Resources for parents & how to help your student

As a parent, it can sometimes be difficult to hear about struggles that your student may face as they navigate their University career away from home.  In an effort to help parents to better help their students, we have provided some answers to standard processes for typical struggles, or questions, that they may have.  Our goal is to help create a more well-rounded, independent student through your help by directing them to appropriate resources so that they can learn to better navigate conflict for themselves.

There is something wrong with my room!

I'm having difficulties with my roommate!

I'm feeling really homesick, stressed out, anxious, depressed.

I need some additional help with my classes.

I don't know if there is anywhere I fit in on campus.

There is something wrong with my room!

Throughout the year, it is common that there may be something in your room that may require the attention of maintenance.  By going to the front desk for your building, or calling the RA on Duty (LLC, Kuehne, & West: 785-224-4063; Village: 785-224-4083), one of our student staff members can help you either fill out a maintenance request, or call emergency maintenance to get your problem taken care of.

Typical maintenance concerns can include: light bulbs burning out, leaky faucets, room is too hot/cold, suite door card reader is malfunctioning, door/lock issues, overflowing toilet, etc.

I'm having difficulties with my roommate!

Sharing a living space can be new for many of our residents.  It is not uncommon to have difficulties with your roommate, which is why we have student staff members in each hall that are trained in helping to mediate conflict between roommates and suitemates.  

• We always encourage residents to make an attempt to communicate their issues with their roommate or suitemates first.  Often times, most issues are a simple miscommunication or misunderstanding.  It is important to remember that everybody comes from a different background and has had a different set of experiences, so they may not have the same thought process.
• When communicating expectations or issues with roommate/suitemates it is important to do so in person and not via, Facebook, Twitter, text, or leaving notes.  Written communication can be easily misconstrued.
• Your Resident Assistant (RA) is your first stop in getting advice on how to navigate the situation.  They can even sit down with you and your roommate and/or suitemates to help mediate any conflict or communication issues.  
• Our RAs are very good at helping to solve roommate/suitemate issues, but occasionally some professional staff help is required.  The Assistant Director and Village Coordinator are available as resources for students in LLC/Kuehne/West & the Village respectively.

I'm feeling really homesick, stressed out, anxious, depressed.

This can be one of the most difficult things to hear as a parent, because there is not always a lot you can do from a distance to help your student.  Depending on the severity of what your student may be dealing with you can refer them to one of these two resources:

• Their RA can be a good resource for mild homesickness and stress.  An RA can help talk to your student about things that they like to do and how to get more involved in the community around them, even direct them to university activities and organizations to get involved in.  Also, RAs can help talk to students about what is causing their stress and helping to identify some potential resources to help them out.
• Our university Counseling Services office is a great resource for students experiencing difficulty transitioning, or going through a tough time.  There are even a lot of resources on the Counseling Services website that might be useful as well!

I need some additional help with my classes.

Students' academics are vital to their college career and are not always easy for students to navigate, whether it be study skills, time management, writing skills, or struggling with course topics.

• Does your student need a little extra help with their course work, or subject material? Have them schedule an appointment with the Tutoring & Writing Center.  Also, there are 2 tutors available in the LLC Sunday-Thursday 6pm-10pm to help with general subjects and writing.
• Need additional help with study skills or time management? Have your student contact the Academic Success Center at (785) 670-1980.
• Need help with figuring out which classes to take? Schedule an appointment with your Academic Advisor at (785) 670-1942.

I don't know if there is anywhere I fit in on campus.

There are student organizations for just about every area of interest. Check out the Student Activities & Greek Life office and see all of the student organizations that there are on campus!  If you can't find one you like, then look into creating your own.