Admissions Guide for Prospective Parents and Families

Support Your Student's Success

As a parent of a soon-to-be college student, this is a transformative moment for you, too. We understand you may have a lot of questions about the college experience at Clarkson University. We are here to help guide you both every step of the way.

We offer a variety of programs and activities to help our students thrive from the first day of call until graduation. These include learning communities, research opportunities, co-ops and internships, social events, mental health services, seminars and more. Our dedicated team of advisors is also an active participant in your student's success.

Financial Aid

Financing a college education is one of the top concerns for both families and students alike. We work with families to make the experience as affordable as possible. The results speak for themselves — 90 percent of our students receive some form of financial aid. To learn more about the aid you could possibly receive, please visit our Net Price Calculator. Find out more about our wide array of scholarships, grants, tuition exchanges, loans and payment plans.

Financial Aid

Contact Us

Have questions about the admissions process for your student? Direct your inquiries to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, or reach out to your admissions counselor.

Office of Undergraduate Admissions

Phone: 315-268-6480 
Email: admissions@clarkson.edu

Resources for Parents and Families

Your support is integral to the success of our students. There are many ways you can participate in your student's education while giving them the space they need to explore this new phase in life. Find out how you can get involved and the many resources we offer families and students.

Explore All Resources

Offices and Support Services

Student Success Center: 315-268-2209

Student Support Services (SSS)

Point(s) of contact: Kate Mikel, Associate Director and Tutor Coordinator; or Cathy McNamara, Associate Vice Provost of Academic Support and Student Engagement.

  • First-Year Seminar, Academic Recovery and Academic Skills.
  • Campus-wide tutoring.
  • SafetyNet — reporting students of concern or in crisis.

Community of Underrepresented Professional Opportunities (CUPO)

Point of contact: Marjorie Warden, Director of HEOP and CUPO.

  • Academic support for underrepresented, first-generation/low-income students in STEM.
  • Ten (10) week, in-residence summer research program.

Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP): 315-268-7974

Point of contact: Marjorie Warden, Director of HEOP and CUPO.

  • Access and support for qualified NYS residents who hail from disadvantaged backgrounds.
  • Four (4) week Summer Bridge program (SPREE) to assist students with the transition to college.

International Center: 315-268-3943

Point of contact: Tess Casler, Director of the International Center.

  • Study (semester, short-term) and internship opportunities abroad.
  • Visa support and engagement services for international students.

AccessAbility Services (Accommodative Services): 315-268-2012

Point of contact: Troy Lassial, Assistant Dean of Students.

  • Provide services for students with temporary, long-term and permanent disabilities.
  • Testing services coordination.

Campus Safety and Security: 315-268-6666

Point of contact: Erica Arnold, Environmental Health and Safety Manager.

  • Parking, incident response and documentation, emergency first-aid and emergency response.
  • KnightWatch — anonymous tips/reports.

Career Center: 315-268-6477

Point of contact: Heather DiFino, Director of the Career Center.

  • Professional experience documentation through Handshake.
  • Co-op program, career advisement, job/internship search and employer/alumni connections.

Counseling Center: 315-268-6633

Point of contact: Coreen Bohl, Director of Counseling.

  • Student mental health services, including consultation, single sessions, therapy sessions, sexual assault advocacy and counseling, as well as psychiatric medication evaluation.
  • Crisis intervention/support — For any safety concern (threat of loss of life to self or others), please contact Campus Safety at (315) 268-6666 or 911 immediately.

Dean of Students: 315-268-6620

Point of contact: Kelsey Pearson, Interim Dean of Students.

  • SafetyNet/Student wellness and safety.
  • Student advocacy and student conduct system.

Health Center: 315-268-6633

Point of contact: Kelsie Fournier, Director of the Student Health Center.

  • Healthcare services (chronic and acute care).
  • Connected with the Canton Potsdam Hospital for needs beyond typical primary care.

Office of Student Life: 315-268-6680

Point of contact: Kristen Avery, Director of Student Life.

  • Greek organizations, CUSA Senate (student government) and CUB (campus programming board).
  • Orientation, Convocation, Family Weekend, service opportunities, student events and programming.

Residence Life: 315-268-6647

Point of contact: Troy Lassial, Assistant Dean of Students.

  • RAs receive extensive training and are equipped to handle most extreme crisis situations.
  • All first-year students reside on one of 18 theme-based floors.

Clarkson University's Dining and Catering Service is managed by Sodexo.