What is Individual Counseling?

Counselors provide academic, career and personal counseling to help students succeed in college. Meeting with a counselor in their office, students are encouraged to talk about any problem or situation in their life that is interfering with their success in college. This may include family or relationship problems, financial problems and confusion over major requirements or college regulations. Counseling sessions may take one or more meetings with a counselor to review concerns and explore possible resolutions. We do not offer on campus psychiatric services or long-term psychotherapy, however we can help you find services in the community that can help you with almost any need.

What is Crisis Counseling?

Sometimes students can become so overwhelmed by life that they see no possible resolution. Fear of failure, problems with relationships, family, finances, medical, legal or academics can lead to excessive stress and anxiety. On rare occasions, students may feel so depressed that they think about hurting themselves or someone else. During these times, class performance may suffer and some may consider dropping out of college. If this describes you, you may need the help of a crisis counselor. Crisis counselors are trained to deal with students under stress. They offer insight into personal problems that might seem overwhelming. As a result of talking to one of our crisis counselors you may end up feeling better about yourself and your situation and obtain the resources you need to live a better life.

Workshops

The Counseling Services Center offers free, weekly student development workshops known as Staying On Track. Our goal is to help students become better prepared for college work and address career goals along with some of the difficulties that could arise during your enrollment. Please review our Group Workshops and Webinars tab for a more detailed description of our offerings.

Please contact us if you are interested in any of our services and would like to schedule an appointment. Please note: we do not offer on campus psychiatric services or long-term psychotherapy however we may refer students who need more in depth psychological mental health services to local services.

Dismissal Appeals

If a student fails to meet the standards following a probationary semester, they are dismissed and can no longer attend the college in a degree-granting program. There is an appeal process that allows students to explain why they failed to meet the standards, and why those circumstances would no longer be obstacles to progress.

Before writing an appeal, consider the following questions:

• What were the obstacles that prevented academic progress over the course of my enrollment?
• Has something changed in my life so that I can devote myself more to my studies and not repeat a semester of poor performance?
• Is this a better time to attend college and will I now be able to focus more on my studies? Yes or No
• Am I prepared get to class on time, concentrate and study so that I succeed? Yes or No

If after self-inquiry, you can answer these questions affirmatively, please familiarize yourself with the process and deadlines in the College Calendar or visit the Student Wellness & Counseling Center for assistance.

Information for Faculty and Staff

Faculty and staff members are sometimes the first to recognize the need for a student to receive counseling services. Unfortunately, not all students are willing to acknowledge this need or follow up with us. Counseling should only be seen as a support. It is best to encourage students to independently seek our services. The best referral comes to us after a caring instructor or staff person has personally discussed their concerns with the student, listened to the student's response, and then recognized the student's need for services. They can support the student to independently contact our office.