Student Support Resources
Academic Resources
UW has a wide range of academic resources, so keep your students in the loop for STEP Tutoring, UW Libraries, technology support (IT), education abroad opportunities, and ACES Advising.
Academic ResourcesCareer Planning
To help your student prepare for post-graduation life, check out the Advising Career Exploratory Studies Center's (ACES) career counseling, career services, internships, and UW's robust offering of graduate programs.
Affordability
Making college affordable will always be a priority, and you can learn more about financial aid, cost of attendance, and the importance of applying for scholarships.
On-Campus Housing
UW has a variety of on-campus living options, including its residence halls, apartments, and transit for commuting around Laramie and campus.
Health and Wellness
Student mental health and wellbeing are among UW’s top priorities. To give families a peace of mind, you can explore the UW Counseling Center, Wellness Center, Student Health Service, and Campus Safety.
Family Weekend
Family Weekend is our favorite event of the year, as each fall we invite and host UW families to campus to catch up with their student and enjoy the festivities! Register now to enjoy a weekend of family activities, including the Family Weekend Tailgate at the Cowboys football game and much more!
Discussing Your Student’s Academic Performance
Parents and legal guardians serve as one of the most important parts of a student’s success in college. And while we are dedicated to providing as much support as possible to our students’ families, there are certain limitations, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) that grants a college student ownership of their educational records. This can be a difficult transition for some families, especially if parents are concerned about their student academically.
What does this mean?
In a nutshell, it means that a university official (advisor, instructor, residence life staff member, or student services provider) can only discuss your student’s academic record with you if your student has authorized us to do so. Your child can grant you access by filing a One-Time Authorization to Release Educational Record Information.
What can I do if my student is struggling with school?
In the absence of a waiver, we are free to discuss policies and procedures, but we cannot share any information specific to your student. Your student will be the best provider of information about his or her academic performance which is why we highly encourage self-advocacy and open discussion between students and families.
Cowboy Family Memberships
The Cowboy Family Memberships offers a great opportunity for UW families to receive exclusive perks throughout the year! These are annual memberships cost $100 (expires Aug. 31, 2026), and only one purchase is needed for the student and entire immediate family. Register now and start enjoying the perks once you receive the membership card in the mail! Take a look the benefits:
- Early registration access to Family Weekend 2026
- Care packages provided to one student near Winter 2025 finals week and Spring 2026 finals week
- 4x adult guest passes to Half Acre
- 20% off at the UW Bookstore year-round, with 25% off available at select times (notification of 25% off times will be sent to the primary contact email on the form or Family Weekend registration)
- Student pricing for the whole family on UW Theatre & Dance Department event tickets
- Reserved seating at Winter 2025 and Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremonies
