Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will you call me if my child is not in class?
A: We are not able to call you, but if you sign up for Facebook, there could be a post made by the ALC advisor asking where they were since they were not in class.

Q: Is the weekly meeting with the ALC advisor built in or is it up to the student to arrange?
A: It could be both. The ALC advisors will sometimes visit a class—like Freshman Core—and that serves as the meeting.

If your child has disabilities of any sort, please do not hesitate to let us know as we have services to assist with that as well.

Q: What is the safety like on campus? Who is possibly coming in contact with my student?
A: Security patrols the campus 24-7, and when asked, students say they feel safe walking alone at night. The campus is well-lit and students can always call security to be escorted around campus if they ever feel uncomfortable.

Q: What information can you provide to me? How do I find out the information I need?
A: Students annually sign a FERPA statement that protects their privacy. Depending on what items are checked on that form, parents have little to no access to information surrounding financial aid/finances, grades, etc.

The agreement goes into effect the first day of attendance.

Remember that students are able to change their preferences on that form at any time while enrolled with the University.

The FERPA details are maintained in the Office of the Registrar in the Administration Building. In order to sign and/or make adjustments to their form, students should visit that office during regular work hours.

Q: How do I know what my student’s grades are?
A: Depending on how the FERPA (see above) is completed, the University is not allowed to provide information to parents or other individuals without the consent of the student.

Students have access to their mid-term and final grades through the OU student portal. In order to access this information, a student must have a username and password.

If you choose to do so, your student may provide you that username and password, but the University will not provide that information to parents.

Q: When do I need to let the Office of Financial Aid know how much and if I am going to need an additional loan for payment?
A: Letting the Office of Financial Aid know between June 1 and June 15 is best. This allows you time to determine if there are outside sources for scholarship monies prior to finalizing the loan papers. This also allows the final numbers provided in mid-July to be more accurate of the final amount due.

Q: How much should I estimate for the cost of books and supplies for my student?
A: The cost of books and supplies can vary from $200 to $500 per semester.

Q: Who is required to purchase athletic insurance and how much does it cost?
A: Anyone involved in one of our 14 athletic programs, as well as cheer and dance members are required to purchase athletic insurance. The cost is approximately $350 that is charged in the fall semester (regardless of when the actual athletic season is) and is valid for a full year.

Q: Do I need to purchase health insurance from the University for my student?
A: The Office of Student Affairs will work with parents and students to determine needs for insurance. However, if you already have your student covered under a health insurance program, there is no need to purchase the University's plan. The University offers an insurance program that costs approximately $650 annually.

Q: When using the cost estimator, do I simply plug in the amounts stated on the award letter?
A: There are some processing fees associated for some loans. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the Office of Financial Aid for assistance.

Q: When is my payment due for each semester?
A: The date varies by year. The Business Office will be able to assist you with those details as they become available.

Q: "Payment deadline is August 6, 2010." What does that mean?
A: By that date, you and your student must be financially cleared. This means that all paperwork has been submitted and if you are planning to sign up for a payment plan with Tuition Management Services (TMS), the appropriate arrangements have been made prior to this date. TMS is an interest-free service that has a $60 sign-up fee. It offers a variety of payment plan options.

Q: How do I make payments on my student's account?
A: Payments can be mailed, hand-delivered, set-up for automatic withdrawal/charge (bank account or credit card), and soon will be available to be made online. More information about those payment options will be available in the near future.

Q: When will housing information be available?
A: This is typically available the first week of July and will be posted on the OU student portal. Students must complete their housing priority paperwork. Housing changes for the 2010-11 academic year include making all three on-campus dorms co-ed.


Q: What local banks are available to service our students?
A: Peoples Bank in Ottawa has an agreement to cash checks for OU students, as long as they show a valid OU identification. In addition, they service the on-campus ATM located in the Mowbray Union Lobby.

There are a variety of other banks available around town, including Kansas State Bank, Great Southern Bank, Team Bank, Solutions Bank, etc.

Q: How do I get in touch with the dining services at OU?
A: You may e-mail Christine Krin at dining@ottawa.edu or can visit her online at www.oudiningservices.com.

Q: What meal plans are available for my student and what is the price difference between them?
A: All OU meal plans are priced at one level to give the students adequate options without cost being an issue. This breaks out to varying amounts of “Flex-Dollars” available within a semester to be spent in the Snack Bar.

Meal plans come in three levels: the 19 meal plan means that the student will eat every meal available in the dining commons; the 14 meal plan is more standard to provide options for those students who may not eat breakfast, with the remaining balance being in "Flex-Dollars"; and the 9 meal plan is an additional option, with the remaining balance being in "Flex-Dollars."

Q: What types of food are available in the Snack Bar?
A: The Snack Bar provides basic fast-food options for students, including hamburgers, French fries, cheese sticks, etc. There is also a limited supply of pre-assembled sandwiches, wraps, and more. The Snack Bar serves food for breakfast, lunch and dinner with the offerings varying upon the meal offered.

Q: Can food services accommodate special needs and circumstances?
A: Yes, vegetarian offerings are provided. In addition, we work closely with the coaching staff to ensure meals are available to athletes when traveling, as well as with regular practice times. Even though the dining commons closes at 7:00 p.m., the staff is aware of when players get out of practice and delay closing time if necessary to accommodate the students.

Special meal events are always relayed to the coaches to ensure students don’t miss these opportunities, such as steak night.

We also work with the campus nurse to provide meals for those who are sick that may have particular needs, such as jello, rice, etc.

Q: What if I have other questions?
A: Feel free to fill out the form on the right side of the page with a question listed in the comment section and someone will get back to you.