Sending your student off to university for the first time is a significant milestone for them, and for you. This transition can bring excitement, growth, and new independence, but it can also come with challenges and uncertainty.
As your student navigates new responsibilities and independence, your connection and encouragement remain important. Stay connected, ask how you can support them, and listen. The shift from high school to university can be a big step, and your continued involvement can make a meaningful difference.
Below are some of the most common questions we hear from parents and supporters.
Frequently asked question
Health care providers are bound by the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA). This includes sharing medical, mental health or counselling information. Our health care providers cannot share details with parents or supporters unless the student consents. Information may be shared without consent only when there is an emergency.
Staff across the university are bound by the Freedom of Information Act and Protection of Privacy Act, including staff in Student Accessibility Services. Staff are not able to discuss a student’s information without their consent.
If your student wants you there, then absolutely. Many parents attend the first meeting with Student Accessibility Services. Keep in mind that the student must complete and submit their documentation.
Check in with your student and ask them directly about their mental health. If you are still worried that your student is in crisis, call Campus Safety Services at 905-688-5550 x3200, if they live in residence, or 911 if they live off campus. Please see Brock’s crisis supports to learn about other supports on campus to support your student.
Yes, Brock University has a pharmacy on campus called DrugSmart Pharmacy
Review the Student Accessibility Services site to learn how to support your student.
Your student is welcome to make an appointment with a doctor on campus. Please visit our Student Health Services page for details on how to book.
Some family doctors require notification that you are seeing another physician. Please inform your family doctor that your student will be seeing another physician while at University.
Wait times for counselling vary throughout the year. We have other supports available for students while they wait.
You will not be informed if your student is accessing mental health services unless they tell you. You will not have access to their medical records unless they authorize you to do so. Please see the question above about privacy.
You can listen to your student as they share their frustrations with you. Encourage them to reach out to Student Accessibility Services to talk through their issue and get the support they need.
Starting university is a big change for your student, but also for parents and supporters. Here is a great resource from the JED Foundation (a leader in campus mental health in North America):
Reach out
You are welcome to contact the Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre to talk about how to support your student if issues arise through the school year. Remember that staff will not be able to talk specifically about your student and their situation (see the question above about privacy) but may be able to provide some general information or advice.
Staying Connected
You can still be your students’ number one supporter. Learn more about all the exciting things happening at Brock University and how you can stay involved:
- BU4U site
- Parent Webinars
- Parent newsletter sign up
