Parents and Families Update: February 2026
A Great Time to Get Involved
February 19, 2026
February 19, 2026
I hope your Bobcat was able to attend the SGA State of the Qunion held on February 18 or has been taking advantage of the weekly Common Hour programs offered every Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30–1:45 p.m. One especially important upcoming session is the President’s Open Forum, which will focus on the university’s future strategy — attendance is strongly encouraged. This topic will also be featured at the next Talks on the Rocks event on March 3.
Another, less structured engagement opportunity is the On the Rocks Pub and Grill, open every Wednesday and Thursday evening. Programming varies each night, giving students an opportunity to enjoy karaoke, bingo, trivia, crafts or live music. For updates, they can follow the Instagram page at @ontherocksqu.
Based on valuable feedback from the Parent’s Advisory Board — several years in the making — I am pleased to share that new living room furniture will be installed in The Hill residence hall this summer for Fall 2026. Here is a diagram of the planned layout.
We are also implementing a new housing selection process this year. In addition to numerous student sessions, several parent information sessions will be available. If you have any questions, please reach out. Why the change? An MBA consulting class studied the process last spring, and we are incorporating many of their student-driven recommendations.
I feel fortunate to spend so much time on campus each day, continually impressed by the wide range of programs created by students for students, along with innovative engagement opportunities offered throughout the week. If your student is feeling disconnected or is looking for ways to get more involved, please encourage them to join one of the advisory boards I facilitate each week. We always welcome new voices at the table.
As always, should you have any questions or need guidance on assisting your student with an issue, please feel free to contact us at QUParents@qu.edu. Thanks for your continued support.
Tom Ellett
Chief Experience Officer (cxo@qu.edu)
Is your student interested in launching a new club or organization? The Spring recognition window is now open and will close on Friday, March 6. This is a great opportunity for students to bring their ideas to life and help shape campus life.
Students who want to learn more about the process can email studentorgs@qu.edu for guidance and next steps.
The Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life is a vibrant piece of campus life where more than 20% of students chose to become members. Membership offers community, avenues for service and philanthropy, lifelong friends and fun. The all-FSL GPA is consistently higher than the all-Undergraduate GPA, and our members performed more than 7,330 hours of hands-on service last semester. They also raised an impressive $69,007.94 for philanthropic causes locally and across the country last semester.
We have welcomed more than 120 new members this semester. There are still opportunities to join our community. Please direct your student to @qufsl on Instagram or via email to fslife@qu.edu. If your Bobcat wants to find their home away from home, establish a community of peers with similar values, participate in service/philanthropy events and have fun, feel free to direct them our way for information about joining.
Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc. is joining us on campus this fall! Those interested in a multicultural sorority should or looking for more information should email fslife@qu.edu. They are also hosting a virtual Ladies Night on February 25 at 7 p.m.; please visit @quinnipiac_msu to register. Sigma Chi fraternity will also be joining us on campus next fall! Those interested or looking for more information should email fslife@qu.edu.
Access education for parents on supporting your child’s mental health with resources from the Steve Fund (part of the JED campus initiative).
Check out this free 50-minute webinar with the Steve Fund to help us better navigate and understand the mental health of our community.
Watch the video: In Their Corner: Championing the Mental Health of Your Young People
Counseling Services is proud to participate in National Eating Disorder Awareness Week and collaborate with Renfrew and Monte Nido with events that promote awareness, dialogue, and support, including the following:
Panel Discussion on February 24 in CCE-118 during Common Hour from 12:30-1:45 p.m.
Join a thoughtful dialogue on February 26 in SC-120 from 5:30-6:45 p.m. focused on “The Impact of Social Media on Body Image” and “How to Support Friends with Disordered Eating”
Students can join us in Counseling Services for a group session; we have a Grief Group Session on Mondays at 3 p.m., Navigating Family Stress on Mondays at 4 p.m., and a Social Hour group on March 6, April 10 and May 1 at 4 p.m.
Counseling Services at Quinnipiac are at no cost to students and are available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Students can schedule an appointment by phone 203-407-4020 or online.
After-hours, students have access to a licensed mental health professional 24/7 phone 203-407-40200 option 3.
We are excited to be hosting a 4v4 MEGA Volleyball Tournament on Sunday, February 22 in celebration of Rec Day 2026. Registration is now open on Fusion Play. Keep up to date with upcoming events and programs on recwell.qu.edu or on our QU RecWell app.
Friday, March 6
Mount Carmel and York Hill fitness centers: Close at 4 p.m.
North Haven Fitness Center: Regular Operational Hours
Saturday, March 7 to Sunday, March 8
All Fitness Centers: Closed
Monday, March 9 to Friday, March 13
Mount Carmel and York Hill fitness centers: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
North Haven Fitness Center: Regular Operational Hours
Saturday, March 14:
All Fitness Centers: Closed
Sunday, March 15
Mount Carmel Fitness Center: 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
York Hill Fitness Center: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
North Haven Fitness Center: Closed
Classes have begun! We have classes on all three campuses and there is something scheduled on every day to keep your student moving.
All levels are welcome – encourage your student to give something a try.
Sign up 24 hours prior to the class start time at recwell.qu.edu or on our QU RecWell app.
1:15 to 3:15 p.m. in the RecWell lobby every week
Look for an email from Student Affairs with the topic of the week, programs, tips and resources. This is especially helpful if you cannot get to the table.
February topics include: Healthy Body, Self Love, Environmental Well Being and NEDA week
Dates will be added all semester long so keep checking for one that works for you.
QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade and refer someone to help. Each year thousands of Americans, like you, are saying "Yes" to saving the life of a friend, colleague, sibling, or neighbor.
A wellness representative from Quinnipiac is traveling overseas to do some wellness check-ins. Is your student studying in Cork, Ireland? Encourage them to attend the Wellness Weekend February 20 to 22 (they know about this already but you can always remind them).
For those studying in Seville, Spain, dinner and a show plus an opportunity for one-on-one meetings will be February 24 and 25. (Students will receive an email from API with information along with a What’s App note from Tami Reilly.)
For our Lisbon, Portugal students, attend dinner and a show on February 27. Students will receive an email from API with information.
We were delighted to welcome your students back to campus for the spring semester! We are already planning for the upcoming year and the information below was sent to current first-year and sophomore students regarding the room selection process. We hosted an information session for parents on February 17 to outline the process and answer any questions you may have.
The Office of Housing is excited to announce the Sophomore and Junior Housing Selection Processes for the 2026 to 2027 academic year.
To participate, simply sign the Housing Contract and pay the non-refundable Housing Reservation Fee ($500). As you know, living in university-owned housing provides students with opportunities to live close to friends and classes, participate in study groups, gain easy access to programs/activities and receive 24-hour support from Housing & Residential Life staff.
Each student must complete the following steps by March 6:
Review and Sign the Fall 2026 / Spring 2027 Housing Contract (full year contract)
Pay a $500 non-refundable Housing Reservation Fee
3-Year Housing Requirement: All undergraduate students are required to live in Quinnipiac housing for their first three years. If students are required to live on campus and don’t participate in housing selection, they will still be charged for room and board unless they have an approved waiver.
Once students have completed the contract/deposit, they should begin selecting their roommates and suitemates on MyHousing. Students who have submitted the housing contract/deposit by March 6 will be eligible to form roommate groups. Roommate groups must be formed and fully matched on MyHousing by 11:59 p.m. on March 20. Fully matched means that each person in the group has requested every other person in the group to be their roommate.
Students who submit their contracts after the deadline of March 6 will not be eligible for the initial selection round and cannot be a part of the roommate group formation. They will be included in the second/regrouping round of the selection process.
There will be no changes to the groups after March 20.
Groups that are not fully matched on MyHousing by March 20 will not be eligible for the initial selection round and will be moved to the second/regrouping round of selection.
TIP: If you are unsure if your group is fully matched, please log in to MyHousing and click on Select Roommate/Suitemates. Fully matched groups will see a message that says: “Your group is fully matched.” Groups that are not fully matched will see a list of students who are not matched with others in the group.
A selection number will be randomly assigned to each roommate group.
Group selection numbers will be posted on MyHousing on Thursday, March 27, after 12:00 p.m. Groups will only receive their number IF there is a space available to accommodate their group. This ensures that all groups receiving a selection number will be able to select a space that will accommodate the size of their group. (e.g. 4, 5, 6, or 8)
Groups that do not have posted selection numbers will be moved to the second round of selection/regroup process and will have to change the size of their group to participate in the next round of selection.
Based on availability, groups will select a living unit that will accommodate the size of their group. Groups are not guaranteed an empty unit that accommodates their group. For example, suites that will accommodate a group of six may include a partially filled 8-person suite.
Note: Students participating in the housing selection process who do not choose a room by the end of the process will have a room assigned to them by the Office of Housing.
Housing selection for Juniors: March 31 and April 1
Regrouping Selection: April 13
Junior Housing options include: The Hill, Founders, Crescent, Westview, Townhouses, and Whitney Village.
Housing Selection for Sophomores: April 2
Regrouping Selection: April 14
Sophomore Housing options include: Mountainview, The Hill, The Village, Sahlin, Bakke, Larson, Perlroth, and Troup.
We will be hosting information sessions regarding the housing selection process on February 26 and March 17. Information will be sent out by email closer to the date.
There was also an information session held earlier this week. If you missed it, check out the webinar recording to learn more.
Residential Life staff is sponsoring roommate socials to assist students with finding roommates and forming roommate groups on February 11, February 26, March 17 and March 19. Information will be sent out by email closer to the date.
Students seeking a disability-related accommodation for housing should follow the steps outlined below. Requests for disability-related accommodations must be submitted by March 1, for consideration prior to the room selection process. Students are required to renew their accommodations with OSA each year. Please note that submission of an accommodation form does not guarantee students the building/room/room type of their choice.
Submit an Accessibility Request through the Accommodate portal
Submit Supporting Documentation to Accommodate: We require documentation substantiating the need for accommodations. Please submit any documentation you may have related to your disability. You may submit the following: Housing Accommodation Request Form (PDF) This form should be filled out by the treating provider in the relevant field. For additional information on documentation criteria, please review our Guidelines for Documentation (PDF)
Submit a Supplemental Accessibility Request through the Accommodate portal
The request form is located under:
Accommodation (left side menu)
Supplemental (2nd option under the Accommodation drop down)
Add New
Housing Renewal
All resident students are required to have a meal plan. Students living in residence halls on campus will default to the Gold plan, but can change to the Silver, Platinum, Platinum+ or Diamond plans. Students living in Whitney Village will be assigned the Bronze plan with the opportunity to upgrade their plan.
Housing Reservation Fees and Housing Contracts will be accepted on MyHousing. To complete the Housing Contract and pay the housing reservation fee, please select the Housing Requests and Contracts tab, then select Housing Contract. After completing the contract, you will be directed to the online payment portal.
Students will not be eligible to participate in the selection process or form a roommate group unless they have agreed to the Housing Contract and paid the $500 housing reservation fee by the March 6 deadline.
Once your student has completed the application process, they will be able to select roommates. Click on the Room Selection tab, then Select Roommates/Suitemates. They will only be able to select others who have completed the Housing Contract and paid the $500 Housing Reservation Fee.
If you or your student have any questions about the Housing Selection Process, our staff are available in the Office of Housing in the Student Affairs Center behind the Bobcat Den. We are open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
We are excited to have you live on campus next year!
The Office of Housing
At this point in the semester, it is important that students check their balances regularly to ensure that they are not over- or under-spending their meal points. Visit the Meal Plan Budgets and Staying on Track page of our website to:
Download the Transact app to your mobile device or log into the Transact website to check meal point balances.
View the average budget considerations and week-by-week guidelines
View tips for staying on track, and what to do if you are off track
Lent and Ramadan both began February 18. For Ash Wednesday, the Office of Spiritual and Religious Life offered a Roman Catholic prayer service and a Mass, both with imposition of ashes, as well as "Ashes to Go" in the Student Center. Students expressed gratitude for the many options available to them this year on Ash Wednesday. The Office is also sponsoring one Iftar per week throughout Ramadan for Muslim students to break their fasts after sundown.
The Office of Spiritual and Religious Life will host an educational event tonight, February 19, called Fasting Across Religions, where representatives from Islam, Christianity and Judaism will discuss dietary fasting practices during Ramadan, Lent and Passover. Throughout the spring, the office will sponsor "Ally Days," where students can experience fasting during Ramadan, Lent and Passover, guided by student members of these religions who will post "A Day in the Life" of their religious fasting practices on Instagram. Our goal is to increase all students’ religious literacy as they learn more about religions other than their own. Follow along on Instagram @QUOSRL.
International students on an F-1 visa planning to travel internationally for spring break should review the required travel documents and request an updated travel signature on their I-20 immigration document. More details can be found on the travel guidance for international students’ website.
International students graduating in May become eligible to apply for OPT work authorization starting on February 19. Interested students can refer to the OPT website and OPT Training Course in Canvas for further details on the application process.
F-1 and J-1 visa holders that earned U.S. source income in 2025 are legally required to file a tax return by April 15. Even students that didn’t earn income still need to submit Form 8843 to the IRS if they were physically present in the US during 2025. OISS sent email communications regarding tax obligations starting January 28. Please have your student review their email and the Taxes for International students page for more information.
Completed applications for summer 2026 short-term affiliate programs, fall 2026 semester programs, and fall 2026 faculty-led courses abroad are due by March 15. All students that are interested in applying for a program must have either attended a virtual information session or watched a recording of an information session. Students are encouraged to reach out to study.abroad@qu.edu with any questions or attend in-person office hours on Wednesdays from 1 – 3 p.m. and Thursdays from 12 – 2 p.m. Office hours are held in the Office of Global Engagement in ABL 111 (across from One Stop).
In recognition of Ramadan, the Office of Inclusive Excellence is offering complimentary grab-and-go snacks and light meal items to support those who are fasting.
Tuesday, February 17 to Thursday, March 19 – Office of Inclusive Excellence CCE-190. Available during business hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.
Please connect with an Office of Inclusive Excellence staff member to receive items.
February 24
Transfer students can join us for a fun, low‑pressure social featuring speed‑friending activities designed to help them build community and feel at home on campus. The event also highlights key campus services that support a smooth and successful transition.
Join OIE to celebrate Black History Month at various events throughout campus this month.
QPR Suicide Prevention Training
Friday, February 20, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in CCE-250
Join the Office of Inclusive Excellence for Questions. Persuade. Refer. (QPR) training as part of our Black History Month programming. This interactive session empowers participants with practical tools to recognize warning signs and start supportive conversations and connect others to care. This training highlights the importance of showing up for one another because mental health matters.
Soul Stepping: A Line Dancing Experience
Wednesday, February 25, 5 to 7 p.m. in Rec Well RWA-205
Join the Office of Inclusive Excellence for an evening of stepping into soul. Participants will learn line dancing while exploring its cultural significance and roots within African American culture. Come move, learn and celebrate through community through rhythm, history and joy.
Brunch, Beats and Black Excellence
Friday, February 27, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at York Hill, On The Rocks Pub and Grill
Join the Office of Inclusive Excellence as we conclude Black History Month.
If you're looking for ways to pay your semester invoice, please visit the educational loan information page. You will find details on private lender and parent loan options.
It’s not too late to file your 2025–2026 FAFSA for financial aid consideration for the current academic year. Login to StudentAid.gov to file.
If you're a new student beginning in the spring semester and have accepted federal subsidized or unsubsidized loans as part of your Quinnipiac financial aid offer, please complete the following Department of Education loan requirements, even if you completed them at another school:
Loan Entrance Counseling
Master Promissory Note (MPN)
Both can be completed at StudentAid.gov under the Grants and Loans tab.
These steps are required for your loan funds to disburse toward your student account.
The deadline for returning students to file their 2026-2027 FAFSA is April 1.
Please remember, to be re-evaluated for federal and need based financial aid for next year, file your 2026 – 2027 FAFSA before April 1.
Next year’s FAFSA is available now on the StudentAid.gov website.
Students registered for the January and Spring 2026 terms must have paid their balance or set up a payment plan by December 15. Students with unpaid balances and no payment plan will have holds placed on their accounts and late fees applied. Please do not delay in getting your balance covered.
Please reference the following for assistance as needed:
Payment Options: A complete list of payment options including one-time payments, payment plans, international payments, and making payments on behalf of a student as a proxy or a third-party.
Self-Service Student Finance Guide: Provides complete instructions on using Self-Service to set up a proxy, view and pay invoices and set up a payment plan.
Managing Student Finances: Shows cost of attendance and financial aid options.
Detailed Payment Instructions: Step-by-step instructions for logging in as a proxy, making a one-time payment or setting up a payment plan.
One Stop Website: Answers many common questions. The frequently asked questions page is a particularly useful resource.
As required by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"), Form 1098-T is mailed by January 31 to all students who had qualified tuition and other related educational expenses paid during the previous calendar year.
The information reported on Form 1098-T is intended to help students evaluate their eligibility for education tax assistantships as part of their federal income tax return. While it is a good starting point, the 1098-T, as designed and regulated by the IRS, does not contain all of the information needed to claim a tax credit. It is up to each taxpayer to determine eligibility for the credits and how to calculate them. IRS Publication 970 "Tax Benefits for Higher Education" as well as Chapter 35 of IRS Publication 17 provide additional information on these credits.
More information about 1098-Ts can be found on the 1098-T page of our website
While the 1098T is mailed to the student, students can also find their 1098T in Self-Service > Tax Information > 1098T Information
Please visit the One Stop website for our current hours of operation
Midterm examinations for all 100‑level courses will begin on February 23. Students should check with their instructors for specific exam dates and details.
Registration for the upcoming Summer and Fall terms is right around the corner.
All currently enrolled students will receive an email to the Quinnipiac email address with their assigned registration date and time during the week of February 23.
Graduate student registration opens on March 16.
Undergraduate registration appointments begin on March 23.
Appointment times are determined by the number of credits completed as of February 15.
Encourage your student to review their degree progress and meet with their adviser ahead of time so they’re ready to register when their appointment opens.
Spring Break will take place March 9 to 14. Classes will resume on Monday, March 16.
The Graduation Application has been reopened for students who did not meet the October 12 deadline and will remain available until Friday, February 27.
Students who expect to complete the academic requirements for their current program(s) in Fall 2025, Spring 2026, or Summer 2026 must submit the graduation application for each applicable program.
Graduation Application Requirement:
An application must be submitted for every major, certificate, and/or micro-credential listed in the graduation overview that corresponds with your current academic level.
Provide your name as you would like it to appear in the commencement program and on your Diploma. Preferred names and variations of your legal name are permitted. Legal names are required for transcripts only.
To access the Application, please log into Self-Service and select Graduation Overview.
Following submission, you will receive a confirmation email with additional information to prepare you for degree completion.
Troubleshooting access issues:
If you are having trouble accessing the graduation overview tab, please clear your cache and try logging in again.
If that does not work, please open a separate tab within a private browser-such as incognito mode.
For questions, please email registrar@qu.edu.
The Parking Rules and Regulations will continue to be enforced. Please note the following reminders:
First-year students may not bring their vehicle to campus for the Spring term.
Sophomores must park their vehicles in the York Hill Garage.
Juniors, seniors and graduate students should consult the maps which show the parking permit types permitted to park in each lot.
Public Safety enforces all parking rules and regulations and will be ticketing and towing as needed.
Students with three or more unpaid parking violations will have a hold placed on their account and will be subject to towing until the violations are paid in full.
**Available for Spring Break 2026**
College Break Bus offers round-trip or one-way rides to locations in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York during Spring break. Buses offer free Wi-Fi, live GPS tracking, an onboard restroom and space for luggage. Rides are for college students only. The on-campus pickup location is North Lot, outside the RecWell Center. Learn more and book your ride
As the spring semester reaches its midpoint, students are balancing academics, involvement, and increased independence. February is a key time for reflection and strengthening decision-making skills.
The Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards supports students by reinforcing community expectations and personal accountability through an educational conduct process focused on learning and growth.
As we have just concluded Health and Safety Inspections, families may have questions about next steps. These routine inspections help maintain a safe residential environment. While many concerns are resolved at the residential level, certain findings may result in a referral to the conduct process.
A conduct meeting does not automatically indicate a serious outcome. Instead, it provides students an opportunity to review expectations, take responsibility, and engage in an educational conversation.
Families can support students by:
Encouraging open, non-judgmental conversations
Reinforcing accountability and learning from mistakes
Supporting direct communication with university staff
Quinnipiac’s community standards promote safety, respect, and well-being for all students and help prepare them for future responsibilities.
For more information, families and students are encouraged to review the Student Handbook or contact the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards. Questions may also be directed to Student Affairs at studentaffairs@qu.edu.
Our Commencement website has all the information you need for Commencement. All students who are eligible to graduate will receive information throughout the semester via their Quinnipiac email. Please make sure your student is regularly checking their Quinnipiac email.
The cap and gown order period will close on Friday, February 20. For those that pre-ordered and selected on-campus pick-up, they will receive further instructions on picking up their order at the Commencement Fair taking place in April.
Any graduate that did not pre-order a cap and gown will still be able to get a cap and gown and have received further information.
Please make sure your graduate is checking their Quinnipiac email as all Commencement information is sent there.
More information on Commencement is also available at our Commencement website.
Quinnipiac parents and families help our community thrive. Your support and engagement profoundly shape the success of our programs, classrooms and experiences for every member of our university, especially students just like yours. Each area of campus needs a percentage of philanthropic support to grow, expand and innovate, ensuring your student’s experience surpasses the status quo.
Consider joining with fellow Bobcat families in making an impact through two important community-wide efforts:
Bobcats Unite is Quinnipiac’s 24‑hour online fundraising celebration. One day when the entire Bobcat community comes together to fuel opportunity, innovation and excellence across campus. How can you join in on the day? Make a gift of any size to the area of campus that means the most to you and your student: from the Quinnipiac Fund, to scholarships, cutting‑edge programming within our colleges and schools, to essential capital projects. Your generosity powers what is possible for every student and faculty member!
Join us for an unforgettable night celebrating ambition, achievement and the bold vision shaping Quinnipiac's next century. Net proceeds from the evening benefit The Quinnipiac Fund which supports the University’s most transformational needs across programs, scholarships, and academic success.
This year’s evening will feature Quinnipiac’s Distinguished Alumni & Impact Awards, live entertainment, auction, and the opportunity to connect with faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and friends across the University community.
To learn more, see photos from last year’s event, and to secure your tickets or sponsorship, please visit the Gala webpage or contact Jenna McClain Morlong at jenna.mcclain@qu.edu or 203-582-7274.
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