What Parents Should Know

Studies have shown that parents’ opinions and guidance do influence their college students’ decisions, including regarding drug and alcohol use.

Parents can learn more by downloading "What Should Parents Know About Alcohol and Drugs on Campus?" The publication from SMU’s Dean of Student Life Office and Center for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention includes tips on discussing substance use, information about legal penalties and University sanctions, parental notification policies and suggestions on staying involved, such as:

• Call your student frequently during the crucial first semester, and know the signs of substance abuse, including lower grades, mood changes and an unwillingness to talk.
• Attend Family Weekend and other campus events, and ask to meet your student’s friends.
• Familiarize yourself with campus resources and encourage your student to use them, including:

• Center for Alcohol and Drug Abuse
  Prevention: 214-768-4021
• Dean of Student Life Office: 214-768-4564
• SMU Police Department: 911, or 214-768-3333
• Anonymous non-emergency crime tip: 214-768-2TIP
• Dr. Lisa S. Webb, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Student Life - lisawebb@smu.edu
• Deanie Kepler, SMU Parent Liaison - gkepler@smu.edu
• Dr. Lori S. White, Vice President for Student Affairs - askstudentaffairs@smu.edu

Related Links:

• What Parents Should Know About Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention at SMU ( 2008)
• Advice from SMU Parent Liaison Deanie Kepler