Castos https://voices.ua.edu/ Parent-to-parent conversations led by parents serving on the Parent Advisory Council for families navigating the University of Alabama. Real insights on college transition, campus culture, communication, and support. Practical tips, honest stories, and community for Alabama parents. Whether you are sending your first student to college or your last, this podcast gives you perspective, reassurance, and practical insight from parents walking the same path. Tue, 04 Aug 2026 20:19:14 +0000 en-US © 2026 The University of Alabama https://episodes.castos.com/uastudentmedia/images/podcast/covers/c1a-x4r4-ww4m458xu9m-nbvlw1.png https://voices.ua.edu/ Parent-to-parent conversations led by parents serving on the Parent Advisory Council for families navigating the University of Alabama. Real insights on college transition, campus culture, communication, and support. Practical tips, honest stories, and community for Alabama parents. Whether you are sending your first student to college or your last, this podcast gives you perspective, reassurance, and practical insight from parents walking the same path. The University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council episodic Parent-to-parent conversations led by parents serving on the Parent Advisory Council for families navigating the University of Alabama. Real insights on college transition, campus culture, communication, and support. Practical tips, honest stories, and community for Alabama parents. Whether you are sending your first student to college or your last, this podcast gives you perspective, reassurance, and practical insight from parents walking the same path. The University of Alabama studentmedia@ua.edu false https://feeds.castos.com/v4no0 yes Tue, 04 Aug 2026 20:19:14 +0000 The University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/68912/episode/2559945 https://parent-perspectives.castos.com/episodes/s02ep08-making-the-most-of-career-fairs-building-connections-before-you-need-a-job Chapters

• (00:00:00) - This podcast is for University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council members
• (00:00:58) - Parent Perspectives
• (00:01:55) - Why Student Career Fairs are so important
• (00:02:59) - What are the Career Fairs on campus?
• (00:05:01) - What are the Career Fairs and Are They For Students?
• (00:07:30) - What can students gain from attending a career fair?
• (00:10:35) - How to Prepare for a Career Fair
• (00:12:24) - How to Start a Career Conversation naturally
• (00:14:11) - Should Students Attend Career Fairs?
• (00:16:58) - How to Attend Career Fairs on campus
• (00:21:18) - A message about career fairs

]]> false 00:23:34 Tue, 04 Aug 2026 20:16:42 +0000 The University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/68912/episode/2559943 https://parent-perspectives.castos.com/episodes/s02ep07-budgeting-financial-health-helping-students-build-smart-money-habits Chapters

• (00:00:00) - This podcast is for University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council members
• (00:00:58) - Parent Perspectives
• (00:02:29) - In the Elevator With Brendan Rosman
• (00:03:55) - What Financial Health Means for College Students
• (00:05:47) - Should College Students Be Budgeting?
• (00:09:30) - How to Manage a Student's Money
• (00:11:46) - Financial Literacy Resources at the University of Alabama
• (00:15:56) - 3 Simple Financial Habits for Alabama Students
• (00:18:03) - UA Parent Perspectives: Financial Health

]]> false 00:20:20 Tue, 04 Aug 2026 19:54:14 +0000 The University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/68912/episode/2559931 https://parent-perspectives.castos.com/episodes/s02ep06-graduate-school-prep-planning-for-what-comes-next Chapters

• (00:00:00) - This podcast is for University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council members
• (00:00:58) - Parent Perspectives
• (00:02:29) - Guys and Grad School: Today's Guest
• (00:03:18) - The Right Step for Grad School
• (00:05:31) - When should a student begin planning for graduate education?
• (00:12:07) - Post-Junior Year Graduate School Application Timeline
• (00:17:03) - Faculty Relationships during College
• (00:20:14) - Applying for Grad School--
• (00:25:49) - Testing and Grads School Accommodations

]]> false 00:33:32 Tue, 04 Aug 2026 19:51:52 +0000 The University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/68912/episode/2559970 https://parent-perspectives.castos.com/episodes/s02ep05-why-internships-matter-helping-students-build-their-future Chapters

• (00:00:00) - This podcast is for University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council members
• (00:00:58) - Parent Perspectives
• (00:02:38) - The Office of Internships at The University of Alabama
• (00:03:38) - What Makes the Office of Internships so important?
• (00:09:53) - The University of Alabama's Internship Program
• (00:11:59) - The University's dedicated office of internships
• (00:14:07) - How to Support Your Student's Internship Journey
• (00:16:29) - Alabama Student Advice on Internships
• (00:18:28) - Parent Perspectives: Internships

]]> false 00:19:43 Tue, 04 Aug 2026 19:50:03 +0000 The University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/68912/episode/2559923 https://parent-perspectives.castos.com/episodes/s02ep04-helping-students-eat-well-beyond-the-dining-hall Chapters

• (00:00:00) - This podcast is for University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council members
• (00:00:58) - Parent Perspectives
• (00:02:33) - Nutrition Advice for College Students
• (00:10:22) - How to Meal Prep on a Student Budget
• (00:13:04) - How to Eat Well on a College Budget
• (00:15:06) - Food Challenges for Students on Campus
• (00:20:34) - Nutrition myths on college campuses
• (00:22:10) - Healthy Meal Planning for College Students

]]> false 00:24:43 Tue, 04 Aug 2026 19:47:58 +0000 The University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/68912/episode/2559921 https://parent-perspectives.castos.com/episodes/s02ep03-staying-on-track-with-graduation-degree-works-four-year-plans-registration Chapters

• (00:00:00) - This podcast is for University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council members
• (00:00:58) - Parent Perspectives
• (00:02:25) - In the Elevator With Joni
• (00:03:00) - Degree Works
• (00:05:41) - A 4-Year Plan
• (00:07:05) - How to Talk to Your Academic Advisor
• (00:09:15) - An advisor's role on campus
• (00:11:00) - How many credit hours should a student take each semester to stay on
• (00:13:31) - Staying on Track on a Campus
• (00:15:38) - Getting Back on Track
• (00:16:30) - One Voice for College Parents
• (00:17:39) - Parent Perspectives

]]> false 00:18:53 Tue, 04 Aug 2026 19:45:43 +0000 The University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/68912/episode/2559917 https://parent-perspectives.castos.com/episodes/s02e02-education-abroad-at-the-university-of-alabama Chapters

• (00:00:00) - This podcast is for University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council members
• (00:00:58) - UA Parent Perspective Podcast
• (00:02:28) - Director of Education Abroad at the University of Alabama
• (00:03:05) - Education Abroad
• (00:04:26) - How to Study Abroad and Get Academic Credit
• (00:06:14) - Studying Abroad: Cost
• (00:09:37) - Do Study Abroad Programs Already Be Built?
• (00:11:41) - Studying Abroad Safety
• (00:16:45) - The preparation for students who study abroad
• (00:19:25) - Choosing the Right Program to Study Abroad

]]> false 00:24:32 Tue, 04 Aug 2026 19:41:13 +0000 The University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/68912/episode/2559912 https://parent-perspectives.castos.com/episodes/s02e01-declaring-a-major-helping-your-student-find-the-right-path Chapters

• (00:00:00) - This podcast is for University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council members
• (00:00:58) - Parent Perspectives
• (00:02:42) - Career Advisors for Arts and Sciences
• (00:03:18) - What Do You Want to Study?
• (00:04:44) - Multiple resources available for students to explore their career goals
• (00:06:04) - Alabama's Career Services Center
• (00:07:57) - What other events should students attend on campus?
• (00:10:27) - Multiple assessments to help students narrow their thoughts about careers
• (00:12:44) - Other considerations for college students besides their major
• (00:14:12) - In the Know: Career Paths
• (00:15:55) - Which Major Should My Student Pick?
• (00:17:18) - Parent Perspective: Choosing a Major

]]> false 00:19:23 Tue, 23 Jun 2026 17:20:17 +0000 The University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/68912/episode/2503261 https://voices.ua.edu/wvua-fm/podcasts/parent-perspectives/s01ep15-move-in-tips-and-tricks Chapters

• (00:00:00) - This Podcast is for University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council Members
• (00:00:58) - Parent Perspectives
• (00:02:28) - Move-in Day
• (00:04:25) - What are some items families are glad they brought to the dorm?
• (00:05:30) - Dorm Move-In Tips
• (00:11:33) - The Emotional Side of Move-In
• (00:13:05) - Give Your Student a Break on Move-In Day
• (00:14:36) - When a student moves in, does he need anything?
• (00:17:27) - Move-In Day
• (00:18:25) - Move-In Day

]]> false 00:21:05 Tue, 23 Jun 2026 17:17:04 +0000 The University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/68912/episode/2503258 https://parent-perspectives.castos.com/episodes/s01ep14-the-parenting-shift-from-manager-to-coach Chapters

• (00:00:00) - This podcast is for University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council members
• (00:00:58) - What Does It Mean to Move From Manager to Coach?
• (00:05:08) - How to Monitor Your Child's Academic Progress
• (00:07:53) - How to Get the Help You Need on Campus
• (00:09:59) - How To Communication With Your Student While He's in College
• (00:12:09) - How Often Should Parents visit their Student?
• (00:16:41) - Life360 and the College Parenting Question
• (00:17:41) - Top 10 College Money Conversations
• (00:19:23) - What a Parent Wish They Knew Before Their Student
• (00:20:23) - Parent Perspectives

]]> false 00:21:22 Tue, 23 Jun 2026 17:11:43 +0000 The University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/68912/episode/2503253 https://parent-perspectives.castos.com/episodes/s01ep13-weeks-of-welcome-and-the-transition-to-college Chapters

• (00:00:00) - This podcast is for University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council members
• (00:00:58) - UA Parent Perspectives Podcast
• (00:02:14) - Weekends of Welcome
• (00:03:10) - WOW
• (00:12:05) - The Different Kind of Experiences
• (00:12:38) - What advice would you give to students who are nervous about attending events
• (00:15:16) - Weekends of Welcome: What Parents Need to Know

]]> false 00:17:58 Tue, 23 Jun 2026 17:06:59 +0000 The University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/68912/episode/2503242 https://parent-perspectives.castos.com/episodes/s01ep12-student-involvement-and-get-on-board-day Chapters

• (00:00:00) - This podcast is for University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council members
• (00:00:58) - Parent Perspectives
• (00:02:22) - Get On Board Day
• (00:05:29) - ON BOARD DAY
• (00:06:18) - How to Prepare a Student for Involvement
• (00:07:17) - Participation Fair Advice
• (00:08:09) - Get On Board Day
• (00:09:35) - What else can students do on Board Day?
• (00:11:55) - Get On Board Day

]]> false 00:14:11 Tue, 23 Jun 2026 17:00:42 +0000 The University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/68912/episode/2503239 https://parent-perspectives.castos.com/episodes/s01ep11-academic-coaching-and-academic-success Chapters

• (00:00:00) - This podcast is for University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council members
• (00:00:58) - Parent Perspectives
• (00:02:50) - Getting to Know Academic Coaching
• (00:03:45) - What is Academic Coaching on Ua?
• (00:04:56) - What is Academic Coaching at Alabama?
• (00:08:48) - How Often Should Students Meet with an Academic Coach?
• (00:11:05) - Scholarship Programs
• (00:13:45) - Scholarship Warning: What to Do If Your Student Gets Susp
• (00:14:39) - Academic Warning and What Should Parents Know?
• (00:18:26) - UA Parent Perspective: Academic Coaching and Academic Support Services

]]> false 00:21:01 Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:25:03 +0000 The University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/68912/episode/2439305 https://parent-perspectives.castos.com/episodes/s01ep10-ifc-supporting-your-student-through-ifc-recruitment Chapters

• (00:00:00) - This Podcast is for University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council Members
• (00:00:58) - Parent Perspectives: IFC Recruitment
• (00:03:20) - Interfraternity Council recruitment at the University of Alabama
• (00:05:07) - IFC Recruitment Process
• (00:08:36) - Interfraternity Organization Open Recruitment Week
• (00:12:22) - Do Interfraternity Council members need to know members in order to
• (00:14:15) - IFC Membership: How Bids Work
• (00:17:09) - Interfraternity Council
• (00:19:59) - UA's Hazing Safety and Accountability
• (00:23:14) - New Member Experience at the University of Alabama
• (00:26:46) - UA Parent Perspective: Recruitment

]]> false 00:27:47 Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:17:17 +0000 The University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/68912/episode/2439297 https://parent-perspectives.castos.com/episodes/s01ep09-apa-part-2-panhellenic-recruitment-and-beyond Chapters

• (00:00:00) - This Podcast is for University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council Members
• (00:00:58) - Parent Perspectives
• (00:03:19) - How The Panhellenic Recruitment Process Looks Like (Round
• (00:11:53) - How to Support Your Daughter During Recruitment
• (00:17:16) - Bid Day
• (00:20:42) - How Does a Sorority Support Their Members After Recruitment?
• (00:23:34) - UA Parent Perspective: Panhellenic Recruitment

]]> false 00:24:23 Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:08:43 +0000 The University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/68912/episode/2439291 https://parent-perspectives.castos.com/episodes/s01ep08-apa-part-1-getting-ready-for-panhellenic-recruitment Chapters

• (00:00:00) - This podcast is for University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council members
• (00:00:58) - Parent Perspective: Getting Ready for Panhellenic Recruitment
• (00:03:15) - Panhellenic Recruitment: When does registration open and close
• (00:07:00) - Who Can Participate in Panhellenic Recruitment at Alabama
• (00:08:14) - Panhellenic Recruitment on campus
• (00:12:50) - Punhellenic Recruitment: GPA
• (00:13:41) - Alabama Panhellenic Association's Policy on Recommendation Letters and Leg
• (00:16:55) - Sorority Membership Cost at the University of Alabama
• (00:21:38) - Panhellenic Recruitment: Preparation and Beyond

]]> false 00:23:19 Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:00:42 +0000 The University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/68912/episode/2439272 https://parent-perspectives.castos.com/episodes/s01ep07-accommodations-and-student-support Chapters

• (00:00:00) - Parent Perspectives
• (00:01:50) - Accommodations and Student Support at the University of Alabama
• (00:03:00) - How to Get an Accommodation on-campus
• (00:09:09) - ODS provides academic accommodations on campus
• (00:11:07) - ODS Student Questions
• (00:13:06) - Registration for Accommodations on a First Year
• (00:15:26) - UA Parent Perspective Podcast

]]> false 00:16:32 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:28:35 +0000 The University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/68912/episode/2421418 https://parent-perspectives.castos.com/episodes/s01ep06-the-parenting-shift-and-building-community Chapters

• (00:00:00) - This podcast is for University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council members
• (00:00:58) - Parent Perspectives
• (00:02:20) - What to Do When Your Child Heads Off to College
• (00:03:31) - Mentor to Student:
• (00:05:15) - How to Stay Connected With Your Student While on Campus
• (00:08:19) - Summer Communication Expectations for Students
• (00:13:01) - Best Ways Parents Plug Into Alabama's Parent
• (00:15:23) - On Social Media, Alabama
• (00:16:02) - Alabama Parent Perspectives

]]> false 00:18:18 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:28:20 +0000 The University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/68912/episode/2421421 https://parent-perspectives.castos.com/episodes/s01ep05-campus-culture-and-traditions Chapters

• (00:00:00) - This podcast is for University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council members
• (00:00:58) - Parent Perspectives: Campus Culture and Traditions at Alabama
• (00:06:19) - Student Life on Alabama Campus
• (00:08:39) - The University of Alabama's social environment
• (00:11:10) - College culture and balancing it
• (00:12:43) - What's Your First Year Experience?
• (00:13:28) - Alabama Tradition & Campus Experience

]]> false 00:16:35 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:02:02 +0000 The University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/68912/episode/2417784 https://parent-perspectives.castos.com/episodes/s01ep04-academic-reality-and-support-part-2 Chapters

• (00:00:00) - This podcast is for University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council members
• (00:00:58) - Parent Perspectives: Academic Transition
• (00:04:21) - Multiple support systems for students on campus
• (00:06:11) - Jackie, What about from your perspective?
• (00:07:26) - How to Encourage Students' Independence in College
• (00:10:24) - What are some of the most academic struggles freshmen face on campus?
• (00:14:51) - How to Respond to Students Having Struggles academically
• (00:16:00) - What to Do If Your Student Is Struggling Academicically?
• (00:17:35) - Time Management on a First Year
• (00:20:43) - Parent Perspectives

]]> false 00:22:30 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 17:59:53 +0000 The University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/68912/episode/2417777 https://parent-perspectives.castos.com/episodes/s01ep03-academic-reality-and-support-part-1 Chapters

• (00:00:00) - This podcast is for University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council members
• (00:00:58) - Parent Perspectives: The First Year of College
• (00:03:18) - Alabama College Admissions Committee Discusses Course Registration
• (00:04:15) - What Are the Academic Expectations for Freshman Year?
• (00:09:45) - What to Expect in the First Semester
• (00:11:43) - What to Do For Your Student's Freshman Year
• (00:16:05) - One Piece of Academic Advice for Parents
• (00:17:07) - Parent Perspectives

]]> false 00:18:11 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 17:55:02 +0000 The University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/68912/episode/2417774 https://parent-perspectives.castos.com/episodes/s01ep02-campus-life-and-logistics Chapters

• (00:00:00) - This podcast is for University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council members
• (00:00:58) - Parent Perspectives
• (00:02:11) - How Does Housing Appoint a Roommate?
• (00:06:22) - On Roommates and Housing
• (00:07:50) - Alabama University Dining Experience
• (00:12:31) - Alabama State University's walking on campus
• (00:15:34) - College Resources Parents Need to Know
• (00:17:34) - Parent Perspectives: navigating on-campus life

]]> false 00:19:06 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 21:31:18 +0000 The University of Alabama Parent Advisory Council https://permalink.castos.com/podcast/68912/episode/2415916 https://voices.ua.edu/wvua-fm/podcasts/ua-parent-perspectives/s01ep01-bama-bound-what-parents-should-know false 00:16:11