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Student Outreach and Support

»Student Outreach and Support

We support students navigating complex challenges related to health, well-being, and behavior. Our team offers personalized outreach, connects students with resources, and helps them navigate university systems with care and respect.

Students, faculty, staff, families, or peers can contact us or submit a referral when they’re concerned about a student’s well-being. While we are not a crisis response team, we respond quickly and compassionately to ensure students get the help they need. All conversations are handled in accordance with FERPA.

What We Do

At Student Outreach and Support (SOS), we assist students who may be facing complex or difficult situations impacting their health, well-being, or behavior. Our work centers on connection, care, and empowerment.

We:

  • Reach Out and Offer Support
    We connect with students facing academic, personal, or wellness-related concerns — offering space to talk things through and explore options together.
  • Link Students to Resources
    We help students access on- and off-campus resources that support their academic success, personal well-being, and social connection.
  • Consult with Faculty, Families, and Peers
    We guide those who are concerned about a student — including faculty, friends, and family — to determine how to best support the student while also honoring their own boundaries and responsibilities.
  • Advocate for Students
    We collaborate with campus partners to identify and reduce systemic barriers to student success, where appropriate.
  • Support Student Choice and Independence
    We help students explore their options and decide what works best for them. Our role is to guide and encourage, not to direct or monitor — because we believe students know their needs best.
  • Honor Privacy
    We respect student privacy and handle concerns in alignment with FERPA and best practices, creating a confidential and respectful environment.
  • Build a Culture of Care
    Through our work, we aim to foster a campus where care, compassion, and connection are part of everyday student life.

What We Believe

We believe that students thrive when they are informed, empowered, and supported in taking an active role in their university experience. Our approach centers on autonomy, resilience, and respect.

We believe:

  • Support Should Be Student-Driven
    Before offering guidance, we ask students to engage in a collaborative, personal process that centers their voice, needs, and goals.
  • Students Should Speak for Themselves
    Except in exceptional circumstances, we encourage students to communicate directly with faculty, staff, and administrators.
  • Accountability is Part of Growth
    We expect students to monitor their academic standing, deadlines, and communications — including through university email and systems such as Canvas.
  • Engagement is a Choice
    Except in serious situations involving safety, students decide whether to access support services. We do not require participation or track follow-through.
  • Every Student Deserves Access to Care
    We are committed to providing compassionate, culturally responsive support to all students, regardless of background, identity, or situation.
  • Resilience is Built Over Time
    We believe students have the capacity to grow through challenges and build the skills they need to succeed — academically, personally, and socially.

SUBMIT A STUDENT OUTREACH AND SUPPORT REFERRAL