{"id":4295,"date":"2023-01-05T09:08:47","date_gmt":"2023-01-05T17:08:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/inspire\/?p=4295"},"modified":"2023-01-05T09:08:47","modified_gmt":"2023-01-05T17:08:47","slug":"demonstrating-care-reach-out-refer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/inspire\/2023\/01\/05\/demonstrating-care-reach-out-refer\/","title":{"rendered":"Demonstrating Care: Reach Out & Refer\ufffc"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As a new term begins, we are often thinking about the logistics of our courses, the Syllabus and course schedule, and ensuring everything is working properly. For our students, these early weeks set the tone for what they might expect from their courses and from their instructors. Your first announcement, the language and tone in the Syllabus<\/a>, how you greet incoming students – these small actions all help to create a welcoming environment for your course. When students feel included in a positive course climate, they are more motivated and engaged in learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the weeks ahead, some students will likely reach out to you with concerns or information about major events going on in their lives. Faculty are often the first to hear of health issues, death in the family, deployment, financial matters, and a variety of mental health concerns and needs. In prior surveys, Ecampus students have shared that the most important relationship <\/strong>in their college career is with their instructor(s), rated higher than their advisors or other student support professionals around campus. When life happens, you are often the first person a student thinks to reach out to for support and direction. Last year, Ecampus put forth the Online Teaching Principles<\/a>, derived from research-based best practices. The principle \u201cReach Out and Refer\u201d directly relates to what we can do when our students need some additional support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check in with students who may be struggling, and refer students to the appropriate technology, academic or student support services in response to their articulated or observed needs.<\/em><\/p>Oregon State University Ecampus, Online Teaching Principle: Reach Out And Refer<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

When students reach out, your care, concern for their well-being, and support is sometimes enough to help the student. That may look like an assignment extension, acknowledgement of their circumstances, setting up a time to speak, or a variety of other measures. At other times, there are situations when making a referral to the appropriate resource or department is the best course of action. In these instances, it is important to remain calm and formulate a plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

OSU\u2019s Counseling & Psychological Services<\/a> (CAPS) department shares the following about making student referrals:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to Make A Referral<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are situations when making a referral is the best option for both you and the student. For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n