Professionals at UCCS use their expertise to assist members of the university community in maximizing their effectiveness to help students.

Referring Students to UCCS If you have specific questions about a student and how best to approach that individual, consult with a UCCS professional between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday -Friday by calling 612-624-3323.

UCCS does NOT provide after-hours crisis counseling. If you are a student or you know a student who is experiencing a crisis weekdays before 8:00 a.m. or after 4:30 p.m., or anytime on weekends and holidays, contact:

• Crisis Connection 612-379-6363

Assisting Students in Distress is an online resource providing guidelines for faculty and staff of the University of Minnesota to assist student in distress.

Students often experience stress (e.g., academic, social, financial) during their college careers. While many students cope, some find themselves feeling overwhelmed.

Your role as a faculty or staff member on campus gives you the unique opportunity of ongoing, direct contact with students. You also are in a position to identify students who are struggling. Because emotional distress can interfere with a student's academic performance or social interactions, faculty and staff are often in good positions to recognize a student in distress. By communicating interest and concern to a distressed student, you may play an important role in helping that student regain the balance to cope with distress and function well. If you are not sure how to approach a student you are concerned about, consult with a colleague, or call University Counseling & Consulting Services (UCCS) and ask to speak with a counselor. UCCS counselors are available to serve as consultants to faculty and staff on handling difficult student situations.

You should determine your comfort level with becoming involved with student concerns. It is important that you know your own limitations and training in providing assistance to students. If you choose to approach a student you're concerned about, or if a student reaches out to you for help with personal concerns, here are some suggestions that might make the opportunity more comfortable for you and more helpful for the student.

Talk to the student, either alone or with someone else, in private. Speak directly and honestly.

Express Your Concern in specific, nonjudgmental terms. Listen to thoughts and feelings in a sensitive, non-threatening way. Communicate understanding by repeating back the essence of what the student has told you

Let the Student Know that you believe a counselor would be of help. If the student takes a defensive posture, simply restate your concerns and recommendations.

Scheduling An Appointment. Students should make their own appointments if possible. You can assist this process by offering the student immediate use of your phone. Students should call (612) 624-3323 to schedule an appointment in Appleby Hall or Coffey Hall. Students can also visit the Counseling Center (340 Appleby Hall) between 8:00a.m. and 4:30p.m., Monday through Friday. The receptionist will arrange for the student to meet with a staff member as soon as possible. In urgent situations, we will assist the student immediately.