It’s college decision season. Despite all the planning and budgeting families may have done, many still have lingering questions about whether they have covered all the aspects involved in making this critical decision.

UB faculty and staff who are facing this decision with their children — either for UB or other institutions — will have an opportunity to get some valuable advice before the looming May 1 deposit deadline.

Four free sessions will take place during the lunch hour on both the North and South campuses and cover such topics as cost of education, college debt, financial aid packages and understanding the FAFSA and College Board CSS Profile. The sessions are sponsored by the Office of the Vice Provost for Enrollment Management, Division of Academic Affairs, and the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

“Admitted: Now What? Helping Your Child Navigate Through the Final Stages of the College Choice Progress” will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. on March 17 in 110 Capen Hall, North Campus; on March 29 in 567 Capen; and on April 5 and April 12 in 100 Allen Hall, South Campus.

Those wishing to attend can register for the session of their choice on the UB Academic Affairs website. Space is limited so register early.  Attendees may bring their lunch; beverages and dessert will be provided.

Leading the sessions will be Lee H. Melvin, vice provost for enrollment management; John Gottardy, director of financial aid; and Teresa Miller, vice provost for equity and inclusion.

“We are pleased to be able to offer this service to our UB colleagues since we know the issues are complex and that college decision time is stressful,” says Melvin. “We can help demystify the process for parents.”

Adds Gottardy: “We will focus on topics of critical interest to families facing college tuition costs and the quagmire of forms, deadlines and decisions about their student’s future. After working in the profession for nearly 30 years, I understand the frustration families have, but we can simplify and clarify with just a few simple tips.”