Family Orientation

Family Orientation runs concurrently with New Student Orientation in June-July (6 sessions available). $75 per person, includes meals, materials, and programming. Register at orientation.mongooseuniversity.edu by June 1.

Program includes:

• Campus tour
• Presentations from key offices (Financial Aid, Housing, Health Center, Campus Safety)
• Parent panel with current MU families
• Q&A with administrators
• “Letting Go” session facilitated by counseling staff

Family members receive the Mongoose Family Handbook (also available online). Families of transfer and international students have dedicated breakout sessions.

MyMongoose Parent Portal

Students must grant access via FERPA Release Form for parents to view grades, financial information, and academic standing.

Set up:

• Student completes FERPA Release at registrar.mongooseuniversity.edu/ferpa
• Designate parent email
• Parent receives login credentials within 48 hours

Portal features:

• View student’s course schedule
• View tuition statements and payment history
• View financial aid awards
• Make tuition payments (authorized payer access)

Important: Per federal law (FERPA), the university cannot share academic or conduct records with parents without student consent, even if parents are paying tuition. Exceptions exist for tax dependency and health/safety emergencies.

Paying for College

Tuition bills generated mid-July (fall) and mid-November (spring). Payment due August 1 (fall) and January 2 (spring).

Payment methods:

• Online via MyMongoose (credit/debit, ACH)
• Check (payable to Mongoose University)
• Wire transfer (international)

Authorized payers: Students can add parents at my.mongooseuniversity.edu/billing.

Payment plan: 10-month plan through Mongoose Payment Solutions, $75 enrollment fee, 0% interest.

Late payment: $150 late fee, registration hold until balance cleared. Refunds: Excess financial aid issued within 14 days via direct deposit.

Health & Insurance

Campus Health Center (Founders Hall, Ground Floor): Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 9am-1pm. Primary care, pharmacy, immunizations, lab services.

After-hours nurse line: (555) 478-3275 (24/7)

Health insurance: All full-time students must have health insurance. Options:

• Stay on your family plan (waiver required by August 15)
• Enroll in MU Student Health Insurance Plan ($2,150/year, Aetna)

Counseling Center: First 12 sessions free per year. Crisis line available 24/7: (555) 478-3280.

Immunization requirements must be completed by July 1 — incomplete records result in a registration hold.

Campus Safety

MU Police Department (MUPD):

• 24/7 patrol
• Emergency: (555) 478-3911
• Non-emergency: (555) 478-3900

Additional resources:

• 45 blue-light emergency phones across campus
• SafeWalk escort service: 8pm-2am, call (555) 478-3911
• Campus shuttle: 3 routes, every 15 minutes until midnight

Mongoose Safety App (free iOS/Android): Real-time shuttle tracking, emergency SOS button, anonymous tip reporting, campus map with safety resources.

MU Alert: Text/email/push notifications for campus emergencies. Parents can register at alert.mongooseuniversity.edu (separate from student registration).

Clery Act report: Available at safety.mongooseuniversity.edu/clery

When to Worry (and What to Do)

It’s normal for students to experience homesickness, academic stress, and social adjustment, especially in the first semester.

Signs that may indicate your student needs additional support:

• Significant changes in mood or behavior
• Withdrawal from friends and activities
• Declining academic performance
• Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
• Increased use of alcohol or substances
• Expressing hopelessness or thoughts of self-harm

What you can do: Listen without judgment, encourage them to contact the Counseling Center, contact the Dean of Students office if concerned, file a Mongoose Cares report (anonymous) at care.mongooseuniversity.edu.

Emergency: Call 911 or MUPD at (555) 478-3911.

Move-In & Housing

Fall move-in: August 18, 2026 (check-in time assigned by last name).

What to bring:

• Bedding (extra-long twin)
• Desk lamp
• Power strip (surge-protected only)
• Toiletries, hangers, laundry supplies
• Small fan

What NOT to bring: Candles, halogen lamps, hot plates, pets (unless approved ESA), firearms.

Move-In Crew (upperclassman volunteers) helps carry belongings. Parking is limited on move-in day; follow signage and volunteer directions.

After move-in, parents are invited to a sendoff reception at 3pm in the Student Center. Housing concerns: Contact Residence Life at housing@mongooseuniversity.edu or (555) 478-3225.

Dining & Meal Plans

All residential students must have a meal plan.

Options:

• Unlimited: $3,250/semester
• Mongoose 14: $2,875/semester (14 meals/week + $200 flex dollars)
• Mongoose 10: $2,450/semester (10 meals/week + $350 flex dollars)

Flex dollars work like a debit card at all campus dining venues plus 12 local partner restaurants.

Dietary accommodations: Allergen-free station, halal, kosher (by request), full vegan/vegetarian menu daily. Communicate special needs to dining@mongooseuniversity.edu.

Meal plan changes: Allowed through the first 2 weeks of each semester. Guest meals: 5 guest swipes per semester (additional passes $12 each).

Dining Hall hours: 7am-9pm weekdays, 8am-8pm weekends.

Sending Mail & Packages

Campus Mail Center (Student Center, Lower Level): Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. Students receive notification when packages arrive.

Amazon Locker: Available in Student Center lobby (24/7 access).

Mailing address format:

[Student Name]
Mongoose University
[Room # and Hall Name]
100 Mongoose Drive
Orchard Park, NY 14127

Processing time: 1-2 business days after delivery. Large packages held for 14 days.

Care packages from MU Bookstore: Midterms, finals, and birthday options ($25-$60).

Tips: Avoid sending perishable items without advance coordination; ship packages to arrive mid-week to avoid weekend delays.