Faculty Referrals to Michigan Tech

Counseling Services

 

Introduction

Because of the frequency and direct nature of their contacts, faculty members are in a unique position to observe students and to be aware of their individual needs. Students think of their professors and instructors first when considering who to go to for academic or personal advice and support. In turn, faculty members often wonder what they are supposed to do about academic or personal problems they observe or encounter with various students. This guide for faculty members addresses common questions that faculty have raised in the past.

The Staff

Counseling Services' professional staff is composed of professionally accredited psychotherapists who possess both academic and personal counseling training and skills. Various staff members possess past professional experiences in community mental health services, hospital psychiatric and emergency room departments, and alcohol and substance abuse treatment settings. The counseling staff works closely with all student support services here at Michigan Tech and with mental health professionals both locally and in the student's home area. A major part of the mission of Counseling Services is to make sure that students who seek out assistance will receive the appropriate degree of services they require.

Making a Referral to Counseling Services

Referrals from faculty are important, and very easy to make:

  • If you are unsure a referral is necessary or appropriate, call Counseling Services at 487-2538 from 8 am to 12 pm and from 1 pm to 5 pm to consult with one of us about the student.
  • If a referral to Counseling Services seems appropriate, set aside some private time in your office to talk with the student about your concerns.
  • Encourage the student to make an appointment with Counseling Services.
  • Encourage the student to call for an appointment while in your office, or, if either you or the student are uncomfortable with that, simply give the student our telephone number.
  • Encourage the student to identify you as the referral source.