The following are some ideas on the referral process that are helpful for faculty and staff. These ideas can be used to determine when to refer, to whom to refer, and how to refer students.

A. When to Refer
1. When a student talks to you about a problem or asks for information that you feel uncomfortable about or unqualified to handle.
 
2. When there is a personality clash between you and the student that prevents you from “getting through.”
 
3. If the problem is personal and you know the student on other than a professional basis (friend, neighbor, etc.).
 
4. If you can tell that the student is reluctant to talk with you, for whatever reason, about the problem.
 

B. To Whom to Refer

At one time or another, you may have been given the run-around – that is, bounced from one office to another. This bouncing around discourages the student. If you are not sure where to refer the student, find out before you send her/him off. We recommend that you obtain a list of persons, offices, and agencies who/that can be of service to the student, and keep it handy.

C. How to Refer
 

1. You may want to share your concern for a student by suggesting that the student talk with a counselor. Information that you may want to share with the student about the Counseling Center that may lessen fears about going include: 
 
a) The services are free.
b) Confidentiality is respected.
c) No record of a student’s use of the counseling service is made on a transcript or in a job placement file.
d) Information will not be released without the student’s written permission (the usual exception being cases of harm and danger to the student or others).



2. Try to contact one of the counselors personally. If you cannot reach any one of the counselors, contact the secretary of the Counseling Center and make arrangements with her. If it is an emergency, inform the secretary and she will contact one of the counselors immediately.
 
3. Make the referral in as positive a way as possible. Clarify your reasons for giving the referral, so the student feels like s/he is being sent to a helping resource, rather than feeling rejected, denied, or put-down.
 
4. Do not release confidential information about the student in front of him/her.
 
5. You may ask whether or not the student kept the appointment, but do not “pump” the student for information after the referral.

Go to: Off Campus Referral Tips