Parent and Support Network Tips

Admissions and Aid
Parents and Support Network
Parent and Support Network Tips

You are your student's biggest supporter and we are here to support you.

We define any parent, guardian, sibling, partner, friend, teacher, or advocate who is helping their student through this process as a support network.

The Basics

Keep in touch: Students at all levels of the university experience like to stay connected with home. They also like to know that you are there if they need you. Send a quick text to wish them luck on a test, mail a newspaper clipping from home, or email just to let them know you care.

You can also send your student a care package! CWU has partnered with SWAK University Services to enhance your student's college experience. SWAK University Services has packages for every milestone and event such as Halloween, Fall Quarter Finals, Valentine's Day, Spring Quarter Finals, and so much more! Choose from a variety of care packages or build your own! Once your student's care package has been delivered to the Residence Life Office, our Housing & Residence Life team will notify your student that they can pick up their care package.

Know that you are important: Students regularly cite their support network among the greatest influences in their lives.

As faculty and staff at CWU, we also recognize that you can be a tremendous partner in helping your student reach their academic and personal goals in college. We look to you to encourage your student to follow their intellectual passions, as well as to become an independent adult.

Let them choose: Your student wants to know that you believe in them.

Let them make decisions, choose their own courses, and eventually choose a major. They may choose a major based on their intellectual passion, not based on which major is likely to earn the most money.

Let them solve problems: Your student may ask you to intervene in a problem situation.

Resist the urge to handle the situation for them. Act as consultant as your student learns to problem-solve and communicate.

Express confidence and be realistic: Your student will encounter roadblocks and disappointments along the way.

Allow them to make mistakes, and let them know that you are confident that they can work through issues that may arise.

Help them learn the difference between disappointment and failure: At some point your student will likely experience something they will label as a failure, such as a “C” on a test, even if it is not. Assure them that their best effort is all you expect.

Parent and Support Network Resources

Transitioning into independent adulthood and an academic career can be difficult, and we know that support during this time is important. Here you will find some resources about supporting your students during this time.

Read the Guide to Your Student's Wellbeing and Personal Safety written by the Office of Health Promotion.

Are you concerned about your student's basic needs? If they are experiencing insecurity in housing, food, academics, The Office of Case Management can help. Their professionals help connect students with resources so they can feel secure, and can better reach their academic goals. You can learn more about Case Management by visiting the Officee of Case Management website.

If you are concerned about your student's substance use, we encourage you to visit our Recovery website for information about resources, support groups, and individual consultation. The Office of Health Promotion does not provide therapy or substance misuse treatment.