Student Assistance

To request an assistance from Student Assistance and Community Standards (SACS), 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 Assistance and Community Standards regarding a concern for a peer at Columbia. Although appointments are generally preferred, walk-ins are available to students experiencing an urgent situation.

Request Assistance or Make a Referral

What happens when I come to SACS without an appointment?

A staff member will meet with you at that time or schedule you for an appointment at a future time.  You may also be referred to the more appropriate department on campus to allow your concerns to be addressed expeditiously.

I want to share my concerns about a friend.  Will my friend be in trouble?  Can I remain anonymous?

SACS 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. SACS aims to be supportive, rather than punitive. SACS encourages you to share your concerns so that students can receive the help they need. If you prefer, and as long as there isn’t a concern for harm to anyone involved, your report may very well be able to remain anonymous.

How soon can I get an appointment?

SACS strives to maintain as much availability as possible.  If your schedule is flexible, SACS can typically schedule an appointment within a few days.  To accommodate a student’s schedule, SACS tries to meet with a student within a week of the appointment request.

How long is an appointment?

Appointment times vary based on the nature of the meeting, but SACS will reserve one hour for an appointment..

Is the information I share during my appointment confidential?

The information that you share during an appointment with a SACS  will not be disclosed to individuals outside of SACS, 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, Center for Student Wellbeing, and the Office of Student Persistence may access information about appointments as a means to provide more effective interdisciplinary support to students. Student Assistance and Community Standards is NOT a confidential resource for reports of sexual misconduct, as outlined in the college’s Title IX Sexual Discrimination and Sex-Based Harassment Policy.

Will SACS share information about my appointment with my parents?

SACS will not share any details of your appointment with your parents unless you provide expressed permission via a signed FERPA Release of Information form.

 I experienced a death in the family and would like to be excused from class. How can SACS help?

Faculty have discretion to excuse an absence or allow an exception to make up any missing assignments. However, SACS can assist you in communicating with instructors and requesting consideration for attendance, assignments, and missed course content. Students interested in this support from SACS 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. SACS cannot change a student’s grade. However, SACS can assist you in resolving conflict with an instructor. SACS aims to ensure an effective learning environment for all students.

Parents and Family members are welcome to contact Student Assistance and Community Standards (SACS) to discuss any concerns that they may have for their student. To request support from SACS, parents may call the front desk at (312) 369-8595 or submit a form online by clicking the button below.

SACS can help provide parents with campus and community resources that may benefit their student. SACS can help parents work out the challenges that their student is experiencing and offer possible solutions if applicable. When appropriate, SACS can contact the student to provide support and resources for success. As required by the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (“FERPA”), SACS cannot divulge any information about the student to the parents without the student’s written consent.

My student experienced a death in the family and would like to be excused from class. How can SACS help?

Faculty have discretion to excuse an absence or allow an exception to make up any missing assignments. However, SACS can assist you in communicating with instructors and requesting consideration for attendance, assignments, and missed course content. Students interested in this support from SACS may be requested to provide appropriate supporting documentation.

My student feels that they were unfairly graded. How can my student request a grade grievance?

The SACS staff does not make determinations of grade grievances. Students must contact their instructor and the respective department chair of the academic department in question to address all grade grievances.

My student needs more assistance due to a disability. How can SACS help my student?

SACS staff can meet with the student to better understand the presenting concern and refer the student to applicable resources. Students that may have a disability are encouraged to contact the Services for Students with Disabilities office to discuss receiving accommodations while a student at Columbia. 

My student has completed a FERPA waiver with the College. Can SACS share information regarding my student’s meetings or records with SACS?

If a student has completed a FERPA release of information form and given us permission to share specific information with you, we are happy to have a discussion.