Information for Parents

The Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) is a federal law to protect student privacy. FERPA outlines what type of information contained as part of a student education record can be released to third parties. Under FERPA, a university may not generally disclose personally identifiable information from a student record to a third party—which includes parents—without the written consent of the student. Learn more about FERPA guidelines on the U.S. Department of Education website. Any student who wishes to authorize a third party (e.g., a parent) to speak with the University regarding their student record should complete an Authorization for the Release of Student Information. This form is accessible on the Registrar's Office intranet site.

At Bridgewater State University, the safety and well-being of students, faculty, and staff, are our highest priority. The BSU Police Department provides protection to the community 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Police Department staff work with community members to prevent crime, solve problems, and take proactive steps to make Bridgewater State University as safe as possible.
Learn More about Safety on Campus

BSU offers a variety of technology for students, including high speed internet, wireless printing and scanning, an a mobile app which includes smart parking and bus tracking services, among other services. For students living on campus, ResNet offers an enviable technology package including on demand content, premium cable TV, and wireless gaming. BSU has a comprehensive technology infrastructure as well as discipline-specific labs and tools to support the mission of teaching and learning. BSU provides three general open access computer labs and 12 major specific computer labs including five Mac labs on campus.
Learn More about Student Technology

Yes: The Honors Program at Bridgewater State University is a welcoming community of almost 500 students committed to academic success, personal goals, social justice, service, and leadership. Our program connects students to a diverse community of engaged citizen-scholars on campus and to a network of honors students across Massachusetts and the country. Honors can help students develop essential skills employers are looking for, like oral and written communication skills, teamwork, critical thinking and problem solving, as well as self-motivation and time-management.
Learn More about Honors at BSU

They certainly can: as a 2019 AURA award recipient, Bridgewater State University has built a nationally known Undergraduate Research program with significant funding and opportunities for students in any major to discover new knowledge and make original contributions to their discipline or community. Undergraduate researchers gain highly valued experience and skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication—making them outstanding candidates for post-graduation competitive opportunities. Students collaborate closely with professors on projects in which they are deeply invested. Many of our graduates say that undergraduate research was the most valuable thing they did as a student.
Learn More about Undergraduate Research at BSU

The Academic Achievement Center (AAC) houses a variety of services that support the intellectual growth and success of students. Our Learning Assistance program, offered in the AAC, provides free tutoring in writing, mathematics, communications, English as a second language, and a variety of Core Curriculum and beginning level courses. If you are experiencing difficulty in a class or want to develop new strategies, our staff is here to help you strengthen your critical thinking skills and build self-confidence for college and beyond. We also offer a writing studio and academic coaching and research services.
See all Learning Assistance Services available at BSU

BSU offers nearly 1400 internship opportunities: The Internship Program Office assists Bridgewater State University students who are eager to gain practical work experience, develop new skills, network and apply classroom theory in a professional setting. Each year, more than 400 students take part in internships. With opportunities to explore careers, gain professional experience and prepare for graduation, our students enhance their skills and qualifications for their future jobs. As they discover the work they love, they can earn academic credit and often earn additional income as well.
Learn More about Internships at BSU

Bridgewater State University holds three commencement ceremonies each spring for both Graduate and Undergraduate students. We also hold an annual Lavender Graduation to honor the lives and achievements of our GLBTA students graduating with either an undergraduate or a graduate degree.
Visit the Commencement Guest Information Site

The Financial Aid Office is here to assist you and your student in affording the cost of a college education. This is accomplished through the awarding of grants, loans, and student work programs and by providing students with a supportive and comfortable environment where financial aid counselors will work with students in obtaining the necessary funds they may need to attend BSU. Bridgewater State University offers a number of merit-based scholarships to students at the time of admission, recognizing outstanding academic achievement and leadership potential, and awards $27.5 million in federal, state and university funds each year, including more than $600,000 in endowed scholarships for upperclassmen.
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Bridgewater State University offers tremendous value – a first-rate education, an exceptional faculty and a dynamic college community, made more accessible through state-supported tuition rates. 85% of undergraduates receive financial aid and BSU offers a variety of scholarships to both new and current students.
See Cost and Aid Info

Visit the advice for parents and families page for resources and tips to help you support your student while they are living on campus.