Orientation - Frequently Asked Questions

STUDENTS

When is Orientation? Orientation activities officially begin on Thursday, August 25 at 8:30 a.m. Parents Orientation is a one day event. To view the parent schedule, click here. Student Orientation is scheduled for Thursday, August 25 through Monday, August 29. To view the student schedule, click here.

When is early move-in available? An optional move-in day is scheduled for Wednesday, August 24. Students may pick-up their residence hall room keys at Story House. Parents may pick-up their welcome packets from 1:00 - 8:00 p.m. in front of Emett Student Center. Please note that keys will only be issued to students. We encourage parents to use this time to move students into their rooms and to go shopping.

Will there be time during Orientation to set up a bank account, purchase books, or go to Target to purchase items? Limited time is available on Thursday, August 25 for shopping. It is recommended to take care of these items beforehand. (You may do this in Claremont, if arriving on the optional arrival day of Wednesday, August 24.) Time is set aside on Saturday, August 27 for students to take a shopping trip. Transportation will be provided by the Dean of Students office. Students will purchase books after registration on Monday, August 29.

Do you recommend any banks? Many banks serve the Claremont area, and we do not endorse any particular one. The Claremont Colleges are entering into an agreement with US Bank to offer services (including an ATM machine) in Honnold-Mudd Library. Bank of America and Wells-Fargo have branches nearby, in the Village of Claremont. Here is a list of local banks and credit unions.

Are students expected to participate in all of the Orientation activities? What are the benefits of participating? Students are expected to participate in all orientation activities. Orientation is a time to learn about the college and how it functions, student life, academics, and to begin making friends. Participation in a W.O.A.! trip (Wilderness Orientation Adventure) is highly encouraged, and many students have found that they have made friends within the first two weeks of school that last them at least the next four years. Also, orientation activities include mandatory academic advising and technology sessions that each student must complete. Click here to view the Student Orientation schedule.

PARENTS ORIENTATION

What is Parents Orientation? Parents Orientation is a welcome program designed specifically for parents and guardians of new students. This one-day program consists of special presentations designed to help family members assist with their student's transition to college by becoming familiar with the College and its many resources. During Parents Orientation, parents will be acquainted with various aspects of the College's academic, residential, and student life. Emphasis will be on the transitions and adjustments new college students and their parents typically experience. You will have an opportunity to visit with and ask questions of members of our faculty, administrative staff, students, and other parents.

Are parents required to attend Orientation? Parents are not required to attend, however their attendance at Parents Orientation can make their transition to college easier. Parents can learn more about CMC and gain a greater understanding of what students will be experiencing in their first year and beyond. There is a separate program for parents.

Can I bring my other children to Parents Orientation? Yes, however, all of the sessions for parents are geared toward parents, and children may be uninterested.

Is it necessary to register for Parents Orientation? Yes. We encourage parents to register in advance so that we can ensure that each guest has a packet and nametag. It also helps us to know how many people plan to attend so we can provide for catering needs.

How do I register for Parents Orientation? There are three ways to register for Parents Orientation. Please note that you should use only ONE of the above methods for registration.

• Go online to /orientation/ and click on the "Parents Information" and click on "Registration" in the top menu.
• Mail in the registration form included with your Orientation packet. Packets will be mailed to new parents in early July.
• Print the online registration form and mail it or fax it to the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations. The fax number is (909) 607-7494 and mailing address is Office of Alumni & Parent Relations, 400 N. Claremont Blvd., Claremont, CA, 91711.

Can we register for Parents Orientation when we arrive on campus? Yes, you may register when you arrive on campus; however it will help us welcome you if you register in advance.

How will I know if my registration is confirmed? You will receive a confirmation, either via e-mail or mail, once your registration has been processed. Please allow one week for your registration to be processed and confirmation sent. If you do not receive a confirmation, please contact the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations at (909) 621-8097.

I already registered but I need to make some changes. What should I do? If you wish to make changes to your reservations, please call the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations at (909) 621-8097.

Where can we stay during Parents Orientation? The Office of Alumni and Parent Relations has rooms blocked at several hotels; click here to see a list of those hotels. Unfortunately we cannot guarantee rooms will be available, so please book early.

I don't want my information sold to a third party. What is your privacy policy? We are extremely protective of your privacy and security. The information you provide will be used only to process your registration, to maintain College records, and to update you on future events. We invite you to read our privacy policy.

What do I need to do if I need special accommodations due to a disability? If you need special accommodations because of a disability, please call us prior to Parents Orientation at (909) 621-8097 during business hours of 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday. During Parents Orientation, visit the check-in/hospitality room (8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) located in The Hub at Emett Student Center for assistance.

What is the dress code for Parents Orientation? Dress casually and comfortably. The weather is typically sunny and warm. Please don't forget your sunglasses and sun screen. Click here to view the current weather in Claremont.

I'm flying in, which airport is closest to Claremont McKenna College? The closest airport to Claremont McKenna College is Ontario International Airport, located about 10 miles from campus. International students can contact International Place at The Claremont Colleges for additional information and arrival assistance.

Where do I go once I am on campus? If arriving on Wednesday, August 24, students and parents may check-in between 1:00 - 8:00 p.m. in front of Story House. Also, a table will be set up for parents to check in for Parents Orientation. Keys will only be distributed to students. If arriving on Thursday, August 25 Parents Orientation check-in will be located at The Hub in Emett Student Center between 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Students should check-in between 8:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. at Phillips Hall Lawn (near Collins Dining Hall). When you check-in you will receive a packet containing an updated schedule, maps, your nametag, and dinner tickets if you made reservations. Campus Map.

Where do I park during Parents Orientation and will parking tickets be issued? During Parents Orientation, you are welcome to park in any available legal parking space on CMC campus. Parking permits are not needed during Orientation. Vehicles that are parked in a manner that may impede the flow of traffic or response by emergency vehicles will be towed at the owner's expense without prior notification. Campus Safety will not ticket non-registered cars on move-in day. There are some cases where they may ticket, such as a car parked in a handicap space with no placard. If someone is actively unloading a car in a red zone, they will not ticket, but if a car is left unattended in a red zone or parked, they may ticket it. The City of Claremont can issue tickets for illegal parking on city streets or in fire lanes. To read CMC's parking policy click here. To view CMC's parking lot map, click here.

Am I able to ship belongings to school before my son/daughter leaves for school? Students/parents are allowed to ship packages to the campus one week before they arrive on campus. Anything sent before one week will be returned to sender. Packages may be mailed to: Story House, 742 N. Amherst Ave., Claremont, CA 91711. Student name and box number should be included in the shipping address. Students will receive their box number prior to arrival.

What should we ship to school vs. what we pack for the plane? It may be beneficial to ship clothing and pack heavier items, because it could be more cost-effective, depending on how much your student is bringing. Make sure to pack less than you think you need, and pick up anything you've forgotten on your next visit home! We do not recommend shipping appliances or furniture. Due to the large volume of mail received in the first few weeks of school, there is limited space to store these items. Click here to view our handy checklist to pull together what you need.

What should we buy when we arrive as opposed to purchasing in our home town? Certain bulky items may not be worth bringing, and your student can easily purchase them during their first days at school. Clothing hangers, drying rack, iron, laundry hamper and detergent, small shelving units for snacks and toiletries, shower supplies, fan, microwave, mini-fridge-these are just some of the things that should be purchased in California, if your student intends to use them at all. You may also order items through Bed, Bath & Beyond and have it shipped to their local store for pick-up. Click here for more information.

I'll be arriving in Claremont before Orientation. Can students move into their rooms early or at least store stuff there? Will parents have access to their student's dorm before Thursday? Students and parents may check-in on Wednesday, August 24 between 1:00 and 8:00 p.m. Keys will only be issued to students. If your student is participating in the Wilderness Orientation Adventure (W.O.A.!) trip, he/she may leave their belongings in their room prior to departure; however parents will not be able to have access to their rooms until they return on Wednesday, August 24. Students participating in W.O.A.! will be able to stay in their rooms on Wednesday evening.

How do I access my son or daughter's account? If you student has set you up as an authorized user on CASHNet, you can view your current statement, check your account balance, make a payment, or view your account transaction history.
Go to CASHNet
Payment Methods

ACADEMICS

Will students have an academic advisor? Each student is assigned an academic advisor during freshman orientation. All advisors are members of the CMC faculty. Students may be assigned a professor according to their major, or in cases of undeclared majors, they will be assigned by similar interest. Once a student declares a major, they may select a new advisor. Advisors help students pick a course of study, and can assist with most academic questions their advisees have. Students must meet with their advisors at least once a semester to discuss which courses the student should take next semester, but many meet with them more frequently. Students may change advisors as many times as they want.

What assistance is available if a student is struggling to maintain passing grades? In every department, there are help sessions and tutors available. Also, each professor is generally available even beyond office hours, in person or by email, to assist with questions their students have. Students should consult their professors directly about trouble they are having, and talk to their advisor or a counselor if there is a larger problem contributing to the poor grades.

Is roll called in class to make sure students attend classes? Some professors call roll, or scan the classroom in order to see who is there and who is not, but it is for their own grading purposes, not to monitor the students' activities. Students are held personally accountable for their class attendance, and each professor makes it very clear at the beginning of each semester what their expectations are about missed classes.

Do parents get copies of our students' grades? No. Because of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), all students enrolled at a school past the high school level, and over the age of 18, have sole access to their grades. Most CMC students share their progress with their parents on their own accord. To learn more about FERPA visit http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html.

How can parents find out if their student is having problems with classes before it's too late? The best way to keep informed of your student's progress (academic, social, etc.) is to maintain contact with them. You will not be contacted about your student's academic progress by the school unless the situation gets to the point where disciplinary action will have to be taken.

How do students know about CMC internships that are available? The Career Services Center sends out email updates with opportunities for students to look into, but students are encouraged to visit the Center on their own and work with one of their staff to find internships that best suits them as individuals. For more information, visit http://csc.cmc.edu.

FINANCIAL AID

When is tuition due? How do we pay tuition? The Student Accounts Office sends information about paying tuition and fees. Please visit the Student Accounts Office website.

Is there a GPA requirement for renewal of financial aid? Yes, students must maintain at least a C or 6.0 GPA to renew their financial aid. Students must also complete a minimum of 3 courses per semester and have an academic standing consistent with CMC requirements.

When do we apply for renewal of aid? At the beginning of each calendar year, all students on financial aid must renew their FAFSA and CSS Profile reports, as well as submitting copies of their families' tax records to the IDOC service. This must be done within the first few months of the calendar year.

My student wants to live off campus. How does this affect financial aid? Financial aid awards always include living expenses. However, these expenses depend on where a student lives. If a student moves off campus, lives in a student apartment, or at home, the financial aid award may change. Students who live off campus or in the student apartments generally incur similar room and board expenses as students living on campus. Therefore, a financial aid award most likely will not change. However, if a student moves home, living expenses are still considered when determining a student's financial aid award, but the living cost is less. Therefore, the financial aid award will be adjusted and reduced accordingly.

How does my student find a work-study job? Are there enough jobs for everyone? On campus jobs (work study and non-work study) are available in most academic departments, administrative offices, and research institutes, as well as the Emett Student Center, the Athenaeum, the bookstore, and the library. During New Student Orientation, students may apply to various jobs on campus at the job fair. Also, students receive email bulletins regularly about job opportunities. There are more than enough on-campus work-study jobs for all who want one, but students may also use the resources at the Career Services Center to find off-campus jobs.

HOUSING & RESIDENCE HALL INFORMATION

Where can I find more information about the residence halls and living on campus? General information is available at http://dos.cmc.edu/rezlife/. Residence hall information can be found on the Orientation web site.

Where can I order bed linens? Note that all beds are twin extra long. Students who are particularly tall may contact Facilities at Story House to request an extra-extra-long bed and linens, at no extra charge. Most students buy twin extra long sheets at any place linens are available (Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond, etc.). If a student chooses, CMC will provide linens upon request at no extra charge. Students should contact Facilities at Story House (909) 621-8112 if they are interested in this option. Another option for linens is to order through the Extra-Long Linen Program (www.rhl.org). A brochure describing this program will be sent to your student in the mail.

How does the College determine room assignments? Each incoming student is asked to fill out a housing form as candidly and honestly as possible. The form provides insight about each student's preferences regarding study times, level of messiness, music tastes, etc. The Dean of Students office staff uses these forms to match roommates. For the most part, freshman roommates are very successful pairings. Click here for additional information on campus life and housing and to access the 2010 Housing Questionnaire.

Can my student change roommates in the middle of the semester? It is very uncommon for students to change roommates. If a student has a problem concerning their assigned roommate, they should go to their Resident Assistant for advice. Communication and flexibility are important when living with a fellow student in the residence halls. If the students are unable to resolve issues on their own or through mediated discussion, they may request a room reassignment. Reassignments are made based on the situation and housing availability.

Are bathrooms co-ed? No. Though residence halls and some floors in mid and south quads are co-ed, there are separate bathrooms for men and women.

Are students allowed to use portable air conditioning units in the residence halls? No. Small oscillating fans and/or box fans help keep rooms cool in those buildings without central air conditioning. Unfortunately, people with portable air-condition units draw too much power and will trip circuit breakers if used.

Does CMC offer storage for my student's use during the semester or over the summer? Limited storage is provided in the residence halls while classes are in session and during winter break; closet space is sufficient for most students' needs. During the summer, students must move all of their possessions out of the dorms. Public storage units are available for rental from nearby establishments.

My student needs something fixed in the residence hall room. What is the protocol governing this? They can either call Facilities at Story House at (909) 621-8112 or access the "Work Request" form online which will alert the maintenance staff, and the problem will be taken care of promptly. To access the work request form go to /studentgateway/ and click on "work orders" on the left menu bar.

Do all residence hall rooms have high speed Internet access? Yes. Each room is equipped with an Ethernet port for each resident. Be sure to pick-up an Ethernet cable; they are not provided. Ethernet cables are available at Huntley Bookstore also.

Does the campus have Wi-fi? Yes. Resident Technology Assistants are available in each dorm to help your student set up wireless access, and it is available almost everywhere on campus. Should a student desire wireless access at consortium locations such as the library, they can request help setting that up directly from the Technology Assistants in the computer lab. The College thanks Ryal Poppa '57 GP'08 for funding the wireless network. For additional information about computing, click here.

What if my student can't travel home during holidays? What options are available? During fall, Thanksgiving, and spring breaks, students are allowed to stay in their residence hall rooms. Dozens of students stay on or near campus during summer break, because they have jobs here or have chosen to take summer courses. During winter break all students except those living in the on-campus apartments must vacate the residence halls. In the past, students who have not been able to go home during that time have made accommodations to stay with friends or relatives nearby. International students can contact the International Place of the Claremont Colleges if they have any questions (visit http://iplace.claremont.edu/.) To view CMC's academic calendar, click here.

Questions about keys or card keys?

Questions about residence hall furniture or patio furniture?

Residence Hall Cleaning Schedule

HEALTH & SAFETY

For additional information on campus safety, click here.

CMC Emergency Preparedness Web Site

What type of health care and counseling are available on campus? Are there any costs involved? The Claremont Colleges share a Student Health Service office, Health Education Outreach, and the Monsour Counseling Psychological Services. Visits made by appointment are free of charge, and any additional costs (e.g., prescriptions, physical exams, X-rays) are a fraction of the average cost. If a student requires any ongoing medical treatment or counseling, the Consortium services are prepared to refer them to affiliated local doctors.

Who do I contact for a copy of the Student Health Service charge that appears on my student's statement? You may contact Student Health Services directly at (909) 621-8222 for billing questions as well as general questions about the services offered.

What are the nearby medical facilities? Most students use the Student Health Service for the majority of their medical care, but if a student requires emergency care past first aid (which RAs and Campus Safety can take care of), there are local hospitals and urgent care centers such as Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center in Pomona and Doctor's Hospital Medical Center of Montclair.

If I know that my student is using an on-campus counseling service, can I obtain information about their counseling sessions? No. California law treats all medical and counseling services as confidential matters between the health care providers and their patients unless the student submits his/her bill to their parents' insurance plan or the student signs a release of information form. Also, if the counselor believes the patient to be at risk in some way, the counselor may communicate with the student's listed emergency contacts.

What steps does the College take to ensure the safety of my student on campus? CMC has developed and maintains a Comprehensive Safety and Emergency Management System that is designed to protect from, prepare for, and respond to a wide range of threats. As part of this System regular training and exercises are conducted to ensure that everyone one on campus knows what to do in the event of an emergency. In the event of a large-scale disaster the College is equipped to be self sustained for a number of days.

Does CMC have a Security Department? To ensure the protection of students, officers from The Claremont Colleges Department of Campus Safety patrol the campuses at all times in order to make sure there are no crimes being committed, suspicious people wandering the campuses, and that students are not in distress. Campus Safety Officers are first responders to emergency calls and provide security at parties and special events. In addition, the CMC Escort Service provides safe passage around the campus for those who request it. Every residence hall has at least one Resident Assistant, who is safety and emergency trained, and constantly briefed on any security issues that may arise.

Does CMC have a Code of Conduct? Perhaps the most significant factor in the safety of students is the recognized expectation of respect for people and property as outlined in the CMC's Basic Rule of Conduct. Students who violate the Basic Rule of Conduct are subject to CMC's Judicial Procedures. Every student receives a Guide to Student Life at the beginning of the academic year that includes the Basic Rule of Conduct, nonacademic policies, and emergency procedures. The Guide and Judicial Procedures can be found at /dos/basicrule/BasicRule2007.pdf.

What will the College do to communicate to parents and students in the event of a disaster? The College has developed and maintains a robust Emergency Communication Program that enables emergency warnings and information to be distributed to both parents and students in the following ways:

• Text Message
• E-mail
• CMC's Web Site
• CMC's Emergency Web Site
• Telephone

Parents are automatically enrolled in CMC's emergency notification system. Please ensure that the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations has your updated phone number(s) and e-mail address(es).

Are there parking fees? Is a bike a good option? Freshmen are not permitted to bring cars to campus. We believe that new students should spend more time on-campus, developing their friendships and settling in at the College. Although about half of returning sophomores, juniors, and seniors do bring cars to campus, it is not a necessary part of the CMC experience. Plenty of students ride bicycles or skateboards to get food or run small errands nearby, or even to get to class, but none of these things are necessary. All classes are within easy walking distance, except in rare instances when two classes on different campuses are scheduled too closely together.

CMC Bike Shop: The shop is located in the basement of Wohlford Hall. Bikes are available to CMC students at no charge for 24 hours. Locks and helmets are also available. A $10 late fee is applied daily to bikes returned after one day. Lost, stolen, or badly damaged bikes will require a reimbursement by the student to the College of $300 plus tax. Students may also bring their own bikes in for repair and services, including inflating or replacing tires, adjusting seats and gears, and replacing bike pads and cables. The Bike Shop is open during the school year from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the week and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the weekends. Times may be subject to change.

Where should my son or daughter register a vehicle? Freshmen are not permitted to have a vehicle on campus. During financial registration at the beginning of each school year, the Department of Campus Safety sets up a station where upperclassmen and transfer students may register their vehicles for the year. If your student will be obtaining a car at any time other than the beginning of the school year, they may simply go to the Department of Campus Safety at that time.

Does my student need to get a California Driver's License? No. In fact, if they wish to continue voting in their home district, they may prefer to keep their home state driver's license.

Where can I learn more about Student Health Insurance? Information about optional Student Health Insurance is included in the incoming student information packet. You may also contact Lyn Hughes at (909) 607-7950 or lyn.hughes@cmc.edu.

Do you make sure that students are back in their residence halls every day? If not, do you monitor their whereabouts? There is no such monitoring of students at most college campuses, and certainly not at CMC. One of the most important aspects of college life is gaining independence, and it is each student's responsibility to manage class attendance, academic progress, proper health and nutrition, and sleep habits, etc. If a student is absent from a number of classes, the faculty member may contact one of the staff in the Dean of Students Office and request follow-up with the student.

I am worried about substance use on campus. Student safety and well-being are extremely important to us; therefore, CMC employs several measures to discourage the use of controlled substances and to encourage responsible behavior when students of legal drinking age choose to drink. The College does not purchase alcohol for students, but we do work with Student Government and groups of students who wish to register campus events where alcohol will be present to make sure that ID card checking takes place and safety measures are in place. We think it is incredibly helpful when parents talk openly with their sons and daughters about substance use, and we hope you will do this before they set off to college.

Because CMC students do not tend to go off-campus to drink, we have almost no problems with drunk-driving, and the College has a very low rate of alcohol or substance related emergencies compared to other schools. Freshman orientation includes informational and discussion sessions concerning such behavior so that incoming students know from the beginning that the College views substance abuse as unacceptable. Should an emergency arise, Resident Assistants are trained to recognize and respond when students are in danger, both in first aid and in contacting medical personnel if necessary. We also have a substance-free residence hall in which many students choose to live for their entire time at CMC.

To view the alcohol and drug policy, visit www.cmc.edu/dos/cmcguide/.

DINING SERVICES

For more information about dining at CMC, visit /dos/collins/.

Which meal plans are the most popular? Students living in the dormitories must be on the 8, 12, or 16 meal plans, which allow for that many meals per week and include $80, $120, or $160 of "Board Plus Dollars" per semester, respectively. The most popular tends to be the 12-meal plan. Click here to view more information about the meal plans available.

Can students eat at other colleges? The Claremont Colleges recognize that our students take classes at all the undergraduate colleges, are involved in activities across campus lines, and sometimes just want a change of environment. For these reasons, the College participates in a cross-dining relationship, whereby students may enjoy meals at any of Claremont dining halls.

My student doesn't want to use the on campus dining services. Do I have to pay for a meal plan? All students living in the residence halls are required to select one of the CMC meal plans. Students living off-campus or in the student apartment complex have the option of selecting a meal plan. The residence halls are not set-up for cooking meals.

Are there vegetarian/kosher options available? There are vegetarian and vegan options at all of the dining halls, but because the dining hall kitchens are not kosher certified, strictly kosher meals are not available.

What food options are available if my son/daughter has special dietary needs? In case of a food allergy or other dietary need, students are encouraged to discuss the dining hall menu with the chef or hall manager, and to educate themselves about what is available at the dining hall.

What are campus food services like? We offer regular meals per week in Collins Hall, which is managed by the Bon Appetit Company. The Bon Appetit Company uses the freshest ingredients and makes as many products as possible from scratch. Bon Appetit also has a program called "Farm-to-Fork", which includes foods that are entirely organic, vegan, and locally grown. Finally, through a cooperative agreement in Claremont, students may eat at any of the dining halls at the other Colleges. For these reasons, we think our program offers incredible variety, flexibility, and quality.

What is Claremont Cash? Claremont Cash can be used to purchase food and non-food items throughout The Claremont Colleges and selected merchants in Claremont. All students have a Claremont Cash account established when they receive their ID cards. Funds may be deposited into this account. Unused funds will roll over from one year to the next. A full refund of unspent funds can be requested when you graduate or withdraw from the College. For more information, click here.

What is "Board Plus" dollars? Included in each meal plan is an allotment of Board plus dollars per semester. Each Board Plus dollar is equivalent to one dollar in cash and is tracked electronically on the student's ID card. The Board Plus dollars may be used at any of the "cash operations" at the undergraduate Colleges in lieu of cash for food and beverages. Students may also use Board Plus dollars to bring a guest into the dining halls. Unused Board Plus dollars do not roll over to the next semester.

MISCELLANEOUS

Is there a way to find out what other students are from our hometown? During the summer before freshman year, the CMC Alumni Association sponsors new student parties in various locations around the world where incoming freshmen and their parents have the opportunity to meet classmates, current upperclassmen, alumni, and parents. These events are a great opportunity to meet new people, exchange contact information, and ask questions. To find nearby classmates, contact the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations at (909) 621-8097.

How do students know about CMC internships that are available? The Career Services Center sends out email updates with opportunities for students to look into, but students are encouraged to visit the Center on their own and work with one of their staff to find internships that best suit them as individuals. For more information, click here.

How do I know how much of a "presence" to be in my student's life? I want to build independence, but I still want to know what is going on. How do I balance those two competing ideas? It is important to stay involved in your student's life without hindering their college experience. Encourage your student to keep in touch with you, but be mindful that especially the first few weeks of freshman year are incredibly busy with schoolwork, bonding activities, and meeting new people. Students always appreciate a care package or encouraging note in the mail, and hopefully your student will be comfortable sharing news about classes and their well-being.

How can I feel part of the campus and my student's college experience when I don't live close enough to visit often? The CMC Parent Network is your link to remaining involved in your student's educational community. It is our mission to provide resources, information, and opportunities for parents to become partners with CMC in the educational experiences of their students. You can stay up to date by visiting the Parents Gateway. There are also regional activities that all parents and alumni can participate in. Parents of all current students and alumni are automatic members of the Parent Network, and other family members are welcome to join. There are many volunteer opportunities that parents can participate regardless of where they live. Parents are encouraged to participate in activities organized by the CMC Alumni Association.

When will we receive information about Parents Weekend? This annual three-day event, scheduled for Saturday, February 18 through Monday, February 20, 2012, is a wonderful opportunity to visit with your student and enjoy Claremont McKenna College's campus, attend programs designed especially for parents and attend any CMC class on Monday. Parents Weekend is filled with many programs designed especially for parents and parents will also have an opportunity to attend class on Monday. Parents Weekend registration packets will be mailed in January and will be available on-line. Continue to visit the parent gateway for updated information as well as hotel accommodations.

Do you recommend any cellular phone services? Most cell phone service providers offer coverage in the Claremont area, including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint, and Nextel. Be sure to confirm the coverage area and quality of service of any cell phone provider that you may contract with.

When can students begin doing some career exploration and using career services? We'd like them to get started as soon as they are ready. Our Career Services Center offers skills assessment, counseling, workshops, employer and industry discussions, on-campus interviews, and many other services.

Working on campus: If you plan to work on campus, you will need to have available a copy of your passport or state-issued ID (i.e. driver's license) and your social security card. These documents are required for work study positions and non-work study positions.

I still have questions. Who should I contact? For additional questions, please feel free to call or e-mail the following individuals:

• Student Orientation: Jennifer Marana, associate dean of students/dean of first-year students, at (909) 621-8114 jennifer.marana@cmc.edu
• Housing: If you have questions regarding housing assignments, changes to room or board plan and billing, safety, furnishings, contact Lyn Hughes at (909) 607-7950 lyn.hughes@cmc.edu www.cmc.edu/dos/rezlife/
• Residential Life: If you have questions regarding Resident Assistants, or residence hall programs, contact The Dean of Students Office at (909) 621-8114.
• Parents Orientation: Susan Edwards, assistant director of alumni and parent relations, at (909) 621-8098 susan.edwards@cmc.edu
• If you have additional questions and would like to hear from a parent volunteer, click here to visit the Ask a Parent page.
• You may also email inquiries to parents@cmc.edu. Questions will be directed to the appropriate person/department and answered in a timely manner.