Counseling - Outreach and Workshops

Outreach in the Spotlight

Outreach Programs for Students

Student Counseling Services (SCS) offers a variety of outreach services including presentations, workshops, facilitated discussions, and other programming. Students can request programs on a variety of topics for their sorority, fraternity or registered student organization. Topics may include (but are not limited to) stress or time management, diversity issues, healthy relationships, assertive communication, alcohol and substance use issues, body image issues, warning signs of suicide, and conflict management. We will be happy to work with your organization to create an outreach program that fits your needs. Outreach programs are generally designed for 25-100 people and usually last between 45-90 minutes. In addition to general outreach programs, SCS offers the CHOICES campaign, which includes specific outreach activities that encourage ISU students, faculty, and staff to be mindful of the choices they have and make daily.

To request an outreach program, please download and complete the Outreach and Consultation Request form. The completed form may be mailed to , Outreach Coordinator; Student Counseling Services; 343 SSB; Campus Box 2420; Normal, IL, 61790. You will need to know the following information:

The contact person’s name, phone number and e-mail address
The name of the organization requesting the workshop
A description of the request
The proposed location of the event
Three proposed dates/days/times of the event*
The expected number of students who will attend – please ensure there will be at least 20 students in attendance; more is better!
Allow us at least two weeks to try to fill your request*
*We cannot guarantee that we can get a staff member to meet your group at the time and date you request, but if you give us several weeks and can be flexible about the date/time, there is a much greater chance that we can accommodate you.

Outreach Programs for Faculty and Staff

SCS staff members are also available to provide workshops, trainings, presentations, discussions, and other outreach programming to faculty staff. Frequently requested topics include stress management, communication strategies, dealing with difficult students, and suicide prevention. However, we are happy to create programs to fit a department or organization's needs. To request a program, contact , Outreach Coordinator, at 438-2907, or complete the Outreach and Consultation Request form.

Educational Articles and Materials

Student Counseling Services hosts a bi-monthly column that appears in the Vidette on alternate Mondays. These columns, which are written by SCS staff and ISU staff, faculty, and students, are also featured on our Self-Help Section and provide helpful information on a number of topics relevant to Illinois State students.

Additionally, Counseling Services has an extensive brochure collection on all kinds of mental health topics. Students, faculty and staff are welcome to stop by our office at 320 Student Services Building to pick up brochures.

Self-Help and Self-Assessments

The Student Counseling Services Self-Help Section is designed to help students quickly find information on a wide range of mental health issues.

Got Questions? Students sometimes wonder if their alcohol use, eating patterns, or mood shifts are normal or problematic. If you are questioning your behavior in any of these areas, our Online Self-Assessments may help. These self-assessments of depression, manic-depression, alcohol use, eating disorders, and anxiety/post-traumatic stress disorder are completely free and confidential. The screenings let you know if a consultation with one of our professional staff is advisable.

If, after completing one or more of the screenings, you would like to talk to one of our staff members, please contact Counseling Services to Schedule an Appointment or read about our services. While such screenings are valuable tools, they are best used along with a consultation with a mental health professional.