Parent Questions
I'm concerned because I can't get ahold of my student. What can I do?
My student is having problems "making it" at college. Where can we get help?
For more information, visit the Panther Families website.
I'm concerned because I can't get a hold of my student. What can I do?
Contact the Service Desk of the building your student resides in and ask them to leave a message for your student. Frequently, students spend a lot of time away from their rooms at activities, as well as studying across campus. If they don't return your call in a timely manner, ask to speak with the Security Staff. The security staff will work with the on-call Residence Life staff member, to determine the appropriate next step to attempt to reach your student. If you have an imminent concern for your student, please share that with the Security Staff when you talk to them. A full list of Service Desk numbers can be found here.
My student is having problems "making it" at college. Where can we get help?
Besides our staff, trained in assisting students to adjust, the Norris Student Health Center has a wide variety of health education and support groups focusing on topics such as alcohol use and abuse, eating disorders, smoking cessation, and many other wellness topics. Suggest that your student talk to their RA, their Residence Life Coordinator, or go directly to the Health Center to make an appointment with one of their counselors.
Do I need a computer?
It is becoming more and more popular for residents to have their own computer, but at least 5% do not. Each building has computers available for student use. There are also numerous other computer labs all over campus. For the student whose major constantly requires long papers, or the student who frequently works with complex designing (marketing, architecture, engineering, or computer studies), a personal computer is a great benefit. If you would like to "try out" owning a computer, consider renting a laptop from Computer Operations.
Is a car necessary on campus?
Every UWM student receives a Milwaukee County Bus U-Pass, which for most is sufficient for their around town needs. Most students who live in University Housing use our University Housing shuttle system (24/7 service), walk or ride a bike. Parking on campus is limited and expensive, so most students who have cars are those who have off-campus jobs, an internship or teaching semester, or some other personal need not served by the bus. Visit the Parking & Transit website for more information about parking and how to get around town.
Do I need insurance?
Most homeowners insurance covers personal belongings of a child while away at school, but check your policy to be certain. If not, renters insurance is available. For health insurance, most family plans cover a child until they are out of school. If this is not the case, contact the Norris Health Center for ideas about coverage. The Contract Guidebook discusses your and our liabilities for belongings and damage.
Why didn't I get a single?
If you are a returning contract holder, you can benefit from participating in returner self-assignment to select your own room. Returners tend to select single-occupancy rooms for their second year in University Housing. There are a limited number of singles within our facilities. For those who have never had to share a room, it is a great experience, helping them prepare for future apartments sharing and more permanent relationships. Encourage your student to make the most of this new experience sharing a room.
What if I don't get along with my roommate?
As a part of living on-campus, Residence Life also helps to teach valuable life skills such as communication and conflict mediation. We encourage residents to work out their own problems, just like you would encourage your children to work out their problems with a sibling. If they haven't already talked to their roommate, encourage that. If they are uncomfortable going it alone, have them approach their RA or Residence Life Coordinator. Those staff members are specifically trained to help sort out typical roommate problems and can help them achieve a win-win solution to their disagreements.
How much space is really in their room?
Click on the building name to find a page of room layouts and dimensions: Cambridge Commons, Kenilworth Square Apartments, Purin Hall, RiverView Residence Hall, and Sandburg Hall.
I can see my room and meal charges on PAWS. When will tuition charges be reflected on my PAWS account?
If you have registered for classes, you will see tuition charges added approximately August 1 for Fall 2012 once they are approved by the Board of Regents. You can determine how much your tuition charges will be prior to that by consulting the Bursar Office website.
How do I know if I have enough money to cover my costs?
Many students/families seem to be confused as to whether they have enough financial aid. You should have all the tools/numbers you need to answer this question. You should add your housing and tuition charges (look up tuition charges on the Bursar website until the actual are reflected on your PAWS account). Then subtract the financial aid you have been awarded for the semester. If the result is a positive number, you will need additional funds to pay your bill in full. Keep in mind this doesn’t take into consideration books or other indirect costs you may incur, and that you will need the same amount again for spring semester. For assistance with this issue (budgeting), please visit the link on the Financial Aid Department website titled Cost of Attendance. Scroll down to ‘Calculating Your Amount Due or Your Excess Cash by Semester.’ If you determine you need additional financial assistance, you are encouraged to consider a PLUS Loan or a Private Alternative Educational Loan (please apply for the amount needed for the entire year). Details on these programs are found in the Online Financial Aid Forms section of the same website. The annual Financial Aid Handbook is required reading for all financial aid recipients and includes additional guidance.
A percentage of my fall room and meal plan charges are due by August 1 with the remainder of my fall room and meal plan charges plus fall tuition and fees due on August 28. I’m not getting financial aid. How much must I pay by August 1? How much must I pay by August 28 to avoid having my schedule canceled?
Add the amounts on your bill with a due date of August 1 and pay that amount to avoid having your housing contract canceled. You must pay any charges on your PAWS account with a due date prior to August 28 plus at least $200 toward your tuition and fees no later than August 28 to avoid cancellation of your fall registration and housing contract. Please contact the Bursar Office (tuition & fees) or Housing (room & meal plan) for further explanation. (Note: PAWS payments apply to the oldest charges first on your account.)
I am getting financial aid but it it’s not enough to cover all of my fall tuition & fees, room and meal plan charges. I want to pay the balance due on the Installment Payment Plan. Do I need to make a payment by August 28?
As long as you will receive enough financial aid to cover Fall 2012 charges DUE BY August 1 (or prior) plus $200 toward your tuition & fees, you will be safe from cancellation. Your financial aid must appear on your PAWS account as anticipated aid; actual disbursement begins in late August. Beginning in late August, outstanding eligible tuition & fees, room, and meal plan balances will transfer to the Installment Payment Plan. Please note: Kenilworth Square Apartment rent and miscellaneous University Housing charges (loft rental, SHAC fee, key replacements, parking) are NOT eligible for the Installment Payment Plan.
I’ve applied for financial aid but it does not show up on my account yet. My aid should cover my tuition & fees plus my room and meal plan charges once I receive it. Do I have to make a payment by August 28?
If your financial aid does not show up as anticipated aid, you must pay any charges on your PAWS account DUE PRIOR to August 28 plus at least $200 by August 28 to prevent cancellation of your registration and housing contract. Please contact the Bursar Office (tuition & fees) or Housing (room & meal plan) for further explanation.
Is there a date at which University Housing will begin to un-assign students from their current room assignment if certain payments have not been made in a timely fashion?
On August 6, 2012, University Housing will begin to un-assign students from their current room assignment if they have not paid the $300 prepayment/deposit and a percentage of the fall room and meal plan charges due by August 1. If a students becomes unassigned, and subsequently pays the required amounts, University Housing will work to re-assign the students based on vacancies at the time of re-assignment. University Housing cannot guarantee your room type preferences, due to re-assignment. Please feel free to contact University Housing for further explanation
I plan to apply for financial aid but have not completed all of the paperwork yet. What should I do to avoid cancellation of fall classes?
You must pay any charges on your PAWS account DUE PRIOR to August 28 plus at least $200 by August 28 to prevent cancellation of your fall registration. This payment is required if your aid has not been awarded and does not show up as anticipated aid on your PAWS account or has not already disbursed. Please contact the Bursar Office (tuition & fees) or Housing (room & meal plan) for further explanation.
I made my minimum $200 payment towards fees but when I dropped and added classes, my payment applied to my room/meal plan charges. Now my PAWS account shows I have not paid anything towards tuition & fees. Do I have to make another $200 payment to avoid cancellation?
Please contact the Bursar Office for further explanation.
I have questions regarding the Installment Payment Plan. Who may I contact for additional information?
Please contact the Bursar Office or visit the Bursar Office website.
How can I contact University Housing, Bursar's Office or the Financial Aid Office?
Bursar Office: (414) 229-4914 bursar@uwm.edu
http://www.bfs.uwm.edu/DEPTS/AcctsRec.HTM
University (414) 229-4065 university-housing@uwm.edu
Housing: http://www.universityhousing.uwm.edu
Financial (414) 229-4541 finaid@uwm.edu
Aid: http://www4.uwm.edu/financialaid/