Ram Fam
Resource Guide

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Your Role - The Big 7

Many incoming students see their family members as trusted coaches and sources of support, which is not likely to change when they begin their WCU career. Students need you to support their growth, development, and independence.

  • Support Student Autonomy – Support your student’s autonomy by relinquishing unnecessary control and encouraging personal responsibility. When a problem arises, allow your student to learn how to fix their own problems and advocate for themselves.
  • Stay Connected – Expect that your student will not respond to all your contacts, but they certainly appreciate hearing from you. Visit, but not too often…Family Weekend is a wonderful time to reconnect with your student.
  • Embrace Exploration – Allow your student to explore new ideas, viewpoints, and perspectives without being judgmental. Changes are to be expected, but if you suspect bigger problems, trust your instincts, and contact the Office of Parent and Family Relations to discuss intervention options.
  • Be Knowledgeable about Campus Resources – You are powerful referral agents for your student. Make use of the resources available at wcupa.edu/ramfam to refer your student to appropriate on-campus offices and empower them to take action to solve their own problems.
  • Continue Difficult Conversations – You continue to influence your student’s behavior, even when they are college students. While you will not be able to make decisions for your student, you can create an atmosphere of open communication by listening and sharing family expectations.
  • Recognize Challenges – The first year can be full of indecision, insecurities, disappointments, and mistakes. It is also a time of discovery, inspiration, fun, and excitement. The reality is that your student will likely experience all these things (sometimes all at once), which is normal and to be expected.
  • Welcome Change – Your student will change and so will you. Accept this change and try to support your student’s decisions. Trust your student and trust the job you have done preparing them for this new journey.
Further Reading - Critical Conversations

 

Interpersonal Violence & Sexual Assault

Critical Conversation Themes:

  • Encourage your child to set personal boundaries
    • What would be unacceptable/acceptable in your relationship?
  • What would happen if your partner does not agree with these boundaries?
  • What is consent?
    • Anything other than a verbal "yes" is a "no."
  • Use specific examples from the media to showcase toxic vs. healthy relationships
  • Address rape myths directly
    • For example, 8/10 rapes are committed by someone the victim knows
  • Encourage your student to be an active bystander
  • Offer unwavering support when your student comes to you with these issues
    • I will not blame or judge you based on what you tell me.
  • Have these conversations regularly

To find out more, visit Center for Women and Gender Equity website, via social media on Facebook and Instagram: @wcu_CWGE, via email the center at cwge@wcupa.edu or call 610-436-2122.

Further Reading - Interpersonal Violence & Sexual Assault

Mental Health

Critical Conversation Themes:

  • Do not panic over every call or text
    • Your student may just need to vent
  • Be a sounding board
    • Instead of jumping to fix the problem, practice active listening skills
  • Don't be afraid to ask questions to really understand the crux of the problem
  • Talk about mental health regularly to increase your comfort levels
  • Encourage your student to get involved on campus to maintain a healthy social life and sense of purpose
    • Help your student set social goals-for example, talk to one new person each day
  • While it is good for your student to learn resiliency, it is okay to ask for help!
    • Encourage them to visit The Counseling Center

 

The Counseling Center ascribes to a brief therapy form of treatment. Once students have had a triage appointment and been assigned to a counselor, they will work in conjunction with that individual to determine their level of need. Contact wcucc@wcupa.edu or 610-436-2301 for more questions

Further Reading - Mental Health
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Physical Health & Safety

What to know:

  • Student Health Services
    • Appointments can be made via phone at 610-436-2509 or in person.
    • There is a $12 visit fee and possible additional fees for medications and supplies.
    • Charges for visits will automatically be posted to your student’s account and can be paid either online or at the Bursar’s Office.
    • Charges will not reveal any personal health information.
  • Wellness Promotion
    • Wellness Promotion is comprised of experienced professional staff who help students manage their personal and professional goals
    • Educational topics include alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, sexual health, & sleep and stress management
    • To find out more, visit www.wcupa.edu/wellness, email wellness@wcupa.edu, or call 610-436-0730.
  • Public Safety
    • For non-counseling emergencies, Contact the police dispatcher at 610-436-3311
    • Blue Light Boxes area also located across campus for students to use whenever they have need of campus police
    • You can also report incidents in person at our station located at 690 South Church Street