For Faculty/Staff/Parents

Concerned parents

It is our hope that you (parents) will look upon the Student Counseling Center as a positive support for your son or daughter. Much like Student Health Services, we exist to help ease your son or daughter's pain. Unlike the health center, we don't only deal with "sick" students.

The normal developing college age person has a heavy burden imposed on them in this stage of their life. They are asked to choose a career, be on the lookout for that special partner, separate from their parents and learn to live on their own, make new friends, perform well over and over again on tests and often earn enough money to make college enrollment possible.

Our primary role in this office is to support them in succeeding well in these life tasks. To this end we bring seminars to the entire student body, as well as individual classes, on such topics as stress and time management, relationships, and choosing a career.

Of course, there are times when the pressures get to students and they may feel the need for personal counseling. At such times we enter into a strictly confidential arrangement with the student and are unable to disclose any information to anyone unless we have the express written permission of the student. This is really a good thing because it often relaxes the student and allows them to explore very personal issues.

Most students are cared for in one to three visits. Referrals to specialists are made whenever necessary and, typically, when this is called for, the student is encouraged to bring his/her parents into the total therapy situation.

Our philosophy of helping strongly emphasizes the need for a strong support system. We view your support as a key element in encouraging your son or daughter to get the most out of college life and/or to bring them through the trouble times. Should you ever wish to call a counselor and discuss any issue of concern related to your son or daughter's well being, please do so.

Student Counseling
Barnes Hall, Room 210
(706) 864-1819
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For Faculty and Staff

Helping Students

In the course of teaching and/or working with students, it is not uncommon that you may arrive at a point in your relationship in which you are helping the student make decisions of a personal nature. This is as it should be - the master passing on his/her wisdom to the young and inexperienced.

Occasionally, you may be presented with students whose problems are beyond your expertise. Because bad/uninformed advice can often be harmful, it is best to acknowledge your lack of expertise in these matters and encourage the student to seek help through the counseling center.

Consultations

If you are worried about a student and need some ideas on what to do, then call the counseling center. Very often the "solution" is just a step away. Frequently, what is a novel situation to you, has been presented to the counselor before and he/she will have a helpful suggestion or two.

Some Signs a Student May Need to be referred

Cognitive:
Consistent inability to make sense
Frequent erroneous conclusions, often negative and exaggerated
Inability to make decisions
Focus of conversations frequently shifts from work-related to personal issues
Uncharacteristic poor work

Emotional:
Easily angered, possible outbursts
Cries easily
"Clinging" to you
Easily irritated

Behavioral:
Significant change in weight and/or personal hygiene
Frequent absences
Frequent sleeping in class
Fearful fidgeting (always or just at test time or when called upon)

Making a Referral

In referring a student to the Center, you might first suggest that they seek help. Literally, you might say, "May I make a suggestion?" (student says "ok"). "I hear what you're saying and I am here for you but the best advice I can give you is to contact (the counselor). He/she is trained to help people in this kind of situation. See what they can do for you."

If the student is reticent about making an appointment, you can make it for him/her or even walk over with the student. Once the initial hurdle of meeting the counselor is over, the student usually settles down and begins to find some relief.

Crisis

In the case of an emergency such as the expression of suicidal or homicidal thoughts; severe loss of emotional control; gross impairment in thinking ability or any bizarre behavior, contact Student Counseling at 706-864-1819 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. After 5 p.m. call NGCSU Public Safety at 706-864-1500.

Classroom Programs

An effective way to deal proactively with student concerns is to invite a counselor to your class for a short seminar. Any topic related to mental health/college life is possible. Frequently, this office has done seminars on stress management, anger management, communication skills, relationships, anxiety management, and the like.