Getting Support on Campus When Needed
Hurricane Sandy is sure to have heightened the anxiety of our students on campus – whether they have homes or loved ones in the area, or friends. People have been incredibly concerned about the well being of people in the area, and have wanted to know how to help.
Yesterday we created an Outreach website to support students, alumni, parents, faculty and staff with loved ones in areas affected by Superstorm Sandy and its aftermath. There is information on emerging plans by the University community to respond to the storm, as well as details on campus offices prepared to take calls from students, parents, alumni and others. Donation opportunities are presented, too.
One of the most important reminders on this website is that there are many areas students can turn to if they need support. If your student has questions or concerns about friends or family in affected areas, he or she can contact the Chaplain’s Office (336-758-5210) or Counseling Center (336-758-5273). Students can also turn to their Resident Adviser (RA), or other trusted adults on campus with whom they have formed a relationship (such as an academic adviser, staff member, etc.)
This type of support is not just limited to times of natural disasters. Whenever our students are experiencing distress, worry, concern, sadness, interpersonal issues with roommates or friends, students should avail themselves of these resources. The Chaplain’s Office (336-758-5210) and the Counseling Center(336-758-5273) are there to provide support, comfort, and assistance for ANY reason.
Sometimes it is hard for our students to suffer a bump in the road – be it midterm grades, a bad relationship with a roommate or friend group, or if their family is in some type of crisis and the student is far away. Please remind your students to seek support if they need it.
And if your student is doing absolutely fine, it is not a bad idea to remind him or her to keep an eye out for friends, hallmates, roommates who look like they might be struggling. Offer a kind word, a shoulder to cry on, or be a friend to lean on. And remind those friends that help is there if they need it.
We do best as a community when we take care of each other. And that means all of us looking out for the others.