Keeping Informed
As a parent of a college student you play a key role in your student’s health and wellness. Even though your child may be miles away from home, you will still be a primary source of health information for them. Just like a normal doctor's or therapist's office, the resources on campus are often bound by ethical requirements and are required to keep information private between the provider and the patient. We encourage parents and family members who wish to stay informed of their student's well-being have a conversation before they transition to campus around communication expectations.
Conversation Starters
Parents and families should have conversations with students that encourage them to take ownership of their health and well-being, like letting them schedule their own appointments or reflecting on adjustments and changes that prioritize healthy choices. Some questions to get conversations started could be:
- How are you taking care of yourself when things feel stressful?
- How do you prioritize healthy habits like physical exercise, getting a good night of sleep, or eating a balanced meal at the dining hall?
- What is your game plan to call and schedule an appointment when it is necessary?
- Are you familiar with our family's medical history? Do you have access to your immunization cards?
- What habits are currently not working for you? How are you making small adjustments to feel better?
Student Health
Student Health provides primary medical care for registered University of Iowa students -- the same care a student would receive from a healthcare provider in a hometown. Parents and families should encourage students to schedule with Student Health for any non-emergent services like annual exams, allergy treatments, psychiatry, sexual health services, and more. Parents and families are also encouraged to check out the Parents and Guardians page of the Student Health website for more information.
University Counseling Service
The University Counseling Service (UCS) offers a variety of mental health consultation, counseling, and outreach services for currently enrolled University of Iowa students. Clinical services options include individual counseling and psychotherapy, group counseling and psychotherapy, couple or relationship counseling, and more. Parents and families should encourage students to seek the same help they had in high school or help their student identify when additional mental health support is beneficial.
Recreational Services
The Department of Recreational Services is an integral part of the Hawkeye tradition. They are the hub of campus-wide competitive and recreational activities and maintain many campus facilities including the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center, the Field House, and the Hawkeye Recreation Fields. Parents and families are invited to visit and use these facilities when they are visiting their students on campus by paying the daily walk-in fee.
Collegiate Recovery Program
The University of Iowa Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP) provides an environment that supports the therapeutic and educational needs of Iowa students who are considering recovery, in recovery, or wanting to support those in any stage of recovery from addiction. Parents and families can prompt their students to access these resources as soon as they recognize the problem.
Student Wellness
Student Wellness offers individually tailored, one-on-one health consultations, group workshops, events, and other programming to all University of Iowa students. Parents and families should encourage students to attend programming or reach out to Student Wellness when they want to focus on creating or sustaining their healthy lifestyle choices through fitness, nutrition, stress management, tobacco cessation, alcohol and drug use, and sexual health.
Student Care and Assistance
Through coordinated efforts with campus partners, Student Care and Assistance helps students overcome challenges to be successful and continue towards graduation. Student Care and Assistance supports students through situations like hospitalization, death of a family member, natural disasters, or unexpected events. Parents and families should reinforce the importance of the support Student Care and Assistance can provide with any long-term absences when done proactively.
Basic Needs and Support
An important part of remaining healthy while at Iowa includes access to basic needs. The Basic Needs and Support team offers resources like the Food Pantry, Clothing Closet, and the Hawkeye Meal Share program.
Parents and families should direct students to take ownership of their health and well-being on-campus by scheduling personal appointments or asking for help on their own. We hope you will share these phone numbers below and talk to your student about creating a plan to outreach and schedule an appointment when it is time. We discourage parents and guests from contacting these offices directly for their student for multiple reasons, but most importantly to help their student develop essential life skills.
Student Health: 319-335-8394
Student Wellness: 319-335-8394
University Counseling Service: 319-335-7294
Student Care and Assistance: 319-335-1162