To request an assistance from Student Relations, students may call the main office at 312-369-8595 or submit a form online by clicking the button below. Students may also contact Student Relations regarding a concern for a peer at Columbia. Although appointments are generally preferred, walk-ins are available to students experiencing a crisis.
REQUEST ASSISTANCE Refer a peer
Are the staff at Student Relations therapists?
The staff at Student Relations are licensed mental health professionals, including social workers and professional counselors, and provide short-term solution-focused therapy. Student Relations cannot offer long-term therapy but can provide referrals for students interested in this service.
What happens when I come to Student Relations without an appointment?
In most cases, a staff member will conduct a brief intake with you to review your concerns. The staff member will then either schedule you for a full appointment at Student Relations or refer you to the more appropriate department on campus.
In crisis situations, a clinician at Student Relations will meet with the student that day to ensure safety and provide necessary support. Appropriate follow-up will be determined during this meeting.
I want to share my concern for a friend. Will my friend be in trouble? Can I remain anonymous?
Student Relations wants to support you and your friend during this difficult time. Please give us a call at 312.369.8595 so we can better understand your concern. Student Relations aims to be supportive, rather than punitive. Student Relations encourages you to share your concerns so that students can receive the help they need. If you prefer, your report can remain anonymous.
How soon can I get an appointment?
Student Relations strives to maintain as much availability as possible. If your schedule is flexible, Student Relations can typically schedule an appointment within a few days. To accommodate a student’s schedule, Student Relations tries to meet with a student within a week of the appointment request.
How long is an appointment?
Student Relations will reserve one hour for an appointment, although these meetings can be shorter depending on the concern.
Is the information I share during my appointment confidential?
The information that you share during an appointment with Student Relations will not be disclosed to individuals outside of Student Relations, except for safety reasons, or as otherwise permitted or required by law. Such safety reasons include when a student discloses the intention to hurt themselves or others or reports current abuse or neglect. In addition, the Dean of Students, the Associate Dean of Student Health and Support, Services for Students with Disabilities, Student Health Center, Counseling Services, and the Office of Student Persistence may access information about appointments as a means to provide more effective interdisciplinary support to students. Student Relations is a confidential resource for reports of sexual misconduct, as outlined in the college’s Sexual Misconduct Policy and Procedures.
Will Student Relations share information about my appointment with my parents?
Student Relations will not share any details of your appointment with your parents unless you provide express permission via a signed Release of Information. Because the staff within Student Relations are licensed mental health professionals, a FERPA waiver alone does not provide our office with the permission to share your information with parents. Even with a signed release of information, Student Relations staff members typically only contact your parents if it may benefit your overall progress.
I experienced an unforeseen medical issue and would like to be excused from class. How can Student Relations help?
Faculty have discretion to excuse an absence or allow an exception to make up any missing assignments. However, Student Relations can assist you in communicating with instructors and requesting consideration for attendance, assignments, and missed course content. Students interested in this support from Student Relations must provide appropriate medical documentation. Please review the College's Return from Medical Care Guidelines for additional information.
I experienced an unforeseen medical issue and cannot return to class. How can Student Relations help?
Student Relations can assist you in withdrawing from the semester for medical reasons. Student Relations can also assist you in amassing the necessary resources, both on-campus and off-campus, to facilitate a successful return to Columbia in future semesters. Students interested in this support from Student Relations must provide appropriate medical documentation. Please review the College's Return from Medical Care Guidelines for additional information.
I experienced an unforeseen medical issue and cannot complete my assignments by the end of the semester. How can Student Relations help?
Students are encouraged to review the most recent course catalog for updated academic policies to better understand requirements to request academic consideration.
Student Relations can discuss academic options with a student when mitigating circumstances occur. When appropriate, Student Relations can advocate on a student’s behalf if permitted by the student.
Please review the College's Return from Medical Care Guidelines for additional information.
I experienced a death in the family and would like to be excused from class. How can Student Relations help?
Faculty have discretion to excuse an absence or allow an exception to make up any missing assignments. However, Student Relations can assist you in communicating with instructors and requesting consideration for attendance, assignments, and missed course content. Students interested in this support from Student Relations may be requested to provide appropriate supporting documentation.
I am having an issue with my instructor. What can I do?
To address a grade grievance, you must contact your instructor and the chair of the appropriate academic department. Student Relations cannot change a student’s grade. However, Student Relations can assist you in resolving conflict with an instructor. Student Relations aims to ensure an effective learning environment for all students.