Frequently Asked Questions

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

• American Limousine Service - American Limousine services the Chicago, Gary, and Indianapolis airports.  1-800-729-1623 or americanlimo.org
• Coach USA -Serving Northwest Indiana and Chicago's suburbs, the Coach USA bus leaves from a stop in Merrillville 15 miles west of Valpo on US-30, running every hour, and travels to and from O'Hare and Midway airports. At the airport, be sure to get on the bus going to Northwest Indiana.  1-800-248-TRIP or coachusa.com
• Greyhound -Greyhound has several stops in Northwest Indiana, including Gary and Michigan City, with connections to major cities throughout the country.  1-800-231-2222 or greyhound.com
• South Shore Line - With a station 20 minutes away from Valpo in Chesterton, ride the South Shore east to the South Bend airport or west to downtown Chicago where you have same-station access to Chicago METRA trains, and nearby El Train access.   nictd.com

Q: What if my student does not get along with his/her roommate?
A: If for some reason you need to request a change to your room assignment, please send an email to reslife@valpo.edu and use "Room Change Request" in the subject line.  Please remember that roommate requests must be mutual, and they have to be noted in writing from all persons.  Updates to room assignments are sent via email once they have been processed.  You will be notify if a change is made. With a large incoming class this fall, the availability of space may be the reason a change cannot be made immediately.

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 only 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 at valpo.edu/about_valpo/student_organizations.php or by calling 219.464.5411.

Q: How do we order cakes and care packages?
A: These programs are sponsored by the VU Guild. Order forms will be sent to all parents. At that time you can send in your order form with payment. You can also print the forms online at valpo.edu/guild/forms.

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 at valpo.edu/geomet.

Q: How safe is the campus?
A: The VU Police Department patrol’s campus and is available 24 hours a day. Emergency telephones are found in all major parking areas.  The VU Police established a Student Escort Service (SES) on the Valparaiso University campus to enhance security and to increase crime prevention services already in operation. The SES provides daily transportation for students needing to travel between 6:00 PM and 2:00 AM from one point to another point on campus or nearby off-campus areas. There is no charge for the service.

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.  More information can be found at valpo.edu/health.

Q: If my student needs to go shopping, is there transportation?
A: The Student Transportation Service is available for trips to local shops like Wal-Mart and Target. Students 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.  More information can be found at valpo.edu/parents/events/fam-week.php. 

Q: What is Sibling’s Weekend?
A: Sibling’s Weekend is sponsored by Union Board and held in the spring. For more information, call 219.464.6710.

Q: What does the Valparaiso University Parents Council (VUPC) 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 member experiences.
• Valpo FOCUS Sessions - Members are on hand at a VUPC 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 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.
• Communication - Valpo Parent:  Working with the office of admissions, the VUPC produces newsletters for parents of incoming students.
  Parent E-news:  The VUPC sends quarterly e-mail newsletters to parents, keeping them current on what happening and what to look forward to.  Visit valpo.edu/parents to send us or update your e-mail address.

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 form on the interest 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! 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 at valpo.edu/alumni/homecoming/returning.

Q: What if I have questions about technology at Valpo? 
A: For specific questions related to technology, computers, and the telecommunication system at Valpo, visit the Information Technology (IT) Web site at valpo.edu/it.