A Guide for Faculty and Staff Members
The purpose of this page is to assist faculty and staff members in enhancing the educational and personal achievements of University of Dayton students by providing some information about situations or circumstances in which the Counseling Center might lend assistance.
The information contained in this document explains when professional counseling might be beneficial to an individual and how to make a referral to the Center. The concept of professional confidentiality and information about other types of referral and consultation services are also discussed.
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student-related topics, written by University Counseling Center professional.
FAQ's
What Is The Role Of The Faculty And Staff In
Assisting Students Who Have Problems?
Students often experience significant changes in their lives during the course of their education. Such changes, at times, become stressful enough to pose serious threats to the academic progress which students hope to make. The stress of academic, social, family, work, and/or financial concerns are often inter-related and may result in a student turning to you for help. In fact, anyone who is perceived as knowledgeable, caring, and trustworthy may be a potential resource in times of trouble.
A faculty or staff member's willingness to lend special assistance to students undoubtedly is influenced by the personal style and philosophy of the individual. Situational factors, such as class and residential hall size, also have a substantial effect on the type of interactions which occur between the faulty/staff and students. Nonetheless, there is ample evidence that faculty and staff members are often in a position to identify students who are troubled. Timely expressions of interest and concern may be a critical factor in helping students solve problems that are interfering with academic survival and success.
It is OK to suggest the Counseling Center to the troubled student. Having a professional therapist on hand may be a great relief to the student.
Is Consultation Available?
YES!!
The Counseling Center provides consultation services for students, staff, professionals, and faculty. These consultations often focus on a concern for an individual, behavioral problems which occur in classrooms and residence halls, or other issues that may have important psychological dimensions. The staff will attempt to respond to requests for consultation as soon as daily schedules permit. Please tell the receptionist if you think the situation is an emergency requiring immediate attention.
When Might Professional Counseling Be Beneficial?
1. Stated Need for Help
The desire for assistance in dealing with a problem may be stated directly or indirectly. For this reason, it is important not only to attend to the content of what a student may say but to understand the intentions and feelings underlying his or her message. Listening involves hearing the way things are being said, noticing the tone used, and observing the expressions and gestures employed. In fact, having someone listen attentively to an expression of a problematic feeling or thought is often a cathartic experience for the speaker which, in and of itself, can result in that individual feeling somewhat better
2. References to Suicide
It is often necessary to distinguish between a theoretical or hypothetical discussion of suicide and a statement which reflects true personal anguish. However, if an individual talks about or alludes to details of how, when, or where he or she may be contemplating suicide, then immediate referral is necessary. Regardless of the circumstances or context, any reference to committing suicide should be considered serious.
A judgment about the seriousness and possible lethality of the suicidal thought or gesture should be made with consultation with a Counseling Center Staff Professional (937-229-3141)
In the case of an actual suicide attempt, immediately call 911 or Public Safety (229-2121).
3. Changes in Mood or Behavior
Actions which are inconsistent with an individual's normal behavior may indicate that he or she is experiencing psychological distress. An individual who withdraws from usual social interaction, demonstrates an unwillingness to communicate, commits asocial acts, has spells of unexplained crying or outbursts of anger, or demonstrates unusual irritability may be suffering from symptoms associated with a psychological problem.
4. Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression are two of the more common symptoms which can present significant problems for students. Both of these rather common emotional states can impair an individual's normal functioning when they become prolonged or severe. When an individual's ability to function in a usual manner becomes impaired because of anxiety or depression, some kind of assistance should be recommended.
5. Psychosomatic Symptoms
Individuals who experience tension-induced headaches, nausea, or other physical pains which have no apparent organic cause may be experiencing psychosomatic symptoms. Such psychosomatic symptoms are physically real, including the pain. Other physical symptoms of possible problems may include a loss of appetite or excessive eating, insomnia or excessive sleeping, gastrointestinal distress or gynecological problems.
6. Traumatic Changes in Personal Relationships
Personal problems often result when an individual experiences a traumatic change in a personal relationship. The death of a family member or close friend, difficulties in marriage or family relationships, divorce, changes in family responsibilities, and difficulties in other significant relationships can all result in increased stress and psychological difficulties.
7. Drug and Alcohol Abuse
Indications of excessive drinking, drug abuse, or drug dependence are almost always indicative of psychological problems. In the case of a drug overdose or severe drug reaction, call the Public Safety (937-229-2121) or 911.
8. Learning Problems
Many students find the demands of college-level academic work to be greater than they anticipated. While it is expected that all students will go through some adjustment period in this regard, those who demonstrate a consistent discrepancy between their performance and their potential may be in need of assistance. Poor study habits, incapacitating test anxiety, or repeated absences from class are all issues which might benefit from counseling services. Learning Assistance Center and Office for Students with Disabilities (937-229-3684) are two offices that also deals with these issues.
9. Retention Issues
Research conducted at the University has shown that counseling services are effective in combating student attrition. Students who are considering dropping out of school, contemplating a transfer to another institution of higher education, or worrying about possible academic failure may find counseling to be a useful resource during their decision-making.
When To Refer?
Aside from the signs or symptoms that may suggest the need for counseling, there are other guidelines which may help the faculty or staff member define the limits of his or her involvement with a particular student's problem. A referral is usually indicated in the following situations:
1. A student presents a problem or requests information which is outside your range of knowledge.
2. You feel that personality differences which cannot be resolved between you and the student will interfere with your helping the student.
3. The problem is personal, and you know the student on other than a professional basis (friend, neighbor, relative, etc.).
4. A student is reluctant to discuss a problem with you for some reason.
5. You do not believe your contact with the student has been effective.
How To Refer?
When you have determined that a student might benefit from professional counseling, it is usually best to speak directly to the student in a straightforward fashion that will show your concern for his or her welfare. It is not advisable to attempt to deceive or trick the student into seeking counseling. Make it clear that this recommendation represents your best judgment based on your observations of the student's behavior. Be specific regarding the behaviors that have raised your concerns, and avoid making generalizations about the individual.
Except in emergencies, the option must be left open for the student to accept or refuse counseling. If the student is skeptical or reluctant for whatever reason, simply express your acceptance of those feelings so that your own relationship with the student is not jeopardized. Give the student an opportunity to consider other alternatives by suggesting that he or she might need some time to think it over. If the student emphatically says "no," then respect that decision, and again leave the situation open for possible reconsideration at a later time.
If the student agrees to the referral, the student may call or go to the Counseling Center to make an appointment. You may want to assist the student in making the appointment by having them call the Counseling Center from your office. The student's first contact with the Center will typically be an intake interview in which the student and the intake counselor make decisions about the type of help needed. Intake appointments are usually scheduled within a week of the student's request to be seen at the Center. Students requiring immediate help because of psychological difficulties are seen the same day on an emergency basis. Finally, you should follow up with the student at a later date to show your continued interest even if he or she did not accept your attempted referral.
In emergency situations involving students who are unwilling or unable to seek help on their own, faculty or staff members may call the Counseling Center (937-229-3141) or Public Safety (937-229-2121).
What About Confidentiality?
It is important for members of the University community to understand that the interviews conducted by psychologists are confidential in nature. Information about those interviews or the content of such interviews cannot be released except upon the student's written request, in circumstances which would result in clear danger to the individual or others, or as may be required by law. The Counseling Center adheres very strictly to this policy.
If a faculty or staff member is interested in a student's contact with the Center, information can best be obtained directly from the student. It should be noted that students are not bound by the same promises of confidentiality that professional psychologists are obliged to keep.
What About Emergencies That Occur During The Weekday Or After Normal Office Hours?
Emergency assistance is provided 24 hours a day during the academic year when the residence halls are open. Immediate psychological help is available either by calling the Counseling Center (937-229-3141) during business hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or after hours, by calling Public Safety (937-229-2121). If after hours, Public Safety will ask the student for his/her name and phone number and then the "on call" professional will phone the student to provide assistance.
Are Counseling Services Available To Faculty And Staff?
While the Counseling Center does not provide ongoing counseling services for University employees, staff psychologists will meet with such individuals to assist in assessing a concern or problem and making an appropriate referral to another source of help.
--adapted from the University of New Hampshire