Does Your College Student Know About These Resources?

Independence is important to college students, and many students do not want to ask for help.  However, for many students, the path to success involves help and support from various areas on campus.

As a college parent, you can help your student recognize when help may be warranted.  This may begin by asking the student the right questions, or probing beyond the first response if you sense that things may not be going well.  Your student will need to seek the help he needs, but you can help by pointing your student in the right direction.

Here are a few resources you may want to suggest to your student.  She may not need all of them right away, but it will help her to know they are there.  The earlier in her college career that she can locate them, the more prepared she will be.  Encourage your student to find the following:

• The Advising Office – Most students at most colleges are assigned an Academic Advisor.  This may be a faculty or a staff person.  However, your student should also know where the central office is located.  This will be an important resource if your student needs help that an advisor cannot provide.
• The Tutoring or Writing Center -  Many of the very best students use these academic resources.  Your student should know where these centers are located and how to schedule an appointment.
• The Library Reference Desk – Most college and university libraries have willing assistants whose sole job is to help students find the resources that they need.  Your student should learn early how to schedule time for help with these reference librarians.
• The Campus Health Center – It is the rare student who can manage four years without becoming sick or injured.  Your student should be familiar with where the health center is located, the center hours, the policies for making appointments, services available and the process for emergency help. 
• The Counseling Center – College students today experience more stress than ever before.  Many college counseling centers report increased usage over the past few years.  Knowing where to find this help, and knowing that counselors keep all matters confidential, is important.
• The Career Office – Career offices are not just for seniors.  Career Offices can help students find campus jobs, secure internships, create resumes, and practice interview skills.  Connecting with this office will give your student an early advantage.
• Spiritual Life Office – Whether this is a formal chaplaincy or simply a designated person on campus, your student may find this office helpful.  If this is an area in which your student has found meaning, continuing involvement may be especially helpful as he is away from home and dealing with establishing a new life at college.

Most campuses offer students multiple resources, but they are only helpful if your student takes advantage of them. Encourage your student to locate and use all of the support that he needs.