Frequently Asked Questions for Parents

Emergency Issues

What should I do if my child (a Northeastern student) has been a victim of a physical or sexual assault?

Immediately contact the Northeastern University Police Department (NUPD) at 617.373.3333. They are available 24/7.

My child is having a medical emergency, a mental health emergency, or a substance abuse issue. What can I do?

For all emergency issues where the safety of the student is at risk, immediately contact Northeastern University Police Department (NUPD) at 617.373.3333 (emergency calls only, available 24/7).

For non-emergency medical, mental health, or substance abuse issues, contact University Health and Counseling Services (UHCS) at 617.373.2772 or [email protected] or FIND@Northeastern at 877.233.9477 (within the U.S.) or 1.781.457.7777 (outside of the U.S.).

For substance abuse issues, you can contact the Office of Prevention and Education at Northeastern (OPEN).

I'm worried that my child has been having suicidal thoughts. Who can I contact?

This is an emergency situation. Immediately contact Northeastern University Police Department (NUPD) at 617.373.3333. They’re available 24/7.

I think my child has a substance abuse problem. Is there someone at Northeastern who can help?

The Office of Prevention and Education at Northeastern (OPEN) provides education, consultation, and programming on topics related to alcohol and other drugs. Additionally, University Health and Counseling Services (UHCS) and FIND@Northeastern offer counseling, information, and support services for students who may have a substance abuse issue.

In emergency situations, or when the immediate personal safety of a student is in question, always call NUPD first at 617.373.3333 (emergency calls only, available 24/7).

Transition Issues

My child is having difficulties with the transition from home life to college life. Is there someone who can help them?

Students living on their own, away from home, for the first time can sometimes feel overwhelmed. Please look through the questions below to identify a specific need. If you do not find what you are looking for, please contact We Care at 617.373.7591 or [email protected]. We’re here to help!

My child is having a problem with their roommate. Can they have their room changed?

For on campus concerns, please contact Residential Life. If they’re having trouble handling other issues in their life, they should contact We Care or University Health and Counseling Services (UHCS).

What should my child do if they are having a problem with an off-campus living situation?

For off campus concerns, please contact Off Campus Engagement and Support office. If they’re having trouble handling other issues in their life, they should contact We Care, University Health and Counseling Services (UHCS), or FIND@Northeastern.

My child is feeling overwhelmed with their workload and other responsibilities. What should they do?

For any academic problems concerning their classes, they should speak to their academic advisor. If they’re having trouble handling other issues in their life, they should contact We Care, University Health and Counseling Services (UHCS), or FIND@Northeastern.

What should my child do if they are having a hard time making friends at Northeastern?

If your child is having having a hard time connecting they can reach out to various offices on campus based on their interests. These include Residential Life, the Center for Student Involvement (CSI), the Center for Spirituality, Dialogue, and Service (CSDS), or the Center of Community Service.

Academic Issues

My child is having trouble with their classes and they feel overwhelmed with the work. Who can they talk to?

The best person for a Northeastern student to speak to regarding academic issues is their academic advisor. You can find a list of student advisors by College here.

My child is very unhappy and thinking about dropping out of school. Is there someone they can talk to?

They should reach out to their academic advisor or We Care. If they’re having trouble handling other issues in their life, they should contact We Care or University Health and Counseling Services (UHCS) or FIND@Northeastern.

Other Concerns

What should I do if my child's problem isn't included here?

If your child is experiencing difficulties with some other issue, please contact We Care at 617.373.7591 or [email protected]. We can connect them to the right resource that can assist them.