WELCOME, PARENTS!
We’re so excited to have you here and to welcome you into the Jayhawk family. Thank you for being an important part of your student’s KU journey.
We hear you.
Your questions. Real answers. Helpful resources.
Sending your student to college comes with a lot of questions. Will they find their community? Will they be supported? Will they be safe? And perhaps most importantly: Will they be OK?
You asked. We found the KU resources, programs and people that can help answer those questions.
Q:“What counseling and mental health services are available to my student?”
A:Support is available when life gets hard. CAPS provides individual and group therapy, psychiatric services, same-day drop-in appointments and other clinical support.
- Academics & support
- Health & well-being
- Community & belonging
- Careers & future
- Paying for KU
- Family & safety
“Can my student balance academics and campus involvement?”
Yes. Getting involved can be an important part of a successful college experience.
With hundreds of student organizations, campus events, leadership opportunities and activities, your Jayhawk can find ways to connect that fit their interests and schedule.
Your student doesn’t have to choose between finding their people and finding academic success.
“My biggest concern was being able to manage her time and balance her interests. While she excelled in this in high school, college exposes you to more things, and there is a risk of overcommitting. She’s been able to pursue everything she wanted to and still perform very well.”
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“Will my student have the support they need?”
They won’t have to figure everything out alone.
From advising and tutoring to career guidance and personal support, KU has people and resources to help students find their way forward. Hawk Link is a good place to start.
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“How does KU support my student with a disability?”
Students don’t have to navigate college without support.
The Student Access Center works with students to provide reasonable accommodations, remove barriers to academic success and build self-advocacy skills. Students can also access tutoring, peer coaching and other academic support.
“My student relied on a 504 plan in high school. I knew that academic support existed, but I was unsure of whether our son had the skills to find and utilize them. It’s wonderful as long as you are aware of the resources available to help your students succeed and utilize them.”
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“What resources are available if my student becomes sick or needs medical care?”
Your student has health care close to home, right on campus.
Watkins Health Services offers medical care, urgent care, pharmacy, lab services, physical therapy and more. Students can also use a 24-hour nurse helpline for health questions outside regular hours.
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“What counseling and mental health services are available to my student?”
Support is available when life gets hard.
Counseling and Psychological Services, or CAPS, provides therapy, psychiatric services and other support. Students can also access same-day drop-in appointments and expanded mental health services through Mantra Health.
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“Will my student really feel at home at KU?”
Home looks different for every Jayhawk.
It might mean finding friends, a favorite spot, a student organization or people who share their interests. With hundreds of ways to connect and get involved, students can find a community that feels right for them.
“We felt such relief during move-in weekend when we finally met her roommates. Everyone on campus was so helpful and kind. Our first Family Weekend, she was able to drive us around, tell us all the local hangouts, and navigated the town with ease.”
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“Will KU prepare my student for what’s next?”
Career preparation starts long before senior year.
The University Career Center helps students explore careers, build résumés, prepare for interviews, find internships and connect with employers. Students can also gain experience through research, global learning and other hands-on opportunities.
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“How can we make KU more affordable?”
There are several ways to make a KU education more affordable.
From scholarships and financial aid to payment options and resources that can help families understand their costs, KU offers tools to help you plan for college expenses.
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“Is KU really worth the investment?”
A college education is a big investment. It’s fair to ask what your student gets in return.
KU graduates receive $5.70 in benefits for every $1 invested toward a degree, and CampusROI ranks KU No. 1 in Kansas for return on investment. But value is about more than numbers. It’s also the knowledge, experience and connections students build along the way.
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“What does safety look like at KU?”
Safety at KU is a community effort.
KU Police provides 24/7 service, while residence hall staff, prevention programs, counseling professionals and students add layers of support. Programs such as Jayhawks Give a Flock also encourage students to look out for one another.
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“How will I know they’re doing OK?”
You may not know everything. And that’s part of letting your student become more independent.
KU has systems in place to help students recognize when they need support and connect with the right resources, including advisors, faculty, Hawk Link and Student Support and Case Management.
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