Parents and Family


Being a college student can be a hard transition. We are here for your child and can offer different options if they need support.

1. Our office is open Monday - Friday 8am to 4:30pm. We can be reached at 563-333-6423 or at counselingcenter@sau.edu
2. After hours students can call campus security at 563-333-6104
3. Student can reach out to their RA or the Area Coordinator (AC) on call through Residence Life
4. Students have access to a local crisis line. That number is 1-844-430-0375
5. Students can call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255
6. They can access Ask Listen Refer, an online program to help them better deal with someone else in distress.
7. As a parent you can also use Ask Listen Refer to take the training yourself as a way to learn signs of suicide and how to help your child.
8. Students have access to the Counseling Center's page. Here we post articles, events, coping skills, how our office runs, what to expect in counseling, FAQ, and our Virtual Calming Hive where there are links to coping skill activities.

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A residence hall is more than a place to live; it's a place to live with purpose and compassion. With 24/7 security, weekly housekeeping, and Resident Assistants on each floor, students living on-campus are surrounded by people who care and want them to succeed.

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The lasting impact of a St. Ambrose education

In the classroom and far beyond, we ask our students to explore the unknown, challenge their limits, and act with compassion.

It is through that journey that St. Ambrose University students discover their passion and after graduation, find a job to feed that passion.

In the Spring 2019 issue of Scene Magazine, graduates shared the many ways in which an SAU education led to their success today.


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PERSONALIZE YOUR EDUCATION

St. Ambrose offers more than 60 undergraduate majors and programs. Personalize your studies early when you apply for college admission.

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Accreditation

St. Ambrose University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

In addition to accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission, we also retain several specialized accreditations as well.

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SAU appreciates the strength, persistence, and grit of first-generation students. We celebrate National First-Generation Day to celebrate those who will 'Bee First!' in their families to earn a degree.

Moving to Campus

Helping Your Child Get Prepared

The St. Ambrose University Residence Life Office works with selected external vendors in providing additional amenities to our residents. You can read about Linens and Lofts, Care Packages, and MicroFridges below.

Moving to a residence hall will be a new experience for you and your child, so we've also provided a helpful packing list.

What to Pack
  • wall or desk clock
  • bedding
  • hangers
  • lanyard
  • laundry supplies (doing laundry on campus is free!)
  • shower caddy (handheld)
  • desk lamp
  • study needs (reference books, stapler, paper clips, etc.)
  • towels


Optional Items

  • calendar
  • microwave (<700 watts)
  • fan (for Davis)
  • iron/tabletop ironing board
  • dry erase memo board for room door
  • TV
  • computer
  • carpet or rugs
  • plants, posters, and decorative items
  • indoor grill
  • mini fridge (4 cubic feet or less than 650 watts)
  • hot pot
  • scissors
  • small sewing kit
  • speakers
  • lofts (see Linens and Lofts below)

Not Allowed

  • halogen lamps
  • toasters
  • pets (except fish) 
  • candles and incense
  • pizza cookers (and other open burner items)
  • homemade lofts
  • shower caddy (those that hang on shower heads)

Read Residence Life Policies in the Student Handbook

Linens, Lofts, and MicroFridges

Linens

Residence hall rooms contain extra-long beds (36" x 80") which require extra long linens to comfortably fit the mattresses. Student Services has an agreement with an outside vendor to provide these linens through Residence Hall Linens and Bedding. Students will receive a letter and order form in the mail during the summer that describes the products and special packages available. Make sure to order by the deadline to ensure linens arrive at home before departing for campus.

Lofts

If your student would like extra space in their residence hall room, consider renting a loft. Lofts are a great way to maximize space and they are delivered to your room so they're waiting for you when you arrive on move-in day.

Students wanting to loft their beds in single rooms in Davis, Hagen or North Hall must use the materials provided in their rooms. Students living in all other University housing must use lofting materials rented from College Products at www.collegeproducts.com/bees. College Products also sells durable futons and safes with delivery for all residence life buildings on campus.

MicroFridges

If your student would like both a microwave and refrigerator, but not have to move them in or lose two outlets, consider renting a MicroFridge at www.mymicrofridge.com. Campus Fridges provide a combination microwave and refrigerator/freezer that runs on one cord (meaning one plug) and has an outlet and USB ports on the microwave face! They will install it in your room for you meaning more room in the moving vehicle and no lugging it up stairs or waiting for an elevator on move in day!





Pre-Arrival Checklists

All Students

Complete the following checklist before your first day of class.

  • Send final high school transcripts using your high school's encrypted transcript service.
  • Send transcripts from any colleges or universities attended for transfer credits using your school's encrypted transcript service.
  • Complete FAFSA paperwork
  • Register your device(s) - laptops, iPad, etc. (must be done on campus).
  • Make sure you have your student ID/BeeCard. The best way to get your card is to email a clear picture of yourself to hintzebahnstracy@sau.edu during the summer, and you can pick up your ID in the Security Office when you arrive on campus or when checking-in to your residence hall (if living on campus).
  • Order your parking pass
  • Bring your health insurance card
  • If you are prescribed medicine, ensure you have refills and a plan to get your medication during the school year.
  • If you are a health sciences student, turn in your physical examination form – completed and signed by your healthcare provider – to SAU Health Services, Rogalski Center, 2nd floor.
  • Complete your Health Form and send to SAU Health Services.
  • Students who need academic or non-academic accommodations can contact the Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) by emailing arc@sau.edu to get started. All accommodation information is confidential, and accommodations can be provided for a number of disabling conditions, including psychiatric conditions, systemic conditions, medical conditions, learning disabilities, and ADHD
  • Register on Handshake for part-time, full-time, and work-study positions
    • If you've accepted a work-study position, submit your I-9 form to the Academic and Career Planning Office, Rogalski Center, 2nd floor.
  • Review Blackboard information
  • For students with therapists or psychiatrists: we recommend scheduling follow-up appointments during breaks. The SAU Counseling Center can help you find local support if needed. Visit the Counseling Center portal page for a list of mental health support services.
  • Watch for your first billing statement in the first few weeks of July/December and review your payment options.
  • Develop a habit of checking your SAU email for important information and/or messages from faculty about upcoming classes. If you have issues logging in to your SAU email, call the SAU Helpdesk at 563-333-6368 and include your full name. You'll be asked to provide an alternate email to send a new password.
  • Download the St. Ambrose LiveSafe app, our emergency notification and campus safety system.
  • Complete the GetInclusive modules (links sent to your SAU email):
    • Welcoming and Just Communities
    • Sexual Violence Prevention (Title IX)
    • Alcohol and Other Drugs
Residential Students

Residential students are those living in campus housing.

The All Students Checklist above should be completed before arriving on campus, in addition to the list below:

  • Submit your housing contract and (if desired) request roommates or suitemates! Housing contracts open May 15, and we'd like roommate/suitemate requests to be submitted by June 5. You'll get your official assignment email in July! Visit the Residence Life portal page for more information
  • If you plan to rent a loft for your room, visit collegeproducts.com/bees. We suggest taking advantage of their early bird discount and ordering by August 1!
  • In the summer, you'll get more information about your room assignment, move-in day and Welcome Week.
  • Review packing tips (listed above under "What to Pack")
  • Consider bringing the following items: first aid kit, humidifier, air conditioner (for persons with allergies or other health conditions who are assigned housing without air conditioning. A note from your healthcare provider is required for air conditioning in these limited circumstances).
Student Athletes

Student athletes should complete the two lists above in addition to these items:

1. Complete NAIA documentation (PlayNAIA) for SAU athletes playing a fall sport:

Step 1: Create an account on PlayNAIA (NAIA Eligibility Center)
Step 2: Add your sport and SAU to your "shortlist"
Step 3: Log in to your SAT or ACT account and send your test scores to the NAIA Eligibility Center (optional)
Step 4: Your HS guidance counselor should get an email requesting transcripts.
Step 5: If you have questions, contact your coach.

2. Turn in your physical examination – completed and signed by your healthcare provider – to SAU Health Services, Rogalski Center, 2nd floor.

From the Counseling Center

For Parents

Being a college student can be a hard transition. We are here for your child and can offer different options if they need support.

1. Our office is open Monday - Friday 8am to 4:30pm. We can be reached at 563-333-6423 or at counselingcenter@sau.edu
2. After hours students can call campus security at 563-333-6104
3. Student can reach out to their RA or the Area Coordinator (AC) on call through Residence Life
4. Students have access to a local crisis line. That number is 1-844-430-0375
5. Students can call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255
6. They can access TAO (Therapist Assisted Online) or Ask Listen Refer, our online programs by using their sau.edu email address.
7. As a parent you can also use Ask Listen Refer to take the training yourself as a way to learn signs of suicide and how to help your child.
8. Students have access to the Counseling Center's portal page. Here we post articles, events, coping skills, how our office runs, what to expect in counseling, FAQ, and our Virtual Calming Hive where there are links to coping skill activities.

So, what's next?

Are you ready to take the next step? Click on the visit button below to learn more about our virtual and in-person visit options.