Transcript Presentation

Promoting Retention Through Support
Services: African American Students
with Mental Health Concerns
Vivian Barnette, Ph.D., HSP-P
Director, Counseling Services
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Gregory A. Moorehead, Ed.D.
Director, Student Disability Services
The University of Chicago
North Carolina A&T
State University
History of Offices
• Student Disability Services and Counseling Services
are Divisions within Student Affairs
• Supportive of the university’s mission
• Considered critical units within Student Affairs
• Demand of increase services
• Programs & services dedicated to academic success
beyond the classroom
Importance of Offices
• Must be committed to establishing and maintaining a
welcoming and accepting unit that is confidential
• Must make services available to all eligible students
• The University of Chicago’s Disability office was established
in 2006 as a full-time office. In the last two years there’s
been a 40% increase in the number of students registered
with the office
• Due to students entering school with increased
psychological concerns, A&T had to double staff in 2009
A Snapshot of U.S. College
Students
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In 2009 there just under 20 million college student in the U.S.
15.0 million college students were white
2.8 million were black/African American (roughly 14%)
2.4 million were Hispanic
1.2 million were Asian
A&T: Students Served
Females
Anxiety, Identity, Relationship, Sexual Assault, Adjustment, Peer
Issues, Grief, Depression, Anger, Substance Abuse
Males
Adjustment, Grief, Depression, Anger, Substance Abuse
Commonly Used Assessments
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Clinical Intake
Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms (CCAPS)
Beck Inventories (Anxiety, Depression, and Hopelessness)
Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-II (MMPI-II)
Wechsler Adult Intelligent Scale (WAIS-IV)
Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA: ADHD)
Barkley ADHD Self- & Other Report Form
Woodcock Johnson III (WJ-III Achievement)
Career Appraisals: (SDS, MBTI, 16 PF, COPS, Life History Survey, KTS)
Marital Satisfaction Inventory-Revised (MSI-R)
Life Values Inventory
Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory-3 (SASSI-3)
Critical Units
• Critical units in the Division of Student Affairs, Campus &
Student Life total more than 20 departments
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Student Health / Union / Recreation / Multicultural Center
International Study Abroad Programs / Trio Programs
Student Development / New Student Orientation / Greek Life
Housing and Residence Life / Dean of Students
University Police Department / Career Services
Veterans and Disabilities Support Services
• Collaborations within the division, other student support
services as well as Academic Affairs are essential
Recruitment:
The University of Chicago
Student Disability Services works with
the Admissions Office by providing
printed information for applicants in
regards to the process for requesting
accommodations.
NC A&T State University
Open Forums for New Students
Q&A’s with Parents
Display of Services
Services and Consultations
• Only admitted or currently enrolled degree seeking
students are eligible to receive services
• Counseling Services and Disability Support Services
provide training and outreach to assist faculty and staff
with understanding and accommodating students with
psychological, cognitive, or medical disabilities
Exposure:
The University of Chicago
• Dean of Students in graduate and professional
programs act as liaisons between Student Disability
Services, faculty and the student
• Deans coordinate and implement most
accommodations
• University-wide Committee on Assistive Technologies
work to assure accessibility in conjunction with other
departments
Exposure:
NC A&T State University
• Open House
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Opportunities to meet staff
Explore facilities
Interact with other students
Invitations extended to university and community partners
• Freshmen Week
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Table and booth displays
Coordinating programs with student organizations
Informational table tents
Promotional items
PSA / Other forms of media and social networking
Question…
Why do underrepresented
students under-utilize services
from these critical units whose
main purpose is to help them be
successful and graduate in a
timely fashion?
Possible Barriers
• Cultural and Institutional
• Denial of disability or psychological disorder
• Lack of Services in their high schools
• Lack of awareness and expectation of assistance
• Competition at elite institutions
• Cultural Background
• Spirituality
• Distrust
• Imposter Syndrome
• Unwilling to Access Services
Ways to help…
• Intentional efforts
• Address the stigmas—utilizing other university
offices, as well as alumni
• Peer to Peer informational sessions
• “Real talk” with parents
Retention
• Academic Advisors Referrals
• Classroom Presentations
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Psychological Difficulties
ADHD
Learning Difficulties
Career Interest
Veteran Support
Physical Disabilities Accommodations
Success
• Student Organizations
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Office of Greek Life
Council of Presidents
Active Minds
Veteran Support Groups
Non-traditional / Transfer student groups
Create student advisory board
• Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Blog, & etc.)
• Student Newspaper / Broadband TV / Radio
• Word of Mouth: Exceptional Customer Services
Questions…
Thank you!
NC A&T State University
&
The University of Chicago
Sources
• http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/cats/education/hig
her_education_institutions_and_enrollment.html
• National Center for Education Statistics