How can I be accessible without turning into someone's therapist?
- If you are the kind of person who inspires trust and admiration, it is likely that students may come to you with academic and/or personal problems. If you feel comfortable doing so, listen to these students as you would your friends and respond or advise these students as you would your friends. However, if these problems become more than you believe you can or want to handle, there are other resources for the student. You might ask the student if they have talked to their advisor about this problem. If they haven't you might suggest that they do so. If the problem is more serious, you can refer them to the University of Oregon Counseling and Testing Center where counseling services are provided free of charge to students of the university. The phone number for their office is 346-3227. Also available to students is the UO Crisis Center, which can be reached at 346-4488. Do not try to handle a situation which you do not feel prepared to deal with. Every student has access to professionals at no charge. If you would like an opinion on how to help a student, call the Counseling Center and ask for their advice.
Address questions or comments about TEP or this site to:
Georgeanne Cooper, Program Director, 64 PLC
Phone: 541-346-2177 Fax: 541-346-2184
Teaching Effectiveness Program, Teaching and Learning Center, University of Oregon.
Last Modified:
07/07/09