Your Baby Is Going to College, Make Sure to Ask These Questions

College tours are more than marketing opportunities for universities. Sure, taking pictures of staged dorms and collecting t-shirts can be fun and beneficial. However, you can’t make an informed decision without digging deeper. There’s simply too much at stake for Black students to avoid asking questions that will help judge their potential for success and overall well-being.

That means asking questions that are more specific than, “How’s the party life?” and “How many students are in a typical class?” The college tour is your shot to find out what contributing factors will make or break your child’s overall satisfaction of the college experience.

Here are six not-so-obvious questions you and your child should be asking at your next college tour.

1. How does the school handle conflicts between students and faculty/staff?

On campus disputes are nearly guaranteed to happen considering the amount of young adults from various walks of life coming together. There’s likely to be a difference of opinion between students. Or it’s possible that personalities collide with a professor over their grading system. Regardless of the cause of conflict, it’s good to gather a general understanding of the school procedures in diffusing those situations. Find out if the process varies greatly between issues central to safety and discrimination. Knowing whether they have a zero tolerance policy, offer tools for mediation, have formal complaint system or more is helpful in making an informed decision to apply.

2. How would you describe the climate on campus during the last election?

Tension was high during the last presidential election. The atmosphere of the campus during election season can give some insight into how the general school population handles differences in opinion, controversial topics and societal crisis.

3. What is the transfer rate for the school, and what is the prevailing trend, if any?

Every college experiences student transfers for various reasons. However, a high transfer rate can indicate a school’s inability to meet student expectations. Specifically identifying any trends associated with the transfer rates can be very telling as well. For example, the trend could lean towards students of a certain major.  If your child is interested in that subject, it could be a sign that they are likely to struggle and require a bit more support from professors, parents, etc. to avoid needing to transfer.

4. How soon can students declare their major, and what’s the process for changing majors?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, one third of undergraduate students change their major. There’s a chance your child could have a change of heart midway through their college career.  It’s helpful to know if the process is overly complicated or will be a setback academically. Some colleges won’t allow a major declaration till sophomore or junior year, which may be a pro or con depending on the student.

5. How would you describe the relationship between campus security and the student body? 

Historically speaking, law enforcement and Black families generally have a contentious relationship. Learning how campus security interacts with the students and faculty can help provide clarity on the complicated feelings your child may be harboring towards people in power.

6. Is accessing mental health support easily accessible, discussed, or encouraged?

Mental health is more than just a trending topic; it’s an active pursuit of overall wellbeing. A report in the National Library of Medicine referred to mental illness in college students a public health crisis, so understanding the campus response is especially important. Unfortunately, students of color are less likely receive needed mental health support due to financial concerns, time restraints and more.   It’s encouraging to know if the college fosters an environment that eases facilitation of a Black student’s emotional well-being.