When to Refer
Even though a student asks for help with a problem and you are willing to help, there are circumstances that may indicate that you should refer a student to another resource. Some of these situations include:

  • The problem or request is beyond your expertise
  • Personality differences will interfere with your ability to help
  • You know the student personally, and do not believe you could be objective enough to help
  • The student acknowledges the problem, but is reluctant to talk to you about it
  • After working with the student for some time, little progress has been made and you do not know how to proceed
  • You are feeling overwhelmed, pressed for time, or otherwise are at a high level of stress yourself
  • There is immediate danger to the student or someone else (i.e. suicide, homicide, abuse, assault, harassment, etc.)

How to Make a Referral
Some people accept a referral for professional help more easily than others. When proposing a referral, it is best to do so in a direct and positive manner. There are many kinds of referrals. the best one is the kind to which a particular student will respond.

  • It is usually best to be frank with students about the limits of your availability to assist them - limits of time, energy, training, and objectivity. It is often reassuring to students to hear that you respect their willingness to talk to you, and that you want to support them in getting the assistance they need
  • Depending on the situation, have the student consider friends, clergy, family members, community agencies, and campus offices, especially those in the Division of Student Affairs. Tell the student what you know about the person or referral service, being as specific as possible about the kind of help the student can expect
  • Assure students that seeking help does not necessarily mean they have serious problems. It is possible that their concern is one of the common reasons that college students seek help from another person. These include feeling down or low on energy and motivation; experiencing difficulties in relationships with their family, friends, or romantic partner; feeling anxious or depressed; and having concerns about future goals or plans. Confused students may be comforted to know that they do not necessarily have to know what is wrong before they ask for help
  • If the student agrees to be referred, suggest that she or he call to make an appointment while in your office/room. The student should make the appointment if possible. You can increase the chances that she or he will attend the appointment if you tell the student that you would like to hear how the meeting went and request that the student let you know about it. If the student is reluctant to talk to anyone, you can call the Counseling Center to consult about the situation
If you have chosen to follow through with a student, you may still have some questions about how best to handle the situation. Staff members at the Counseling Center (299.3514) would be pleased to help you.

Information For:

current students
faculty and staff		 parents
alumni		 high school students
admitted students