By JENNIFER COOPER

As a faculty member, when you begin a class session and look out upon the many students sitting in front of you, it can be hard to imagine how many different experiences, backgrounds and situations your students are coming from.

Some students might be highly academically prepared, coming from high schools that are the best in the country. Some might be academically gifted, but less sure of themselves and how they will meet expectations at Pitt. Still some other students might be dealing with a wide variety of challenges whether they be familial, financial, mental or emotional.

What happens if a student appears at your side after class or in your office with a question that is non-course related? What if a student expresses emotional distress, or financial concerns? Being familiar with the vast number of resources and services available at Pitt can support you when you are confronted with a question that is not related to your course.

“I’m having a hard time paying rent and buying enough food. Are there resources available?”

The University Library Systems has created an amazing repository of resources that are available to students that are in financial distress. The Pitt and Community Assistance Resources document contains a variety of support services that include food, housing, employment and health assistance resources. These resources include:

• Care and Resource Support through the Division of Student Affairs, and specifically, care managers that can connect students with specific resources that they may need

• The Pitt Pantry for increased food security

• Hardship funding and assistance to support enrolled Pitt students facing financial hardship

“I’m having a hard time finding my place at Pitt. I don’t know where to start. Do you have recommendations?”

The Thrive@Pitt resource can help students begin to understand how to find a sense of well-being. As outlined on the site, they focus on the eight pillars of well-being, which include physical, emotional and social. From this site, students can seek and find a variety of additional resources to consider as they explore all that Pitt has to offer. Examples include:

• Getting involved with the more than 600 registered student organizations on campus.

• Resources specific to transfer students.

“I’m really interested in finding a job or internship in my field of interest. Do you know of any opportunities on or close to campus?”

One of the pillars of well-being is Occupational Support. There are resources to review that include student organizations, the Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, and the Talent Center. In addition, the resources outlined on the Office of the Provost Undergraduate Research site give students information on how to shape goals and find research opportunities on campus, and introduces the Undergrad Research and Creative Expression Fair.

“It’s been very stressful this semester and I’m finding myself struggling with my mental health. Where can I go on campus for support?”

The University Counseling Center is an important resource to be familiar with. There are services available that include 24-hour crisis response, drop-in services, wellness workshops and more. There is also the opportunity to participate in group and individual counseling sessions. Additionally, the Care and Resource Support through the Division of Student Affairs, and specifically, care managers can connect students with the variety of resources and services available.

“I was a really strong student in high school, but I find myself struggling with many of my classes. Are there tutoring resources available on campus?”

There is tutoring and academic coaching available in many locations on campus. For a full overview of the resources that students can take advantage of, visit the Tutoring at Pitt website. Here, students will find a list of all tutoring locations on campus dependent upon where they are needing help. For more general academic support, academic coaching might be beneficial. Additional information on academic coaching resources and services can be found through the Student Success Hub and the Study Lab (for students in Dietrich Arts & Sciences).

If you notice academic difficulties before the student realizes there is an issue, faculty also can submit an academic referral for students, during the Early Progress Reporting period, and at other times when academic concerns arise.

“I’ve had a troublesome experience that has impacted my healthy learning and/or living environment. Where can I report this and seek help?”

The Pitt Concern Connection is an important resource to share if a student comes to you with a specific or general concern that they want to report. The reporting process allows students, staff or faculty to elevate troublesome workplace, academic and other issues so they can be reviewed and addressed quickly.

It is important to remember that in an emergency situation, you should call 911 or the Pitt Police at 412-624-2121.

Other questions?

In addition to these specific resources, the Faculty & Staff Student Support Guide can support faculty through answering challenging questions and supporting student well-being.

When you aren’t sure where to turn, you can also submit a care referral for students you are concerned about. The care managers team is there to support students and help find solutions to problems. It is as simple as submitting an online referral form.

Jennifer Cooper is an instructional designer for the Office of the Provost Student Success Team and University Center for Teaching and Learning.