How Parents & Families Can Help College Students Succeed

Your support remains incredibly important throughout your student’s college experience. While students are learning to navigate independently, families can offer steady encouragement and guidance in ways that promote growth, resilience, and well-being. Here are key ways you can help:

1. Foster Open Communication

  • Encourage your student to share their experiences, challenges, and successes.
  • Agree on how often you’ll call or text. Let your student take the lead more often.
  • Listen without immediately offering solutions; acknowledge and be curious. Ask questions that promote their ability to solve problems: “What do you think you’ll do about that?”
  • Let them know it’s okay to ask for help—seeking support is a sign of strength, not failure. 

2. Support Mental Health and Well-Being

  • Normalize the importance of mental health and wellness.
  • Talk openly about managing stress, balancing responsibilities, and the value of self-care.
  • Encourage use of campus resources like the Counseling Center, Health Center, and Recreation Center. These departments offer a variety of programs focused on elevating wellness. 

3. Encourage Independence and Responsibility 

  • Allow them the space to establish their own boundaries and routines as they make decisions, learn from mistakes, and build confidence.
  • Support them in managing their time, finances, and academic obligations.
  • Help them find a balance between academic demands and personal interests. 

4. Be Aware of Warning Signs 

Keep an eye out for signs that your student may be struggling, such as: 

  • Noticeable changes in mood, behavior, or communication
  • Ongoing feelings of sadness, anxiety, or irritability
  • Withdrawal from friends or activities they once enjoyed
  • Academic decline or missed responsibilities 

If you’re concerned, gently express your observations and suggest they connect with campus support services. 

5. Stay Informed About Campus Resources 

  • Familiarize yourself with the services available to your student, such as academic advising, career services, tutoring center, and the Counseling Center.
  • Encourage your student to take advantage of these resources early, not just during times of crisis. 

6. Encourage Community and Involvement 

  • Students who feel connected are more likely to succeed. Encourage participation in clubs, organizations, study groups, or campus events.
  • Help them understand the value of building a supportive peer network and seeking mentorship. 

7. Respect Their Growth Process 

  • College is a time of identity exploration, and your student may change their views, goals, or direction.
  • Offer reassurance, validate their experiences, and celebrate their efforts—even when things don’t go perfectly.
  • Remember your child’s path might look different from the one you took—and that’s okay. With your steady support, they’ll discover what works best for them. 

8. Acknowledge Your Own Transition

  • It's normal to feel loss, sadness, and pride all at once.
  • Stay connected to your own interests and support network.

Remember: You are a valuable part of your student’s support system. College is a time to learn independence and practice adulthood, including learning from mistakes. By staying connected, encouraging healthy coping, and promoting help-seeking behavior, you can help your student thrive both in and out of the classroom. 

Can I Talk to the Counseling Center About My Student? 

We understand your desire to support your student through challenges. While families are welcome to reach out to the Counseling Center with concerns, it's important to know that all counseling services are confidential. This means we cannot disclose any information about your student—including whether they have scheduled or attended an appointment—without their written consent. 

Confidentiality is essential to creating a safe space where students feel comfortable seeking help. It also follows federal and state laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and state mental health regulations. 

What You Can Do: 

  • Share concerns with us: If you’re worried about your student, you can call the Counseling Center at 814-898-6504 to talk through the situation with a licensed counselor. While we can’t confirm your student’s care, we can offer general guidance.
  • Encourage your student to reach out: Students must initiate services themselves. You can support them by encouraging them to schedule a session through our online portal, or by calling the center directly.
  • Submit a CARE Team Report: If you're especially worried and would like to alert campus support teams, you can complete a Student of Concern/Care Report or contact the Student Affairs office directly at 814-898-6111.

In Case of Emergency

If your student is in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health crisis:

  • On Campus: Call the Counseling Center during business hours at 814-898-6504 or Campus Police and Safety at 814-898-6101.
  • After Hours: Call the 24/7 crisis line at 1-877-229-6400 or Erie County Crisis Services at 814-456-2014.
  • Off Campus: Dial 911 or take your student to the nearest emergency room.

You can also call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate mental health support.

We’re Here to Help—Together

Even as students learn to manage challenges independently, your steady support is a powerful influence. Encouraging self-care, normalizing help-seeking, and staying connected can help your student thrive during their time at college.

Additional Resources