SBU MATTERPARENT AND FAMILY ORIENTATION

Center for Prevention and OutreachCounseling and Psychological Services Stony Brook University

Who are you?

1. First-time parent/family member of a college student

2. Veteran parent/family member of a previous college student

Why are you here?

Transition

Communication

Partnership

U Matter in your student’s success

Which kind of parent are you?

1. Can I come with you?

2. I still know what’s best for you…

3. When I was in college…

4. Whatever it is, my student can handle it…

5. 18 and out…

Now that your student is in college, how much to do anticipate your role

will change?

1. Too much2. Not at all 3. Too little

Transitions…

Dealing with your feelings

Empowering your student

Negotiating your student’s independence

Managing new expectations…

Know what we offer…

What do you want your student to get out of college most?

1. Job skills2. Critical thinking3. Have fun 4. Learn to cook and do laundry5. Make new friends

What do you think your student wants to get out of college most?

1. Job skills2. Critical thinking3. Have fun4. Learn to cook and do laundry5. Make new friends

Parents asked to draw the greatest influence on their teens placed

themselves last…

…but teens asked to draw the major influences in their lives placed their

parents first.

U Matter!

Parental Influence on Alcohol or Other Drug Use

• Communicate with your student:• Listen • Be respectful towards them • Communicate concerns clearly

and directly • Ask questions

• Know the Student Conduct Code

SBU Alcohol and Drug Policy

• ILLEGAL for anyone under 21 to use or possess alcohol.• Providing alcohol to minors is

unlawful • Illicit drug use is illegal

• Student Conduct Code describes specific policies on the LEGAL use or possession of alcohol on campus

Parent School

Hi, my child is taking a new medication that

may affect their concentration.

Thanks for calling, we’ll let

their teachers know.

Student

K-12 Communication Model

Parent School

..

Student

That medication may affect your concentration, don’t forget to speak to the

people at school.

I’m not sure who to tell, I

guess I’ll call my UGC

advisor

I’m glad you called, why

don’t you come in and will go

over some resources.

University Communication Model

Obstacles to Academic Success

1. Alcohol & other drugs2. Homesickness3. Sleep difficulties4. Stress5. Anxiety & Depression6. Financial Problems7. Internet Use/Computer Games

• Stress 30.3%• Sleep difficulties 21.0%• Anxiety 21.8%• Depression 13.5%• Internet use/computer games 11.6%• Finances 6.2%• Homesickness 4.0%• Alcohol use 4.1%• Drug use 1.8%

2014 ACHA National Survey Data

2014 National College Health Survey

• Mood • Irritable• Sad• Distant

• Behavior • Physical appearance• Isolation/Withdrawal (frequency of contact)• Unable to manage finances• Too many interpersonal difficulties

RED FLAGS: Drastic changes in…

• Communication• Hopelessness • Ways they communicate with you

• Academics• Grades • Withdrawing from semester without any

clear reason

“Just not acting like themselves”

RED FLAGS: Drastic changes in…

Health and Wellness Services

• Counseling and Psychological Services

• Disability Support Services

• Peer-to-Peer Education

• Health and Wellness Programs

• University Police: 631-632-3333 (emergencies)

Title IX

Title IX is a federal law requiring all higher education institutions to ensure that employees and students have an environment free of sexual harassment, sexual violence, and gender discrimination.

See www.stonybrook.edu/titleix for more information and/or to report an incident.

Remember U matter at SBU

• Transitions: challenging and exciting

• Communicate and take an active interest in your student’s college experience

• Know our services

• We are partners in your students’ success

Let’s hear from one of our undergrad students...

Thank you!!