SUPPORTING YOUR COLLEGE STUDENT
College can be a big step for students and family members alike. We've created this section to provide information about the transitions students and families face when children leave for college. If your student is having difficulty adjusting to college you can encourage them to schedule an appointment with Counseling Services. You may find it helpful to have some basic information about the resources available to your student and to direct them to these. It is understandable that you may wish to be involved when your child seeks counseling, but confidentiality does not permit such involvement without the consent of the student. If more information is desired, the student must sign a written release specifically permitting us to communicate with you. While it is not legal or ethical for counselors to provide parents with information that a student reveals in counseling, parents are welcome to call a counselor and provide us with feedback or share concerns about their child.
Counseling Services exists to assist students in mastering the many challenges of college. These may include coping with different problems, achieving success and fulfillment in both personal and academic affairs. Some ways that counseling might be helpful to your college student include but are not limited to:
- Stress and time management
- Relationship problems
- Anxiety and depression
- Homesickness or loneliness
- Problems with alcohol and other drugs
- Cultural or sexual identity concerns
- Poor body image
- Loss of a loved one
- Sexual or physical abuse/assault
- Goal-setting and decision-making skills
- Addressing personal difficulties that are interfering with academic progress
- Coping with a personal crisis
TRANSITION YEAR
- Transition Year is an online resource center to help parents and students focus on emotional health before, during and after the college transition. Whether you are looking for tips on managing stress once on campus, or want guidance in making a smooth transition for your student dealing with an issue like depression or being homesick, the Transition Year site has the tools and information you need.
THE JED FOUNDATION—FOR PARENTS
- The Jed Foundation—For Parents offers programs and resources that will help parents learn more about their child’s emotional health and what parents can do to support them if they are struggling.
COLLEGE PARENT CENTRAL
- College Parent Central is designed to give you information about college and about specific aspects of parenting a college student. It will help you navigate that delicate balance of support, guidance, and appropriate involvement.
TIME TO GET HELP WEBSITE AND HELPLINE
- Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed or have a specific question about your child’s drug or alcohol use? Time to Get Help is a nationwide support service that offers assistance to parents and other primary caregivers who want to talk to someone about their child’s drug use and drinking.
- Phone: 1-855-DRUG-FREE (1-855-378-4373)