Families FAQ

Answers to questions often asked by parents and family members

NOTE: Student Affairs is the primary point of contact for all parents and family members once your student is enrolled in LIM College. Please contact studentaffairs@limcollege.edu whenever you have any questions. If we cannot answer your specific question directly, we will refer you to the appropriate faculty or staff member who can assist you.

Academics & Academic Advising

​There are several important academic-related dates to be aware of, all of which are posted on the academic calendar. Each semester, the Office of Academic Advising reminds students of the Add/Drop period and the course withdrawal deadline(s) (more information below on the details of each of these). In addition to these periods, families/supporters should refer to the academic calendar to know when registration periods open for future semesters, mid-terms and finals dates, financial aid deadlines, etc.

The Add/Drop period is typically the first 5 business days of each semester at LIM. This is the timeframe that most colleges have at the start of each semester/term, during which students can drop a course(s) from their schedule and/or add new courses to their schedule (if space is available) without penalty.  This time is intended for students to have an opportunity to tweak their schedules to ensure the best and most appropriate class schedule possible.  If dropped during the Add/Drop period, the courses dropped will not appear on the student's transcript.  In the "main-Campus" division of LIM College, students do not need to meet with an academic advisor to add or drop a class during this time. Once the Add/Drop period has concluded, the College enters the withdrawal period.

The Withdrawal period begins once the Add/Drop period has concluded and ends at a specified date/time each semester (posted to the Academic Calendar). LIM College students may withdraw from a course up until 4 p.m. on the last day of the posted withdrawal period. Withdrawals can only be made by submitting a fully completed and signed Add/Drop/Withdrawal form to the Office of the Registrar. Emails, phone requests, or withdrawal attempts submitted to other offices or administrators are not acceptable. When a student withdraws from a course(s), the course remains on the transcript, with a "W" posted in place of a letter grade.

Students should be aware that withdrawing from a course may affect their graduation plans and that withdrawing from enough courses to go below full-time (12 credits) or half-time status (6 credits) can affect eligibility for financial aid in both the current and upcoming semesters. Students who are unsure of how a withdrawal will affect them should speak with their Academic Advisor and Financial Aid counselor prior to submitting the withdrawal paperwork. Please note that once submitted, a withdrawal from a course cannot be reversed. 

Main campus undergraduate students can work with any academic advisor on the advising team. Students are not formally assigned to a specific advisor in order to provide students with the maximum number of appointment options, as well as with the opportunity to meet and work with everyone in our group.  This flexibility allows students to build a relationship with any advisor with whom they feel most comfortable and connected!  

To book an appointment with an academic advisor, students must log in to MyLIM and then select AdvisorTrac. Within AdvisorTrac, students can search for and register for an appointment with any available advisor. Appointments are available on the phone, on Zoom, and (when campus fully reopens) on campus.

Students are encouraged to meet with an Academic Advisor each semester, to discuss course progress and graduation planning. All academic requirements are posted to the college catalog, available via the LIM College website.  Students must refer to the correct catalog, when reviewing/searching for degree requirements.  If students are unsure of their assigned catalog year, they may contact the Office of the Registrar (Registrar@limcollege.edu), or the Office of Academic Advising (Advising@limcollege.edu).

Each student will have access to Canvas, the online platform from which, among other items, class information is distributed.  This includes course syllabi. Each course syllabus includes the class professor information, as well as the Department Chair information.  If, at any point, a student is having difficulty reaching a faculty member, they are encouraged to reach out the appropriate Department Chair.

If your student is concerned about their course grade, they should begin by speaking directly with their professor regarding their concerns. Professor contact information is available on each course syllabus, which is located in Canvas, via the MyLIM portal. If for whatever reason, your student is uncomfortable speaking with their professor or cannot reach their professor in a timely manner, they may reach out to the Department Chair (contact information available on the course syllabus). Students are also welcome to discuss any concerns with an Academic Advisor and can book an appointment with one using AdvisorTrac (available via the MyLIM portal).

Accessibility Services

Students seeking accommodations need to register with Assistant Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility. Registration for accessibility services includes the submission of a student’s disability documentation, the review of documentation by accessibility services staff and an in-person, phone or Zoom intake interview with the student conducted by the accessibility services staff. Students should email accessibility@limcollege.edu to initiate the registration process.

Campus Safety

LIM College has internal Emergency Response Plan in place that is designed as a guide for unusual and/or overwhelming circumstances that require actions beyond routine measures. Every year, the Emergency Response Committee meets to review the policy to ensure each member is fully prepared to deal with emergency situations.

LIM College has an Emergency Building Team at each campus location. Teams are comprised of volunteers trained in first aid, CPR, and AED. Each semester, the building teams also have trainings to ensure volunteers are fully equipped for a range of emergency scenarios.

All students will receive training at New Student Orientation on how to stay safe in NYC, along with other important information on LIM safety policies and emergency procedures.

Yes. We offer multiple sessions throughout the semester that students can sign up to attend. These include Safety in the City, Self Defense, Title IX, Bystander Intervention, and "Enough is Enough" training, which deals with sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, and stalking.

Please visit the Safety & Emergency response page on our website.

Admissions & Enrollment (On-Campus Programs)

LIM College is a rolling admissions institution, but we encourage submitting the enrollment deposit by May 1 for our Fall semester start and November 1 for our spring semester start. Deposits can be received for enrollment after the priority deadlines mentioned above, but we recommend speaking with your assigned Admissions Counselor to customize a timeline for enrollment to insure a smooth start to the semester.

Financial Clearance is required each year of attendance at LIM (i.e. confirmation of financial aid, payment plans, pay in full). The deadline typically occurs in late July each year. Families are encouraged to begin speaking with the Office of Student Financial Services about this process following enrollment.

New Student Orientation is a great way to learn more about the different services and departments available to LIM students. Dates vary each summer, but students are required to register in advance. For assistance with registration, please have your student contact the Office of Admissions directly.

Each Admissions Counselor has their own regional territory as well as partnership programs and schools that they work with directly. You can find yours here

Admissions Counselors are available via call, text, email, and platforms like Zoom. You can connect with them to set up an appointment time to speak.

Traditionally, the Office of Admissions is the first stop in your student’s academic journey. They are there to help and counsel your student through their application and enrollment needs. Once your student begins their classes, they will meet with and be supported by various other student service departments on campus.

Yes! We offer several events for accepted students in the spring and summer. 

Click here for more information.

Career and Internship Services

The Office of Career and Internship Services is here to help students design, launch, and build a meaningful career. We encourage students to contact us for guidance about their career education courses, career goals, jobs, and internships. Students can schedule to meet with a Career Coach on Handshake. Handshake is available in your student's MyLIM portal. Visit CIS on Canvas for help on how to schedule an appointment or contact CIS at careers@limcollege.edu.   

The Office of Career and Internship Services provides comprehensive, free career development services for life, including unlimited individual career coaching services in-person, by phone, email or Zoom, virtual career fairs, resume development assistance, career skills workshops, and networking events and panel discussions with industry professionals and alumni.   

Securing jobs and internships is a collaborative process. The Office of Career and Internship Services actively mentors and offers both group and one-on-one career coaching sessions throughout the year to provide the support, advice, and guidance necessary for individuals to hone their professional skills and pursue their career goals.

The Office of Career and Internship Services does not guarantee employment, salary level, or career advancement. Actual career outcomes vary based on different factors, including work experiences, geographic location, and other factors specific to the individual.  

Yes, internships can be completed within or outside of the NYC area! The Office of Career and Internship Services can assist qualified students in their search for internships and jobs wherever they desire to live. Click here to search for internships on Handshake.

The global fashion and lifestyle industry offers a wide variety of career options, allowing students to combine their creative passion with business know-how to build an amazing career. An LIM education can open up a world of opportunity. 96% of our Class of 2022 were working in the business of fashion and lifestyle or continuing their education within six months of graduation.

LIM graduates are making their mark doing everything from e-commerce and digital marketing to buying, retail analytics, merchandising, sourcing, and planning, sales and retail management, product development, event planning, social media, human resources, public relations and more.

Students can submit their Internship or Co-op Experience paperwork in Handshake. Visit CIS on Canvas for instructions on how to submit an Experience Record on Handshake.   

Students can search and register for jobs, internships, events, and resources on Handshake. Visit CIS on Canvas for help on how to sign up for events.

Counseling Services

Counseling Services staff provide consultations to parents and loved ones on how to help a student in distress, how to refer a student to the Office, support services available on campus, and how to locate off-campus treatment or mental health care for your student. Call 646.218.6048 to speak with a staff member about your concerns.

Students can have their doctor fill out LIM College's Immunization Record Form or provide a copy of their official vaccination records to the Office of Counseling Services to review no later than one week prior to the first day of classes. Forms can be scanned and emailed to cas@limcollege.edu; faxed to 212.750.3466; or mailed to LIM College, Counseling Services, 216 East 45th Street, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10017. 

You can find details about the criteria and medical withdrawal process here. Additionally, parents and students can contact the Office of Counseling Services for assistance with the process at counseling@limcollege.edu or 646.218.6048.

Housing

LIM has a residential community at FOUND Study – Midtown East. We have a community of approximately 400 LIM students at this newly-renovated space at 51st Street and Lexington Ave just 10 minutes from Maxwell Hall! You can read all about housing here.

Students can select if they would prefer a standard double, deluxe double, junior double deluxe, or triple room.  They can also select their preferred roommate(s). This information can be included in their housing application.

Yes, all LIM students are able to apply for housing.

Students are able to use their financial aid to pay for housing. This does not apply to the deposit and they will need to pay for this when they submit their housing application. Students should work with their financial aid counselor in Student Financial Services to complete the necessary paperwork to apply for financial aid to help cover the cost of their housing.

International Students

All international students should visit our website to learn about living and studying in the U.S. and maintaining their legal F-1 student status. Additionally, students are encouraged to contact the Office of International Student Services at iss@limcollege.edu with any questions about maintaining their F-1 student status, applying for an F-1 visa, as well as living and studying in the U.S. The Office also offers virtual and in-person advising appointments, workshops, and info sessions. 

Accepted international students will receive an email from the Office of International Student Services with the instructions and links to apply for a Form I-20. Students and their families can also visit our website to review the College’s I-20 application and the list of required supporting documents. 

Please visit the LIM College website to review the annual estimated expenses, the financial funding checklist, and print the affidavit of support. 

Students must carry their passport that is valid at least 6 months into the future; a valid, unexpired F-1 visa; original Form I-20 issued by LIM College; proof of I-901 SEVIS fee payment; a letter of acceptance to LIM College; and proof of financial support.

International students may be interested in obtaining a New York driver’s license. If the student is not interested in driving in the U.S., they may choose to apply for a New York State ID. To obtain detailed instructions to apply for a driver’s license or a state ID, please contact the Office of International Student Services at iss@limcollege.edu

LIM College students are automatically enrolled in the College’s health insurance policy unless they submit a waiver with a compatible health insurance plan. For health insurance waiver information, please visit: https://www.gallagherstudent.com/LIM 

There are many banks in New York City near the College’s campus locations. When the student goes to a bank to open an account, they will need to bring: unexpired passport; copy of the I-94 arrival/departure record; Form I-20; a second form of identification, such as student ID card, a birth certificate, a state ID or a driver license; enrollment verification letter from LIM College, which can be obtained from the Registrar; and proof of their address in the United States. If the student rents an apartment, they may use a copy of the lease. Students will also need the funds, in U.S. dollars, with which to open the account and make an initial deposit. Every bank has slightly different requirements, so make sure you ask beforehand to prepare the documents.

Registrar

Students must make a request for their transcript from our Transcript request portal. NOTE that transcripts may only be requested by the student. Please have your student complete this form.

Students can request a letter or a form to be completed by the Office of the Registrar by completing an Enrollment Verification form. Note that ONLY students are allowed to submit Enrollment Verification e-forms. Please have your student complete this form.

Students can add/drop courses from Sonis (our student system, found in their LIM Portal). Please check our Academic Calendar to review add/drop deadlines. 

Students that are looking to withdraw from a course should email registrar@limcollege.edu for the necessary withdrawal forms. Please check our Academic Calendar to review withdrawal deadlines. 

Students that have not taken a class at another school yet should request a transfer credit pre-approval form so their potential courses can be reviewed and approved prior to enrollment/completion. If your student has already taken the class, the student should contact the Office of the Registrar, Registrar@limcollege.edu, to request a Transcript Evaluation form. The student should also send their official copy of their Transcript directly to the Office of the Registrar at Registrar@limcollege.edu or by mail at 216 E 45th Street, New York, NY 10017.

Student Affairs

Student Affairs is the primary point of contact for all parents and family members once your student is enrolled in the College. If you have a question, please contact studentaffairs@limcollege.edu. If we cannot answer your question directly, we will refer you to the appropriate faculty or staff member at the College who can assist you.

Yes. We hold Parent/Family Orientation concurrent with our Undergraduate New Student Orientation programming. Here, we will provide information and resources to assist you in supporting your student through their transition to the College, so they are both academically and socially successful. To learn more, visit our New Student Events page. 

Student Financial Services

October 1st. This is the date, every year, that your student can RENEW the FAFSA for the upcoming year.

Many families mistakenly think they don't qualify for aid and prevent themselves from receiving financial aid. There are a few sources of aid such as unsubsidized Stafford and PLUS loans that are available regardless of need.

Please contact us at sfs@limcollege.edu or call us at Financial Aid 212-752-1530 ext:389

The financial aid "gap" is the difference between what is covered by federal grants and loans and the balance that is due to the college. This "gap" is normally completed with a federal PLUS loan, Private Loan, or a Payment Plan.

No. However, parents are responsible for the Federal PLUS loans. Parents will only be responsible for educational loans if they co-sign a Private Loan.