A parent's guide to UNT

Choosing a college

I want to send my daughter to the college that is best for her. How can I be sure about UNT?

UNT is a student-centered public research university. Our students compete well nationally, winning scholarships and prestigious graduate fellowships. For example, UNT students have won more Goldwater Scholarships than students from any other Texas university in 2005 and 2006. The university has outstanding faculty members, offers a 19:1 student-faculty ratio (although class sizes vary, especially for freshmen) and has many nationally recognized programs. For more details, visit www.unt.edu/pais/untproud.htm.

How do I know if my son will be happy attending UNT?

We encourage you to visit the campus and take a guided tour together. You'll find out what UNT offers, become familiar with the campus and have a chance to ask our student tour guides questions. To schedule a tour, call (940) 565-4104 or visit www.unt.edu/mapsandtours.htm. Another way to feel confident is to attend parent orientation while your son attends freshman orientation in the summer. In addition to Sunday Fun Day, when UNT faculty and staff help students move into the residence halls, and First Flight Week, activities that help freshmen learn about life on campus, many incoming students find Eagle Camp a great way to make friends and begin life at UNT.

Will my daughter have opportunities to learn leadership skills?

UNT's Student Government Association is an excellent way to gain leadership experience. Or, your daughter can get involved in any of the 300 student organizations and step into a leadership role. In addition, many community service opportunities and leadership programs are available through the Office of New Student and Mentoring Programs. During her college career, she can document all of her leadership experiences with an E.A.G.L.E. (Evidence of Achievement Guided by Leadership Experience) transcript. For more information call (940) 891-6770.

Will my child be safe on campus?

The university is very serious about your child's safety. UNT's crime rate compares favorably with other universities, particularly in Texas. (See www.unt.edu/csrr/campus_security.htm.) UNT police patrol the campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in vehicles, on bicycle and on foot. At night, the campus is well lighted, and students may ride the night shuttle or call the UNT police for an escort, if needed. More than 60 emergency phones located throughout campus provide direct access to the campus police dispatcher at all times. UNT has an emergency preparedness plan, and parents can always access the university's home page for the latest information, even if university phone lines are not working.

Does UNT truly welcome students from all ethnic groups?

Yes. UNT has worked hard to create a welcoming environment and secure a reputation as a diverse institution. It is annually named one of the top 100 colleges for Hispanic students. African American students had an 82 percent retention rate from 2004 to 2005, the highest of any group at UNT. Many student organizations celebrate ethnic and racial heritage or support career networks such as the Hispanic Business Student Association and the National Association of Black Journalists. The Multicultural Center and the Division of Equity and Diversity offer mentoring and other support through programs, activities, conferences and scholarships.

Will my child be able to get a good job after graduating?

Students who participate in internships or cooperative education are often hired first because of their hands-on experience in the field. The university's Career Center provides UNT students and alumni with assistance in researching the job market and networking with employers. Its career fairs attract representatives from about 200 companies who come to campus for one-on-one interviews. Students who are within one year of graduation are encouraged to register with the center to receive assistance in networking with employers.