Information for Parents

Parent’s can greatly influence their student’s successful transition to college. For many students, these years are the final journey from youth to adulthood. Your student needs support and structure while learning responsibility. You can help by creating a realistic plan that encourages independence and success.

Student Financial Services

If your student has just enrolled or is packing at this moment, the top priority for you and your student is to have all necessary paperwork for financial aid and housing completed and turned in on time. WTC has very popular educational programs therefore the demand is very high for class seats. WTC has established strict deadlines for assessment and paperwork to be turned in to help secure your student’s seat in class, otherwise you take the chance of being cancelled for your chosen start date, which ultimately delays the beginning of your student’s career. This is one of many lessons your student will learn in the area of deadlines and selfmanagement.

Parent Role

The role of the parent is one of guidance and encouragement. Give your student certain expectations and discuss how these goals can be met. For example, regular attendance of class, being responsible for the first time for rent and grocery shopping and maintaining a part-time job will be real life issues for a student. We encourage you to talk about time management, money budgeting and being away from home, how to get along with roommates and of course, maintaining good grades with your student.

Attendance

The School does enforce an attendance policy. It is essential to the learning process with the hands-on approach the School offers. Regular class attendance will dramatically increase your student’s ability to succeed in their chosen careers.

Academics

If your student has struggled in the past with a certain subject, encourage him/her to seek our additional help at the School by talking with instructors or Student Services. Students perform at different levels. Have a realistic expectation of your student. Talk with your student about what you as the parent expect, taking into consideration this will be the first time he/she will be living away from home and having new responsibilities. Instructors, Program Directors and the Director at each campus will do everything in their power to help your student to achieve their goals. It is a team effort on behalf of your student and the School faculty. Because we are a private school, we offer a big advantage over other education styles because our instructors provide coaching, mentoring and guidance as a professional, they the experts in their careers, you will learn from their backgrounds and various experiences during your entire training with WTC.

Information for Parents & Students

Banking

We strongly recommend that all students open a checking account with a local bank for convenience in cashing checks. Banks are located close to campuses and we will be glad to help students who want to establish an account. We also recommend that all new students arrive with a minimum of $750.00 for initial living expenses.( This is in addition to your travel expenses)

Insurance

We encourage you to check into insurance for your students. Usually, coverage will be extended while dependents are still full-time students. If you have any medical conditions, bring a letter from your doctor. Also, ask your local physician for a referral to a doctor in the city you are moving too.

Homesickness

Take into consideration this will be the first time away from home and he/she will be living with new roommates. It may take a month or two for your student to adjust to his/her new life. Be supportive of this new life as it is one of the many transitions your student will go through. Don’t be surprised if your student calls and is homesick. This is the toughest part of being a parent, “tough love”. You probably miss your student too, but you will need to talk to your student about the importance of staying in school and getting an education and to not give in to missing friends and family. It is all worth it in the end!

Registration

You will receive a phone call from your Admission Representative scheduling your student for registration. If your are driving, we recommend having your car in for a tune-up. Check your tires, belts, hoses, radiator, oil, etc. Bring extra water and some tools, just in case. If your student does not have a car, look into bringing a bicycle with a lock. It can be used for quick trips to the store and bank.

Housing Information

WTC works with several local apartment locator services available in El Paso to assist out of town students in locating and securing affordable, well managed, clean apartments and within easy commuting distance. Students are not obligated to use these services, if you have family or friends in the area that you would like to live with you are free to do so.

WTC will allow students on a case by case basis to borrow funds needed to secure affordable housing and living expenses while attending school, you must inform your admissions representative who will coordinate your request with the student financial services department. You must qualify for the loan as with any other financial assistance. Most students will sign a minimum one year lease with most rental agencies, utilities and furniture are normally provided in these apartments, however, having telephones, televisions, stereos, or microwaves are not included. You may wanted to bring these items. Consider pre-paid phone cards to prevent enormous bills from long distance calls.

Part - Time Jobs

The school assists students in locating part-time jobs on a space available basis, our main objective is to assist students with full-time employment after graduation. Therefore, many students are able to defray a part of their expenses by working while pursuing their studies.

Community Service

Community service is a big part of the students experience in the allied health care programs. Students have the opportunity to put their skills to work while volunteering their time at health fairs, school functions, career expos and various community events. Students practice the skills they have learned in class and are able to put this experience on their resumes. Community service helps the student transition from the school environment to a real professional environment since they are dealing with the public. All community service activities are organized and supervised by a School employee.

Academic Advising

Tutoring is available without an additional fee for students who need additional help in some areas of the curriculum. Tutoring is available through scheduling with faculty for the one-on-one or group style review of material and development of study skills. Review classes are held prior to certification and licensure exams. Additional laboratory time is available to students wishing to practice hands-on technical applications.

Communication

Open communication is very important to maintaining a healthy relationship with your student while away at School. Before your student leaves for School, discuss how you will communicate. Will you call once a week? Will you send e-mails? What will you talk about? Remember this is the time for you as a parent to let go a little bit and allow your student some independence. Find a comfortable balance for both you and your student.

Transition

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