Resource Guide from VPSA

Patricia Telles-Irvin, Vice President for Student Affairs

The Division of Student Affairs publication Helping Students in Distress: Faculty and Staff Resource Guide has been revised and is now available for distribution to all faculty, staff, and Teaching Assistants. The purpose of the Resource Guide is to inform those who may encounter dangerous, disruptive, disturbing or troubled students about how to obtain assistance. It is important that faculty, staff, and TA’s realize they are not alone in such circumstances and professional consultation and intervention are available. The Resource Guide is part of a comprehensive plan by the Division of Student Affairs to help distressed students and to promote campus safety.

The revised Resource Guide contains new and updated information regarding campus resources and should replace the original publication from 2008.  Printed as a bright orange file folder for easy identification, the Resource Guide provides access to important information. It is a collaborative effort among the key Student Affairs units that deal with students in distress: the Counseling and Wellness Center, the Dean of Students Office, and Housing and Residence Education, with input from the University Police Department and the General Counsel’s Office.

If your department/office has not yet received the revision, hard copies can be obtained by contacting Tarena Franks (TarenaF@ufsa.ufl.edu) to place an order and arrange for pick-up at 155 Tigert Hall. In addition, the publication’s URL can be used on websites and in other communications to maximize visibility: http://www.ufsa.ufl.edu/publications/docs/HelpingStudentsinDistress2010Guide.pdf.

The University of Florida has a culture of care to which we all contribute. Faculty and staff at all levels play significant roles in creating this environment. The Resource Guide provides helpful information for working with students in distress; the resources listed can be used whenever questions or concerns emerge. I thank you in advance for facilitating the delivery of this Resource Guide to your area and for encouraging utilization of the available assistance to maximize the learning environment for all of our students.