Parents and Families FAQ

Privacy and access

Why won’t the university tell me my student’s grades?

Once a student enrolls, federal law (FERPA) makes the education record theirs, regardless of age or who pays tuition. Staff need the student’s written consent to discuss grades, attendance, conduct or aid (student records privacy).

How do I get access?

Your student grants it in MyPorter, choosing the scope — billing only, or academics too — and a passphrase staff will ask for when you call. They can revoke it at any time; orientation is a good moment to set it up together.

What can staff tell me without a release?

They can explain how any policy or process works in general, hear a concern, and act on a genuine health or safety emergency (parents & families).

I claim my student as a dependent. Doesn’t that give me access?

FERPA allows it in narrow cases, but proving dependency each time is slow. The practical route is for your student to grant access in MyPorter.

Can I get my student’s health or counseling information?

No — health and counseling records are confidential. Counselors and health staff will talk with you about how services work and how to encourage your student to use them.

Money

How much does a year cost?

For 2026–27, a Wesconsin resident living on campus is billed $20,660 for tuition, fees, a double room and the standard meal plan; the full cost of attendance is $24,330. The non-resident full cost on campus is $33,070 (cost of attendance).

Can I see and pay the bill myself?

Yes. Have your student add you as an authorized payer in MyPorter; you get your own login to view charges and pay, without seeing academic records. Fall charges are due in mid-September and spring charges in mid-February.

Is there a payment plan?

Yes — four or five monthly payments per semester for a $35 enrollment fee and no interest. Details are in the tuition and billing FAQ.

Can I add money to my student’s Porter Card?

Yes. With a guest login you can load Campus Cash by card from anywhere; it is tax-free on food and rolls over while your student is enrolled (the card).

Our finances changed mid-year. What can we do?

Your student should ask Financial Aid about a professional-judgment appeal and talk to an aid counselor early — almost no options work retroactively (aid appeals).

Is there emergency help for students?

The university’s student emergency fund gives one-time grants of $150–$750, usually within three business days. The Parent & Family Association also runs a family-funded Family Emergency Grant with decisions in 48 hours.

Health, safety and wellbeing

I am worried and cannot reach my student. Who do I call?

The Dean of Students Office at (715) 555–0234. Staff can do a welfare check and connect your student with support, even if they cannot share details back with you. In an emergency, call 911.

What mental health support is there?

Counseling has no per-session charge, offers a weekday same-day urgent block, and runs a 24-hour line at (715) 555–0117 (counseling services).

Where does my student go when sick?

The Health & Counseling Center on North Campus, (715) 555–0236, open to every enrolled student and funded by the health fee regardless of insurance. Bring the Porter Card and an insurance card (student health).

Does my student need health insurance?

Domestic students are strongly encouraged but not required to carry it; international students are enrolled in the student plan unless they waive it (health insurance).

Can I get campus emergency alerts?

Students are enrolled in PorterAlert automatically and can add a parent’s number in MyPorter (emergency notifications). See the campus safety FAQ for more.

Is campus safe?

Porter Campus Safety is staffed 24 hours a day from Millwright Hall. Its Annual Security & Fire Safety Report, published by October 1 each year, has three years of crime statistics, and a daily crime log is public (annual security report).

The first year

What is normal in the first semester?

A predictable arc: excitement in weeks one to three, a real dip around weeks five and six, and stress spikes at midterms and registration in October and March. A rough patch in October is normal, not a crisis.

How can I help without hovering?

Ask questions — “what does your adviser say?”, “have you been to tutoring?” — rather than solving things from home. Emailing an instructor or resolving a roommate issue is a task your student should own.

Is there an orientation for families?

Yes. A parallel family track runs the same days as student orientation, with separate sessions on billing and aid, safety and health services, and what the first semester looks like (orientation for families).

When is move-in?

First-year move-in for fall 2027 is August 28–29, 2027, by appointment booked in the housing portal in July. Families help unload; a driver moves the car to long-term parking (move-in & move-out).

When are the breaks?

Fall break is October 15–16, Thanksgiving recess November 25–29, and fall finals end December 18, 2026. Spring classes begin January 25, 2027 and spring recess is March 13–21. Residence halls close over winter break (academic calendar).

How does my student get home for breaks?

Student-government-subsidized break shuttles run to the regional airport and the intercity station in the Cities; seats are reserved about a month before each break (break travel shuttles).

Staying connected

When is Family Weekend?

October 23–24, 2026, the weekend after Millrace Week, with open houses, a football game, college receptions, a river walk and sessions for families on billing, safety and the first year. The schedule is on Family Weekend.

How do I hear what is going on?

Sign up for the Porter Family newsletter, which covers academic dates, housing and financial milestones and what students are going through each month. Encourage your student to read their Porter email — it is the official channel.

What is the Parent & Family Association?

A volunteer organization run by current families. Every parent, guardian or family member of a current student is automatically a member with no dues; it funds finals care packages and the Family Emergency Grant.

Where can we stay when we visit?

The Porter Falls Inn, three blocks from campus, offers a university-visitor rate. Visitor parking is in the meters near the Depot and Founders Union and the pay lot by the Welcome Center (visitor parking).

When is commencement?

Spring commencement is Saturday, May 15, 2027 in Ironclad Fieldhouse. No tickets are needed and parking is free in every lot that day; see the graduation FAQ.