Student Assistance Program: addressing all the challenges that impact students

Any student can experience personal problems that might affect them in or out of school. Stress, conflicts, family worries, financial or legal issues and balancing college and home life (and work, for many) are some examples. This may be even more true for nontraditional students, such as those who make up a large part of the student body at Florida State College at Jacksonville. The College's new Student Assistance Program is designed to help students address their concerns. Licensed counselors can assess problems and offer short-term problem resolution--and offer referrals if longer-term assistance is needed. It also provides a resource for faculty and college staff when students display academic difficulties, or personal behaviors (including depression, substance abuse and anger management) that may indicate a risk to their health and safety--or that of others.  

Corporate Care Works, Inc. (the same organization that provides Florida State College at Jacksonville's Employee Assistance Program) provides the Student Assistance Program, helping students solve challenges in a confidential manner. Students may access services in one of several ways, as follow:
 

Self Referral: The student contacts the Student Assistance Program for personal issues without being referred by a Success Dean or Faculty member.
 

Student Success Office Referral (self-referral): The Student Success Professional may suggest use of the Student Assistance Program based upon concerns. It is up to the student to contact the program and there is no follow up by the professional.

Faculty Referral:  Faculty members may refer the student directly to the Student Assistance Program, based on concerns regarding classroom behavior or academic performance. Or, faculty can use the online Early Alert System to go through the Dean of Student Success, who will review and consult with the student directly to make the referral.

In addition, a 24-hour helpline provides confidential crisis consultations. The Student Assistance Program is free to students, and it's confidential. The services are delivered within Federal Confidentiality Guidelines. The College receives a “statistics only” report. Learn more by reading the Student Assistance Program Web page http://www.fscj.edu/sap .

MEDIA NOTE: While it's unusual for a commuter school to offer services that not all schools with on-campus residence halls offer, Florida State College at Jacksonville places a high priority on the safety and well-being of its students. The beginning of a new school year is a good time for students to establish a plan to manage any rough spots. Dr. Pete Biegel, AVP Enrollment Management at Florida State College at Jacksonville, is available for interviews or to appear on morning news shows to talk about challenges to students. He's a nationally certified counselor, knowledgeable, student-focused, fast on his feet and entertaining. For a contact or more information, email mcorby@fscj.edu or call Corby at 904-632-3310.