Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best way to get to/from campus?
A: Planes, Trains and Buses ...

• Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, known as the "busiest airport in the world," is approximately 75 miles from Valparaiso. Chicago's Midway Airport is approximately 50 miles from Valparaiso, and South Bend's Michiana Regional Airport is about 45 miles from Valparaiso. Transportation from O'Hare and Midway to neighboring Merrillville is available via the Tri-State Bus Lines (http://www.busville.com, 800-248-8747).
• The South Shore Train Line (http://www.nictd.com) services Northwest Indiana from Chicago to South Bend's Michiana Regional Airport. The train station closest to Valparaiso is "Dune Park" in Chesterton, Indiana, about 10 miles away. Call 800-356-2079 for more information.
• Transportation from the Michiana Regional Airport to neighboring Portage is available via United Limo Service (800-833-5555).

Q: What if my student does not get along with his/her roommate?
A: Your students should first speak with his or her RA about the situation and solutions. Room changes are possible when necessary.

Q: How will I know how my student is doing with his studies?
A: The only way for you to know is to ask your student. First-year mid-term reports will be sent to your student.

Q: What kind of organizations are there for my student to participate in?
A: There are a number of student organizations available for your student. There are currently over 75 organizations recognized by student senate. A list of student organizations can be found here or by calling 219.464.5411.

Q: How do we order cakes and care packages?
A: These programs are sponsored by Guild chapters. The groups will send order forms to all parents. At that time you can send in your order form with payment.

Q: I do not live near Valparaiso. How will I know what the weather is like?
A: Indiana experiences all four seasons. You can check the weather at the VU Department of Geography and Meteorology web site (http://www.valpo.edu/geomet/met/met.html).

Q: How safe is the campus?
A: The VU Police Department patrol’s campus and is available 24 hours a day. VU transportation services provides shuttle service in the evenings. Emergency telephones are found in all major parking areas.

Q: What do we do if our students are homesick?
A: The best thing you can do is give them time to adjust. They are encouraged to speak with their RA. Professors, academic advisors, clergy, and the counseling center are also available.

Q: What should my student do if he/she is ill?
A: The VU Health Center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. In the case of emergencies, students are instructed to go to Porter Memorial Hospital, 814 LaPorte Ave.

Q: If my student needs to go shopping, is there transportation?
A: The VU transportation services shuttle is available for trips to Wal-Mart and Target. They can also visit the Brandt Hall store, walk to downtown Valparaiso, or participate in one of the Union Board sponsored trips to Chicago.

Q: Can items be left at Valpo over the summer?
A: Arrangements need to be made with the RA.

Q: What is Family Weekend?
A: A weekend sponsored by the VU Parents Council offering parents time each fall to visit their student(s) on campus. The weekend offers athletic, cultural and informational activities for the entire family. For many, this is the first opportunity to see their student since the semester began. Come learn what your student is up to.

Q: What is Sibling's Weekend?
A: Sibling's Weekend is sponsored by Union Board and held in the spring. For more information, call 219.464.5194.

Q: What does the Valparaiso University Parents Council do?
A: In addition to Family Weekend, the VUPC sponsors several activities including:

• Welcome Weekend
  Each fall, mom, dad and student pack-up half of the house and move it to Valpo. Parents Council members are on campus to help with refreshments, directions, information, or just a seat and a tissue - the Parents Council Welcome Center provides useful information and a place to rest. Council members also host a Parents Panel, where parents ask questions and get answers based on Parents Council members experiences.
• Valpo FOCUS Sessions
  Members are on hand at a Parents Council sponsored booth to answer questions and help incoming students and their parents see firsthand what Valpo student life is all about. At FOCUS, parents get to attend class, live in a residence hall and eat delicious cafeteria food. This is one of the few opportunities they will have to immerse themselves in the college experience.
• Meetings
  The council gathers on campus twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring, to plan the year's activities. We also meet with faculty, staff and the administration to receive state-of-the-campus updates.
• Valpo Parent
  Working with the office of admissions, the VUPC produces newsletters for parents of incoming students.

Q: How do you join the Valparaiso University Parents Council?
A: You can start by letting us know you’re interested in finding out more! You can fill out the online interest, fill out the interest form in the Parents Council brochure and mail it in, or you can give us a call or e-mail at 219.464.5142 or parents@valpo.edu. We will contact you to tell you more and to answer your questions.

Q: What parent events do I need to make reservations for?
A: Family Weekend is the biggest event. You also are invited to visit during Homecoming or any other time!

Q: Where can I find a list of area hotels?
A: You can find a list of hotels and other information here.

If you would like to contact the VU Parents Council, you can e-mail them at parents@valpo.edu.

Electronic Information Services (EIS) FAQ’s
For specific questions related to technology, computers, and the tele-communication system at Valpo visit the EIS web site (http://www.valpo.edu/eis/dirius/dirhelp/incoming.html).