Crisis Care
For Life Threatening Emergencies:
Call 911
Or go to your nearest Emergency Room
_________________________________
For other crisis needs 24/7:
- Call UCI Counseling Center at (949) 824-6457
- Crisis Text Line
♦ Text “Home” to 741741
- Call or text 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8
- Call UCI Campus Police at
(949) 824-5223
How to Support Your Student From a Distance
Often, the parental role changes from primary caregiving to fostering independence during the undergraduate years, it may be helpful to find a balance by keeping in touch and involved while also allowing your student the opportunity to learn to manage life independently can be difficult. Here are some ways you can enhance your child’s experience at UCI!
Stay in Touch
Even though your student is experimenting with independent choices, they still need to know that you are there and are available to talk over both everyday events as well as more difficult issues. Sometimes parents and other family members are tempted to check in with their students multiple times a day, which can be too much. Others are afraid of interfering and go too long between calls, texts, video chats, or emails, which may also not be ideal. Talk to your student about how much or little communication is reasonable, and remember that your student may be busy with new schedules and commitments as they adjust to being away from home.
Stay in touch and communicate openly. Offer support in a nonjudgmental way
If you are concerned about your student, share your concern without conveying judgment. If you are asked for help or advice, offer it. Be wary of offering too much advice if it isn’t asked for. Be an active listener in the conversation. Consider discussing observations and feelings rather than opinions and advice. Express interest in your student’s life at college while being respectful of their independence.
Be realistic with your college student about financial matters
Being specific about finances at the outset may help avoid misunderstandings later. Work out a plan with your student for paying for tuition, fees, books, room, board, travel, recreation, and other expenses. Educate your student about credit card use. Inexperienced users of credit cards can get into deep trouble quickly.
Be realistic about academic achievement and grades
The transition to college-level coursework is difficult, so students who excelled in high school may struggle with academics in college. Be supportive rather than punitive if your student is struggling and direct them to the many academic resources on campus. Keep in mind that it is common for students to switch majors and take more than 4 years to graduate.
Empower students to help themselves
When your student is experiencing a problem, allow them to take an active and equal role in the problem-solving process. This will promote the development of the skills and confidence to tackle tough issues independently. There are a wealth of resources available at UCI to help your student succeed academically, socially and emotionally. If your child experiences difficulties at UCI, they can get support and guidance from campus services such as the UCI Counseling Center, Learning Academic Resource Center, Center for Student Wellness and Health Promotion, the CARE Office, Academic Advising, Division of Career Pathways, Disability Resource Center, and many more