Parent's Guide To Referrals

It is Fort Hays State University's philosophy to encourage students to personally seek solutions to their problems. Below are a number of issues that concern students from time to time. Suggestions are included for how you as a parent may be most helpful to your students, as well as the FHSU resources to which you may refer your student.

Problem    Suggested Parent Response    Who Student Should Contact At FHSU   
1. Absenteeism    Have a clear understanding before school starts about class attendance; try to determine the extent of the problem (one class or several). Faculty will permit students to make up work only for serious illness, death in the immediate family, or for representing the University off-campus. For all other absences, the professor will use his/her own judgment about whether or not the missed work can be made up.    Professor   
2. Academic Problems    Encourage student to contact Academic Success Services for a free tutor, help with study skills, time management, etc. Determine if student is attending class regularly; encourage student to secure a tutor by contacting the department chair.    Professor of the class (but only after student has attempted to deal with the problem); if necessary, follow-up with calls to department chair, the academic dean, or Academic Success Services. If problems are multiple, call the Office of Student Affairs.   
3. Alcohol (excessive)    Try to determine the extent of abuse, encourage student to secure help from the Kelly Center.    Residence Hall Director, Coordinator of the Drug and Alcohol Wellness Network (Kelly Center).   
4. Death in the Family    Keep student informed if there is a serious illness; make sure student is not alone when notice of death is given; permit student to return home for the funeral.    Residence Hall Director, Greek Advisor, Office of Student Affairs, Vice President for Student Affairs.   
5. Homesickness/ Loneliness    Before school starts determine when visits home will be scheduled and when you might be able to visit the campus (Tiger Friends and Family Day is a good time); let student know that homesickness is a common problem with freshmen but one that is rarely fatal; refer the student to services that can get him/her involved in the campus. Do not encourage repeat visits home.    Residence Hall Director, Office of Student Affairs for help in getting the student involved, Kelly Center for counseling.   
6. Illness of Student    Insist that student go to the Student Health Center for treatment. Be responsive but do not panic.    Student Health Center   
7. Parking Tickets    Have a clear understanding of the parking policies before school starts.    Campus Police   
8. Roommate Conflicts    Encourage students to take time to work through conflicts; discuss the educational value of learning to get along with someone who is different; help student to be appropriately assertive without being domineering.    Residence Hall Director, Director of Student Residential Life.   
9. Safety    FHSU is a relatively safe place, but students may need to be reminded that they need to take precautions. Tips on personal safety and the security of property will also be provided by the residence hall staff    Residence Hall Staff, Campus Police, Vice President for Student Affairs   
10. Transferring    Be patient; listen to your child's reasons for wanting to transfer; help the student evaluate his/her options; do not threaten; if you back the individual into a corner, you may make things worse.    Academic Advisor, Registrar   
11. Unsatisfactory Grades    Encourage student to discuss situation with the faculty member; secure a tutor by contacting the Academic Success Services or the Department Chair; remind student that there is still half of the semester to pull the grade up. Academic Success Services offers several programs on improving study skills and test taking.    Professor of the course, Academic Success Services, the Department Chair.   
12. Withdrawal from Class    This must be accomplished by consulting with student's academic advisor. The student should discuss the situation for withdrawing from a course with his/her advisor    Academic Advisor, Professor of course   

If you feel your student has not received an appropriate response to an inquiry, call the Office of Student Affairs (785) 628-5824 or the Vice President for Student Affairs (785) 628-4277.