighting an illness that was recommended to me by a local natural health food store. Two a day for prevention but […]

We All Want A Secure Campus. FAU takes safety very seriously. As my child left the relative safety of our home, FAU’s safety procedures helped to ease some of my concerns for safety on campus. Technology has changed the landscape of how they impart information to students through texts and emails, and social media platforms. There are also options available for students to use to get around campus. Guardians of the Students FAU rolled out a new cell phone application called Guardian. The Guardian app is available for download on the iPhone and Android. The Guardian app allows students and faculty to connect with the FAU police department. The app creates a safety net when a student or faculty member contacts the FAU police through the app; a complete profile is sent to the Police offers. This profile includes any medical conditions, current address, campus ID, and the caller’s exact location. The […]

Let’s Eat! Whether your student lives on campus or off, they will need groceries. Boca Raton has plenty of places to shop in this regard. For those new to Florida, let me first introduce you to Publix. Publix is a Florida-based supermarket with every department found in most grocery stores including produce, deli, meats, canned goods, seafood, frozen foods, flowers, bread, soda, and stationery, candy, dairy and so forth. There are many Publix supermarkets not too far, but definitely driving distance, to FAU’s campus. One of the closest ones is Publix’s Greenwise Market which is one of three locations in Florida. While you can find Greenwise products in most Publix locations, this store specializes in providing predominantly organic or made with no artificial ingredient favorites as well as a great prepared foods section for those who do not have time to cook and a coffee and smoothie café. My friend gave my […]

Perhaps It’s Time to Consider Majors that are Sustainable in Tough Times Students usually choose a major over a period of time. I have always been a fan of taking a variety of classes until you find the ones that you enjoy most and choosing a major around that. Every school, including FAU, has its more popular majors as well. However; in these unprecedented times students might want to take recent events into consideration when choosing or changing their major. As with any major event, such as a recession, war, or, in this case, a pandemic, there is a shift in what type of degree a student may want to consider pursuing. Certainly, the job market will look different in the future. Contemplating what jobs were sustainable throughout the pandemic may also help in the decision-making process. For instance, public health which can include hospital management, infectious disease, and clinical research, among other […]

First Steps For Orientation Congratulations! You have a new Owl in your house, but what do you do now? One of the first steps after your student opens their acceptance package should be to pull out your calendar and book an Orientation weekend. Orientation isn’t just for your student; FAU offers breakout sessions that offer a plethora of information to new FAU parents. Listen attentively; no need to take notes. When my daughter attended, we were given a folder with all the information presented over the weekend. It can be very overwhelming. Go on the tour of the campus. Eat with your student at the Atlantic Dining Hall. They will have their first experience being assigned to share a room in the dorm with someone they do not know.  FAU did provide some bedding when my daughter spent the night, however you may want to bring along some comforts of home. They […]

A Little Retail Shopping Helps! There is plenty of retail therapy in Boca Raton and although your student is up there for school, there is always something that he or she will need particularly at the start of the first semester. It’s a good idea to order some things online or at home and have them waiting for you at some of the stores in Boca. This can be done at Target, Walmart and Bed, Bath and Beyond, and can be extremely time-saving as well as freeing up space in your vehicle or if your student is flying into town, making shipping far easier and less expensive. Boca Raton is a fairly busy city with a lot of local traffic and construction. When you are first moving your student to FAU, expect that the city will be extremely crowded with parents and their students all vying for the same items. Being located […]

A Plus or Minus Does Count College grading systems can be especially confusing when coming straight from high school. The biggest difference between the public school and college grading scale is the plus/minus addition to the traditional As and Bs. At FAU, the plus/minus grading scale adds weight to the letter grade. For example, the difference between an A- and an A is 0.33 points (see FAU grading scale here). In order to get an A and not an A-, you need to achieve a grade of 93 or higher. An A- is within the range of a 90 to a 92.5. Most teachers will be nice enough to round your 92.5 or above to a 93, which would give you the complete A. Many students complain about this system and the way it works considering an A- is a 3.7 to your GPA, while an A is a full 4.0. Many […]

Update on Latest COVID Plans Unprecedented doesn’t even begin to describe what the past few months have been like during this COVID pandemic. We may have had to change our daily way of life these past few months, but one thing we know for certain, classes are in session! Classes may look a little different this year however the fall semester will begin before we know it and it is important that we stay up to date on the latest plans and procedures at FAU. At present, FAU will remain online throughout the rest of the summer while administrators are communicating with government officials about necessary safety measures and health protocols for the return to campus. Updates change, well, frankly, like the wind, but here are some important parts. On-campus COVID-19 testing is available and encouraged. Students can sign up for COVID testing and their results online. For those students that test […]

When You Need to Stay on Budget, Be Thrifty. Being a college student, it can be stressful to be thrifty and stay on budget throughout the semester. There can be interviews, social events, and many occasions for a new outfit. In between, living in a rental, I like to redecorate my room and living space with my roommates. Spending money at the mall, popular house décor stores, Target, or discount stores, such as Homegoods, can add up quickly.  Fortunately, I have discovered thrift stores. Thrifting isn’t just a hot trend right now, it’s an amazing way to stay in style while saving money. In college, it seems like there’s always something to do, and of course, we don’t want to repeat outfits. Thrifting takes the stress out of spending extra money to look your best. I first started thrifting to find pieces that would set my style apart while staying within my […]

Where will they put all of their stuff? As if move out day isn’t stressful enough, now imagine trying to find storage place in your house for all of your student’s belongings. When it was time for my daughter to return home for the summer, my husband and I couldn’t believe how much more stuff she had to take home than we had moved in 10 months prior. Suddenly, my garage and guest bedroom were loaded up with a mini-fridge, microwave, and what seemed like endless amounts of dorm décor. All of this was brought back to my house just to move it back down to Boca Raton two months later. I knew that there had to be a better option for the following summer. We decided to look at storage facilities in Boca to avoid some of the stress. As we began to shop around, we realized that facilities farther away […]

Sometimes You Change Your Mind. When we pick what college we want to go to our senior year of high school, we always believe that it is going to work out and be the perfect fit. While that turns out to be true for some people, it is not always the case. In fact, the transfer situation is a lot more common than you might think. I went to the University of California Berkeley for my freshman year of college. I was recruited to play D1 lacrosse on the women’s team, which was an amazing experience. At the end of my freshman year, I got a career-ending injury. Since I was born and raised in South Florida, I decided it made the most sense to recover from my injury back home. When I was in Florida, I knew that this was the place I was supposed to be. My sophomore year of […]

Easier Than ToGo, It Comes To the Door! Taking time away from studying can be the difference between dinner or a bag of chips and a soda.  Sometimes it pays to turn to delivery services. Here are some of the ones we found and what they deliver and/or how they work. Delivery equals easy! Delivery: Amazon – Seriously, what can’t you get from Amazon. By signing up for Amazon Prime as a student, the first 6 months are free and then there is a discounted membership fee for the next 4 years until graduation. Prime membership includes free 2-day delivery, among many other perks. DoorDash – More food delivery at your fingertips. Some say it is more efficient than UberEats too. Use the app or the website. Eat Street – Delivery and takeout options available. There are delivery fees and a minimum amount that has to be purchased for certain restaurants. They offer […]

Salad Days Are Here! Love Your Veggies! When my youngest daughter left for FAU, she was a carnivore. Her last meal at home was a full course Italian meal featuring many of the classics. During her sophomore year, she began to research the health benefits of being vegetarian and made the switch. So more veggies are needed, wanted and loved! Whether your student is vegetarian or vegan, there are plenty of options in Boca Raton. Here are our recommendations: Raw Juice: Located on Glades road, They serve up smoothies, fresh juices, oatmeal, salads and a wide variety of acai bowls. The Poke Company: Located on Federal Highway. The Poke company serves a wide variety of customizable Poke Bowls. Try the seaweed salad and their homemade sodas to complete the meal. Playa Bowls: Located on Palmetto Park, they serve up smoothies, fresh juices,  and a wide variety of acai bowls. Parlour Vegan Bakery: […]

Who Wants Dessert, Is My Favorite Sentence! Getting your just desserts, where did that phrase come from? But desserts are our favorite meal! Sometimes, we think the best part of the dinner is the desserts; here are some of our favorites! 16 Handles– located on Glades Road. Frozen Yogurt with almost every topping you can think of. Carvel – Who doesn’t love their soft-serve ice cream? Located near campus at 255 NE Spanish River Blvd. Cinnaholic– Located on 20th street. The new favorite for dessert, Cinnaholic serves up large, warm, and Vegan Cinnamon Rolls. Cinnaholic Cinnamon rolls are completely customizable with over 20 types of frosting and toppings available. 100% vegan, dairy & lactose-free, egg-free and cholesterol-free. Chill_N Nitrogen Ice Cream– Located on Yamato Road. Ice Cream frozen with Nitrogen, the Nitrogen gives it a smoother, creamier consistency. ChillN’s Ice creams are meant to be customized with various ice cream flavors and […]

Maybe It’s Not A Luxury But A Necessity. I never thought I would be saying this, but sometimes it is a good idea to hire a cleaning service for your students’ apartment or dorm. Hear me out…I think most kids are perfectly capable of keeping a clean room but get a maid. Growing up, my daughters knew I was not their maid and they certainly learned how to clean their rooms. But, recently I had a friend whose daughter was extremely sick with the flu. The mom began a search to have the entire apartment disinfected. With flu season and virus’ going around; wouldn’t it give you peace of mind to know those nasty germs have been eradicated and may lessen the chances of your child catching what their roommate has or the roommates catching what your child has? Of course, this is my strongest point, but having seen my daughter’s apartment […]

The Big Blue Beyond! Your first few trips down to Boca Raton were probably about seeing the school, orientation, and move in (which means shopping too) and possibly a football game. By now, you know that FAU is really a beautiful school. To boot, there is no denying that Boca’s also gets the best of Florida’s weather (well, minus the ridiculous summer heat, but that is a great time to go check out the beach)… Good weather makes us want to be outside and drink it in. Great news; there is plenty to do in and around Boca Raton that will keep you enjoying nature and the outdoors. Gumbo Limbo Nature Center: Located about 4 miles from FAU, Gumbo Limbo is a must-see. Gumbo Limbo Nature Center is a local favorite. Gumbo Limbo features a boardwalk, a butterfly garden, a small museum, and large outdoor tanks featuring Florida sea life and tropical […]

Marathon of Funk And Disco. Perhaps you have seen the Facebook posts from your student or friends’ kids that say #FTK or #ForTheKids. Maybe even fundraising pages for an event called OwlThon or Dance Marathon.  Or maybe you have never even heard of the event. If you have a student at FAU, you will definitely want to know about this event, donate to this event and encourage your students to get involved. This is college philanthropy at its best. Created to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in 1991, Dance Marathons are held at college campuses across the country to raise funds and awareness for more than 170 pediatric hospitals across North America. Dance The Night Away The Marathon, also known at FAU as Owlthon, will take place on Saturday, April 4, 2020. This is the 7th year that the dance marathon has taken place at FAU. Dancers will spend […]

Something to Hoot About Owl-always love football! I love going to FAU football games- there is nothing like game day. HaveUHeard how FAU got its colors? In the conference room of the second floor of the Weir Plaza, it was suggested by Adelaide Snyder, the first employee and Vice President for University Relations that blue and tan for the sea and sand be FAU’s colors. Roger Miller, then the top administrative officer had just retired from Army JAG as a colonel and he said he never wanted to see the color tan again. So Adelaide brought the chart of colors in again and got the men (at that time there were no other women) to approve French Blue and Silver Grey. I’m all about the Red and Blue on game days and I am somewhat about the fashion. But I also want to be comfortable especially on those Florida humid days when […]

Ways To Feel More A Part of the Community. With an undergraduate enrollment of over 25,000 spanning across the Boca Raton Campus, FAU can feel huge. The large size of the campus means students should find a place where they feel at home. Some students will choose to rush a sorority or fraternity but others will not find Greek life their cup of tea. No worries; there are many other possible ways to get involved on campus. Some of you may believe that your student’s first job is school, and I couldn’t agree more. That said; being involved in some way is rather important too. Firstly, joining a club will help your students build a community. Since they’re leaving their family and sometimes their friends behind, getting involved helps them to discover new friends with similar interests. It only takes a few friends to make a large school feel smaller. Joining clubs […]

All The Ways In And Around Getting Health Coverage. Health Insurance Florida Atlantic University does not require students to have Health Insurance (unless they are international students); however, it does help to keep costs down during visits to Student Health Services. Deciding on which health insurance plan your student should be on may require a degree in economics. There are so many variables to consider when choosing: • Is the monthly premium you pay for your child pre-tax or after-tax? • Is it marketplace insurance or subsidized and again, does it meet the university’s minimum requirements? • Does your current insurance cover your student at an out of state college? If your student is coming to FAU from out of state, you will need to check with your current health insurance coverage to see if it covers their costs while attending school and living out of state. At Florida Atlantic University, Student […]

You Remember, Those Things With 2 Covers And A Bunch Of Pages. A lot has changed since my daughter was a student at FAU but the one thing that has not is that textbooks are expensive. Sure the format is different, but the cost for books and supplies is soaring. From January 2006 to July 2016, the Consumer Price Index for college textbooks increased by 88%. But students today have many different options than we did including rentals. Textbooks can cost as much as a few hundred dollars each. Some students may appreciate being able to mark up and highlight a textbook, while others may be satisfied with an online edition. Sometimes new books are required, because of an online code that comes with the book. And, believe it or not, for some classes, my daughters were able to either not purchase the book at all or just purchase the online version. […]

Officially A Fun Adult At 21! My daughter turned 21 in March of her junior year at FAU, fun, fun, fun.  At FAU, many girls who turn 21 have what is called a Waltz or sign night when their friends make a pasteboard sign that sums up their personality. Hers was a Shamrock that said “Kiss me I’m 21” since her birthday is the day after St. Patrick’s Day. That means, she can legally get into places around FAU that she could not get into before. Here are the favorite places that those 21 and over recommend when going out to have 21-fun. Boca Raton O’Brian’s Irish Pub: The Irish Pub that draws 21-year-olds near and far. Known for their Friday night block parties and fun drinks. Dubliner: Irish pub featuring live music, karaoke, and trivia nights. Yard House: While it is a Full restaurant, Yard house features a large bar with […]

OK, What’s Done Is Done. Your student got in trouble. Or they are having trouble. Now what? It’s not uncommon.  Sometimes even “the best kids” end up getting in trouble in some fashion during college. It could be as simple as a parking ticket, or as big as a charge of plagiarism.  Problems with a roommate, an apartment lease, getting caught underage drinking, are just a few of the issues that can play havoc with a college student and their parents.  No matter how well we’ve warned them to be safe, and follow school rules, it is important to also know what to do if trouble arises. First, breathe.  Your student is probably freaking out and is terrified to talk to you.  Remain calm and get all of the facts. Remind your child to obtain and keep all paperwork and information.  At Florida Atlantic University, there are several avenues in which an […]

Drop a Class, Like A Mic Drop, But Different. When my daughter was a sophomore, she decided to take a heavy course load in addition to a math course. You’ll have to understand that math was always a struggle for my daughter. We discussed whether she should take this class along with such a heavy course load; however, my daughter believed she could do it. Four weeks into the class, she called me asking if we would pay for a private tutor. It was heartbreaking, as I knew that she had been attending every study session and doing review work every chance she got. While I tried to reassure her that an A in the class wasn’t necessary, I knew that I couldn’t bear to be in the class any longer that semester. The ultimate decision was hers; however, I believe she wanted my support and blessing in this decision. As her […]

Teach Them To Budget And The Rest Is Easy. I have to admit, one of the most challenging experiences I had when my youngest daughter went off to school was telling her to be more budget careful as I watched her come close to spending all of her weekly allowances. I wanted her to be able to go off and have sushi or late-night pizza with all her new friends, but I also knew she would thank me later for teaching her how to budget. After a few weeks, she got the hang of it and I can confidently say she survived off ramen and peanut butter only a handful of times. The good news is that there are plenty of places around FAU’s campus that make sticking to a budget possible. There are also a few good tricks. For instance, if your students have a meal plan, encourage them to bring […]

First Time Living With Someone You’re Not Related To! For most students, freshman year of college is their first opportunity to live away from home. Dorm living often seems like a right of passage, and for most, it is a fulfilling experience. However, it can sometimes be a source of unwanted stress or awkwardness if the roommates aren’t a great match. While your student doesn’t have to find their perfect match, it is helpful if they agree on some ground rules that may be important to your student. My daughter had planned to live with one of her friends from high school up until about a month before the deadline date. (May 1st, but we recommend applying as soon as possible) Her friend had decided to attend another school and I was left with a panicked daughter. In the end, it all worked out, she found another roommate in an FAU Facebook […]

Campus Guide to Resources for Multicultural Students Campus diversity amongst students has grown considerably over the years and most colleges acknowledge the need to honor various minority groups. Colleges also propose to create campuses that maintain an inclusive atmosphere; allowing all its students to gain exposure, perceptions, global awareness, and a willingness to collaborate peacefully and freely. College campuses strive to support their black organizations and students. Students are supported through varying resources at each school. While there are quite a few national associations, often colleges have localized branches that provide a more personalized experience. While each groups’ overall goal may differ somewhat, the overall goal of all the on-campus organizations is to encourage a welcoming space for black students to make connections. Some organizations for students of color are sponsored by professional societies, while others focus on diversity, mentoring, networking, college achievement, and other types of support. There are many multicultural groups […]

Inclusive Environments Abound. Accessibility is Everything. FAU is a large, growing campus, but Student Accessibility Services is there to create an inclusive educational environment for all students by way of academic accommodations, testing support, assistive technologies, and coaching. My daughter has several friends and Sorority Sisters that require special accessibility accommodations for their disability; some for ADHD, some for medical issues. Across the board, they have said from the moment they stepped into the office and met with their SAS counselors, their nerves were put at ease. Together they made a plan and decided what services would best aid their success at Florida Atlantic University. The first step for any student that will be requesting accommodations would be to visit the office of Student Accessibility Services located in the Student Union 133. Do not hesitate to reach out to them right away. SAS is open Monday through Thursday from 8 am to […]

The Paws Have It! Here is what you need to know about pets at FAU. When my daughter first started at FAU, she often called or texted daily asking for pictures of our family dog Lucy. I think she missed the dog more than me! Over the years we have outfitted Lucy with all the FAU gear available for dogs. And often I found the more times I sent pictures of our family dog, the fewer texts I would get saying “But mom I found the cutest dog who needs to be rescued” Don’t get me wrong, I love animals, especially dogs. But I am not a huge fan of students having a pet at college. I understand that the unconditional love of a sweet puppy or kitten can be wonderful around stressful times like midterms or finals. (FAU often brings therapy dogs to campus during these times for just this reason.) […]

Washing Laundry 101 Should be a Mandatory Class! I spent the summer before they left for college teaching all three of my girls’ things they would need to know to live on their own, laundry included. My soon to be Owl was a willing participant, but some of her clothes did not make it out unscathed. It was a little bit of a battle because what should take maybe an hour or so to run two loads, dry and fold became an all-day project. By the time she was ready to head off to college, I felt she knew enough to be able to handle her own laundry. And then I just hoped she would wash her sheets and towels weekly as well as doing her regular laundry. My new Owl would tell me that students were willing to pay others to do their laundry. Or, that if she was doing her […]

Read This Before You Shop! If you’re wondering what to bring and haven’t started shopping for your incoming freshman yet, whether for things for their dorm or clothes; well, then, we are here to tell you that you probably shouldn’t bother. You see, my daughters have cleaned out just about every store and depleted us of our savored stack of Bed, Bath and Beyond coupons only to find out that many of the things we purchased were just a waste of money. I have had three daughters go off to college over the past few years, what I want to share is that there are a few things you really do not need to purchase for freshman move-in. Don’t Bring… Do not buy a printer. There are quite a few places across campus to print wirelessly and it’s by far cheaper to load money on their Owl Card than purchasing ink refills. […]

It’s More Than A Visit. Manage the Gap. Although it feels like you just moved your students into their dorms, you now have to move them out. The worst part, aside from the grueling heat, is that some may be returning in just a few weeks to move back in somewhere. And, if they have to be back early in August, whether it be another dorm, house, or an apartment, having to schlep their stuff back home to return in just a few weeks seems a little silly. I know how many carloads it took to get our daughter moved in and, frankly, I am not prepared to rent a U-Haul to get her home and back again. So, my first piece of advice is to recommend that they start bringing things home if they are making any trips home between now and the end of the semester or if you are […]

Nice To Have Some Time Together. Whether you are coming down for a mother-daughter sorority weekend or just to spend time with your daughter, you will find plenty to do together. Shopping in Boca Raton is easy to find. There is a plethora of shopping right near FAU, including plenty of big box stores, but the kind of shopping that may come after the call that cries, “I have nothing to wear,” exists too.  These also may be the stores you may want to visit should you get lucky enough to partake in a Mother-Daughter weekend. Right across the street from FAU, you will find University Commons. University Commons is home to Nordstrom Rack and a new but becoming a favorite boutique, Etiquette Boutique. After shopping, have lunch at J. Alexander’s, P.F. Chang’s, Shake Shack, or Mario’s Osteria. Further east from campus is Mizner Park, home to many small shops and restaurants. […]

While volunteering, you might have a life-changing experience. Volunteering in college gives students the opportunity to give back to the community while doing what they love. It is important to give back to your community for a variety of reasons. Not only will you be helping others, but also students can discover a passion for their future and increase their chance of standing out within a sea of grad school applications. Why should the graduate program pick you over another person? Graduate schools look for more than just the book smart student. They look for well-rounded students who want to make a difference. Being altruistic is such an important quality to have. Another great quality graduate schools look at is being able to balance your time. If you are able to take rigorous classes, be involved in extracurricular, have a job or internship AND volunteer, they know that you will be able […]

The Secrets You Need To Know About Living On Campus. You can certainly read about the dorms and places to live on campus on the FAU Housing and Residential Life pages, but we asked my daughter and our interns for the inside scoop about living on campus…which is probably what you really want to know before you choose where to live when you become an Owl. Here’s what they had to say: Each dorm is very unique and, in my experience, you make lifelong friends from living on campus, plus you don’t have to share a communal bathroom with everyone on your floor. You just have to share a bathroom with 2-4 people depending on where you live. My favorite was Innovation Village because it had more of an apartment type feel rather than a dorm. One of the many things I loved about living on campus is it includes utilities, cable, […]

You’ll Want to Plan Early for the Best Weekend Experience. I had been accustomed to booking for Parent’s Weekend the second it was announced, based on my older children who went to other colleges. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that availability is not as big an issue at the hotels near FAU. Parent’s Weekend is scheduled for Fall 2020. The earlier you book your hotel, the better your choices will be. Some hotels close to campus offer discounts if you mention you are coming for FAU parent weekend. Most of the local hotels are pretty flexible on cancellations (48 hours being the norm), but be sure to check all this out when booking. Our blog on hotels may help. Parent’s weekend is a wonderful weekend to see your students in their new home. They will want to show you all their new favorite places around campus and town and introduce you […]

Continuing Worship Traditions. For all students, being able to continue to worship, pray, and adhere to their religious beliefs is extremely important for several reasons. The most important thing is for them to be able to follow their faith. But having a place to worship on or near campus allows them to meet other students and have a Rabbi, Minister, Bishop or Priest to turn to should they need spiritual guidance. FAU is a very diverse campus. At or around FAU, there are places to worship, regardless of your students’ faith. During the spring semester of my daughter’s freshman year, the Easter season was rapidly approaching. Being that we are Catholic, this time of year is very important to our family. The first holiday of the season is celebrated on a Wednesday, so she was unable to come home. So, she did what many other students do; she sought out the help […]

Oh No…It Happened! It’s Lost. Have you ever lost anything really important before? My three daughters lost more Student ID’s, keys, driver’s licenses than any person I know (or at least I thought). Conduct a search on the student FAU page, and you will see daily posts for lost keys, wallets, cell phones, ID’s and so forth. And, while clearly my daughters are not the only ones who lost valuables, or had them stolen, it does happen. One of my girlfriends bought their daughter The Tile, an investment I quickly made for my youngest daughter. The Tile is a small lost and found device that you attach to the things you don’t want to lose, be it a computer, bike, keys, luggage, wallets- even pets (attach to their collar). The Tile is also a useful tool for students studying abroad. If your student becomes the subject of a pickpocket, the tile may […]

New Wings And A New Life Experience! Owls Care! Now you have your college student moved in and they are ready to embark on a new independent life, as a parent, even if you are not a helicopter parent, it may be difficult to drive off. Owls Care can really help you coordinate with you and your student. This is now a time for your child to really stretch their wings and fly on their own. The college experience allows our children to not only attend classes, but they now have the ability to make so many decisions for themselves. For the first time for many students, they are making the choices on how late they stay out and what their diets consist of. FAU has rolled out some new programs to help students adjust to not only college courses but also campus life as a whole. The Larger Scale Program is […]

Are Their Valuables Safe? You worry about your student being safe, then one more thing to worry about is their stuff. Right up there with the call from my college daughter that she lost her phone, keys, student ID, (fill in the blank), is the call you get when they tell you someone took their cell phone, watch, or whatever valuable item your child has had taken. It has been through their tears and yelling about an item of theirs being taken, that I find myself, once again, asking if they had locked their door. You see, my daughters have lived in dorms, apartments, sorority houses, and off-campus houses and consistently, I have personally witnessed them forgetting to lock their room doors (not the front door, although they have done that on occasion). Usually, when I make a mere mention of that fact, I get a sassy response along the lines of […]

Are frats really that crazy? Going back to 1978 with the release of “Animal House”, which became one of the most successful comedies of all time, to 2014 with the release of “Neighbors”, fraternities have been portrayed as groups of Neanderthals that do nothing but party, drink alcohol and abuse drugs. Fraternities have been called out on national television for purported participation in horrific activities. Certainly, if a fraternity is engaging in rushing or any behavior that crosses the line, they should, and will, end up either on suspension or maybe even kicked off-campus. But talk with many of the young men in fraternities at FAU, and they will speak of brotherhood, a lifetime of friendships and access to leadership positions on campus. Florida Atlantic University is home to 8 national or international fraternities. Just like the sororities, the fraternities do not have housing. Their meetings and events are typically held on […]

Keeping Fit Counts! Yes, it helps mentally as well as physically. The phrase “Freshman 15” happens; it may not be 15, it may just be 5 or 10 extra pounds gained that first year of college, but there is a way to keep fit. College is a completely new experience for the majority of freshmen; it’s their first time out in the world with nobody making decisions for them. Students can make a choice to eat ice cream for breakfast and have a soda at 6 am. Even with the amazing fitness centers available to today’s students, many students do gain weight. My daughters chalk it up to late-night pizzas (after drinking) and the French fries from the dining hall. I am not here to pass judgment as not every student will gain weight and not every student drinks. My main purpose is to say that even for students on a tight […]

We completed the drop. We unloaded the car in the treacherous Florida heat and we set up their rooms. The bed was made, everything had been put away and it only took two trips to Target for things we didn’t realize we would need. We said our see-ya-laters and shed the appropriate amount of tears. It was when I got into the car without our new college freshman, all the advice we meant to give them about those first few weeks lay dormant somewhere between the big lump in my throat and my empty heart. Forgive me if I sound dramatic, but the truth is there is a great deal to be said at that time. Whether or not they take to heart is another story. Perhaps starting the conversation a few weeks before drop-off is a better idea. Getting Started Those first few weeks of college are a crucial time for […]

Sororities Have Advantages. For parents of incoming freshman, you probably are starting to hear whispers about rushing, or sorority recruitment. What is rushing her way and your way through this whole process? Talk to any parent at any school, and you will not find too many who love the process.  But like the process or not, sororities do have their advantages, especially at a large college. This is an unusual, unprecedented time. The situation and circumstances continue to evolve daily. Please start your planning for any event by checking your university website. Before my daughter mentioned she was interested in joining a sorority, I heard all of the common misconceptions of rushing a sorority. However, after seeing all three of my daughters recruitment and enjoy all that sororities have to offer, there is so much more to these organizations than I had previously thought. As a mother of three daughters who joined […]

Find Your Perfect Major. Considering that Florida Atlantic University offers a multitude of degrees; how is one to choose? Most students begin college with some idea of what they want to study, but it is not uncommon for them to change majors. My own children changed their major or minor a few times before finding their perfect fit. Changing and choosing a major isn’t always easy. There are several ways you can support your student as they are trying to decide or consider changing a major. One of the main reasons students reconsider or hesitate to declare a major is because they do not understand the career options associated with it. Encourage your students to search the undergraduate catalog to see what courses are required in majors that are interesting to them. They should also meet with an academic advisor and visit the Career Center. The career center is a great resource […]

Check Out The Technology Freebies First! HaveUHeard that Microsoft Office 365 is free for all enrolled FAU Students?  For information about downloading this helpful technology. Students also receive 1TB of storage through OneDrive. As an FAU student, you receive technical assistance with connectivity and other authentication issues. If you need help with your computer or Fau’s Canvas, submit a ticket or call the helpdesk, 561-297-3999. Before you head out to get a computer for your students, some of the colleges have specific requirements that differ from general recommendations. Click for the FAU Software recommendations, specific colleges may have other requirements. While the computer of choice for many students is trending toward Macbooks, before you head out to get a computer for your student, some of the colleges have specific requirements that differ from general recommendations. Check your individual college and degree program hardware and software requirements as you may find that a […]

Sorority, It’s More Than Parties. She joined a sorority. Congratulations! Your daughter has found her home away from home for the next four years. Being in a sorority opens the door to so many wonderful experiences. I found my lifelong best friends when I became a member of a sorority at FAU. They have been by my side for many of life’s ups and downs as I have been by theirs. To this day, we have remained close friends. Every sorority is a little different as it relates to social gatherings, academic requirements, and philanthropic requirements. Since FAU does not have Greek housing at this time, the sororities often plan several events throughout each month to ensure sisters can get together. Your daughter is expected to attend weekly chapter meetings and participate in sorority events. The sororities are often paired up with fraternities for social or philanthropy events or hold chapter-wide events with […]

Trains, Planes, and Automobiles… It seems easy enough, book a flight, take a train, jump in the car, but we know some details that will make that trip smoother and easier for you and your student. Freshman who brings their cars will quickly learn that parking during the fall and spring is at a premium and will not want to move their cars should they nab a great spot. There are designated parking lots for on-campus residents; however the closer the spot, the harder to grab. Sure many will state the convenience of having their car if they want to go to a store off-campus and do not want to carry heavy belongings if they are living in a dorm. If your student decides to bring their car on campus, they need to register their vehicle with FAU parking and transportation. FAU has a trolley system, called the TrOWLey, to get students […]

Here Is One Way To Make The Move. Moving out can be almost as hectic as moving into the dorms and apartments. You are typically assigned a move out time to keep the flow smooth. It did not make sense for us to drag the entire dorm supplies home for the summer, only to send them back down in the fall. We opted to have my daughter rent an air-conditioned storage facility with friends. You may be lucky in that your student may have a friend that will let them store their belongings in their apartment but that is unusual. She was able to move her belongings into storage herself by getting boxes and packing up her dorm. Some students can recruit friends to help them move. You may want to go down yourself if they are moving out of a dorm and you feel they will need the additional help. Any […]

What is Birthright Israel? Birthright Israel is the gift of a free, 10-day trip to Israel designed for young adults of Jewish heritage, aged 18–32. Our mission is to enrich the lives of Jewish students so that they may enrich the Jewish people and the world. With more than 8,000 Jewish students on the campuses we serve, Hillel of Broward and Palm Beach offers a pluralistic and inclusive community that offers social and networking events, community service projects, travel experiences to Israel and beyond, Jewish learning opportunities, free Shabbat dinners, a place to celebrate and observe holidays, and mentoring programs that integrate our Hillel with the community. There is something for everyone at Hillel! This is the trip you go on with your friends from college or to meet new people from your campus. Ten extraordinary days experiencing the enriching, inspiring and exhilarating sights, sounds, and soul of Israel. Hang out with […]

Support, Empowerment, and Connection for Hispanic-Latino Students Campus diversity amongst students has grown considerably over the years and colleges vie to maintain an inclusive atmosphere; allowing all students to gain exposure, perceptions, global awareness, and a willingness to collaborate peacefully and freely. Whether serving as a forum for communication, helping students build strong social networks, or simply in pursuit of a welcoming space amongst other Hispanic or Latino students; FAU undoubtedly has a place where you will find your connections. FAU is proudly federally recognized as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI); the Hispanic enrollment at FAU exceeding 25 percent. Aware of this rise in enrollment, FAU strives to be sure their campus promotes an inclusive HSI culture. There are various organizations for Hispanic and Latino students at FAU that are sponsored by professional societies, while others focus on diversity, mentoring, networking, college achievement, and other types of support. There is undoubtedly a place […]

Show Your Team Spirit Parents! I love going to college football games- there is nothing like game days but, TBH, I am not going to wear some of the outfits that I see my daughter wearing – been there, done that when I was a student. I’m all about the Red and Blue on game days and I am somewhat about the fashion. But I also want to be comfortable especially on those Florida humid days when you are packed in a stadium and it is more than 90° out and the humidity is stifling. Here are my suggestions for what to wear to the game for parents. You can wear officially licensed Owl wear or just dress in their colors. Here are some great suggestions for us Moms and Dads from cotton tops and t-shirts to comfortable dresses for the moms and collared shirts, polos or jerseys for dads or just […]

You Can Change Your Mind. Some students leave for college unsure of what to find and realize when they get there it is not the place for them. Perhaps too they never actually went away but had been living at home for college and are now ready to go away.  If transferring to FAU and becoming an Owl is something your student is considering, they can start by checking out the requirements here. Please note that applicants with less than 30 credit hours must meet both the transfer student and freshman applicant requirements. If students are transferring with more than 60 credits or with an Associate degree, they must have earned the degree at a Public Florida Institution and have completed the State of Florida’s foreign language requirement. There may be additional requirements based on the majors or programs to which they are applying. The application fee for FAU transfer students is […]

Here Are The Facts. It’s understandable that they want to be an owl; FAU is ranked as one of the top schools in the state of Florida. FAU is a great university that has over 170-degree programs, builds traditions, and their graduates make waves across the country. The question is, how does your son or daughter become an owl? When my daughter applied to FAU in 2011, I remember the university being selective with the incoming freshman class. Hearing from the advisors at the college fair held at her school made the process seemed daunting with all of the requirements for admission. Today, they are extremely selective looking not only at grades and test scores but student involvement, leadership roles, and an essay that stands out. Applications This past year, 50% of freshmen who applied for the fall semester were admitted into FAU. FAU is looking for prospective students who have GPAs […]

It Happens To All Of Us! Stress.  It happens to our kids too. As though balancing a full schedule, the welcome distraction of football season, sorority and fraternity rush, trying to maintain a social life is not enough, many students are adjusting to being on their own for the first time. FAU offers various programs, most of which are free to Owls, to help students combat the effects of stress. Students can make appointments with the FAU Owls Care to have individual consultations to learn techniques to help them manage. Students can also discuss a variety of wellness topics that help reduce symptoms, such as sleep habits, alcohol use, and nutrition. Students can make appointments for individual consultations by calling (561) 297-1048 Students call also visit the Stress Oasis, a station in the Owls Care Office that is stocked with stress balls, aromatherapy, and information on management. Owls Care also publishes a […]

The Reality Of Living With Hurricanes. Having spent most of my adult life in South Florida, I have gone through more than 25 Hurricane seasons. I prepared for my first potential hit with Hurricane Andrew in 1992. While Andrew was everything the meteorologists said he would be, my family and I were lucky to have made it out with little more than jittery nerves and a few downed trees. Now as a new mom and a novice, I remember constantly contemplating if I would actually have to “hunker down” as I waited in seemingly endless food and gas lines.  Today, with many hurricane preparations under my belt and many, many decades living in a Hurricane prone area, I can say that preparation, not panic, is crucial. Some of my personal preparations were being the host of many a Hurricane Party where family and friends, who lived in evacuation zones, brought food and […]

Celebrate with a New Community Generally, our kids get to come home for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but for those who celebrate the upcoming Jewish High Holidays, it may be your first one without your students at your holiday table. While it may feel strange having that empty seat, it can feel better to know that they are celebrating the high holidays with a new community of their peers. There are options for Jewish students at FAU. You may want to let them know they exist and then hope that they will choose to participate. Time Off Not all colleges give days off for every holiday and it doesn’t look like FAU is any different. Students can certainly inform their professors, in advance, of their absence for the high holiday, but chances are class will go on and they will be responsible for any work. Even if they do get a day or […]

Media and More. There are lots of media options, but if you still need it, here are the radio and TV details for FAU, the major stations are as follows: Radio WAYFM – 88.1 – Christian Contemporary WKISS – 99.9 – Country WIRK – 103.1 – Country WMIB – 103.5 – Hip-Hop WRMF – 97.9 – Adult Contemporary WHLI – 100.7 – Top 40 WLDI – 95.5 – Top 40 WFLC – 97.3 – Adult Contemporary WLYF – 101.5 – Adult Contemporary WEDR – 99.1 – Hip Hop There are many other stations as Boca Raton is located near some major cities. For many students, they listen to streaming music and with free wifi on campus; it is a great alternative to listening to the radio. Students are typically way too busy to watch TV, but they do have their favorites. From reality shows such as Keeping Up with The Kardashians to Big […]