Helpful resources for family members of current and prospective students

You play a pivotal role in the success of your current or future college student. We're here to help you guide and support your student. Read on for helpful links, visit information, and how to get involved. 

Call the parent hotline if you have questions: 803.786.3856. You can also join the Parent Facebook page for additional support. 

See for Yourself

The best way for your child to experience Columbia College is a visit to campus. We can connect you with current students, professors, and financial aid folks so you can make the most of your visit. 

Locations & Parking

Need help with parking or finding a specific location on campus? View our online map or download a printable map

Hotel Discounts

Enjoy your stay in Columbia, the heart of South Carolina. Ask for the Columbia College discount at the hotels below:

Capital City Energy

Experience Columbia’s natural beauty and dynamic downtown energy. While you're here, check out our Soda City farmer’s market on Saturday, take in an indie film at our downtown theater, or try out our buzzing food scene. 

Connect & Create

I love the sense of community it offers for its students, faculty, and staff. Through this created sense of community, we can connect and create purposeful learning experiences.

— Dr. Ahmet Aksoy

Assistant Professor of Communication

Behind the Stat

Small classes and professors who care.

Volunteer Opportunities

Please contact the Parent Hotline at 803.786.3856 if you want to get involved with any of these opportunities. 

Career Development Opportunities

This program provides parents with the opportunity to help students by sponsoring internships or job shadowing experiences. 

Family & Friends Weekend

Volunteers will share their ideas to assist the Columbia College Activities Board and Office of Student Activities with planning these events. In addition, volunteers assist with registration and set-up needs on the day of these events.

Serve on Panels 

The College holds different events, such as Accepted Students Day, Summer Orientation, and Registration. Family members are always needed to serve as panelists. 

Move-In Day 

Our volunteers answer questions, promote upcoming family events, and welcome parents to Columbia College.

Parent & Family Advisory Council 

Parent and Family Association members seeking an active role in the association can apply to serve on the Parent & Family Advisory Council. The Council members are ambassadors for the College and meet twice a year.

The primary role is to:

  • Help recruit students;
  • Recommend programming activities for the Parent and Family Association;
  • Give feedback about university programs;
  • Discuss issues of concern to family members;
  • Recommend content for publications;
  • Participate in campus events like Family & Friends Weekend; and
  • Assist with the recruitment of prospective Parent & Family Advisory Council members.
  • Who is eligible for the Parent Advisory Council?
  • The Parent & Family Advisory Council consists of family members of full-time undergraduate students who are in good standing at Columbia College. It is our intention to select family members who represent our diverse student population. In order to ensure continuity on the Council, members are asked to make at least a two-year commitment. 
What is expected of a Council member? 

Parent Advisory Council members are expected to attend biannual meetings. Council members will have the opportunity to learn more about college departments and services, as well as provide feedback on any topic of interest or concern to them as Columbia College family members. Responsibilities of council members include the following. 

  • Participate in Family & Friends Weekend. (Families of incoming first-year students will be exempt from this duty in order to attend activities with their student.) 
  • Provide feedback to the Division of Student Affairs staff concerning the association’s programs, publications, services and any other aspects of institution activity.
  • Maintain regular communication with the Parent and Family Association staff.
  • Identify and approach prospective council members.

A Note on Student Privacy

It can take a while to adjust to college life, particularly if you're a parent. If you have questions about how to help your student while they're on campus, don't hesitate to reach out using our parent hotline: 803.786.3856.

The Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA) requires the protection of student records. If you wish to access sensitive academic and financial information, your student will need to submit a form (accessible via Koala Connection) granting you permission to see them.

Read more about FERPA and how it may affect you.