For More Information:
Matt Vogel
Community Health Specialist
608-785-8977 (Ph)
vogel.matt@uwlax.edu
PARENTS AND FAMILIES
What Can Parents or Family Members Do?/ Resources for Parents
Parents and family members are concerned about the personal choices about alcohol their son or daughter will make on campus. Many UW-L students choose to abstain from drinking, but there are others who engage in high-risk drinking. Your student will have to make decisions about college drinking.
Our campus is committed to maintaining a healthy and productive campus environment. We look to parents to partner with us in this effort.
There is reason to be concerned: According to the 2000 College Alcohol Survey (Anderson and Gadeleto), college and university administrators estimate alcohol is involved with:
- 3 6% of drop outs
- 36% of academic failures
- 60% of violent behaviors
- 64% of unsafe sexual practices
- 70% of acquaintance rapes
What can parents or family members do?
Communication is the key!
- Talk about college drinking. Ask questions about your student’s social life, if their friends use alcohol, and what the drinking scene is like on campus. Let them know you are available to talk and listen.
- Talk about safety issues on campus. Encourage your student not to walk alone, to attend a party alone, and to use the “buddy system” when they socialize. Make sure they know how to contact emergency services.
- Be careful not to “glamorize” your own college experiences. Telling stories about your past drinking experiences can subtly send a message to students that it is normal to engage in high risk, dangerous behavior.
- Learn all you can about college alcohol use. Check out the many resources listed below so you can have informed conversations with your student.
- Encourage your student to become involved in campus organizations and activities. Students who belong to groups or volunteer their services usually do not engage in as much high risk drinking. They also gain valuable job-related experiences!
- Know the campus and community resources so you can help your student. Many students need to talk to someone on campus who understands if they have a concern about their own or a friend’s drinking. On campus resources:
Counseling and Testing Center: http://www.uwlax.edu/counseling
Student Life Office: http://www.uwlax.edu/StudentLife
Student Health Center: http://www.uwlax.edu/StudentHealth
Remember, as parents you are a powerful influence in your student’s life! Keep in close contact via phone, email, or visiting campus.
Resources for Parents:
College Parents of America: http://www.collegeparents.org/cpa/index.html
The Higher Ed Center: Parent Connection: http://www.edc.org/hec/parents/
The Century Council: http://www.centurycouncil.org/main/parents.html
