Office aids, counsels students

By Kelly Lucas
Summer Reporter

No issue is too small or large for the Office of the Dean of Students, according to Steve Akers, executive associate dean of students.

"If you're not sure where to turn, the Dean of Students office can help," said Akers. "If you feel a little bit homesick or a little bit lost, we can help."

The Office is divided into five distinct areas: counseling, administration, special programs, student activities and organizations and university division and academic support systems.

The Dean of Students office offers counseling for all students and is strictly confidential. Counseling is available for students experiencing anything from homesickness to substance abuse concerns to roommate troubles.

Tony Hawkins, dean of students, said the office offers three different types of counseling: personal, career and academic. "We try to respond to any and all problems a student may have," said Hawkins.

Akers said if a student has a problem and doesn't know where to go, the Dean of Students office can direct them as to where they can go to get help.

Hawkins said sometimes students have a tendency to believe that the issue of concern they are experiencing is too small. "There is no issue too small; don't be hesitant to come visit us," said Hawkins.

The office is also home to 630 student organizations that represent almost every interest. Hawkins said if there isn't one that interests students, they can start their own. The organizations include religious, political, housing, recreational, special interest, academic and much more.

Hawkins said research shows that students who are involved in one or two organizations tend to stay in school and succeed academically.

The Dean of Students office also is home to University Division, a school for students who plan to transfer to other majors or schools.

The office also offers services to students with temporary or permanent disabilities. Students with disabilities can receive assistance from the adaptive programs staff with scheduling, note-taking, interpreters, accessibility concerns, etc.

Another student service, Tactile Access to Education for Visually Impaired Students, provides course materials for students who are Braille readers.

HORIZONS student support services are also available for students who come from low income families, students with disabilities or students who are first generation college students.

However, Hawkins said a small percentage of the Dean of Students office deals with disciplinary actions. "We have the responsibility to let students know the consequences of violating University regulations, but that is a small portion of what we do," said Hawkins.

Akers added that the Office of the Dean of Students does not contact parents but deal directly with the students.