Recognizing the signs of emotional distress and responding with interest and concern in a timely manner may be a critical factor in helping students resolve problems that are interfering with academic achievement. The following guidelines outline when professional counselling might be beneficial to a student and how to make a referral to on-campus counselling services, e.g. Counselling Services, Student Health Services, Women Students' Office, and International Student Services. Confidentiality and information about emergency services and consultation are also described. Student Services appreciates the concern faculty and staff have for the well-being of students and values the role that faculty and staff play in linking students to campus resources.
Students typically experience university as a time of significant transition and adjustment.
Many students have temporary setbacks or special needs which can be surmounted if they can access the necessary resources. When barriers students encounter are of an institutional nature, additional support and the development of enhanced coping resources are beneficial. Timely and effective assistance to address the needs of these students is important in order to increase the probability that they will achieve their academic goals. These difficulties may place them at considerable risk as they find themselves attempting to cope with the demands of university life. While remediation to enable these students to cope successfully may not always be possible, it is important that they access assistance to help them address the issues, explore alternatives, and make appropriate decisions.