Western Michigan University Parent and Family Guide
Communication/Transition Advice
Talk to your student about communication BEFORE college starts. How often do you need to hear from your student to know everything is ok? How do you want to communicate? Coming to a mutual agreement before your student comes to WMU can save your family a whole lot of stress and anxiety later.
You want your student to continue developing into a responsible, independent adult. So does WMU! We offer support in every area—with academics, social and emotional challenges, spiritual well-being, physical and mental health.
Your college student still NEEDS you—your wisdom, your counsel and most of all your love. Be encouraging and supportive through the challenging times, reassuring him or her of your trust, acceptance and confidence.
Allow your student to make mistakes and take responsibility for them. Most of us learn more from bouncing back from our failures than from our successes. It’s important to allow our students that same opportunity to learn and grow from their experiences.
If you sense something is not right, encourage your student to seek help. We have so many resources right here on campus. If your student is reluctant or refuses to seek assistance, let us know! We will quietly reach out to your student and offer help—in a confidential and non-judgmental way.
