One objective of Counseling Services is to provide Concordia University faculty and staff with information that may increase student awareness and use of our service.

 
The purpose of this guide is to assist your efforts to enhance the educational and personal achievements of Concordia students by 1) helping you to evaluate when professional counseling may be warranted, and 2) facilitating your referrals.

The Counseling Offices are located in Rincker 115 and 119. Our staff consists of professional counselors whose education and interests have prepared them to help students explore a variety of personal and education-related issues which may be interfering with their academic and social development.

We welcome your questions and your feedback.

When might professional counseling be helpful?

Students seek counseling for a variety of reasons ranging from the need to solve a personal problem to the desire to explore ways to adjust to the challenges and changes inherent to the college experience. Unfortunately, many students struggle with their difficulties alone, unaware that help exists. As faculty or staff, you are in the position of observing students on a regular basis. You may be approached by a student who wants "to talk" or you may notice signs of distress. Being an attentive and caring listener to a student expressing feelings or thoughts may provide all the assistance that student requires. However, the following indicators may be useful in determining when to make a referral to Counseling Services.

Marked Changes in Academic Performance or Behavior

1. Poor performance and preparation
2. Excessive absences or tardiness
3. Repeated requests for special consideration
4. Unusual or changed pattern of interaction 
5. Avoiding participation, excessive anxiety when called upon
   

 
Changes in Mood or Behavior

1. Depressed or lethargic mood
2. Prolonged bouts of sadness, irritability, anger or withdrawal
3. Hyperactivity or very rapid speech
4. Swollen or red eyes
5. Change in personal hygiene or dress
6. Dramatic weight loss or gain 
7. Strange or bizarre behavior indicating loss of contact with reality
8. Any reference to, or notable interest in suicide
9. Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness

What Can You Do?

If you choose to approach a student you’re concerned about or if a student reaches out to you for help with personal problems, here are some suggestions which might make the opportunity more comfortable for you and more helpful for the student.

TALK to the student in private when both of you have the time and are not rushed or preoccupied. Give the student your undivided attention. It is possible that just a few minutes of effective listening on your part may be enough to help the student feel cared about as an individual and more confident about what to do.

If you have initiated the contact, express your concern in behavioral, nonjudgmental terms. For example, "I've noticed you’ve been absent from class lately and I’m concerned," rather than "Where have you been lately? You should be more concerned about your grades."

LISTEN to thoughts and feelings in a sensitive, non-threating way. Communicate understanding by repeating back the essence of what the student has told you. Try to include both content and feelings ("It sounds like you’re not accustomed to being away from family and friends back home and you’re feeling alone.") Let the student talk.

PROVIDE HOPE. Assure the student that things can get better. It is important to help them realize there are options, and that things will not always seem hopeless. You may find it appropriate to share God’s promises and encouragement (e.g. Ephesians 3:20, Psalm 55:22, Romans 8:28, Romans 8:31, 1 Corinthians 10:13, James 1:2-4, I Peter 5:7, Philippians 4:6-7, Jeremiah 29:11-12). Recognize, however, that your purpose should be to provide enough hope and encouragement to enable the student to consult with a professional or another trained individual.  It is not your responsibility to solve the student’s problems.

AVOID judging, evaluating, and criticizing even if the student asks your opinion. Such behavior is apt to push the student away from you and from the help he or she needs. It is important to respect the students value system, even if you don’t agree with it.

MAINTAIN clear and consistent boundaries and expectations. It is important to maintain the professional nature of the faculty/student or staff/student relationship and the consistency of academic expectations, exam schedules, etc.

REFER. When making a referral it is usually best to speak to the student about your concern in a straightforward way. It is important to point out that 1) help is available and 2) seeking such help is a sign of strength and courage rather than a sign of weakness or failure. It may be helpful to point out that seeking professional help for other problems (medical, legal, car problems, etc.) is considered good judgment and an appropriate use of resources. For example, "If you had a broken arm you would go to a doctor rather than try to set it yourself."

If you can, prepare the student for what they might expect if they follow your suggestion. Tell them what you know about the referral person or service. Bear in mind that, except in cases of emergency, the decision to pursue counseling rests with the student. Respect his/her decision and assure the student of your continued interest and support.

FOLLOW-UP. Arrange a time to meet with the student again to solidify their resolve to obtain appropriate help and to demonstrate your commitment to assist them in this process. Check later to see that the referral appointment was kept and to hear how it went. Provide support while the student takes further appropriate action or pursues another referral if needed.

CONSULT with a professional when in doubt about the appropriateness of an intervention. Call the Counseling Center (x4211 or x4212), the Student Life office (x4332), or Campus Safety (x4344). A student whose behavior has become threatening, violent, or significantly disruptive may need a different kind of approach.

How to Make a Referral to the Concordia Counseling Center:

1. Suggest that the student call or come in to make an appointment. Give them the Counseling Center’s phone number and location (Dave: x4211 in room R119 or Tracy: x4212 in room R115) at that time. It is usually more effective to assist the student by calling for an appointment with the student present.
2. If you believe the situation is an emergency or urgent enough to require immediate attention, call the Counseling Center on behalf of the student. Identify yourself as faculty or staff and indicate the urgency of the situation. An appointment will be made for as soon as possible. If no one is available in the Counseling Center at the time of your call page the Director at (262) 510-8462 and/or contact the office of Student Life (x4332) or Campus Safety (x4344).
3. It may be necessary for you to walk the student to the Counseling Center.
4. If you are concerned about a student but unsure about the appropriateness of a referral feel free to call the Counseling Center for a consultation.