Parents

Helping your Child Succeed at PIA

During the enrollment process:

Join your child for the campus tour.
Believe it or not, your son or daughter cares about your opinion when it comes to choosing a school. Touring PIA’s facility allows you to see the atmosphere in which they will be learning. Being part of the Admissions tour also gives you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have prior to supporting your son or daughter’s enrollment at PIA.

Be ready for your appointment with Financial Aid (for those who qualify).
If your son or daughter is classified as a Dependent Student, you will be required to provide certain information regarding your family’s financial status, such as a federal tax return. Prior to the appointment, your PIA Admissions representative will tell you which documents are required. Having all requested paperwork ready at the time of your appointment will help speed up the Financial Aid process. You will also be asked to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online. For more information, go to the Financial Aid section of the website or call 1-800-444-1440 and a PIA Financial Aid representative will be happy to speak with you.

After classes start:

Choosing PIA means that your child has committed to a full day of classes, Monday through Friday. Often, he or she may have studying to do as well. If your son or daughter is working a part-time job while attending school, it can be difficult to fit everything in!

Rest assured, most PIA students have consistently been able to handle their school, home, and work responsibilities over the course of their training. In fact, we have found that having a busy schedule is good preparation for their entry into the workforce after graduation.

What can you do to help?

• Communicate – Sometimes new college students forget to call home, so check in frequently with your child to find out how things are going. It’s also important to stay in touch through cards, letters, and care packages if your child is far from home.

• Listen – When your child discusses experiences as a new student with you, it’s important that you are listening. Students are seeking your understanding and support, so it’s also important that you are knowledgeable about PIA so you can answer questions and encourage your child to use the resources available at the school.

• Get involved, if necessary – If you’re concerned about how well your son or daughter will progress academically at PIA, talk to your Admissions representative about this at the time of enrollment. When your child enrolls at PIA (or afterward upon request), he or she can give the school written permission for a parent to inquire about academic progress and attendance. This written permission is necessary due to the regulations under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

• Talk about finances – One of the major issues college students and their families face is financial difficulty. The debt that often comes with postsecondary education is expected, but it’s important that new students are aware of the potential dangers of debt. Help your child remain out of debt as much as possible by discussing with them the responsible use of credit cards. You may wish to give them a card with a low limit or a credit gift card that limits spending. These types of cards are available through some banks and credit card companies.