What happens to the student at the counseling center?
Students can usually get an appointment within a week of their first request, depending on their schedules. Their first appointment is called an “intake.” They fill out basic information forms and meet with a counselor. That counselor may or may not be the person they’ll continue with. They discuss options and make decisions about next steps.
These steps may include ongoing counseling with the intake counselor or another staff member, a medical evaluation referral, referral to an off campus counselor, or in an emergency, referral to a local emergency room for further evaluation.
Our average number of sessions is 4-5. Some students come once, some come weekly for a semester. Because of the high demand for counseling services, we are not able to see students for unlimited sessions. If the presenting concerns of students seem best treated through longer-term (10 sessions or more) or specialized therapy, then a referral will be provided.
What if I'm uneasy about a student?
Call the Counseling Center for consultation advice (288-7172) before you talk with that student.
Do not ignore your uneasy feelings.
Try to identify what specific behavior makes you uncomfortable. Do not confront the person, but don’t give in to inappropriate behavior. Set boundaries immediately. E.g. “I’d like you to lower your voice.”
For your safety, stay in a public place or keep your door open and make sure colleagues are around.
Offer to listen. Ask what the student wants to accomplish.
Consider involving a third party; tell student “I’ll get …to help me understand how we can help you."
Call Public Safety beforehand (288-6800) to stand by in the vicinity if you feel frightened or to intervene in the early stages if the person acts out.
How can I best help a student with problems?
One of the best things you can do is call us (288-7172) and consult. Faculty and staff are here because they care about students. The best way to show you care is to ask for advice early on. We can consult with you about maintaining your professional role while still helping the student.
Classroom Presentations
Presentations for Classes
The Marquette University Counseling Center provides personal support and career exploration for undergraduate and graduate students in a number of ways. Over the years several faculty members have invited MUCC staff members to provide classroom presentations that cover a range of mental health and career related topics. Occasionally, professors have classes that they are unable to attend for a variety of reasons. Instead of canceling class, the Counseling Center would like you to consider our staff as guest speakers. We have presentations on a variety of topics including:
Sexual Violence: Professional staff, as well as a peer education group (VOICE), are prepared to provide presentations that focus on a variety of topics including sexual assault, relationship violence, and stalking.
Alcohol and Drug: Informational presentations are available on a variety of topics related to specific drugs of use/abuse (i.e. alcohol, marijuana, prescription drugs, etc.), the reasons and consequences of use as well as the alternatives to using drugs and alcohol.
Body Image and Eating Disorders: Interactive, educational presentations can be adapted to meet the needs of your students and course material. Presentation offer thought provoking ways for students to get the information and support they need to help themselves and others with regard to these complex issues.
Career Development: The Counseling Center provides services targeted at helping students in the exploration stage of career development. Presentations in this area help students discover how interests, skills, and personality types can effectively facilitate choosing a satisfying major/career.
Mental Health/Clinical Topics: It is our mission to provide students with supportive mental health services. In addition to psychotherapy we want to reach out proactively to students by introducing them to warning signs that will help them identify concerns in themselves or others before problems become severe. Counseling Center professional staff can effectively present on anxiety, depression and suicide, relationships problems, and a variety of other mood and personality concerns.
If the topic you are interested in is not listed above, please call. If we are unable to satisfy your request we will likely be able to refer you to someone that can provide a presentation that fits your needs. For additional information, or to set up a presentation, please contact Chris Daood, Assistant Director, at 288-7172. We prefer at least two weeks notice for program requests.
In addition to outreach programming, please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or needs in the areas of clinical consultation or career development.
