The purpose of this publication is to assist faculty and staff members in enhancing the educational and personal achievements of University of New Hampshire students by providing some information about situations or circumstances in which the Counseling Center might lend assistance. The number of requests for consultation from faculty and staff members has increased dramatically over the past several years. The Center welcomes this concern on the part of faculty and staff members about the well-being of the students at the University. 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.
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. 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. 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.