Congratulations and welcome to the Holy Cross community! We know that you, along with your student, likely have many questions about the transition to college. We invite you to explore this site with your student. On this page, we’ve gathered some helpful information specifically for parents and families.
Parent Portals & Authorized Users
There are two systems (Parent Portal; TouchNet Bill +Payment) that exist for parents/guardians/authorized users to be able to access some student information.
Students control who have access to these systems and what information they may view. Under FERPA (Family Education Rights and Privacy Act), a student’s account is private unless they grant access to it. A student can grant access to others by creating an authorized user account. Students are encouraged to grant access to their parents/guardians.
Your student will receive an email with instructions to set up their network account in late May, to the email used to apply to Holy Cross. Once they set up this account, they can access the Student Academic Record system (STAR) and create authorized users. Please note, there are two portals (Parent Portal; TouchNet Bill +Payment) with different functions. Students may grant access to others by creating an authorized user.
Students and families can find more information about these portals, what they offer, and how to set them up on the Bursar’s website.
Emergency Contact Information
When students access STAR in mid-August, they will be asked to enter emergency contact information. Please assist your student to ensure that information is accurate.
The Office of Parent and Family Engagement
The Office of Parent and Family Engagement is a resource committed to fostering relationships with families as we work towards the shared goal of promoting student learning, well-being, holistic development and success. We recognize that although students are the drivers to their Holy Cross education, family involvement is important on their journey through emerging adulthood. We seek to engage, educate and inform parents and families so they can offer effective coaching and support to their developing student(s).
The department will provide information and resources to families to aid you as you assist your student in navigating their College experience. We can serve as a primary contact for you, help to answer questions and direct you to appropriate resources and departments you and your students may need to access. Learn more or contact us at families@holycross.edu, 508-793-3344.
Parent and Family Landing Page
Beyond the information found on this website and the first-year guide, we hope the College’s Parents and Family Landing page is a useful tool for you throughout your students' time at Holy Cross and a centralized place for you to find information.
College Communications
Holy Cross publishes the Holy Cross Monthly, a periodic Parent and Family Engagement e-newsletter, and a full-color quarterly Holy Cross Magazine. In order to receive these and other College communications and to ensure that our records are up-to-date, please complete the Family Information form.
From the Hill to You
Periodically throughout the year, the Office of Parent and Family Engagement offers this webinar/podcast series specifically for families. Sessions cover a variety of topics with the goal of providing information and highlights from life on The Hill to help families support their students. All episodes are recorded and made available on our website. Recordings are often offered with Spanish and Chinese subtitles and transcripts.
Save the Date
Mark these special family events on your calendar:
Mass of the Holy Spirit - August 26, 2023
A College tradition, faculty, administration and staff welcome new students on Move-In Day with blessings, and parents and families wish them well as they begin their new journey.
Family Weekend - October 20-22, 2023
Parents, grandparents and other family members are invited to campus each fall to catch up with their student and explore Holy Cross. Additional information will be communicated to families in early fall and will be updated on the Family Weekend website.