Parents & Families
Your Student. Your Support. Our Shared Journey.
As a parent or family member, you play a vital role in your student’s success and in the Columbia College community. Whether you’re cheering from across the country or helping your first-year student settle in, you’re part of the team that makes our students thrive.
We’re here to keep you informed, involved, and connected, every step of the way. Have a question? Call our Parent Hotline at 803.786.3856, or join the Parent Facebook page to connect with other Koala families, share insights, and stay up to date on campus happenings.
Together, we build the support system that helps every student feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
Admissions Quicklinks
Campus Support & Safety
See It. Feel It. Love It.
There’s no better way for your student to imagine life at Columbia College than by walking our campus. During your visit, you can meet current students, chat with professors, and connect with our admissions and financial aid teams to get all your questions answered. We’ll make sure your time here is personal, informative, and memorable.
Find Your Way Around
Whether you’re navigating to an event, exploring academic buildings, or just finding the best parking spot, our campus map has you covered. View it online for easy directions or download a printable version before you arrive.
Stay Close, Rest Easy
Make the most of your visit with these Columbia College-partnered hotels offering special discounts:
- Hilton Garden Inn Columbia | Downtown: 1200 Pickens Street, Columbia, SC 29201; 803-227-3400
- Staybridge Suites: 1913 Huger Street, Columbia, SC 29201; 803-451-5900
Ask for the Columbia College rate when booking!
Experience Columbia
Discover why we love calling South Carolina’s capital city home. Wander through Soda City Market on Saturday morning, catch an indie film at The Nickelodeon, or try one of our many local favorites downtown. Between the art, the food, and the Southern charm, you’ll see why this is the perfect place to study, and to visit.
Visiting Campus
- Campus Visit
- Campus Info & Map
- Nearby Hotels
- Things to Do
Connect & Create
I love the sense of community it offers for its students, faculty, and staff. Through this created sense of community, we can connect and create purposeful learning experiences.
— Dr. Ahmet Aksoy
Assistant Professor of Communication
Behind the Stat
Small classes and professors who care.
Volunteer & Support Opportunities
Families play a big part in what makes Columbia College special. Whether you have an hour, a weekend, or a story to share, there are plenty of ways to get involved, support our students, and connect with other Koala families.
Interested? Call the Parent Hotline at 803.786.3856 to learn more about any of the opportunities below.
Career Development
Share your professional expertise by sponsoring an internship, hosting a job shadowing experience, or connecting students to your workplace. Your guidance gives them a head start in the real world.
Family & Friends Weekend
Help us make one of our favorite weekends unforgettable! Volunteers collaborate with the Columbia College Activities Board and the Office of Student Activities on event ideas, registration, and day-of support.
Serve on Panels
At key events like Accepted Students Day, Summer Orientation, and Registration, parent panelists offer real, relatable insights that help incoming families feel welcomed and reassured.
Move-In Day
Join the excitement as we welcome new students to campus! Volunteers greet families, answer questions, and share helpful tips while representing the spirit of the Columbia College family.
Lead, Support, and Shape the Columbia College Experience
Looking to make a lasting impact? The Parent & Family Advisory Council is a group of engaged family members who serve as ambassadors for Columbia College and partners in shaping the student experience. Council members meet twice a year to share insights, build connections, and help strengthen the bridge between families and the College.
As part of the Council, you’ll:
Support student recruitment and outreach efforts
Recommend programming and engagement activities for the Parent & Family Association
Provide valuable feedback on college initiatives and family experiences
Discuss important topics and concerns that affect students and families
Contribute ideas for publications and communications
Participate in major campus events such as Family & Friends Weekend
Help identify and welcome future Council members
Who Can Serve
The Parent & Family Advisory Council is open to family members of full-time undergraduate students in good standing at Columbia College. We intentionally seek members who reflect the diversity and vibrancy of our student body. To ensure continuity and meaningful participation, members are asked to serve a minimum two-year term.
- Be an Active Voice for Columbia College Families
Parent & Family Advisory Council members are trusted partners and advocates for the Columbia College community. As representatives of our diverse and dedicated family network, members bring valuable perspectives that help shape programs, strengthen communication, and enhance the student experience.
Council members are expected to:
Attend biannual meetings to share feedback, collaborate with College leadership, and learn more about campus initiatives and student services.
Participate in Family & Friends Weekend to help create a welcoming, engaging experience for all families. (Families of incoming first-year students are exempt to allow time with their student.)
Provide ongoing feedback to the Division of Student Affairs on programs, publications, and services that impact student and family life.
Maintain regular communication with Parent & Family Association staff to stay informed and connected throughout the year.
Identify and encourage new council members who share a passion for supporting Columbia College students and families.
Serving on the Council isn’t just about attending meetings, it’s about helping every family feel like they belong, and ensuring every student knows they’re supported from home and from campus alike.
Understanding Student Privacy
Adjusting to college life can be a big change, not just for students, but for families too. It’s natural to have questions as your student begins navigating more independence, and we’re here to help you through that transition.
If you ever need guidance or have questions about supporting your student, don’t hesitate to reach out through our Parent Hotline at 803.786.3856.
At the same time, federal law protects certain aspects of your student’s information. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) ensures that student academic and financial records remain confidential unless your student grants written permission for you to access them. This consent form can be completed through Koala Connection.