Parents of Current CIA California Students
Greetings Parents and Families!
The support of your student’s journey is an essential ingredient for success. As we tell the students often, your mise en place, a French term meaning everything in its place, in the kitchens and classrooms (their workspace), residence halls (their living space) and self-care (their space) is paramount to their independent thinking and creative development. As parents, family, and friends you will contribute to your student’s college journey, and we want to be sure that you do not miss opportunities to assist your student. Knowing important dates and communications will help you to stay connected to your student and to CIA. Our hope is this will serve as your journey’s mise en place.
Academic Calendar
- At CIA, our academic calendar is structured into three semesters: Fall, Spring, and Summer, each accompanied by dedicated intersession periods. These intersessions offer students valuable opportunities to rejuvenate and prepare for the upcoming semester. Learn more about the academic calendar.
CIA Networking Fair
- At CIA, we build food and hospitality careers exclusively for CIA students and grads. Each semester more than 100+ of the very best food, beverage, and hospitality companies attend the CIA Career Fair—looking to hire. Given our industry reputation (and that of our alumni), the employers and the job opportunities come to your student, not the other way around. That’s the CIA advantage. Learn more about how your student’s career can launch at CIA’s Networking Fair.
CIA Commencement
CIA Student Conduct
- To learn more about the academic rules and regulations or student affairs policies visit out Student Code of Conduct.
Privacy of Student Records
- The Culinary Institute of America takes seriously the confidentiality of personally identifiable information (PII) of all our constituents including students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, visitors, vendors, and more.
The privacy of student records is protected by the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This means CIA is prohibited from providing information from a student’s Education Record without the student’s written consent unless such disclosure is permitted under FERPA—most commonly directory information.
Students have been informed, and are reminded annually, that only they can grant parents and others access to their CIA records. Feel free to share this link with your student to grant us permission. Review CIA’s full FERPA Policy (PDF) for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Center for Career and Academic Advising
Does my student have an academic advisor?
Yes, every student has a career and academic advisor. The student can find the contact information on the student portal.
Are there international externship sites?
Yes, students will need to familiarize themselves with any language and/or travel documentation requirements (passport, visa, etc.).
How do students find CIA-approved externship and internship sites?
All students have access to Culinary Connect, CIA’s database of approved externship/internship sites, which also houses all job opportunities for students and graduates.
Dining Services
Can my student receive a refund for points not used by their expiration date or can my student opt out of the CIA Meal Plan?
The board fee, encompassing the CIA Meal Plan at CIA, is a mandatory component for all students attending CIA and is non-refundable. This policy is outlined in detail within the Academic Catalog and Student Handbook. The CIA Meal Plan operates on a points system, with allocations determined by the number of “class days” as outlined in the Academic Calendar.
Can you accommodate my student’s dietary restrictions?
Yes. Special accommodations for dietary and health allergen needs are managed and documented by the Learning Commons Department. From there a student meets with Dining Services management to determine how best to accommodate the restriction within the meal plan structure.
Disability Support
Is there an Office of Disability Services?
Yes. Each campus has a disability specialist who will work with your student to develop an accommodation plan. Documentation is required.
What are the library and tutoring center resources available to my student?
The Library Learning Commons is the Hub of academic support on all three campuses. The Library Learning Commons space offers:
• Individual and group study areas
• Tutoring and mentoring services
• Kitchen space to practice knife cuts and piping skills
• Disability services
• Learning, studying, test prep, and time management strategies
• Library research assistance
• Workshops
Terrace Lounge
The lounge, located on the 2nd floor north in the main building is a common area for students to relax, study, and dine.
Residence Life and Housing Operations
Does my student need to complete a housing application each semester?
A student will need to complete a housing application only if they are:
- A new student
- An associate graduating student who enrolls in the bachelor’s program
- A student returning from a semester away
- A student returning from extern or stop-out
Does my student need renter’s insurance?
Students are not required to carry their own personal property insurance. However, CIA encourages students to consider carrying their own personal property insurance.
Does CIA offer storage for student belongings?
While CIA does not provide on-campus storage facilities, there are several convenient storage solutions available in the surrounding area. Please feel free to explore these providers for your storage needs.
What can I do if my student has a roommate conflict?
Advise your student to speak with their Resident Assistant (RA), Resident Director (RD), or Area Coordinator.
How can I send mail to my student?
All letters and packages must be addressed using the format below. This includes outgoing and incoming parcels and letters as well as any online purchases delivered to CIA.
Name (as recorded with the Registrar’s Office)
The Culinary Institute of America
2555 Main Street
St. Helena, CA 94575
Student Counseling and Psychological Services
Are counseling and psychological services available to students?
While the Office of Counseling and Psychological Services actively recruits for open positions, there are currently no on-campus providers available. Individuals seeking services will be directed to local off-campus providers, and a list of these providers can be obtained through Assistant Dean Jared Snyder’s office. Campus Safety is also a resource for students and is available to help any time day or night. Campus Safety can be reached at 707-548-2478.
Student Health Services
Is student health insurance required?
Yes, CIA has incorporated a mandatory student health insurance plan renewable on an annual basis. The plan is offered to all domestic and international full-time students. Domestic students may waive out of the health insurance plan by providing proof of current, comparable health insurance coverage through a family or individual plan. International students are not eligible to opt out and must enroll in the plan offered by CIA. Cost of insurance for students starting in the Spring or Summer semester will be pro-rated accordingly. For more details about coverage and enrollment, please contact Haylor, Freyer & Coon at 1-866-535-0456 or email student@haylor.com.
Students taking the Global Cuisines and Cultures trip are encouraged to review international travel insurance options.
What if my student requires more comprehensive medical care?
Student Health Service staff works closely with providers in our local area. The clinical staff can provide referrals to off-campus primary care providers, specialists, dentists, optometrists, etc. when necessary. Staff can also refer students to local urgent care centers and emergency rooms if further emergent evaluation is needed.
Who is available for medical assistance after hours?
Campus Safety can be contacted directly at 707-548-2478 after hours in case of an emergency or other health-related concern.
Where can my student get a prescription filled?
Parents/students may set up an account with our local CVS.
Important Upcoming Dates
Reminders and Important Ways You Can Help
Every new student has an online orientation scheduled for their first semester. The online orientation covers topics such as digital literacy, how to register for classes, important college policies, how to navigate Moodle (course learning system), student code of conduct, food safety, and much more. Students will receive a certificate upon completion of the modules. This is an excellent opportunity for students as they transition to college and CIA.
Remind your student to sign up for Everbridge our CIA Emergency Notification System. For more information, visit www.everbridge.com.
Fun Facts
- At CIA, our academic calendar includes scheduled breaks for Spring, Summer, and Winter Intersessions. These intervals provide an ideal opportunity for students to unwind and rejuvenate before commencing the upcoming semester. Throughout the Spring and Winter Intersessions, it is important to note that our residence halls will be temporarily closed. Accordingly, all students are expected to vacate the campus during these periods. Rest assured, the residence halls will be securely locked and monitored, ensuring that students cannot access their rooms until the official reopening date. We will provide advance notices specifying the dates and times of closure to keep our students well-informed. Please encourage your student to look out for additional communications related to intersession closings as intersessions approach.
- Student leadership opportunities are the ideal complement to an education at CIA. Your student will have the chance to engage in various impactful roles, such as participating in student government, serving as a tutor, becoming a Resident Assistant, taking on the role of an Orientation Leader, joining the dynamic Welcome Team, actively participating in clubs and organizations, leading tours, or embarking on a rewarding journey through our Earn & Learn program. Please encourage your student to take advantage of all CIA has to offer!
- We can’t wait to welcome your student to the CIA alumni network—the food world’s most important and influential community. The industry needs your student now more than ever, and we know they will heed its call.
Important Phone Numbers
- Campus Safety: 707-967-2317 (Non-Emergency Line)
- Campus Safety: 707-548-2478 (Emergency Line)
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