Resources for Families
Parents and family members are often the first people a student calls when they are having difficulties in college. There are situations that arise throughout the academic year, when parents or families need to get involved or seek help for their student. Due to FERPA regulations, it can be difficult to get answers or assistance on behalf of your student.
Student Care Services may work closely with parents and families to determine how
best to support students and discuss available campus and community resources. As
a parent or family member, you offer a valuable perspective often providing historical
information that helps Student Care Services better conceptualize the student’s behaviors,
struggles, and how to successfully approach him or her with reasonable options.
In order for Student Care Services answer specific information about a student our
office requires a Release of Information.
- The form must be signed by the student and sent from their student email or
- The student may come in person to our office in Cohen Student Union 288
If there is an imminent risk of harm or danger, please dial 911. If the matter is urgent and it is after regular business hours, your student may contact the help line: 239-745-EARS (3277).
If you are concerned about your student for any reason (academically, socially, financially, medically, or other concerns) and you are not sure how to get them help, you can submit a Care and Concern Referral. Student Care Services will reach out to the student to get them the support they need.
Parents and family members can connect with Student Care Services for a variety of reasons, including:
- If you have general questions about navigating university policies, procedures, or services.
- If your student is missing class due to a hospitalization, medical emergency, or family emergency. In these cases, we also encourage you to review the Class Absence Request Form.
- If you believe your student will not be able to complete the semester due to an extenuating circumstance. In these cases, we also encourage you to review the Withdrawal for Extenuating Circumstances petition process.
Please refer to this Parent Resource Guide for tips on helping to maintain your student's mental health, provided by The JED Foundation.
We encourage parents to submit a Care and Concern Referral when there is reason to
be concerned. If you are unsure whether to make a referral, ask yourself:
- Is the student missing multiple classes?
- Is there something going on in your family (e.g., death, divorce, other significant event) that may negatively affect the student’s performance?
- Have you noticed a significant change in the student’s behavior?
- Has the student been ill for a long period of time?
- Is the student presenting signs of being in distress (e.g., feeling incredibly overwhelmed, talking about “wanting to give up," or other signs of significant stress)?
- Is the student isolating themselves?
If you answered yes to any of these, it's never a bad idea to refer. If you are still
uncertain about whether to submit a Care and Concern Referral, you may contact our office at care@fgcu.edu or 239-590-7900.
If you would like to discuss your concern or share information about the FGCU student
prior to submitting a Care and Concern Referral, contact Student Care Services. In
some cases, our office can suggest offices on campus that can appropriately support
your student or suggest that you submit a referral so the team can assist in reaching
out to the student through multiple University offices.
Counseling-related concerns
If you believe your student would benefit, we encourage exploring services provided
by Counseling and Psychological Services. Although limited information regarding whether a student has been using these services
can be provided, a staff member is available to discuss your concerns and offer suggestions
based upon the counseling and counseling-related resources that are available at FGCU.
Conversation Starters
Are you concerned about your student? Not sure how to initiate the conversation with them? Below are a few suggestions that may aid in telling your student about campus resources.
“I can’t help but notice that you [list behaviors or concerns]. Have you spoken with anyone on campus about getting support?”
“Do you have anyone on campus that you think could be helpful to you right now?”
“Let’s submit a Care and Concern Referral so that Student Care Services can help talk through some of these challenges.”
“Who else on campus knows what you’ve been going through this difficult circumstance?”
“We can work through this. Let's start by talking with Student Care Services about what resources are available for you as a student.”
