13.2 Reaching Out for Help
Christine Malone, EdD
Most colleges offer a variety of campus resources for students, including counseling centers, academic advisors, financial aid administrators, public safety offices, health and wellness services, crisis support, career services, centers for students of color, and centers for LGBTQ+ students.
Students can find these resources by visiting the school’s website or by reaching out to their advisor or instructor for more information. These resources are available not only for students attending classes in person but also for those taking online courses.
Instructors typically hold office hours for meetings with students. These hours may be drop-in or by appointment. Students who are struggling in a course should contact their instructor as soon as possible. Instructors can provide guidance on resources, study materials, or other assistance.
For courses with a laboratory component, students may be able to request additional lab time for practice by contacting their instructor.
Resources Available to Students
College campuses offer a variety of resources to support students. While instructors may suggest referrals, it is important for students to be proactive and speak up when they need assistance.
For students who speak English as a second language, most campuses offer resources to help improve language skills. Students struggling with reading or writing can seek tutoring support. If a student has a disability that impacts their learning, they should reach out to the Disability Services Department for accommodations.
For students facing personal crises that interfere with their coursework, instructors can help by providing information about available support, such as the counseling center or options like withdrawing from a class. Many colleges also offer the option of receiving a grade of “incomplete” for students who are close to completing their coursework but cannot finish it by the end of the semester. Policies for this vary by school, so students should check the specific requirements if they believe this might apply to them. This option allows students to finish their coursework after the course has officially ended.
For students needing on-campus housing, many colleges provide dorms or other student accommodations, often covered by financial aid. Many institutions also offer part-time student jobs, which may include a tuition waiver as compensation.
Additionally, colleges have student programs for those who wish to get involved in campus activities, such as student government or other community-benefiting initiatives.
Academic Advisors
Colleges provide academic advisors to help students plan their degree path and select courses. There are two main types of advisors: general advisors and program advisors. General advisors offer guidance on general education requirements (such as math, English, and sciences), while program advisors focus on specific degree plans, like medical assisting or nursing.
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