Leaving for college comes with so many new things, but handling their own money can be one of the scariest. Learning about Banks is very key. We have all kinds of suggestions regarding Working While in College, Budgeting 101 even the Best Credit Cards for College Students, but this blog is all about banking. I, personally, find it best to have an account for my daughter at the same bank as mine. It makes it easy to slide money over whenever I need to.

FAU’s banking partner is PNC bank. They have an office on campus and several locations in South Florida and across 20 states. There are many ATMs on campus such as the lobby of the Student Support Services Building, the lobby of the Administration Building, Breezeway Food Court and several branches nearby.  They also offer a Virtual Wallet option which allows you to keep track of your money.  If they ever need cash this is helpful, although few students seem to use cash these days.

The PNC Virtual Student Wallet has a spending account (primary checking account), a Reserve Account (Interest-bearing checking account) and a Growth Account (Long-term savings account). Students obtain all three with this option. With this virtual wallet, students are provided with tools to help manage spending and saving. Parents can also receive the same account alerts as students when balances are low if they are enrolled.

Students obtain a PNC Visa debit card. Students also are able to enjoy benefits for up to six years which include:
· No monthly service charge
· reimbursement of the fee for the first two domestic or international non-PNC bank ATM transactions made on the spend, reserve, or grow accounts per statement period
· five-dollar reimbursement of other financial intuitions ATM surcharge fee per statement period
· One automatic courtesy refund of any overdraft item or refunded item fees associated with the first overdraft event
· One incoming domestic or international wire transfer per statement period at no charge

Apps like Venmo and Zelle are just more convenient.

Banking and how our students can access money is something you will undoubtedly want to figure out before day one.

The following banks are on or near campus:

PNC (On Campus)

Bank of America (2000 Glades Road)

TD Bank (2301 N Federal Highway)

CitiBank (4055 N Federal Highway)

Chase (1850 N Federal Highway)

Regions Bank (2250 Glades Road)

Wells Fargo (3601 N Federal Highway)

SunTrust (4899 N Federal Highway)

BB&T (701 N Federal Highway)

Bank United (5295 Towncenter Road)

Amtrust Bank (5550 Glades Road Suite 100)

Our interns are big fans of Venmo. They don’t recommend getting the Venmo card but find it convenient for just about everything. Roommates send each other their portion of the rent or electric bill, or their share of last night’s Uber, right through the app. Some parents prefer this method of sending money. There are no fees if you link it to your account instead of a credit card.

Credit Unions and Investment  Companies

South Atlantic Federal Credit Union is located at One West Camino Real in Boca Raton.

Schwab is a great option because one of the perks of having a Schwab account is that you can use any ATM and the ATM fee is later refunded. Schwab is located off of 150 E Palmetto Park Rd Ste 100

Next step…budgeting!

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**This is an unusual and unprecedented Spring (2020) and the situation and circumstances continue to evolve daily. Please start all your planning for any event this Spring by first checking here for the updates directly from FAU**

Graduation is around the corner. Remember how when our kids were little we couldn’t envision them leaving us and going off to college? Now, if you are like me, you can’t believe how quickly the time went. It continues to rush by and before you know it, college graduation will be here.

Allow ample time to make those hotel reservations. Similar to football and Parent weekends, graduation weekend hotels are at a premium if you want to stay close to campus. Some people book them a year out in order to get the hotel they want. I literally booked my room a solid year before my daughter graduated. Being in Boca Raton though, we definitely have an advantage if you don’t mind staying a tad bit further from campus. (Don’t know where to stay, check out our blog on hotels.)

Be sure to check the policy with whichever hotel you choose, but if possible, book more rooms and cancel later when Grandpa decides he isn’t up to the three-plus hour drive. It is far easier to cancel than to try to find a room in February for May graduation. I actually booked three rooms, but only used two. Instead of canceling the last one though I passed it to a friend who found herself short a room. There is always someone in need. If you are booking multiple rooms, just a tip; put them in different names because if you have them all in your name, and you need to cancel a room, the hotel may have to cancel the entire reservation. This actually happened to a friend of mine. Boca Raton does have quite a few hotel options in the surrounding areas, however, it is important to remember that South Florida is a popular vacation destination. While there may be plenty of options, it’s still crucial to book early.

August and December graduation reservations may be a tad easier, but there are far more students graduating then than you may think, so don’t hesitate to book early. Besides, in December, there is still a lot going on with students moving out for winter break.  The next commencement ceremonies are the weekends of May 7th, 2020, August 11, 2020, and December 17, 2020. You might not know which of these days and time is for your student’s major until a few months before though. Particularly for the May graduation, there are so many students graduating they split it into multiple ceremonies throughout the day and evenings, and information about the specifics of Graduation day.

Graduation is held at Carole and Barry Kaye Performing Arts Center located in the Student Union on the Boca Raton campus. Seating is limited but tickets are required. Guest tickets go by the number of applications received. For deadlines and additional information. Those who respond to email can expect to receive three to four guest tickets.

Disabled or Special Needs Info

Should you require disability accommodations for guests, it is on a first come first serve basis; however, the auditorium staff has always been able to accommodate guests who require special assistance. Graduates requiring special accommodations should contact the Office of the Registrar, 561-297-3050, at least ten days in advance.

Graduation Cap & Gown Isn’t Cheap!

Wondering how much your student will need to pay to rent the cap and gown which is required if they are walking? Prices range from $67.98 to $360.00, depending on the degree level. All graduates are required to wear the cap and gown from the FAU bookstore in order to participate in the ceremony. Ordering your regalia late will result in a $25 late fee.

Reserve, Reserve, Reserve!

Remember to make restaurant reservations as well. Generally, restaurant reservations can’t be made as far in advance as hotels, but due to the crowds, you will definitely want a reservation. I actually called so far in advance they couldn’t make it yet but told me when to call back so I could be one of the first to reserve the date and time I needed. I marked my calendar and all worked out beautifully. Check out our blog on Graduation Restaurants and Restaurants. Keep your gifts, balloons, and noisemakers at the hotel as they are prohibited inside the Carole and Barry Kaye Performing Arts Center. Flowers are available for purchase in the lobby of the auditorium.

FAU does have a live webcast of graduation. Many of my northern family members utilized this option. They also use GradImages, an outside company, to take pictures of each graduate in three places as they cross the stage. If you register in advance, they offer a 20% discount. Finally, we’ve got some great graduation gift suggestions including diploma and tassel frames. Should you need to order a duplicate diploma (lost, damaged, or whatever reason you may have), it will cost you $10 but you can do so.

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The important contact info you need to have. Over the years there have been only a few times that I, as a parent, have felt the need to call the campus to resolve an issue. Generally, I try to get my kids to handle it themselves. However, knowing where to call for whatever the issue can be daunting. For instance, trying to decipher how rush works or even having financial aid issues.  Be aware though that, unless your student has given you permission to call or is sitting with you, some departments won’t speak to you, the parent.

Check out our blog What You Should Do Before Leaving For FAU to download different legal documents.  These documents give parents’ permission in different medical and legal scenarios.

President of FAU: John W. Kelly, Ph.D.  His office is located at Florida Atlantic University
Administration Bldg., Room 339, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431. 561-297-3450.
Email president@fau.edu or jkelly@fau.edu

We realize that finding the right place to call isn’t always so simple so we have listed several of the offices and what they are used for to make your navigation simpler. Many of our blogs address issues that you may be looking for guidance about too so we have linked those too.

FAU Police Department

If a student sees and wants to report suspicious persons, incidents, and unsafe conditions, they can report it to (561)297-3500. If an emergency occurs, dial 911. Sean Brammer Chief of Police, Florida Atlantic University Police Department Phone: (561) 297-1377. sbrammer@fau.edu

Department of Emergency Management

This is the department that coordinates FAU’s emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation activities to protect the students, faculty, staff, resources, and infrastructure.

Director: Jaeson Eber, 561-297-4587, em@fau.edu

Student Health Services

Located in Bldg. 8W, Room 240, 6424, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33431, the offices of student health services are an easy and dependable resource for students since many do not have their own doctor. Their hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. They can also be reached via phone (561) 297-3512, or email the Director of Student Health Services, LeAnn Gutierrez, Ph.D., MBA Director Student Health Services, at lgutierrez@health.fau.edu.

The office asks that if you need to contact student health services for a medical need or question to please call the clinic. Email-only with non-medical concerns such as billing or immunizations, and to please not email staff with any medical questions or concerns because they are not actively monitored for medical issues. Other than routine appointments, they offer after-hours nurse advice and health information. Students can call the FAU SHS number to be connected to the after-hours nurse line.

The FAU After-Hours Nurse Line is staffed by registered nurses who can assess a student’s symptoms and help them determine how to get the most appropriate care. The nurse may recommend a variety of care options, including home treatment, follow-up with a physician or immediate visit to the closest Emergency Room or Urgent Care Clinic.  Note: If your student has not filled out forms prior to your call; they will not release any information about your student. Make sure your student has signed these forms.

See our blog Sick at School for more information.

Dean of Students

Dr. Larry Faerman is the Associate VP & Dean of Students, lfaerman@fau.edu. Susan Fulks is the Associate Dean of Students – Email sfulks@fau.edu. Student Services Building (SS #8), Room 226, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431-0991, 561-297-3542.  The Office of the Dean of Students works collaboratively with other offices on campus to enhance the quality of a student’s life and members of the FAU community.

Financial Aid Office – One Stop Student Services.

The office is located at 777 Glades Road, Bldg SU80 Rm 233 Boca Raton, FL 33431 Tel: (561) 297-3530 Office Hours: Monday – Thursday – 8:00am – 6:00pm Friday – 8:00am – 5:00pm.  Tracy Boulukos Assistant Vice President for Financial Aid & New Student Initiatives, tbouloko@fau.edu 561- 297-3531.

FAU Office of Information Technology

For students who are having technical difficulties with their FAUNet account and its surrounding technologies, this is the place to get in touch with. Here is our blog on Technology Services at UNF and one on Computer and Phone Repair.

Help Desk support is available in person (check their hours here) and 24/7 via phone (561) 297-3999 and submit a ticket.

FAU Housing

Phone: (561) 297-2880

The Housing Office is open Monday-Friday from 8 am to 6 pm. If your student is having problems, they should contact their  Resident Assistant or Area Desks. Information regarding residence halls and staff can be found here. The Executive Director of Housing and Residential Education is Raymond Gordon. You may email him at raymondgordon@fau.edu.

If your student is having issues with laundry, pest control, cleaning issues, plumbing leaks, doors, locks, air conditioning, Cable, Internet, Furniture, they can contact the FAU Maintenance Department and submit a request.

Student Accessibility Services –  For students that have any type of disability that requires special accommodations, campus accessibility, sponsored courses, course substitutions, this is the office you will want to be familiar with. The Director of the staff is Michelle Shaw. Email mshaw@health.fau.edu  (561) 297-3880.

Here is our blog on Student Accessibility Resources.

FAU Parking and Transportation Services –  The Director is George Androuin, gandroui@unf.edu

If your vehicle gets towed from FAU’s property, then the student will want to contact the Transportation office at (561) 297-2771. Tickets can be paid any time online.  Click here for online payment information.  If students need to go to FAU’s parking services here is their address: 777 Glades Rd., Building 80 (Student Services), Boca Raton, FL 33431.

Students may appeal their citations here. If you wish to appeal the citation it must be completed and submitted online. Appeal requests must be submitted online within 14 calendar days from the date of the citation. An individual charged with an infraction must either pay the prescribed fee or appeal the citation within 14 calendar days of issuance of the citation. If payment of the fine is not received in the Parking and Transportation Services Office within fourteen (14) days, a $25.00 late fee will be imposed. Any student with an unpaid parking or other citation will not be permitted to register for classes nor receive a transcript of academic achievement, grades or a diploma until all fines and fees are paid in full.

If you are a guest at FAU, an email will be sent to the email address reflected on your original appeal with the date and time of the scheduled hearing. Parking citations issued by Parking and Transportation Services can be appealed if you feel that the citation was issued in error or that there were extenuating circumstances associated with the citation. The appeal for the citation must be submitted within fourteen (14) calendar days of the issue date of the citation. Appeals for citations are submitted online through your Parking and Transportation account. Tow fees and Boot fees are not eligible for appeal. To pay or appeal a citation, click here. If your first appeal is denied then you have the opportunity to file a second appeal. The second appeal is filed the same way you filed for your first appeal. By filing a second appeal you will have the chance to meet with the appeals board on an appointed date to have your appeal reviewed again. Second appeals are scheduled in advance and you will be notified via email of your scheduled hearing time and location. Your attendance at the Second Appeal Hearing is encouraged by not required. Please note that the decision of the Board is final; no further appeals are permitted.

Department of Human Resources

Perhaps you have a student that works at FAU. The Department of Human Resources is the first point of contact for questions regarding employment, benefits, compensation, payroll, employee/labor relations, and classification. The office may be reached at (561) 297-3057. The office is located at building 4 (directly across from Chick-Fil-A) first floor
777 Glades Rd., P.O. Box 3091, Boca Raton, FL 33431-0991

Assistant VP of Human Resources is David Tomanio – tomaniod@fau.edu (561) 297-3076

Senior Associate Director for Human Resources – Marie Mascaro mmascaro@fau.edu (561) 297-3074

Asst. Director for Human Resources (Classification & Compensation, Benefits & Retirement is Michael Davis  mdavi145@fau.edu (561) 297-3026

Other HR staff can be found here.

Because dealing with stress can sometimes require a little extra help:

FAU  Counseling and Psychological Services– FAU is on top of it, offering various programs, workshops, training, and suggestions; most of which are free to our Owls. Attached is our blog on stress at college at FAU.  At the FAU Counseling Center, your student has access to free wellness programs addressing stress management, relaxation strategies, sleep habits, study skills, eating habits and exercise.  They also have an online community to help discover ways to move well, eat well and be well. The Counseling Center is located at the Student Services Building

SS-8 Room 222, (Second Floor above the Breezeway Food Court). The Interim Director is Dr. Courtney Weaver. (561) 297-1048, cweave15@halth.fau.edu

For emergencies regarding your student, all 911. Urgent services are available 24/7 to students who need immediate attention. If a student is having an urgent mental health need, they are welcome to walk into the Counseling Center Monday – Thursday from 8-6, Fridays 8-5 If the urgent need is happening after-hours or during weekends, support is available via phone at 561-297-0500

Other resources for helping a friend include:

Victim Services 561-297-0500 (24 Hours)

Equal Opportunity Programs 561-297-3004

Dean of Students 561-297-3542

FAU Police Department 561-297-3500

Counseling and Psychological Services 561-297-3540

Owls Care Health Promotion 561-297-1048

Sexual Health Education 561-297-1048

Health Services 561-297-3512

Student Night Owls Escort Service 561-297-6695

Student Accessibility Services 561-297-3880

Military and Veteran Affairs 561-297-3547

Victim Services

If students or someone they care about that has been a victim of a crime, confidential support is available and they can talk with someone about their options. There are several options if students are a victim of crime beginning with the FAU Police Department’s Victim Advocate. The Victim Advocate is available Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, is on-call for emergencies 365 days a year and responds as needed on evenings, nights and weekends. All services are free of charge and available 24 hours a day. 561-297-3500

The Victim Advocacy Center is currently located in the library on the Boca Raton Campus. (S.E> Wimberly Library, Room 156), 561-297-4841. Dr. Larry Faerman Associate Vice President & Dean of Students lfaerman@fau.edu, Associate Vice President & Dean of Students Affairs Office Student Services Building (SS #8), Room 226 777 Glades Road Boca Raton, FL 33431-0991 Phone: 561-297-3542

For anonymous or online incident reporting, click here.

Student Accessibility Services– Students must register for support services using their FAU NetID to complete the online application. Call for living/learning accommodations, extra time on exams, etc. The Director of the staff is Michelle Shaw. mshaw@health.fau.edu (561) 29-3880. SU 133 777 Glades Road Boca Raton, FL 33431

Safety Escort: The NightOwls Program is a student ran evening escort service. FAU students who need a ride to or from class, the library, residence halls, parking lots, or any other location on the Boca Raton Campus can call the NightOwls for a free ride. Call (561) 297-6695 for a ride. FAU Police officers are full-service, certified, sworn state law enforcement officers. They patrol the campus in a number of ways (car, bicycle, on foot, etc.) 365 days a year 24 hours a day.

FAU Dining Services: From meal plans to on-campus restaurants, students have many options. The Resident District Manager is Chris Valdes, Phone: 561-297-2562 Email: chris.valdes@compass-usa.com, Director of Operations is Ridwan Himawan, 561-297-3296 fau.rhimawan@fau.edu, the Sr. Director of Resident Dining is Carlos Dias, fau_cdias@fau.edu, 561-350-7728

Sorority and Fraternity Affairs – Both Panhellenic (PC), Interfraternity Council (IFC) and Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) fall under the Division of Student Affairs. Sorority and Fraternity Affairs is the office of professional staff that provides guidance, education, and support to the Florida Greek community. To contact SFA, call (561) 297-4924 or email fslife@fau.edu. They are located at FAU Student Union – (UN Room 204), 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton.

For basic questions, we have listed the emails below. Should you need to speak with someone in administration, you can contact the following:

Rafael Zapata, Director, Sorority & Fraternity Affairs, zapatar@fau.edu

Elaine Jahnsen, Associate Director, ejahnse1@fau.edu, 561-297-3269

Panhellenic:  For our sorority rushing blog, click here.

Questions regarding the Panhellenic Council at large: Kristine Coleman, President, panhelfaupresident@gmail.com

Questions regarding recruitment: Carmella Keim, VP of Recruitment, panhelfaupr@gmail.com

Questions regarding Panhellenic activities:

Questions regarding the Judicial Board and/or conduct:

Interfraternity Council:  For our fraternity rushing blog,  click here.

Questions regarding the Interfraternity Council: Camilo Restrepo, President, fauifcpresident@gmail.com

Questions regarding recruitment: Steven Herndon, VP of Recruitment, ifc.vpr.fau@gmail.com

Multicultural Greek Council – The Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) is the governing body for the culturally-based fraternity and sorority chapters at FAU.  The MGC currently consists of three organizations, one fraternity, and two sororities, that are culturally-based and diverse in nature. The primary purpose of the MGC is to unite its member organizations in order to share ideas and provide a support network for students. Members of the MGC experience Greek life in a unique way, as our chapters relatively small (10-25 undergraduate members) in size, which fosters strong, lifelong bonds between members and alumni.

FAU Individual Colleges – It is always good for your student to follow the chain of command if they are having an issue within their college. But, should following that chain not work, here is the contact information for each individual college.

Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters

Dean: Michael J. Horswell, Ph.D. (561) 297-3863, horswell@fau.edu
Florida Atlantic University
777 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33431

College of Business

Dean: Dean M. Gropper, Ph.D. (561) 561-297-3635 dgropper@fau.edu
Florida Atlantic University
777 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33431

College for Design and Social Inquiry

Interim Dean:  Naelys Luna, MSW, Ph.D. (561-297-4169) ndiaz10@fau.edu
Florida Atlantic University
777 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33431

College of Education

Dean: Dr. Valerie J. Bristor, (561) 297-3357 bristor@fau.edu
Florida Atlantic University
777 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33431

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Dean: Stella Batalama, Ph.D. sbatalama@fau.edu, 561-297-3400
Florida Atlantic University
777 Glades Road EE 308
Boca Raton, FL 33431-0991

Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College

Interim Dean: Dr. Tim Steigenga, tsteigen@fau.edu, 561-799-8610
Wilkes Honors College
Florida Atlantic University
5353 Parkside Drive
Jupiter, FL 33458

Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine

Dean: Phillip M. Boiselle, M.D., pboiselle@health.fau.edu, 561-297-4828
Florida Atlantic University
777 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33431

Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing

Dean and Professor: Safiya George, Ph.D., APRN-BC,  FAANP, sgeorge@health.fau.edu, 561-297-3206
Florida Atlantic University
777 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33431

Charles E. Schmidt College of Science

Dean: Ata Sarajedini, asarajedini@fau.edu, 561-297-3035
Florida Atlantic University
Science Building (SE-43), Room 256
777 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33431

Finally, to read the 2019-20 Student Handbook and Planner, click here.

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Everyone should get to at least one Owl football game. Or, perhaps you want to get season tickets. In the past few years, Owl games have proven to be pretty exciting. One of the keys to making it great, however; is knowing where to sit. For instance, the blazing sun can make a big difference in the fun factor of a game. Here are some thoughts about the best seats for football games.

Premium seating options: All great options if you want shade, however, they are more expensive than regular seating. These are some of the best seats to watch the football game and beat the heat as well.

Suites: includes 20 tickets, 6 reserved parking passes (which is always a plus to have at FAU), ability to build your own menu with food and alcohol so you never get hungry while watching the game, two TVs, 12 stadium seats, 4 high top chairs, and 4 lounge chairs. It doesn’t get much better than that!

Field Cabana: Includes 12 tickets, 4 reserved parking passes, the ability to stock your own food and alcohol, and is only 10 feet from the end zone. Good option if you are looking for a great place to watch the game as well as a shady area by the field.

Four and six-seat loge boxes: (A new option) Private seating area, new countertops, 4-6 comfortable chairs, complimentary buffet and soft drinks, and access to Acura club which is an indoor shaded area. Loge boxes offer a combination of suite-type benefits and privileges with a private open-air experience.

Acura Club: Biggest indoor area. Must donate in order to utilize this area. One of the best options for shade and a good view of the game.

There are also the premium Delray Hyundai deck sideline seats which range from $330 – $510. These seats are shaded by the press box tower and suites and are some of the best seats to watch the football game as well if you are not looking for as steep of a price as the options listed above. Contact Ryan Alpert Sr Associate Athletics Director at 561-297-3199 or via email at ralpert@fau.edu.

Student Section is being moved right behind the visitor’s bench along midfield at the FAU stadium. This will be by the 50-yard line. Our guess is that this will create more distraction to the opposing team and perhaps cause them to be off their game.

Along the same line of thinking, the band will also be located behind the visitor’s bench.

It gets incredibly hot during afternoon games so the sun typically hits all sides of the stadium. If anyone would like to have shade but does not want to spend too much for one of these options, then they should sit just below the suite level and press boxes located on the West sideline. Good shade is provided by the suites and press boxes above. Sitting underneath the video scoreboard provides some shade as well.

You may want to peruse a few of our other blogs pertaining to football, because, frankly, seating is just one part of it. Check out Are You Ready for Some Football or Where to Pre-Game. And if you choose not to buy seats that come with parking, you will definitely want to read our Parking blog.

Now that you know when the games are, where to pregame and where to sit, don’t forget your gameday attire. We’ve got great suggestions from our interns and FAU mom bloggers (because who wants to wear what our kids wear?).  Click here for student gameday outfits and here for us parents.

Madeline Gilligan, FAU Intern

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The best feeling for any college student, particularly if you’re an Owl, is waking up knowing it’s game day! There is so much preparation that goes into game days: where to tailgate, who to squad up with, and what to wear. Showing up to tailgates and games is more than just rocking your school colors, it is showing your spirit and how much you love your school. It almost feels like a school-wide competition: who can get the most spirited? With this list, you’ll be sure to place in first!

It is important that whenever you are shopping for game day attire, you strictly look for your school colors. You don’t want to stick out like a sore thumb wearing the one color that doesn’t match with everyone else. As Game Day gets closer, FAU will announce what colors students are expected to wear. For example, they may announce that a game will have a “white-out” or a “blue or red-out.” This means students should wear a blue, red, or white outfit! If you are on a budget, then definitely stick with the basics: plain colored tank tops and t-shirts that match your school colors. Denim is always the move for game days, especially ripped shorts or overalls from American Eagle. If you want to get a little more decked out in spirited gear, then you can choose from face stickers, headbands, and fun socks to add a bit more fun to your outfit. Wearing colorful, tinted sunglasses have been really popular, so get a pair that sports your school colors!

Your t-shirt is one of the things people notice the most, so it needs to make a statement. Most girls like to show off fun DIY cut up t-shirts. They can turn t-shirts into crop tops, tank tops, halters, and more! The options are endless and always make an outfit. If you want to test out your DIY skills, you can get awesome shirts from places like Target or Walmart for a great price.  If you are confident in your DIY skills, try acid-washing your shirts! You can also leave it to the professionals and order your custom cut or dyed shirts here. Some other favorites for tailgate outfits include Tailgate Tailor , By Gabby , Game Day Couture Social House and Custom University.

Or check out Hype & Vice for some game day tops, cheerleading skirts, and accessories all in the colors you need to show your Owl spirit.

If you’re feeling like a team player, then we have something for you, too! Wearing your team’s oversized t-shirt is one of the best ways to show off your love for the team. Girls usually wear an oversized tee so it even looks like a dress! To top off your look, accessorize with a clear bag from Score Gameday bags. Use the code HUH15 for a 15% discount. Most stadiums implement a clear bag policy, so why not have a clear bag that still has style? Both guys and girls can also be seen wearing blue and red striped overalls. I personally love the overalls because not only do they look cool, it is a funny and goofy look for a day of cheering on our favorite team. HaveUHeard that American Eagle now has a collegiate collection so you can grab their plush tees, hoodies, and more for both men and women?

Perhaps you are more about repping the school’s colors. We love, Show Me Your Mumu’s line of cute and trendy gameday outfits

Guys have it a little easier and stick to a more simplified look. Dry fit and polo tops are the go-to for most as long as it has their school logo. You can check out a bunch of options on Fanatics. To protect from the hot sun, guys also love to sport a school baseball cap. Regardless of your style, don’t forget sunscreen and lots of water. Game days are long and often hot so be sure to stay safe and hydrated. When it starts to get a bit cooler in the season, a lot of fans wear school-spirited sweatshirts. Tailgate leggings are even better when you’re cold and need to cover up yet still want to show your team spirit!

There is always so much anticipation when it comes to football season, so enjoy it while it lasts! Deck yourself out in all things that represent you and your university. Show off your colors all day, every day! Your team will thank you!

Go Owls!

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Boca Raton is home to literally hundreds of dining options from fast food to fast-casual, from family-style to fine dining. You will find your burgers, pizza, Mexican, Chinese, barbecue, sushi, salads, Mediterranean, a restaurant for every palate, and every price point. When coming to Boca Raton to visit your student or tour the campus with a prospective student, what restaurants are must-visit for dinner? Below we give you a breakdown of some of our favorites. Dining in Boca Raton, especially on weekends and during the months of November through April, are extremely crowded. Some of the restaurants take reservations either through their own website or on websites such as TripAdvisor, Yelp or Open Table.

Dinner…

• 2 Georges at the Cove: SE 3rd Ct. Dockside, an outdoor restaurant with a large selection of local seafood. A typical night includes great views of the intercostal and live music.
• Blaze Pizza: Federal Highway: Create your own pizza. This chain restaurant offers its diners the ability to customize their pizza every step of the way.
• Charm City Burger Co: E. Hillsboro Blvd. Fast Burger and Fries Joint, well-loved due to their classic take on burgers. Nothing fancy but it is delicious.
• Cheesecake Factory: Glades Road. The widespread chain restaurant is known for its cheesecake. Huge Menu, something for everyone!
• Dada: Swinton Ave (Delray Beach) Dada is an eclectic restaurant located in the oldest former home in Delray Beach, Florida. The restaurant is situated under large trees strung with lanterns and inside is a rotating selection of artwork created by local artists. The menu changes seasonally and showcases locally grown food.  Their Mojitos along with their watermelon “steak” are legendary.
• Deck 84: Atlantic Ave (Delray Beach) Situated along the Intracoastal Water, this casual dining spot features fresh seafood and several American style options. Come by car or by boat, you’ll be greeted with food and drinks with a tropical twist. Reserve an outdoor dining table for a warm, Florida breeze and waterfront views.
• Dubliner – Located in Mizner Park, this is where you should head if you are craving Irish inspired foods including their award-winning Shepherds Pie, Fish and Chips, Bangers and Mash, House-cured corn beef. Full bar and shows all major televised sporting events. Live music and entertainment seven nights a week. Same owners as Kapow Noodle Bar and Dada which we recommend for dinner as well.
• Flashback Diner: Federal Highway. 24-hour diner serving up American diner fare with a Mediterranean flair. Known for their large pancakes and shakes.
• Gary Rack’s Farm House Kitchen: Delray Beach. Gary Rack’s Serves both Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner. They offer “clean eating” options. Their ingredients are seasonal, local and sustainably farmed and each menu item is designed to allow those ingredients to shine.
• I Heart Mac and Cheese– Looking for something a lot more casual? Check out Mac and cheese for grown-ups. About 5 minutes from campus
• Kanapai Sushi: Federal Highway. Sushi and Japanese BBQ restaurant featuring a revolving sushi bar. The sushi bar features boats that float by with fresh sushi and appetizers made by chefs in front of you. The restaurant also features a full Japanese menu and a late-night happy hour with half-price sushi.
• Kapow Noodle Bar: Plaza Real. Located in Mizner Park, Kapow makes a creative twist on classic Asian dishes. Unexpected combinations and larger than life art on the walls make for an enjoyable, hip dinner. Expect a 30 minute or more wait, this a popular spot for students and locals alike.
• Las Fajitas: N Dixie Highway. Classic Mexican Fare. Careful, the Chips and Salsa are addictive.  Las Fajitas serves up tacos, flautas, enchiladas and a wide variety of classic Mexican dishes.
• Loch Bar – Located in Mizner Park, this Raw Bar and Seafood restaurant featuring one of South Florida’s largest raw bars, a substantial whiskey menu and a wide selection of craft beers and handcrafted cocktails. Loch Bar also features live music 7 days a week!
• Louie Bossi’s – Located on E. Palmetto Park Rd. High energy restaurant serving up Italian foods including house-made pasta, wood-burning Neopolitan pizzas, Sicilian entrees and their famous house-cured salumi.
• Max’s Grille: Mizner Park. Max’s Grille has been a staple in Mizner Park for the past 20 years. American style food with a twist and amazing hand-crafted cocktails.
• M.E.A.T Taproom: Federal Highway: A hidden gem, it’s hard to find but worth the hunt. M.E.A.T taproom serves pub-style dishes. Enjoy favorites such as Beer Cheese Soup, Brisket Burgers, and homemade bread pudding. Perfect spot to relax with a craft beer and great food.
• Mississippi Sweets BBQ: Federal Highway. Southern Style BBQ Restaurant with a plethora of comfort foods.
• New York Grilled Cheese– this is what you get when you take a classic grilled cheese out of the frying pan and into a waffle press. Add in their waffle fries in many combos and this is comfort food on a different level.
• Oishii – Located right next to UPark on 20th, this hibachi restaurant also offers sushi and bento boxes.
• Rebel House: E Palmetto Park Rd. Quirky restaurant with some familiar favorites (popcorn as the appetizer!) American Fare with some unexpected Twists. Fun Restaurant with unique twists on old favorites.
• Rise Sushi – One of the more popular Asian restaurants and sushi bar, located on SW 18th Street, not that far from FAU
• Rocco’s Tacos: Military Trail. Mexican Chain restaurant. Try the tableside Guacamole, you won’t be sorry. Rocco’s has classic Mexican dishes and some new favorites to discover. Always a wait no matter what day of the week.
• Willie’s Sushi Bar & Bistro – Located at 5030 Champion Boulevard. One part of the menu is sushi and the other is a bistro menu with a little bit of everything (steak, chicken pasta)
• Yard House: Mizner Park. High-end sports bar with American fare, located in the heart of Mizner Park. A late-night bite menu is a favorite of students.
• Yokohama Sushi: Located at  9168 Glades Road. A beloved favorite of FAU students…in a new location! Cozy Japanese restaurant where sushi is chief. Large menu featuring several types of sushi. Features a late-night happy hour with half-price sushi.

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For students heading to Grad School, finding an apartment if they are going to a different university entails completely different criteria. My niece and our interns all recently switched universities from where they went for undergrad. Grad School housing comes with its own unique challenges. With expensive tuition and long study sessions, the last thing they need to worry about is finding an apartment near FAU.

If you will be attending FAU for graduate school, you probably want to know your options as far as living arrangements go. Graduate school consumes a lot of time and money, so you want to make sure you’re living in the right place.FAU does offer Innovation Village Apartments as well as University Village for graduate students, both of which are on-campus housing. If you’re looking for a place that’s right on campus, one of these would be a great option. The one thing to consider is that many undergraduate students live in these housing options as well, so you might want to find a place that’s still close to FAU, but provides a little more of a quiet, apartment feel.

Another option for graduate students that are off-campus is University Park. This is more of an apartment feel, but still has the close proximity to FAU. There are application fee discounts, and the rent is not too bad ranging from around $1,010 – $1,145 a month. It even offers amenities such as a study room with Wi-Fi, computers, a printer, and six individual lab rooms.  This apartment complex was designed specifically with college students in mind. Many undergraduate students do tend to live here as well, however, and the pool can become a bit of a party scene. So if you’re still looking for something a little more subdued, you might want to keep searching.

Another great place for graduate students to live is Vie Villas at Boca Raton. This apartment complex is within walking distance to FAU and provides a shuttle to FAU. The monthly rent for this complex ranges from $1,010 – $1,250 per month. The buildings are townhouses that give it more of a luxury feel and each unit has a two-car garage as well. If you’re looking for a place that is close to FAU but gives off more of an adult feel, this could be the place for you. We would recommend this place the most out of all of the options when it comes to graduate students.

No matter where you choose, Boca is a beautiful place to live. There are many apartments to choose from and price ranges that can fit any budget. Whether you’re looking for a place that’s close to school, a place that’s quiet, a place that has a single room, or a place that has all four, there are many options for graduate students.

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Boca Raton is not only a college town but also a vacation destination for families looking to hit the beach and indulge in some of the luxurious offerings available around town. Boca Raton has a vast selection of hotel options; all in varying price ranges and distances from the Florida Atlantic University campus. There are a few different things to consider when booking a hotel to visit your student. Some may want a suite, free breakfast, close proximity to campus, or perhaps a hotel with a beach view. Some parents may want to bring the family dog along for the visit. And some may want to make a full vacation out of the trip and opt to stay in Delray Beach or Ft. Lauderdale. Whatever your personal preference may be, there is an option to suit your needs.

Loyalty

When it came time for my husband and me to attend parent’s weekends at FAU, we often booked with the same hotel chain. We knew what to expect and after four years of football games and sorority family weekends, we acquired many points. These points can earn you free nights and breakfasts. Also, compare prices online. Oddly, you can find various prices for the same hotel on different sites. Another idea is to book through a website like Reservations.com or Hotels.com or Expedia so you can accumulate points there as well. Perhaps by graduation, your stay will be free, but it is strongly recommended that you try to book that graduation hotel a year in advance. (Same goes for football games and parents weekend.)

Hilton

There are several Hilton owned hotels within close proximity of the Boca Raton area, however, some are closer to FAU than others. The Hilton hotels closest to FAU are Hilton Boca Raton Suites, the Hampton Inn Boca Raton, and The Embassy Suites by Hilton Boca Raton. Both of these hotels are about 3 miles from campus. But before you pull out your Hilton honors cards, there are a few other Hilton options to consider.

For those wanting to stay closer to the beach, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Deerfield Beach Resort and Spa is a great option. This hotel is beachfront, with a large pool and located near several popular restaurants. This hotel is about six miles from the FAU campus.

The Waterstone Resort and Marina will give you more of a resort feel, they have a few restaurants on-site and every room has a water view with a balcony. The Waterstone resort is located on Lake Boca and is about 1 mile from the beach. The Waterstone is about 4 miles from FAU’s campus. The Waterstone is pet-friendly, however, you must pay a pet fee of $125 a day.

We couldn’t talk about Boca Raton and not mention the Boca Raton Resort. The Boca Raton Resort was originally built in 1926 and was designed, partially, by Addison Mizner. (You learn more about him as you visit popular sights around town) The Boca Raton Resort is a Waldorf Astoria hotel, (which is owned by Hilton) it is a renowned, luxury resort. Situated along the Intercostals, guests have access to a private beach and world-class service. The Boca Raton Resort offers spa services, golf, ten dining locations, boating, shopping, and much more. Stays at the Boca Resort can be difficult, it does book up during the high season and prices can be high.

If you are looking for more of an extended stay hotel, close by in Deerfield is WoodSpring Suites. They offer free basic Wi-Fi and parking. queen beds. 100% Smoke-Free. Pet-Friendly. Great location near the ocean and beaches and Everglades. Between I-95 and 811 close to Boca Raton.

Marriott

There are several Marriott brand hotels near FAU, the closest being Fairfield Inn & Suites, Courtyard, Boca Raton Marriott, Towneplace Suites, and Springhill Inn & Suites. These are just to name a few, there are several more within the area. All of the hotels listed are within a 3-mile radius of FAU. The closest, however, being Fairfield inn followed by the Courtyard.

The Fairfield Inn and TownePlace Suites are both pet-friendly, both with an extra charge of $100-$125 for the entire length of stay.

Marriott also has quite a few beachfront resorts. One that I have stayed at was the Delray Beach Marriott. This Marriott is about 20 minutes from the FAU campus, however, it is a great option for those looking to tie in a getaway while visiting their student in sunny South Florida. The Delray Beach Marriott is located in the heart of Delray Beach, FL. It is situated on Atlantic Avenue, which is bustling with restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream, and boutiques. The hotel is directly across the street from the beach. The Delray Beach Marriott also boasts a full-service spa.

Holiday Inn

There are two Holiday Inns located near FAU’s campus. Holiday Inn North Boca is less than 2 miles from campus. A stay at the Holiday Inn includes a free breakfast. It is just a short drive from campus and located near many shops and restaurants.  Holiday Inn Express Boca Raton is a little further west, approximately 5 miles west of FAU.

FAU discounts

Some hotels within the area offer FAU special rates:

Best Western Plus University Inn: 10% off and complimentary shuttle service to FAU

Fairfield Inn & Suites Boca Raton: Special FAU rates available

Hilton Boca Raton Suites: Special FAU rates and complimentary shuttle service to FAU

Boca Raton Marriott at Boca Center: Special seasonal rates

Wyndham Boca Raton: Complimentary shuttle service to FAU

For more information on special rates, click here. Book that hotel, pack up your Owl gear, and head on down to Boca Raton! Go Owls!

Finally, while visiting, make sure you see our list of recommended restaurants.

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Mention Spring Break to most parents and immediate visions of lawless partying comes to mind.

Spring Break is March 7th through March 13th. While as parents are looking forward to seeing our students after a long stretch without them, they may have other plans. It is not uncommon for students to go away with their friends for Spring Break. For those of you who have students living on-campus, dorms do stay open during Spring Break. Parking is lifted for certain lots.

Being that this is south Florida, many students do opt to stay put. They will rather go to the local beaches or Fort Lauderdale or Miami to get a feel for a “real” spring break. During Spring Break Fort Lauderdale is usually packed and everyone is standing, but they all usually have a good time. Many students go to Lulu’s in Fort Lauderdale for the fishbowl drinks. They also will go out in Fort Lauderdale or Miami because of the free train rides from Tri-Rail.

Considering that Boca Raton is relatively close to the Port of Miami, cruises are by far the most popular option for Spring Break trips. Whether its a weekend cruise to the Bahamas or 8 days in the eastern Caribbean, there are several options for every price range. My daughter took a weeklong cruise with some sorority sisters in her sophomore year. While it worked out to be a great deal for them, I still pity the families who were on board looking for some peace and quiet. Another popular destination is the Florida Keys. Key West is just shy a four-hour drive from FAU. My daughter informed me that Key West was a “rite of passage” for 21-year-olds, right before she set off for her last spring break with her friends. Some students will sign up with a Spring Break company that the group they want to go with is using.

For those of you who have students that are looking for an alternative, FAU has trips that students can sign up for and volunteer.  FAU has a program called Owl Breaks where students have the opportunities to serve their community over summer and spring break. Trip locations often include communities in Florida and other areas of need across the US and Puerto Rico. You can learn more here.

While I wanted my daughter to be able to have a good time with her friends, I also was concerned about her safety. Her father and I set some ground rules before letting her go on any of her trips.

• Never accept a drink from anyone- again, this is a safety tip she has heard even when she goes out in our hometown.
• Check-in with a text daily. Just a simple text letting me she was ok was all I needed.
• Be aware of laws (open container, alcohol restrictions on beaches, etc).
• Never, ever go off with anyone other than friends and never, ever let a friend go off with someone they do not know.
• Wear Sunscreen (seriously this is a must)

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So you have a student ready to spend the next four years at FAU? That means you will undoubtedly be visiting once or twice. If you have never been to Boca Raton, you may have a preconceived idea about this city. For Seinfeld fans, you may recall that Jerry’s fictional television parents lived in a retirement community called Del Boca Vista (they even sell t-shirts with this fictional city). The novel and film adaptation, “Marley and Me” takes place in Boca Raton. The city is oftentimes referred to as New York South since so many New Yorkers live here part-time (we refer to them as snowbirds) or are now full-time residents.

Boca Raton, which actually is a misnomer for a jagged inlet, is not as populous as its Fort Lauderdale neighbor, but you would not know that from the traffic that congests the major roads no matter what time of day. Here, you will find almost every major box store, almost every chain restaurant from fast food to quick service to full service plus many newer independents, shopping malls, hotels, and grocery stores, all to enjoy in the four years.

The Next Four Years at FAU

Florida Atlantic dates back to October 1964 when President Lyndon Baines Johnson declared it officially open. The original intent was to use technology so that students could take classes wherever they were; however, that technology would not exist for another four decades. Fau was one of the first universities to offer only upper level and graduate-level work. FAU did not initially attract many students as they lacked many of the college amenities found on most campuses such as having no dormitories or dining facilities, difficulty getting to the campus and they did not actively pursue the potential students that lived in South Florida.  FAU initiated an aggressive growth plan which included the construction of an Administration Building, a Humanities Building, and six residence halls. They also introduced the nation’s first-degree program in ocean engineering which is now housed at a state-of-the-art research center in Dania Beach.

FAU’s mascot, The Owl, seemed a natural fit as the burrowing owl is a South Florida native and classified as a species of special concern by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. In 1971, the campus became an official burrowing owl sanctuary.

It was not until 1984 that freshman and sophomore classes were added to the student body. FAU continued added new campuses in South Florida including Davie, Dania Beach, Jupiter, and Port St. Lucie in addition to downtown Fort Lauderdale.  New degree programs were added in the early 1990s. Division 1 football made its debut at FAU in 2001. What lifted FAU to an even higher level was in October 2003 when Scripps Research Institute opened an operations center in Palm Beach and FAU was selected as their first university partner in Florida. It also paved the way for more partnerships, particularly in the area of biomedical research. Further research partnerships were established with the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the FAU Sea-Tech Ocean Engineering Research Center in Davie. By 2008, FAU’s enrollment increased to 27,000 students with 170 bachelors, master’s, specialists and doctoral degree programs.

Today, FAU serves over 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students with 70 percent located at the Boca Raton campus. The modern campus has a tropical vibe with its lush landscaping and architecture. The temperature is often described as mild, thanks to its vicinity to the Atlantic Ocean and the tropical breezes but summers can be extremely humid with tropical downpours that come in almost as quickly as they leave. During the winter (well South Florida’s version of winter) the temperatures can drop to the 50’s and stay in the ’70s.

FAU is considered to be a walking campus although bus service is included in the cost and is strongly recommended especially when you need to get across campus. Download FAU Mobile for a campus directory, maps, news, as well as FAU Owls sports and more.

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