| Lesson 12: Student-Centered Advising | ||||||
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Adult learners often expericence personal crisis while attending school. Many have children, spouses, and older parents who require care and extra time commitments. Additionally, adult students can experience mental health issues that affect their progress in school.
It is not uncommon for adult students in crisis to simply walk away from their classes. Some students do not reach out for advice or assistance until they are ready to return to school. It is important when assisting adult learners to make them aware of the financial implications of their decisions. Repaying loans or bills prior to returning to school often represents a challenge for students. This means that many adults must submit Faculty Senate Petitions for retroactive withdrawals or retroactive late drops. Students are very often not aware of some alternative options. Many do not understand the difference between a late drop and withdrawal. They are also unaware of deferred grades as an option.
The World Campus Office of Student Affairs has a Mental Health Advocate and Case Manager, Nadiya Tucker. Nadiya will provide support to World Campus students facing emotional challenges, by facilitating connections with community-based resources which can improve student success and well-being. Please note that the services provided are case management and not tele-counseling or psychiatric services.
If you know a student whom you think may benefit from supportive case management, please encourage the student to contact Counseling and Psychological Services. This ensures that they are served even if Nadiya is out of the office. If you want to make a referral or have questions about service levels please contact Nadiya at nmt15@psu.edu. In addition view the World Campus Mental Health web site.
Encourage students in crisis to reach out to their instructors when they are facing personal difficulties. Encourage proactive communication and behaviors. Explain that they do not need to divulge the nature of the crisis if they feel it is too personal but that it is important to keep an open dialogue with instructors and advisers.
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