Parent & Family Resources

Welcome!
Those of us at Westfield State who work with students know how valuable a resource and support parents and other caregivers are to college students. We find that the students whose parents are actively aware and maintain open communication lines with their sons and daughters, are the ones who are the most likely to succeed academically, make wise and appropriate choices, and refrain from engaging in high-risk behaviors such as alcohol abuse.

Alcohol-Wise
This is an online alcohol prevention program for First Year college students. We are offering first year students a proven alcohol prevention course widely used by universities to reduce harmful drinking behavior which is one of the key reasons that students fail to complete their first year of college. WSU strongly encourages completion of this course before the start of the first semester. If you are interested in having your student participate in this program, go to www.3rdmilclassrooms.com. The fee for participating is $20. Please note the following instructions after logging onto the website:

  • After logging on, click on "NEW STUDENTS" link on the left side of page and then click "BEGIN ENROLLMENT"
  • Use the Control Number WFSAWP
  • Enter your student's email address in the online enrollment form and a password will be sent to his or her email address
  • The course takes less than 2 hours to complete and students can login and out, as needed. An automatic notification will be sent ot the student and the College Administrator upon course completion.

Listed below are some links to websites that you might find helpful and informative:

Search for Substance Abuse Services
From the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Public Health

How can the Counseling Center help parents?
We are available for consultation to parents by phone, by appointment or by email. We invite parents to call if they have any questions about how their son or daughter may obtain services at the Counseling Center. Detailed information about the Counseling Center Services may be found on the Counseling Services page. We are also available for questions about how parents may assist their sons and daughters who may be struggling with a specific problem or if they are in need of specific services. As well, we can help parents secure referrals to services outside of the college for their sons and daughters.

We are not able to talk with parents in any way about their son's or daughter's participation in counseling without the student's written consent for release of information. Confidentiality is a very important part of the counseling relationship we establish with students. We adhere to the guidelines re: confidentiality in therapeutic services as mandated by the Massachusetts General Laws, as well as those established by our certification and licensing boards.

Needing information about the use of anti-depressant medication for treatment of depression? The Information on Anti-Depressant Medication webpage offers information presented by a psychiatrist with an expertise in treating college students. The most commonly asked questions about depression and when anti-depressant medication are answered.

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