Information for Families

Welcome Family Members and Supporters of BSU Bears!

Thank you for visiting BSU’s online resource for the family members and supporters of our BSU Bears. Here, you will find valuable resources and contact information that will assist you in supporting your favorite BSU Bear.

Bridgewater State University Family Philosophy Statement

A father hugging a new BSU student in the residence hall parking lot on move-in day

At Bridgewater State University, we believe in the importance of the relationship between students, their families and the university in supporting academic and personal growth. We recognize that families play a crucial role in helping students develop the skills to advocate for themselves and navigate challenges independently.

Our goal is to collaborate with families, to help create a supportive environment where students learn to take ownership of their education, build resilience, and succeed both inside and beyond the classroom. Together, we empower students to overcome obstacles, make informed decisions, and thrive as they progress through their BSU journey.

The BSU Experience from BSU Parents

Defining Family

Parents and students posing at the block party

BSU recognizes that students are supported by a diverse group of individuals. The terms "parent," "family" and "supporter" reflect this diversity. For some students, "parent" may include biological parents, stepparents, extended family, foster parents or legal guardians. "Family" may refer to immediate or extended family, siblings, or spouses. "Supporter" can include family members, close friends, or other individuals in the student's network.

Family Relations: Your Direct Resource

Justin McCauley, wearing a suit and a red tie, speaking to a group of families at BSU

BSU offers a wide range of resources for students and their supporters. If your student is struggling or needs help, there is someone on campus who can assist. We understand that BSU is a large and complex institution, so having a starting point can be helpful when you are searching for how to best support your Bear.

The Director of Family Relations and Divisional Communications, Justin McCauley, is here to help. Located in the Vice President for Student Life's office in 106 Boyden Hall, Justin is a valuable resource for family members seeking guidance on connecting with resources to support their student's success. Do not hesitate to reach out if you need some assistance.

Justin McCauley
Director of Family Relations & Divisional Communications
Division for Student Life
106 Boyden Hall
jmccauley@bridgew.edu
508.531.1276

BSU Family Hub

Creating a BSU Family Hub account on EngageBSU provides access for parents, family members and supporters of our currently enrolled students to have ongoing engagement with BSU. This experience will make it easier for families to stay informed through monthly newsletters and regularly posted information about campus services, resources, events, and more.

Please visit BSU Family Hub on EngageBSU for more information on how to create a BSU Family Hub account.

Ways to Give

BSU parents, family members, and supporters have a history of joining together to support students. There are various ways you can give to support student success and provide hardworking, deserving BSU students with life changing opportunities.

The Student Emergency Fund was created to support BSU students facing financial hardships resulting from emergency or crisis situations. Funds awarded are to help alleviate the short-term financial needs of the student.
The Bridgewater Fund provides students with immediate support to ensure access to need-based financial assistance and life-transforming internships. Every gift counts! The more we grow this fund each year, the more scholarships we can award to deserving students.

Learn more about how to make a gift.

Campus Resources and Offices

BSU's comprehensive array of programs assists students in reaching their intellectual pursuits in a warm and friendly environment. Our campus provides a safe, supportive culture for all students and offers a wide range of services to help with housing, academic support, internships and career planning.

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Residence Life & Housing

Dining at BSU

Student Portal

Commuter Services

Transfer Services

International Exchange

Undergraduate Admissions

Registration

Maxwell Library

Bookstore

Academic Achievement Center

Student Accessibility Services

Health Plan Waiver

Student Wellness

Student Crisis Information

Student Accounts

Student Handbook

Career Services

BSU Health Portal

eBill Information

Directions and Parking

Parking Services

Clubs & Organizations

Military & Veteran Student Services

Undergraduate Research

Honors Program

Got Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Student Accessibility Services collaborates with matriculated students that have documented learning, intellectual, or cognitive disabilities; medical diagnoses or physical challenges; psychological diagnoses and autism. Through Student Accessibility Services, students may receive classroom or campus-community accommodations, access to assistive technology, and referrals to additional resources.

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.
See More Financial Aid Details

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.

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average class size

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the cost of most private colleges

92%

of graduates secure jobs or enroll in graduate school six months to a year after graduation

87%

undergraduates students receive scholarships and financial aid

BSU Works Menu Header

Information for Families

Welcome Family Members and Supporters of BSU Bears!

Bridgewater State University Family Philosophy Statement

Defining Family

Family Relations: Your Direct Resource

BSU Family Hub

Ways to Give

Campus Resources and Offices

Frequently Asked Questions

22

1/3

92%

87%

Take the next step

Information for Families

Welcome Family Members and Supporters of BSU Bears!

Bridgewater State University Family Philosophy Statement

Defining Family

Family Relations: Your Direct Resource

BSU Family Hub

Ways to Give

Campus Resources and Offices

Frequently Asked Questions

Accordion Content

What is FERPA and how does it affect accessibility of student records?

Where can I learn more about Safety at BSU?

What technology is available to students at BSU?

Is there an honors program at BSU?

Can my student participate in research as an undergraduate?

How does my student receive accommodations at BSU?

Does BSU offer tutoring and other learning assistance services?

What internship opportunities are available to my student?

When are commencement ceremonies held at BSU?

What types of financial aid are available to BSU students?

How much does it cost to attend BSU?

How can I support my student living on campus at BSU?

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1/3

92%

87%

Take the next step