For what reason might college students need a notary for a POA?

College students may seek a notary for a power of attorney (POA) because it allows parents or guardians to manage certain affairs on their behalf while they are away at school. This legal document grants the designated person the authority to make decisions or take actions regarding the student's financial, medical, or legal matters if the student is unavailable to do so themselves.

For instance, if a student is studying far from home and encounters issues related to housing, tuition payments, or medical emergencies, having a POA in place enables their parents to act swiftly and make necessary decisions without needing the student's direct input. This can be particularly important in situations where the student may be unable to communicate or needs assistance handling time-sensitive matters.

While managing academic records, applying for student loans, or reserving housing accommodations might require authorization or signatures, these situations do not typically necessitate a POA in the same legal capacity as providing authority for managing personal affairs, which is the primary purpose of having a notary involved with a power of attorney.