Care’s Corner is the weekly advice and opinions column of The Panther. Opinions Editor, Caroline Linton, dives into relevant Chapman and college life topics that are on the minds of real university students. All student quotes in Care’s Corner are kept anonymous, with grade level and major provided, in order to garner the most genuine answers possible in the case of sensitive or controversial subjects. You can submit questions for advice, college confessionals and any issues you would want to see in Care’s Corner here. 

Whether you check in with your college kid every single day or once a month, concern over their safety and wellness is always on a parent’s mind. Your child is away from home, whether it be 10 miles away or 2,000, in a completely new setting, being faced with choices and uncharted experiences. I know all the unknown can cause a bit of anxiety for parents, but do not fret, I am here to provide some basic insider information on safety and mental health among Chapman University students.

The city of Orange, California is any parents’ dream for their child’s college experience. Settled in suburban Orange County, Chapman University sees minimal threats to security. The Panther Alert emergency email system keeps students informed about any major safety concerns and campus security, Public Safety (P-Safe), is available to students at any and all hours. A walk to Old Towne Orange, aka The Circle, is generally an extremely safe journey for your child and their friends during any point in the day or night. The surrounding area being majorly local schools and residential neighborhoods, Chapman University’s open campus is rarely an apprehension for current students. 

Students feel overwhelmingly safe at Chapman University, but it is still important to be aware of the available resources the school provides and their effectiveness. Although many have never been faced with having to deal with a safety concern, some do question the capability of these measures. A survey conducted for this column shows that around 60% of students feel Chapman has adequate safety procedures in place. About 20% said they do not feel the university would properly handle an emergency situation and those who said they were unsure, cited personal experiences with P-Safe or Safe Ride, where matters could have been dealt with more diligence. Although trepidation does exist, students know who to call in any given emergency and still majorly trust that the university will handle their case with care and efficiency.

But I know you are not all worried about physical safety. Your kids are attending a private university in Orange County, there are much more sketchy alternatives, of which I’m sure you are aware. Mental Health is the other main concern. College is a time of major life decisions, freedom and independence and so many intense stressors. It is natural for parents to worry if their child is really okay or needs extra support that cannot be given from a state away or even further. 

A little more than a third of the way through the semester and students on average are feeling positive about their current mental state. Sure classes, midterms and outside commitments are piling up by this point in the year, but most students have found ways to implement brain breaks into their schedule to keep their sanity intact. Whether it’s a movie night with roomies, a solo workout session to clear their head or maybe even a call with you, your child has most likely set aside time in their hectic week to make sure they are checking in on their mental health. 

Chapman University has many resources for your child if you do think they are struggling with mental health. On a personal note, from a Chapman University senior, I know nothing puts my mind at ease than an impromptu call from my parents. Yes, I may not always be able to pick up because I am out with friends or trying to finish that last minute assignment, but knowing that they are there to listen to me rant or give me the latest update on life at home is indescribably comforting. 

So parents, I know it is your unending job to be concerned for your children, but do not cause yourself too much stress. Keep tabs on your kid but find some solace in knowing your child is in a safe area and is finding ways to balance all the responsibilities and new social settings they are facing. Life at Chapman University is a good one and you should be proud of the energy and years you spent preparing them for this exciting chapter of their lives.