August 2007
Dear Family Members of NAU Students:
Being a family member of a college student is quite a different game with many new rules, yes? Well, "yes" and "no." Allow me to say a few words about each answer and to tell you a little about the role of the Counseling & Testing Center (CTC) in the life of your student.
"Yes," the rules are different because the college student is under new and increased pressures. College pushes and stretches students due to new living situations, challenging classes, changes in the diversity of the community, hard exams, friends and family at a distance, new friends and social expectations, financial concerns...and the list goes on. Relationships with family members often change in subtle and not so subtle ways. And, yes, many of the changes can be quite positive and rewarding for the student and for you.
"No," the most basic rules are the same because college students still need your care and support. Whether it be by phone, e-mail, snail mail or visits, students need to know you are still "out there" and want to be involved.
The CTC works in a variety of ways to assist students with the psychological challenges they may experience. Students can call to schedule an initial appointment with one of our counselors. In this confidential "consultation," difficulties may be more clearly defined, feelings validated, and resources for assistance identified. As a result of this meeting, other specialized services might be recommended - some of which the CTC offers (see Eligibility and Costs), others may be elsewhere on campus or in the community. About 1,100 students used our services in this way last year and many found this one meeting extremely helpful; about half returned for a few additional meetings to more fully address their concerns.
So, as a family member of a NAU student, one of the many ways you can help a distressed student is to ask, "Have you heard about the Counseling & Testing Center on campus?" Suggest they check out our web site or that they call us. It could be an important step along their path to continuing at NAU and to emotional health.
Thanks for taking the time to read this and, more importantly, for your support of your student!
Sincerely,
Chris Gunn, Ph.D.
Director
PS: If you are interested, you or your student might want to read one of these books:
- Beating the College Blues: A Students Guide to Coping with the Ups and Downs of College Life by Paul A. Grayson et al. (1999)
- Don't Tell Me What to Do, Just Send Money: The Essential Parenting Guide to the College Years by Helen E. Johnson et al. (2000)
- College Of The Overwhelmed: The Campus Mental Health Crisis and What To Do About It by Richard Kadison et al. (2004)
ACCESSIBILITY