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What Does it Look Like to Be a Cairn Parent?

Parents are a key part of the Cairn community.

This page is a way for you, the parents of our students, to stay connected to the University throughout your student’s education. Here you will find things that we consider most helpful to you. We encourage you to follow us on social media, sign up for the parent newsletter, and stay informed with what is happening on campus.  

Links & Resources

"As parents of three college graduates, my wife and I understand the mix of pride, joy, fear, and opportunity that surrounds these years for any parent. Whether this is your first one away or you’re an “empty nester” (or anywhere in between), Parent Relations at Cairn University is one way for us to facilitate communication with you. We are here to answer questions and do whatever we can to help you and your student navigate his/her transition into being a biblically minded, well-educated, professionally competent man or woman of character who thrives in this new station of life."

Rick Swift 1 scaled
Rick Swift

Frequently Asked Questions

Housing

Most beds are standard twin size. There are several XL twin beds upon request and availability. Students entering into rooms with XL beds will be notified to plan accordingly. 

You can view a list of local hotels here. Sheraton Bucks County Hotel and Courtyard by Marriott—Langhorne offer a special discount rate. Just mention “Cairn University” when making your registration. (Discount is based upon hotel occupancy and may fluctuate.)

Students attending Cairn for the first time move into their residence hall during Student Welcome and Orientation, although fall athletes arrive earlier. Contact your student’s coach for information about move-in dates for fall athletes. Returning students are notified of their move-in date during the summer break.

In order to adequately prepare the residence halls and campus for your arrival, students are not permitted to move in until the move in date specified.

Don’t worry! There are plenty of places just a few minutes away where you can pick up some last-minute dorm room essentials and school supplies.

  • Lowes – 1400 Lincoln Hwy, Langhorne, PA 19047
  • Target – 2331 Lincoln Hwy, Langhorne, PA 19047
  • Home Depot – 900 Rock Hill Dr, Bensalem, PA 19020
  • Wal-Mart – 3461 Horizon Blvd, Feasterville-Trevose, PA 19053
Cairn University is a residential campus. There are specific requirements to live off-campus, the most common being a student commuting from his/her legal guardians’ permanent home address. Exemption applications are only available each spring semester for students to apply to live off-campus the following academic year.

Yes, you simply mail your item to the student by name at the school address:  200 Manor Ave Langhorne, PA 19047  

Please do not list a mailbox number; the mailroom will deliver based on student name.

You can start by contacting the individual resident director of your student’s residence hall. If you are not sure where to start, you can contact [email protected].

Food

Pioneer College Caterers provides outstanding service for all Cairn students as well as support for those with dietary restrictions. Please contact Peter Gorman at [email protected] to discuss your specific needs. A Meal Plan Exemption Form is also available.

Yes, Pioneer College Caterers also has a program where you can send goodies like cookies, a birthday cake, exam-time survival packs, and event healthy options like fresh fruit!

Yes, in addition to the Dining Commons, The Highlands serves Starbucks coffee, grab-and-go lunch options, and bakery treats.

There are a variety of restaurants that are just a short drive from campus. When students eat off-campus, they can typically be found at Chick-fil-A or Langhorne Coffee House, which both offer Cairn student discounts. You can view a sample listing of local grub here.

Location and Transportation

Yes. The SEPTA West Trenton line (which runs from Ewing, NJ, to University City) stops in Langhorne just one block away from the University. SEPTA bus service is also available.

Yes, all students are permitted to bring their cars. Students will be required to register their vehicle and obtain a University parking sticker.

You can take a look at our area map and directions at this link.

Langhorne is a suburb of Philadelphia with speedy access to the beaches of New Jersey, the mountains of Pennsylvania, state parks, quaint shops and towns, and several major cities. For more information on the area surrounding campus, click here.

Health and Safety

Your student can visit a full-time registered nurse on campus, and the University Health Center provides a variety of support and services. The nurse will refer a student to a local Urgent Care or hospital should he/she need additional care.

Yes, the Oasis Counseling Center provides support at no cost to current students.

Cairn University sees the safety of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors as a top priority.  The Office of Safety and Security has regular staff on campus 24 hours per day, and their help is just a phone call away for students. Additionally, the University enjoys long-standing relationships with local first responders. For more information, visit the Office of Safety and Security webpage.

Paying for College

Yes! There a many on campus job opportunities available. Students can access the Student Employment Hub to browse open positions.

Visit our Financial Aid page for all things relevant to financial support.

Academics

The Academic Resource Center offers a variety of tutorials on subjects like time management, study skills, and note taking. Students can also schedule a one on one meeting with a tutor, and mentoring is available. The ARC also provides disability services for all ADA-qualified students.

Both federal law and University policy protect the privacy of student education records, including but not limited to, academic records, financial information, and disciplinary actions. Once a student attends a postsecondary institution, the rights regarding those records shift from the parents to the student, regardless of the age of the student. This means that in most circumstances, Cairn is not permitted to disclose education records to anyone, including parents, without the written permission of the student.

If your student wishes to waive these rights and specify who may access his/her education records, he/she may complete and sign a Waiver of Privacy of Education Records form.

Yes, every student is assigned to a faculty member in their school.

Athletics

Cairn is a NCAA Division III school and part of the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) with competitive men’s and women’s programs.
Yes! Highlanders TV  allows you to stream home games throughout the season.

Regular Highlander news is posted on cairnhighlanders.com. You can also follow the action of Facebook, Instagram, and multiple team Twitter accounts.

Yes, from casual corn hole to flag football, there are a variety of intramural sports that students can participate in.

Cairn Parent Perks

  • 15% discount at the Cairn Campus Store during Student Welcome & Orientation
  • Subscription to Cairn magazine

Join us on social media!

If you have additional questions or other needs, please contact [email protected].