Dealing With a Homesick Student

Listen to your child
Express empathy
Express confidence and love
Encourage your student to stay at school on the weekends

The first few weeks, even months, of college are a big adjustment for new students. Even those who are very excited to go off to college can be overwhelmed by the reality of college life. Many find that the transition to college can change almost every aspect of their life.

Your student may call you to complain, but he isn’t necessarily looking to you to solve his problems, more than likely he is hoping for sympathy.

NIACC’s Student Service Department offers free counseling to all NIACC students. A counselor is available from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. The counseling center is located in the Student Development Office in the Pierce Administration Building.

Dealing with Illness

Plan ahead for illness and medical emergencies by giving your child an insurance card and explaining the co-pay process.

If possible send emergency funds with them to pay for co-pays and prescriptions.

Transfer existing prescriptions to a local pharmacy.

If your student wears glasses or contacts, be sure he has a copy of the current prescription with him at school.

Prepare a health kit for your child and include the following items:

Box of tissues
Bandages
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen
Cough Syrup or lozenges

Student Health Services are available through Mercy Family Medical Residency of North Iowa and the Community Health Center. Students have access to a physician for consultation on any medical issue through the Student Health Clinic voucher (no cost to the student). Other services such as laboratory testing, radiology services, and other consultation services will be scheduled at a separate visit and billed to the student/and or insurance.

Students may obtain a voucher from one of the following:

• Mark Vrba, Recreation Center
• Jeremy Winters, Director of Housing
• Ryan Flickinger, Athletic Office
• Lisa Ketelsen, Wellness Cordinator
• Rachel McGuire, Dean of Student Development

An appointment will be made within twenty-four hours of this request, Monday through Friday. Appointment requests taken after 8:00 am on Friday may be scheduled no later than 4:30 pm on Monday.

Family Health Line: This a community service which is offered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is staffed by a RN. Health information, physician referrals, community services and hospital services are some of the offerings of this service. (641) 422-7777 or (800) 468-0050