Welcome to the Eastern Washington University family!
We encourage and invite the involvement of parents and family members into the wellbeing of your college student.
Did you know? The top 5 health impediments to academic performance are:
- stress,
- sleep difficulties,
- anxiety,
- cold/flu/sore throat, and
- depression.
Parents' research has told us that you are one of the most believable and credible sources of information for your student! Entering college is a significant milestone and we hope to share information on issues that occur more frequently with students.
- Alcohol
- Marijuana
- Navigating the College Transition
- Other Drugs
- Sexual Assault
- Stress & Mental Health
- Student Health Services
- Suicide Prevention
- Recommended Immunizations
Since most students experience rapid personal and social growth during their college years, we encourage you to stay involved, stay connected, and support your student through this exciting time of growth. Continue to talk with your student when school begins, those first six weeks can be a critical period for college freshmen. Staying connected whatever way works best - text, social media, Facetime, phone call, or email - can help your student feel connected to home while navigating their new life at college.
Conversation Tips
- Don’t lecture; listen. Allow your student to express his or her fears and concerns without interrupting.
- Don’t discourage idealism.
- Assess and review your own feelings about alcohol and drug use.
- Listen actively; try to understand your student’s point of view.
- Don’t live your life through your son or daughter.
- Let them make their own decisions, but find “teachable moments” to continue the conversation.
- Talk to other parents of college students who have learned by experience.
- Avoid inconsistencies in your own words and actions.
Help your student stay safe and healthy, so that they can succeed to their highest potential, while also having one of the best times of their lives.