UHS Resources for Parents and Families
Parents and families play an important role in supporting their students’ health
Whether you are nearby or supporting your student from afar, you can help support your student’s health through open conversations, an awareness of resources, and empowering your student in their health needs and decisions.
Looking for more resources for parents and families?
Conversation Guide
One of the ways parents and families can support their students is through conversations about important health topics. While conversations about alcohol use, sexual violence, and mental health can be difficult, they make a difference to your student and how they navigate campus. As partners in your student’s success, we invite you to join in these important conversations to help to make UW–Madison a campus where students can thrive.
For some families, it can be helpful to have talking points to start the conversation. Your relationship with your student is unique, and we encourage you to approach these topics in ways that feel authentic, honest, and empathetic.
Alcohol and Drugs
You can help empower your student to think proactively about their health and safety and the health and safety of their community.
Mental Health
You play a vital role in telling your student that you would support their decision to seek help for mental health concerns.
Sexual and Relationship Violence
Open conversations can help your student feel comfortable expressing needs and boundaries, which supports healthy, respectful relationships.
Incoming students and families
The transition to college is an important time for students and their loved ones. Key information, dates, and resources for incoming students and families are available to support you.
Student health records
Student health privacy
If your student is 18 years or older, their health records are protected by federal and state health privacy laws. We can’t talk to parents and family members about a student’s health without their permission. With a student’s permission, UHS clinicians speak with parents regularly and appreciate parental involvement when appropriate.
Health care power of attorney
Students have the right to receive information about and assistance with advance directives and designating someone (known as a health care power of attorney) to make health care decisions for them in the event that they are unable. These designations do not automatically allow access to students’ health records.
Releases of information
Students can complete a Release of Information after they establish care at UHS. We’re often asked if the student can sign a “blanket” release of information form and the answer is no. In health care matters, advance releases are not legally defensible and can be revoked by the student at any time.