QPR - Suicide Prevention Training
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Dealing with Tragedies: A Guide for Faculty and Staff
Student Counseling Services Faculty and Staff Guide (PDF)
Memorandum to the faculty: Teaching troubled students after the Virginia Tech shootings Guide (PDF)
Its primary goal is to assist students to enhance and facilitate their educational experience at the University. SCS staff members are professional psychologists, social workers and counselors. All staff members have been trained to assist students with their personal, educational, and career needs, and have special expertise in dealing with the variety of problems presented by college students. The resources of the staff are supplemented by the services of a consulting psychiatrist. SCS maintains total confidentiality in all matters discussed with students.
University students experience stress on a daily basis, working to maintain a balance among academic, social, family, financial, and work demands. While many cope successfully, others have trouble. For some, the pressures become overwhelming. These students may experience a crisis that impairs learning, as well as their ability to function in other areas of life. As faculty and staff members, you are often the first to notice when students are in trouble. Your willingness to help may make a difference in their ability to survive and succeed academically.
Everyone experiences stress but when reactions are prolonged or severe, students may have trouble coping. Here are some signs of students in distress. The number and intensity of these signs can indicate the level of distress:
Indicators that reflect a more serious problem and require an immediate response:
In non-emergency situations, you might decide not to intervene if the problems seem minor or temporary. When choosing to speak to a student, the following guidelines may help:
Emergencies are rare, but they can occur. If an occasion arises when you are dealing with a student who is disoriented, out of control, or engaging in bizarre behavior, there are several things to consider:
If possible, do not leave the student alone. If for some reason you must leave the student, have someone stay with the student until you return or help arrives. Avoid having too many people around, which could embarrass the student and make the situation more difficult.
Sometimes, however, a student will have problems that you are not comfortable addressing. In these situations, the best and most appropriate option is to refer the student to others who can provide assistance. When you believe a referral to SCS is the best option, consider these guidelines:
A student seeking services from the SCS first meets with a counselor for an initial assessment. During the initial assessment, the counselor will talk with the student about his or her concerns and about what type of service or referral will best meet the student’s needs. Initial assessment interviews are available on an appointment basis.
SCS provides a number of services to students. Group counseling, available to part-time and full-time students, is recommended for students dealing with interpersonal concerns and self-esteem issues.
Individual counseling is available to students who are registered for five or more credits. In individual counseling, a student meets weekly with a counselor to discuss personal concerns and problems. The topics students often talk about vary, but often include depression, stress, relationships, alcohol and drug use, and career decisions.
Psychiatric consultations are also available to discuss issues related to medication.
The Career Services area of SCS assists students in the initial exploration and development of their career plans. Counselors help students choose an academic major, identify and examine career options, or identify personal needs and interests related to their career.
