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Student Issues and Resources

Homesickness/Adjustment

The transition to college life is one of constant, but usually manageable, change. Oftentimes, this experience is the first that separates a student from their family for an extended period of time. Your student may have just left the security of family and friends and is apprehensive about how to develop a new support system. As your student cultivates new friendships, a new support system develops and homesickness subsides. For a student who is shy or is unwilling to become involved in campus life, the task can be daunting, but we can help.

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Relationships

Without a doubt, relationship issues are some of our students’ biggest concerns. Students may find themselves sharing their room with a roommate for the first time. Their friendships grow and change, as each person continues to mature and develop. Students are also experimenting with their role and expectations in romantic relationships. Though these relationships can be positive, they can also cause significant stress during times of uncertainty or conflict.

If your student appears to be struggling with relationship issues, we can help. Encourage them to:

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Career Indecision

The college experience provides a venue for self-exploration and growth. Satisfying careers are typically an outgrowth of a person’s natural talents, students are presented with various opportunities to discover or maximize their abilities and potential.
The University Counseling Center our goal is to help the student understand their personality style, values, and interests to pursue a major and career that fits them best. We offer tests to determine interest areas and strengths, computer-assisted career exploration, and career planning courses.
The Career Services Office has experts in the world of work who can help you in planning, preparing, and obtaining employment while providing the opportunity for you to network with employers. Career Services staff can tailor academic and work experience to explore different careers, obtain an internship and help you get a great job after graduation.
The University Advising Resource Center (UARC) is a vital resource whose mission is to help students articulate and achieve their personal, educational, and career goals by providing relevant information, resources, and support. Academic advisors are very knowledgeable about university policies and procedures, as well as general education and degree requirements. Advisors can help students explore their options and serve as an advocate, while allowing the student to make an informed decision.
The Faculty at UW-Oshkosh, while nationally and internationally known for their research and professional work, are committed to helping students develop their academic and professional interests. Students are encouraged to talk to faculty and department chairs about their interests and developing direction, to get involved with student/faculty research and discuss opportunities in various fields.

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Anxiety and Uncertainty

A certain degree of anxiety is expected in life, but if your student experiences an excessive amount of nervousness and doubt that hinders study habits and/or participation in college activities, he or she may need to talk to someone. The staff of the University Counseling Center can help your child find ways to:

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Test/Math/Speech Anxiety

It is not uncommon for individuals to experience some forms of anxiety when it comes to academics. Sometimes students have difficulties with certain subjects, such as math, or taking exams. Others become fearful of talking in front of their class or a group of people. The University Counseling Center can help students learn to manage and overcome their anxiety in these areas. In addition, the Reading-Study Center is an excellent resource for students who:

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Depression

Students experience depression for a variety of reasons. A student who is depressed might be feeling blue, unable to get out of bed, have changes in their sleep and eating habits, or is withdrawing from friends and family. The University Counseling Center and the Student Health Center can help by:

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Suicidal Thoughts

Some students begin to feel so agitated, anxious, or hopeless that they begin to think about ending their life. If you notice your student acting differently, giving possessions away, or talking about wanting to die, please take these comments seriously. This student needs attention and help. Please encourage your student to make an emergency appointment at the Counseling Center or the Student Health Center, or call the Crisis Hotline

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Sexual/Gender Orientation (GLBTQ)

Young adulthood is a stage of exploration and developing self-awareness. This is also a common time for students to explore their sexual/gender orientation. Some students are fully aware of their orientation when they come to campus. Others are just beginning to discover or acknowledge their orientation. The college experience provides many opportunities for LGBTQ students, to receive support and develop a supportive peer group. They may also be presented with various challenges around campus. The University Counseling Center staff members are allies and resources for LGBTQ students seeking support and assistance.

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Social Pressure/Self Indentity

During college, students become more aware of who they are and what they value. Therefore, finding a collegiate peer group that shares similar interests and viewpoints is reassuring. However, those students struggling to fit in may compromise their values in order to be accepted by peers, and subsequently experience various internal conflicts. If your student feels ill at ease about fitting in, the University Counseling Center can help in dealing with:

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Difficulties in Course Work

Challenging course work is part of academic life; however, if a particular class causes undue frustration for your child, resources are available. Talking with the instructor is the first step in resolving a problem, and all instructors keep office hours designed for this purpose. Also, in the event they are needed, other on-campus services are available to assist students in dealing with course workloads and issues:

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Time Management

Sometimes students find it difficult to strike a balance between studying and socializing. While both are necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle, both also require various time commitments. The Reading-Study Center and the University Counseling Center can help students:

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Managing Finances

Your student may not have much experience managing finances and the responsibility of credit cards, long distance phone calls and other bills can be present new challenges. The Financial Aid Office can help with:

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Health Concerns

The Student Health Center is staffed by a physician and clinical nurse practitioners who can treat most routine health problems. Costs are kept to a minimum, but we recommend your student have adequate health insurance to pay for unexpected expenses. Medical insurance for students is offered through the university at a reasonable cost.

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