Guidelines For Helping Troubled Students

• Talk to the student in private.
• Listen carefully.
• Show concern and interest.
• Avoid criticizing or sounding judgmental.
• Repeat back the essence of what the student has told you.
• Involve yourself only as much as you feel comfortable. Extending oneself can be a gratifying experience when kept within realistic limits.
• If the student resists help and you are concerned, contact Counseling Services to talk about your concerns.
• Use Counseling Services as a resource and discuss how a Counselor can be helpful to the student.

The Referral Process

• Suggest that the student come to Counseling Services during intake hours: 1:30PM - 3:45PM . Monday through Thursday. Sometimes it may be useful for you to walk the student over to our office.

• If you are concerned about a student but are uncertain about the appropriateness of a referral, feel free to call Counseling Services for a consultation.

• If the situation is an emergency, call the office while the student is with you and state, "The student needs an appointment immediately." Write down the appointment information (time, date, and location) for the student.

If the emergency takes place after office hours, call the Public Safety Office at 757-683-4000. They will forward any messages to the Counselor on-call.