Frequently Asked Questions

• FERPA release form (must be completed by student)
• E-Billing (must be completed by student)
• Health Insurance Waiver

How do I add my email to the College’s parent email list?

To add, remove or your change your email on the parent email list, please email records@providence.edu, and include your name, your student’s name, date of birth, and your student’s Providence College email address and class year.

We have a new home address – How can we notify the College of this change?

In order to change your address, your student can go to the Registrar’s Office in Harkins Hall, room 310 to fill out a change of address form, or send an e-mail to records@providence.edu requesting the address change. If your student has already filled out a FERPA release form, authorizing you access to his/her records, then you may send the request yourself. If you need further assistance, please call the Registrar’s Office at 401-865-1033.

How do I have birthday cakes, flowers, etc delivered to my student?

Birthday cakes, flowers, etc can be delivered to the Slavin Center Info Desk. The info desk staff will call students to notify them to come pick up. Deliveries cannot be made directly to students’ residence hall rooms. The Slavin Ticket Office can be reached at 401-865-2444.
Providence College
Slavin Center Information Desk
Student Name
FS #XXX
Providence, Rhode Island 02918
Cell phone #

Where do I send mail and packages?

Please use the address below for student mail and packages.
Student Name
212 Huxley Avenue
FS #XXX
Providence, Rhode Island 02918

My student has a disability and needs an academic/residential/dining accommodation. Who do I contact?

Please visit our Disability Accommodations website for more information about accommodations.

How does my student apply for an on-campus job?

Students should visit the Providence College Human Resources Careers website, and click on “Student and G.A. Positions”.  Graduate Assistant (G.A.) positions are available only to students who have been accepted into a Providence College graduate school program. Information about student work study positions is available on the Financial Aid Student Employment website.

May I have access to my student’s grades?

Under Providence College’s FERPA policy, confidential information from a student’s education record may be released to the parent (s) of the student, or any other designated individual, only with the written consent of the student. The student must have a FERPA Release Form filed with the Office of the Registrar, Harkins Hall 310, authorizing the parent access to academic information, academic standing, and/or financial information in order for information to be released. For more information , please visit the Parents Program Confidentiality of Student Records page or visit the Office of the Registrar.

Students are also able to grant parents/guardians access to view their mid-semester and final grades via CyberFriar Proxy Access. Click here for instructions on how to initiate proxy access.

How can my student learn about study abroad opportunities?

Information about study abroad can be found at the Center for Global Education. Students are also encouraged to attend a monthly information session held prior to the December 1 application deadline. To schedule an appointment with a staff member, students should e-mail pcabroad@providence.edu.

What assistance is available for students who may experience academic difficulty?

The Student Success Center provides academic and developmental support for all students, with unique attention and support for students with disabilities and intercollegiate student-athletes. Examples of services include: tutorial and writing assistance, academic skills workshops, individualized academic mentoring, coordination of reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities, and specialized programs such as GRE/GMAT test preparation.

When are bills due?

Undergraduate student bills are e-mailed from the Student Accounts Office in mid-July for the fall semester and mid-November for the spring semester. Payments are due on or before August 15 and December 15, respectively.

What is e-Billing?

E-Billing is the official billing method at Providence College. Providence College generates e-bills electronically and emails them to the student’s email address. Students are automatically enrolled and can also authorize another user (i.e. parent/guardian) to view and pay the bill. Once a student sets up an authorized user, e-Bills will be sent to both the student and the authorized user e-mail addresses. For more information, including directions on setting up an authorized user, visit the Bursar’s Office Undergraduate Student billing page.

Do you have a payment plan?

As an alternative to payment in full at the beginning of each semester, Providence College offers an optional payment program for those who wish to pay monthly. More information is available on the Bursar’s Office Monthly Payment Plan website.

Should my student find a roommate on their own or go “random” through the residence life roommate matching program?

We recommend that students allow our housing system software (eRezLife) to do the roommate matching. Students complete their housing application through eRezLife and the program takes into account many preferences that can have an impact on roommate compatibility. While students may think that somebody they meet at an event or through social media may be a good roommate, the program typically does a much better job of matching for living compatibility. Remember that your student does not need to be best friends with their roommate, the goal is to place your student in a situation that will be most conducive to their personal and academic success. If a student prefers, however, they do have the option to request specific roommates by listing their information on their housing application.

When do first year student housing assignments come out?

Housing and roommate assignments are distributed via email to students’ Providence College e-mail addresses in early August. We are unable to provide assignments over the phone or by any means other than email and we cannot provide this information prior to distribution of the emails. More information is available on the Residence Life Housing Assignments page.

Do you provide information about what to bring/not bring for residence hall rooms?

Yes, please visit our “What To Bring” and “Living on Campus FAQ” websites.

What happens if my son/daughter doesn’t get along with their roommate?

The Residence Life & Housing staff is well-trained to handle roommate conflicts. While each situation is unique, your child should first reach out to their RA, who will help to mediate the situation. We also have professional staff living in the residence halls to assist when necessary. Please encourage your student to contact the Residence Life and Housing Office (401.865.2392) or stop in to Slavin 105 if they are struggling with a roommate situation. This article also has some helpful tips about dealing with roommate conflicts.

When can students live in off-campus housing?

Students are required to live on-campus through junior year; they can apply to live off-campus their senior year.

My student says there is nothing to do on campus. 

In a typical year, over 600 events are sponsored by clubs/organizations and the Student Activities, Involvement & Leadership (SAIL) Office. Some of the events include festivals, dances, lectures, concerts, class nights, trips, and more. Students receive the Morning Mail newsletter each weekday which provides information about the many events happening on campus. They can also learn about events via social media, from posters throughout campus, in the campus newspaper, and table tents in the dining halls. Please encourage your student to follow @PCFriarLife on Instagram along with the Instagram accounts of clubs/organizations of interest.

How do I help my student get involved?

With over 100 clubs on campus, there is something for everyone.  Encourage your student to attend the Involvement Festivals hosted by the Office of Student Activities, Involvement & Leadership (SAIL) at the beginning of each semester. Each of the clubs and organizations are represented and students can join on the spot or learn about the selection process for joining. Campus Ministry also hosts an Open House in September and January, featuring 30 social, service, and spiritual activities.

Students can check out our Club & Organization Directory for a list of clubs and descriptions, and can contact the SAIL office to learn about meeting times and locations!  Your student is also welcome to stop into the SAIL Office (Slavin 105) to meet with a staff member who can assist in connecting your student with representatives from club/organizations of interest.

How do you buy tickets for Varsity Athletic games?

The Athletics Ticket Office manages ticket sales for all varsity events, including Men’s Basketball. Learn more on their website.

How do you sign up for Intramurals?

The intramurals program is one of the most popular programs on campus, and is open to all students. Students may register with a group of students, or as a “free agent” and be placed on a team. If a student is interested in playing a sport, but having trouble finding a group, they should call the Rec Sports office for assistance.  All intramural registrations are done through the IMLeagues.

What club sports do you offer?

The Department of Rec Sports supports more than 25 club sports. Learn more about the available programs on their Club Sports website.

When is the gym open?

The Concannon Fitness Center and Taylor Natatorium (pool) are open 7 days a week. Check out the Rec Sports website for the most current hours.

The Concannon Fitness Center offers more than 35 Group Fitness classes each week, as well as Personal Training sessions.

When should my student start working with the Chirico Career Center?

The Chirico Career Center can help students at ANY point in their PC career, with things like choosing a major, career exploration, finding internships and full-time jobs, and the career basics: resumes, cover letters, and practice interviews.

How do I know if I need the College’s health insurance for my child?

Call the number on the back of your card, and ask if they will cover your student in Rhode Island.  If yes, you need to opt out of the College’s health insurance. You must opt-out prior to July 1^stto avoid being billed.  Please visit our health insurance web page for more information.

What is your immunization policy?

We follow the guidelines set by the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH).  Students must turn in a record of their immunizations before arriving on campus for their first year. Please visit our Immunizations Requirements web page for more information.

We also ask all parents and guardians to encourage their student to get a flu shot.  There are flu shot clinics on campus every fall.

Is there a cost for appointments at the Health Center?

For full-time day school undergraduate students, there is no charge for appointments with Student Health staff.  Students are responsible for all costs associated with off-campus referrals, prescriptions, X-rays, and lab testing.

What happens if my student gets sick at night or on weekends when the Health Center is closed?

Residence Life has somebody on-call 24/7, who can assist your student and help them identify what type of help they need.  Whenever the Health Center is closed, we have EMTs on-campus who are on-call to treat any illness or injury that needs immediate attention.

How do you keep students with food allergies or special dietary needs safe?

Dining Services works diligently to address students’ specific needs, especially those with food allergies, Celiac disease, or special dietary needs. They meet one-on-one with any student who has individual dining needs to ensure that the dining experience is safe, delicious, and social.  Please visit our Nutrition and Food Allergies web page for more information.

We do encourage all students with allergies to wear a medic alert bracelet.  Many of our students like the contemporary bracelet options offered by Bling Jewelry.

What are the main reasons students seek help from the Personal Counseling Center?

The top reason for visit at the Counseling Center is anxiety. Other top reasons include: academic concerns, substance use, trauma, eating disorders, and identity issues. Students don’t need a referral or diagnosable illness to make an appointment to talk with a Personal Counseling staff member. First appointments can be made by calling 401-865-2343 or by stopping into the Center in Lower Bedford Hall. Urgent appointments are accommodated as soon as possible, often same-day.

Is there a cost for appointments at the Personal Counseling Center?

For full-time day school undergraduate students, there is no charge for appointments with Counseling Center staff.  Students are responsible for all costs associated with off-campus referrals and prescriptions.

What happens if my student needs mental health help at night or on weekends when the Counseling Center is closed?

Residence Life has somebody on-call 24/7, who can assist your student and help them identify what type of help they need. The Counseling Center also has a crisis counselor on-call whenever the Counseling Center is closed.  Students can call the Counseling Center number (401.865.2343) and then press option “2” to reach the after-hours crisis counselor. Students do not need to be a current patient at the Counseling Center to use the after-hours service.

Can my student bring a car to campus?

On-campus parking is available for commuter students, and residential junior and senior students. The parking lottery process for juniors and seniors takes place each spring. Please visit the Campus Parking website for more information.

What kinds of transportation services are available for students?

Free RIPTA Bus Service is available for students to travel throughout Rhode Island. Students simply need to show their Providence College ID to make use of this service.

A Shuttle Service is available for students for transportation between the campus and the surrounding neighborhood. A Community Service Shuttle is also available to students on a limited basis. Specific information about transportation options is available within the MyPC Portal at the Transportation Information website (available to all current students/faculty/staff only).

If I am worried about my student, is it appropriate for me to call you?

Know that some adjustment and angst is a normal part of the college experience. Definitely in the first year, but also in subsequent years.  You know your student best. Are they venting, or are they demonstrating truly concerning behavior? Whenever you feel uncomfortable, please don’t hesitate to call the Dean of Students Office. If things are getting difficult for your student – they are showing signs of mental stress, are not eating, attending class, etc – we have a CARE team that will intervene and connect them with resources.

My student needs help with….

As part of their transition to independent living, we try to encourage students to practice self-advocacy and problem solving. If your student has a question about academic or campus life, please encourage them to check out the resources listed on the Key Contacts page as a first step.

Do you have advice about how I can talk to my student about drinking and alcohol?

Research shows that having an authentic, personal conversation with your student just prior to starting college can have a positive effect on your son or daughter’s attitude towards alcohol. Please consider exploring the resources on this page for advice about how to have a conversation about alcohol with your son or daughter.

Will I be notified if something happens to my child?

If there is an emergency situation involving your child, and we are aware of it, we will call you. Depending on the severity, we will call in the middle of the night or wait until the morning. For more information, please see the Dean of Students Parental Notification Policy.

How do privacy laws impact what you will tell me about my student?

Know that you can always share with us whatever information you believe is necessary and pertinent for us to provide care and assistance to your student.  The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) impacts what we are able to share back with you, but FERPA does have exceptions for drugs, alcohol, and emergencies.

The Student Health Center has additional regulations based on HIPAA.  If the Health Center staff deems a student’s condition an emergency (life threatening) and the student cannot give permission for us to contact their family, we will take it upon ourselves to notify the family immediately. If you want access to non-emergency health information about your student, your student will need to sign a HIPPA release at the time of their visit in the Health Center (note that this needs to be done for each non-emergency case).

More information about parental notification for educational records and health/safety emergencies is available on the Parent Guide to the Confidentiality of Student Records page.