Parents and families play a special role in the Clarkson experience.

Working in partnership with parents and families to keep communication lines open, we encourage you to participate in your student's education and help them make the most of every day at Clarkson.

Families can receive the Student Affairs Parents and Family E-Newsletter that provides important student life information and updates. To subscribe to the Student Affairs Parent & Family E-Newsletter, email the Office of the Dean of Students at deanofstudents@clarkson.edu.

  • View our new Student and Parent Resources page!
  • Join the Parents & Family Facebook group to connect with other Clarkson families! This page was initiated as a forum for families to share advice, information, and support during your student's collegiate years. The Division of Student Affairs considers family as part of the Clarkson Community. In an effort to best communicate and answer questions posed by families, we ask that you reach out directly to the corresponding student service office with specific questions or concerns. Our offices, services, and direct contacts may be found here. Often times, the answers necessitate dialogue and contain personal information and/or protected data that is not appropriate for an open forum. Therefore, staff are generally unable to answer questions directly in this Facebook group. We look forward to speaking with you!

Parents and Families Give our Students Strength

Parents and Students at Hockey Game

The success of our students is Clarkson's priority. Our academic programs are ranked nationally by U.S. News & World Report, and we are one of the smallest schools in the category only with 3,000 students. That means your student will receive more personal attention in our rigorous programs.

We emphasize stretching boundaries because we want all of our students to pursue and achieve their life goals. Students can explore multiple departments fields of study or extracurricular activities. With a curiosity that crosses disciplines, our students are encouraged explore their various interests. Perhaps that's why one out of every five Clarkson graduates is a CEO, vice president, or owns a company.

As a Clarkson parent, you may want to get involved in our parents association, which promotes active parent and family involvement in the University. But the first thing we encourage you to do is come to Potsdam and take a look at the University in person. We think you will like what you see.

Office of Student Life Diversity and Inclusion Accessibility Services Residence Life Dean of Students

Does your student need more support on campus?

Our professional staff members are here to help your student navigate life at Clarkson. If you are concerned about your student, please encourage them to reach out to any of these available resources. View a full listing of our campus departmental resources.

Student Success, Diversity and Inclusion

Staff members in this department provide a number of programs and services designed to help students reach their academic and professional goals. Programs within this department include:

Learn more about Student Success, Diversity and Inclusion services

Office of Student Life

The Office of Student Life (OSL) assists students in developing into well-rounded individuals through community service, co-curricular programming and social events. 

Learn more about volunteer opportunities

View upcoming student events and view our student clubs and organizations

Career Center

The Career Center is dedicated to helping students reach their career goals. Staff members work to offer customized services to all Clarkson students who are looking to plan for a rewarding career, find the right co-op or internship, develop professional and leadership skills, improve job search skills and connect with the best job and graduate school opportunities. 

Learn more about Career Center services

Accessibility Services

The mission of the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) at Clarkson is to assure students' access to the University and its programs. OAS determines, coordinates, and provides reasonable accommodations, education, and advocacy to students for an accessible and hospitable learning environment.

Learn more about accommodations available through OAS

Student Health and Counseling Center (SHAC)

The Student Health and Counseling Center (SHAC) not only cares for our students, but empowers them to become active participants in their physical health and mental wellbeing. The Center offers health services such as a campus clinic for illness and injury, immunizations, flu vaccinations, physicals and referrals as well as counseling services for anxiety, adjustment to change, depression, self-esteem, relationship issues, sexuality and more. 

Learn more about services offered by the Student Health and Counseling Center. 

Residence Life

Our Residence Life staff works to provide our students with a comfortable and positive living environment. They oversee our residential spaces and our large staff of student employees. 

Learn more about Residence Life

International Center

The International Center is the hub for all international activity on the Clarkson campus, including assisting students with studying, performing research or working abroad as well as helping international students and visitors on campus by providing immigration services and support. 

Learn more about student opportunities to study, perform research or work abroad.

Learn more about coming to Clarkson as an international student or visitor. 

Office of the Dean of Students

In the Office of the Dean of Students you’ll meet staff who are committed to promoting students’ personal and academic growth while representing their concerns and helping them enhance their character, quality, and perspective during and after their time at Clarkson University.

Learn more about student advocacy available by the Dean of Students

Commencement Ceremonies

Clarkson offers four graduation ceremonies each year for various bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs. We encourage you to learn more about our different ceremonies and stay up to date on information as it becomes available throughout the year by visiting the Commencement website.

Payment Information

To make an online tuition payment, please visit Nelnet at online.campuscommerce.com if you've already created an account.

If your student has not yet added you as an authorized party, please ask them to go to their myCU account, choose Financials then choose Nelnet. On the home screen in Nelnet, they'll need to select "Add an Authorized Party." Once added, the parent or authorized person will receive an email invite from Nelnet to create an account.  Questions can be sent to studentfinancials@clarkson.edu or by phone at 315-268-6451.

Join the Parents and Family Association

The Parents and Family Association represents all Clarkson parents and guardians, and promotes their active involvement in the University. Once enrolled parents and guardians become lifetime members of the Association. The Parents and Family Association facilitates interaction and support between the University and parents providing insight into the life of your student.

A Parents Committee, representing parents and guardians from each class year of students, leads the Association and many parents contribute their time, expertise and support to plan association programs like Career Center, Admission Mentor and the Parents Fund. The Parents Committee encourages every parent and guardian to take an active role in the life of the University by offering creative suggestions, feedback and volunteering their support.