Santa Clara Parent FAQ
Santa Clara routes most billing, aid and registration questions through one office, One Stop, and most family questions through Parent and Family Communication and Engagement. This directory lists who handles what at SCU, with the contact details posted on each office's page.
About this group
Is this the official Santa Clara University parent group?
No. Far From Home is an independent parent community supported by College Cubbies. For official information, visit the Santa Clara University parent and family page.
Dates and breaks
When is move in at Santa Clara University for fall 2026?
New first year and transfer students move in Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, in three groups starting at 8:30am, 10:00am and 11:30am. Returning students can move in from 9am on Saturday, Sept. 19. Classes begin Monday, Sept. 21.
When is SCU Family Weekend in 2027?
Family Weekend 2027 is Feb. 19 to 20, 2027. For the 2026 event, online registration opened in mid December, so watch the Family Weekend site late in the fall.
Do Santa Clara students get the whole Thanksgiving week off?
Yes. The Fall 2026 deadline booklet lists Nov. 23 to 27 as an academic holiday, with Thanksgiving administrative holidays on Nov. 26 and 27. The housing contract says residence halls stay open over Thanksgiving.
When does winter break start, and when do classes resume?
Fall finals run Dec. 7 to 11, 2026, and the registrar lists residence halls closing at 9pm on Friday, Dec. 11. Winter quarter classes begin Monday, Jan. 4, 2027.
When is Santa Clara University commencement in 2027?
The registrar's 2026 to 27 calendar lists the 176th Undergraduate Commencement on Saturday, June 12, 2027. Ceremony times were not posted yet when we checked; contact commencement@scu.edu.
Travel and where to stay
What is the closest airport to Santa Clara University?
San José Mineta International Airport (SJC), 3.1 miles from campus according to SCU Conference Services. SFO and Oakland are each about 45 minutes away by car.
Can my student take public transit from SJC to campus?
Yes. VTA Route 60 is free to ride from SJC, boarding at Terminal A Stop 7 or Terminal B Stop 5, and it connects to the Santa Clara Transit Center, which SCU says is across the street from campus.
Where can I park when I visit SCU?
Permits are required Monday to Friday, 6am to 8pm. A 2 hour visitor permit is free, and half day or full day parking costs $4 to $9 depending on the zone, payable through the AMP Park app. Visitor spaces include the Main Parking Structure and the lot beside it.
Which hotels does SCU list for Family Weekend?
SCU's Family Weekend 2027 travel page lists Delta Hotels Santa Clara Silicon Valley, Fairfield Inn & Suites San Jose Airport, Hotel Valencia at Santana Row (no room block), and Signia by Hilton San Jose with 15% off the best available rate using corporate code 3028681.
Move in and move out
What should my student not bring to the SCU residence halls?
Housing prohibits candles (even decorative ones), incense, halogen torchiere lamps, space heaters, hot plates, toaster ovens, crockpots, air conditioners, cooking knives, amplified instruments and drums, and weapons. Small Energy Star microwaves and mini fridges up to 4.5 cubic feet are allowed.
When do students have to move out in June 2027?
Halls close at 9pm on Thursday, June 10, 2027 for non graduating students and at noon on Sunday, June 13 for graduating students. Housing asks residents to leave within 24 hours of their last final, and missing the assigned check out date can bring a $250 improper check out fee.
Does Santa Clara store student belongings over the summer?
Under the housing contract, anything left behind after move out may be removed or stored by Housing at the student's expense. Other options include shipping boxes with a carrier, renting self storage nearby, or driving things home.
Health, safety and local life
Where does my student go if they get sick?
Starting fall 2026, the Bronco Student Health Clinic run by Sutter Health at 1111 Washington Street, next to campus, is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, with appointments through My Health Online. After hours, students on SCU's Aetna plan can call the 24/7 Informed Health Line at 1-800-556-1555; for emergencies call 911.
What is my student's mailing address at SCU?
Use: Student Name, 500 El Camino Real, SCU - (mailbox number), Santa Clara, CA 95053. Mail and packages go to the Campus Post Office in Building 604, and packages not picked up within 10 days are returned.
How can parents get SCU emergency alerts?
Text SCUPARENTALERT to 226787 to subscribe to SCU Bronco Alert. International numbers can text the same keyword to 408-668-1980.
More questions
Who do I call about tuition bills or financial aid at Santa Clara?
One Stop handles bursar, financial aid and registrar questions: (408) 551-1000 (phone hours 9am to 4pm Pacific) or onestop@scu.edu.
Who to contact at SCU
Parent and Family Communication and Engagement (408) 554-4996. Your general starting point. The office keeps families informed about campus life and resources, works with the Center for Student Involvement on Family Weekend, orientations and Welcome Weekend, and hosts webinars with campus partners.
One Stop (registrar, financial aid and bursar) (408) 551-1000, phone hours 9am to 4pm Pacific; onestop@scu.edu; Schott Admissions & Enrollment Services Center, open 9am to 5pm. Billing statements, financial aid, registration and transcripts all route here. Parents who pay the bill use Authorized Payer access, and SCU notes anticipated aid will not show there until the billing statement posts on Aug. 1.
Housing housing@scu.edu, (408) 554-4900 (8:30am to 5pm). Room assignments, billing, dining plans, facilities, residence hall access and help finding a mailbox number. Residence Life, residencelife@scu.edu, handles roommate concerns and student welfare.
Bronco Student Health Clinic 1111 Washington Street, Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm; appointments through My Health Online. Questions about the transition go to cowellcenter@scu.edu.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) (408) 554-4501 during business hours; CAPS 24/7 at (408) 554-5220 any time.
Campus Safety Services (408) 554-4441 non emergency, (408) 554-4444 campus emergency. Escort requests from emergency call boxes, and Lost and Found.
Office of Student Life It runs the Student Conduct System, coordinates enrollment verifications and conduct record checks, and oversees the SCU CARE program for students who need support. Start at the Office of Student Life site for current contacts.
Parking and Transportation Services (408) 551-7080, transportation@scu.edu, first floor of the Main Parking Structure, weekdays 8am to 5pm.
Campus Post Office (408) 554-4057, Building 604. Package questions and pickup.
Orientation orientation@scu.edu for new student orientation questions.
Commencement commencement@scu.edu for graduation logistics.
Quick routing
- A bill, refund or aid package: One Stop.
- A room problem or a lost mailbox number: Housing. A roommate conflict: Residence Life.
- Worry about how your student is coping: CAPS for counseling, and the Office of Student Life for its SCU CARE support program.
- A lost item or an escort across campus: Campus Safety.
A note on privacy
Federal privacy rules (FERPA) limit what many of these offices can tell a parent about grades, health or conduct without your student's permission. A quick call to your student first, then the office together, usually goes faster.
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