Resources for Parents & Families - The University of Tulsa
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Resources for Parents & Families

TU student and family in Bayless Plaza

UTulsa faculty and staff are here to help make the college experience as smooth as possible for both you and your student. Use the links below to access offices you might need during your student’s time at UTulsa, and scroll down for helpful tips as well as frequently asked questions that can help parents and families as their student transitions to their new life at UTulsa.

Please know that student records are protected in accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, as amended. If you would like the university to be able to share your student’s information with you and/or another family member, your student must complete the FERPA form in the Student Hub.

In addition, we want you to stay informed while you have a UTulsa student! Click here to access the family portal where you can hear what’s happening on campus and set the frequency for your personalized UTulsa family newsletter.

Tips for Parents & Families

Expect change

Your student will change between their first year of college and the time that they graduate. This change may occur quickly over a couple of months, or slowly over their entire college career. This change is natural, inevitable, and can be difficult for a parent to understand. You can’t stop change. You may not be able to understand it, but you can accept it, which will benefit you and your student in the long run. Be patient.

It takes time to adjust

The first few days of college tend to be very busy with meeting people, joining organizations and adjusting to their new surroundings. This transition may be difficult and some students may have moments where they long for the comforts of home. Don’t be surprised if this is the case. However, most students adapt to their new environment, and get use to their new surroundings given time.

Write (even if they don’t write back)

First-year students are generally excited to experience independence during the first few weeks of the school semester. Families should not misinterpret this independence – news from home is still welcomed. You should write your student often and don’t expect them to respond to each and every letter, email or message. Don’t lose sight of the value of receiving mail from home.

Ask questions (but not too many)

First-year students are generally eager – but insecure – to establish their independence, and may be hesitant to share information about their new life. However, students desire the security of knowing that their family is still interested.

Parental inquiry can be counterproductive if done in an “I have a right to know” manner. Honest inquiries, communication and discussion will enhance the parent-student relationship.

Be supportive

Don’t smother.
Be supportive during difficult times.
Visit – but not too often and no surprise visits.
Be supportive and understanding.

(Adapted from National Orientation Director’s Association)

Parents & Families FAQs

  • Who do I contact with billing questions?

    The Office of the Bursar provides answers to a wide range of questions including costs, payment policies, and taxes. One example is the medical insurance provided to all new students, from which students may choose to opt out.

  • What is the physical/mailing address for the residence halls?

    Fisher Suites
    Student Name
    2821 E. 8th St.
    Room #
    Tulsa, OK 74104

    Hardesty Hall
    Student Name
    3105 E. 5th Pl.
    Room #
    Tulsa, OK 74104

    John Mabee Hall
    Student Name
    2807 E. 5th Pl.
    Room #
    Tulsa, OK 74104

    LaFortune House
    Student Name
    3202 E. 7th St.
    Room #
    Tulsa, OK 74104

    Lottie Jane Mabee Hall
    Student Name
    2808 E. 6th St.
    Room #
    Tulsa, OK 74104

  • Do graduate assistants teach courses?

    Full-time faculty members teach the majority of classes. However, basic writing courses are taught mostly by graduate students. Only in rare instances will graduate assistants teach courses other than basic writing courses.

  • What is the ratio of students to faculty?

    The student to faculty ratio is 9:1.

  • What is the average class size?

    The average class size is 13 at UTulsa.

  • Do you have merit scholarships?

    Yes, The University of Tulsa recognizes students on the basis of academic merit, leadership, and the performing arts. Visit the financial aid website to view available scholarships.

  • What is the City of Tulsa like?

    The City of Tulsa is a unique blend of urban and suburban setting. It is richly diverse in culture and entertainment, and a leader in cultural attractions. Tulsa boasts several museums, and the Tulsa Performing Arts Center is home to Tulsa Ballet, Tulsa Opera and the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra. If you enjoy the outdoors, make sure to visit Green Country’s beautiful lakes, parks, golf courses and amusement parks. For those who love shopping, Tulsa is home to many unique stores, antique shops and malls. Visit the Explore Tulsa page to learn more about what our city has to offer.

  • My student doesn't have a car. Is there public transportation?

    UTulsa students can ride the MetroLink for free, making every hotspot in Tulsa only a free bus ride away. Learn more.

  • What is there to do on campus?

    UTulsa offers more than 160 student organizations encompassing a broad range of interests, including honor societies, sororities, fraternities, pre-professional organizations, multicultural organizations, service organizations, honor societies, specialty interest groups, and more. UTulsa also boasts a large intramural sports program as well as other recreational sporting activities held throughout the year. In addition to all of this, UTulsa’s Student Association hosts several concerts, guest speakers and festivals each year.

    Throughout the year, UTulsa offers a wide variety of stage productions, art exhibits, lectures and performances by the TU Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Band and the TU Choral.

    UTulsa is also home to 17 NCAA-Division I sports programs.

    • Men: Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Indoor Track & Field, Outdoor Track & Field, Soccer, Tennis
    • Women: Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Indoor Track & Field, Outdoor Track & Field, Rowing, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Volleyball
  • How do I stay informed about what's happening on campus?

    Sign up for UTulsa’s family portal, a one-stop shop for access to important campus news and deadlines, personalized newsletters on your schedule, announcements via email and text message, and sharing of updates with parents and families.

  • What is done to help provide a safe campus environment?

    The university seeks to provide a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors. The Campus Security office strives to achieve this mission through a community-friendly approach that enhances safety through the visibility of security personnel, preventive patrols, 24-hour accessibility, positive conflict resolution, crime prevention and awareness programs.

    UTulsa Security employs a full-time force of security officers and works closely with the Tulsa Police Department and other law enforcement agencies as necessary. Officers conduct foot and vehicular patrols of the campus and residence hall areas 24 hours a day.

    Potential criminal actions and other emergencies on campus can be reported by any student, faculty member or employee of the university by dialing campus extension x5555 anytime of the day. From off campus, UTulsa Security can be contacted at 918-631-5555.

    UTulsa utilizes a Blue Light Telephone System to increase safety and prevent crime by enabling people to reach UTulsa Security quickly from multiple locations around campus. The Blue Light phones are located conveniently and strategically throughout campus. To learn more about security, visit www.utulsa.edu/security.

  • How can I be notified of any emergencies on campus?

    Parents and families can opt-in to receive UTulsa Alert messages. Text UTulsaAlert to 67283 to sign up for messages. Text messages are sent as needed; message and data rates may apply.

    UTulsa students who spend time on campus should download the Safe UTulsa app from the Apple App store or Google Play store to receive push notifications when UTulsa Alert messages are sent. Learn more.

  • How can I get involved as a UTulsa parent or family member?

    From cheering on our Golden Hurricane athletic teams and helping recruit new students to establishing scholarship opportunities, internships, and post-graduate work, each family gets involved in a way that is meaningful to them and helpful to our students. Learn more.

  • How can I support UTulsa?

    TU parents and families are among the university’s greatest supporters. Giving to TU augments your personal support of your own TU student and helps the university provide a transformative educational experience for all TU students. Gifts of every size help bridge the gap between tuition and our students’ greatest needs allowing us to inspire and empower our students to achieve excellence and become leaders in their fields. Make a gift.