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Parent Guide

Parent Guide to Helping Young Adults Succeed in College

If you are a parent/guardian of a student you are concerned about, here are some suggestions to help calm your worries, and ensure their safety and well-being:

  1. If they are stressed, anxious, depressed, feeling lonely, or not sleeping you can direct your them to the UCA Counseling Center. If the symptoms are mild you may suggest exercising, talking with a mentor, visiting with friends, or a trip home.
  2. If you observe a difference in behavior, let them know you are concerned. Communicate that you are concerned. Discuss the changes you observe.
  3. Ask if they are concerned about anything and how they are doing. Listen to what they have to say.
  4.  If they indicate suicidal thoughts, direct them to the UCA Counseling Center. If it is after normal working hours direct them to call the UCA Police Department at 501-450-3111, and they will connect them to the counselor on call. If you are concerned about their safety, call the UCA Police Department and they can conduct a wellness check. The UCA Police Department can escort students to the counseling center.

Here are some resources that will be helpful for you to be aware of

  • Each residence hall has a Resident Housing Assistant (RHA). Each floor in a hall has a Resident Assistant (RA). If they are having roommate issues or emotional challenges they can speak with their RA.
  • The Office of Student Success has Success Coaches in all first-year residence halls. Success Coaches are fellow students trained to help with study skills, time management, and other academic skills. Students can make an appointment by visiting the “MyUCA” webpage, choosing “GradeFirst” and selecting “Get Tutoring”.
  • If they are in a Residential College, a Resident Master can be contacted. A RM is a faculty member living in the hall.
  • There is a mental health counselor on call 24-7. Contact the UCA PD (501-450-3111) after normal working hours.  Any student that visits the Counseling Center for a Mental Health Emergency, will be seen that day. A follow-up to check in with the student will be advised.