Predetermined Givens

What do college counselors do/ how do they help college students?

THE NATURE OF COLLEGE COUNSELING:
A college counselor is someone who is professionally certified to dole out advice on matters concerning college life, e.g. admissions, courses, expectations and coping mechanisms, among other things. Often, a college counselor also acts as a sounding board for students who feel confused about where they ought to be in life. It will be your job to help them find the path they need to take to achieve the goals they want in college. You will often have to counsel students who fail academically because they spend too much time partying, or cannot keep up with the course load. You will need to be sincere and understanding for some students, but hard and matter of fact with others.
Like everyone, college students face difficult life transitions and circumstances, experience painful emotions, and need assistance in developing clear and meaningful goals. College counselors are professionally trained to help students cope with a wide variety of educational, adjustment, and mental health issues. College counselors also facilitate academic progress and help students successfully achieve their career goals. A counseling relationship allows students to confidentially discuss their personal thoughts and feelings. Some of the skills counselors employ include listening, informing, empathizing, collaborating, brainstorming, problem-solving, co-constructing goals, and modeling appropriate behaviors.

SERVICES PROVIDED:
Individual Counseling-Confidential individual counseling is available for a variety of personal issues including emotional problems, adjustment to college life, and interpersonal relationship issues.
Career Counseling-Career counseling appointments can be made to assist students in understanding career options, choosing or changing a major, or developing the skills necessary for career advancement.
Academic Counseling-College counselors assist students with course selection, time management skills and course transfer information.

PRESENTING CONCERNS:
Counselors are glad to talk with you about any issue causing you concern or distress. Some common concerns include: time management, choosing a major, writing a resume, career goals, loneliness, depression, eating disorders, alcohol and other drugs, relationship issues, communication skills and academic problems.