Going to College: For Parents
WILMORE, KY—With the start of the academic year, students aren’t the only ones adjusting to change—parents are also dealing with the excitement and stress that accompanies sending a child to college.
Asbury College wants to remind parents that you are not alone. The College has a number of programs available to help your student adjust to college life and a new roommate, be successful, find a major and a future career.
Here are just a few frequently asked questions. Please visit the Center for Counseling, Center for Career and Calling and Student Health Services for more information.
I’m a long way from my child, how can I best help him/her?
Transition is hard. Regardless of distance, keep in touch with your child. Each student needs to know that his or her parents care and are in support of his or her efforts to become independent. Call, text message, e-mail, snail mail—students love getting letters and cards from home (even commuters). When you talk to you child, express an honest interest in his or her college activities, friendships, class work and what they do in their free time.
The Center for Counseling suggests that you do not immediately panic if you see changes in your child that you don’t understand or that cause you concern. Ask your student to talk about it. If he or she will not talk to you, encourage him or her to seek out a professor, Resident Director (RD) or Resident Assistant (RA).
If you still feel that something may be wrong, consider contacting the Resident Director of your child’s residence hall. These individuals interact with students on a daily basis and are trained to refer a student for counseling, if needed.
The Center for Counseling has qualified professional counselors, experienced and available, to help college students with many difficulties. Please visit our parents’ page for more information on the Center for Counseling.
What if my student doesn’t have a major?
The Center for Career and Calling at Asbury College is devoted to assisting students as they develop their career and life goals. The Center provides opportunities for Self-Assessment, Occupational Exploration, Actual Decision Making and Resulting Success while collaborating with faculty, employers, and alumni to enhance student experiences.
The Center for Career and Calling can help students assess their skills, explore majors, research careers, assist in finding an internship or job, network, prepare for interviews and apply for graduate school.
Visit the Career and Counseling website for more information.
What happens if my child becomes ill?
All Asbury College students who are carrying at least nine credit hours may receive medical care through the Student Health Services.
The College employs two full-time registered nurses and a part-time college physician. The physician is on campus nine hours per week for appointments and is available consultation. A visit to the nurse or doctor for treatment of illnesses and injuries is free, but there may be a nominal charge for procedures such as physicals, foreign travel immunizations, laboratory tests and some medications. Health Services also offer free health education programs, health information and nutritional counseling.
Asbury College requires all students to have health insurance. For further information, including the current brochure and claim forms, please visit the Health Services Web site.
We are here to hep your student succeed. Many blessings as you prepare to make the journey to Asbury College. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Updated: Sept. 13, 2007
###
Tagged: counseling, health-services, career, new-student-orientation, parents and features
