In academic advising we depend a great deal on faculty and staff in other departments to help us serve our advisees. But we also know the frustration of trying to help students make effective contacts in other departments and seeing our attempts fail. Keep a list of names, offices, and telephone numbers at hand for quick reference. When talking with students, pay particular attention to their expressed and implied needs. Often students won't ask to be referred for help, but they very much need referral.
Students are often uneasy about following through with a referral.
Try to make them comfortable with the idea, pointing out the friendliness, accessibility, and helpfulness of the people you are sending them to. This task can be crucial in the case of faculty and upper-level administrator referees, since students often find these people intimidating. Try to keep the chain of referrals as simple as possible. Often students will have to visit several offices to complete referral procedures. Help students reduce the run around by finding ways to eliminate steps.