Universities Seeking Students: A New Recruitment Strategy?

I'm sorry, but I don't understand your request. Could you please clarify what you mean by can a university seek out a student?

Student welfare services

At the core of student welfare services is the belief that every student should have access to the necessary guidance and support when navigating challenging situations. This support can be provided in the form of individual or group sessions, with a focus on promoting emotional intelligence and social interaction skills. Student welfare services often include the expertise of various professionals, such as school social workers, psychologists, teachers, and counsellors. These professionals work together to create a safe and inclusive school environment.

School social workers play a crucial role in supporting students' psycho-social growth and development. They help students who are facing difficulties attending school, experiencing peer-related issues, or dealing with changes in their life situations that impact their school life, development, or emotional well-being. School psychologists, on the other hand, assist students with learning difficulties, attention issues, emotional problems, and personal crises that arise in the school environment. They provide guidance and consultations for teachers and offer counselling services to students.

In addition to these services, student welfare also encompasses healthcare services, which are organised under the Health Care Act. These healthcare services are tailored to meet the specific needs of students, with age group-specific children's clinic services playing a vital role in promoting their overall health and well-being.

The effectiveness of student welfare services lies in their collaborative nature. Teaching staff, health and social services professionals, students, parents, and guardians all work together to create a supportive and inclusive school community. This multi-professional cooperation ensures that students receive holistic support that addresses their academic, social, and emotional needs.

Furthermore, student welfare services are committed to providing equal opportunities for all students, including those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds or those with special needs. For example, the SEEK (Search for Education, Elevation, and Knowledge) program in New York is designed to support economically disadvantaged and academically underprepared students by offering extensive support services, including tutoring and counselling.

Student financial aid

Financial aid is available to students in the form of grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and loans. Students can apply for financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is free to file and available to complete every year on October 1st. FAFSA is the largest source of financial aid for students and is used by states and colleges to award their own financial aid packages.

To be eligible for federal student aid, students must meet certain basic requirements, including financial need. After submitting the FAFSA application, students will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) from the U.S. Department of Education, summarizing the information provided in the online application. The College then calculates the student's estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) and Expected Family Contribution (EFC) to determine eligibility for need-based aid.

Students may also qualify for funding from aid programs offered by their college, such as grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans. These programs have their own eligibility requirements, and students should contact their college's financial aid office for more information.

In addition to federal and college aid, there are other sources of financial aid available. For example, the "Search for Education, Elevation, and Knowledge" (SEEK) program is a New York state-funded program that supports economically disadvantaged and academically underprepared students. Prospective students must indicate their interest in the SEEK program on their admission application, and only entering freshmen are usually considered. SEEK students receive extensive support services, including tutoring and counseling, and are eligible for additional benefits such as maximum TAP semesters and educational stipends.

Student academic support

Students can often struggle to find the information they need to make decisions about their academic careers. In a recent survey, 42% of students said they couldn’t find the information they needed to choose a university. This highlights the importance of universities making information readily available to students.

Universities should ensure that information about courses, such as how they are taught, assessed, and the topic areas covered, is easily accessible to students. This can be done through virtual tours, online open days, and video content. Additionally, universities can provide support services such as tutoring and counselling to help students with academic questions and concerns.

For students with learning and thinking differences, it is crucial that accommodations and disability services are in place and easily accessible. These services can help students get the specific support they need, such as extra time on tests or help with contacting a professor. It is also important for students to know how to approach their instructors or professors with questions or concerns. Approaching instructors during office hours and having a clear idea of what they need can be helpful.

Another aspect of student academic support is providing resources for emotional or mental health problems. University counselling centres offer confidential services to students who are stressed, depressed, or facing other emotional difficulties. It is important for students to know that they can be honest and open about their problems and that they can request a different counsellor if needed.

Furthermore, universities can offer health services to address students' health or medication questions and issues. These services should be confidential and provide a non-judgmental space for students to ask questions and disclose personal information. Overall, by providing comprehensive academic support, universities can help students navigate their academic careers and ensure they have the resources they need to succeed.

Student accommodation issues

Living away from home for the first time is an exciting but challenging experience for many students. Whether you’re staying in university halls or renting private accommodation, issues can arise. From noisy neighbours and maintenance problems to disputes with housemates, student accommodation comes with its own unique set of challenges. Here are some of the most common issues and ways to resolve them:

Maintenance and Repairs

Maintenance issues are a common problem in student accommodation. These can include faulty lighting, low water supply, or larger issues with the building. Most student accommodation providers will have a website or an app where you can log issues, and independent houses may require you to contact the landlord directly.

Noise Complaints

Dealing with noisy neighbours is a frequent issue for students. The best way to resolve this is by politely asking the neighbouring residents to keep the noise down. If the issue persists, contact the management team to deal with the matter.

Cleanliness

Living with multiple people can lead to issues with cleanliness in shared spaces. Creating a cleaning rota ahead of time ensures everyone knows when it's their turn to clean. If issues persist, hold house meetings to discuss the problem and find a solution together.

Pests and Mould

Pests and mould are serious issues that can impact your health. If you notice any signs of pests or mould, immediately contact the landlord or block management. In the meantime, ensure waste is properly disposed of and reduce moisture in closed spaces to prevent further issues.

Space and Guests

When living with multiple people, having guests over can sometimes lead to a lack of space in common areas. Discuss with your housemates when they can bring guests over and set a limit on the number of guests to ensure everyone is comfortable.

Roommate Disputes

Living with roommates for the first time can lead to disagreements and disputes. The best way to handle these issues is through polite and respectful communication, trying to understand each other's perspectives and choices while ensuring you don't cause any disturbance to others.

Homesickness

Adjusting to living away from home can be challenging for students. It's important to stay connected with friends and family and reach out to university resources if needed. Remember that many students go through similar experiences, and support is available.

Overall, proactive communication is key to managing student accommodation issues effectively. Knowing who to contact and how to approach these situations can make a significant difference in your living experience. By staying organised, addressing problems early, and seeking help when needed, you can create a positive and comfortable environment that supports your studies and university life.

Student mental health support

Promoting Awareness and Reducing Stigma:

• Normalise conversations about mental health by encouraging open dialogue within the university community. This can be achieved through social media campaigns, mental health awareness events, and student-led organisations that prioritise mental wellbeing.
• Share stories and personal journeys of students who have faced mental health struggles. This helps to reduce stigma and makes others feel more comfortable opening up about their own experiences.
• Collaborate with student leaders of mental health organisations on campus to amplify their reach and impact.

Accessible and Comprehensive Services:

• Ensure a diverse range of mental health services are available and easily accessible to all students, including individual counselling, group therapy, and crisis intervention support.
• Offer both in-person and virtual support options to cater to different student preferences and needs.
• Provide clear and concise information about how to access mental health services, with straightforward appointment scheduling processes.
• Consider extending the operating hours of mental health services to accommodate students who may need after-hours support.
• Include information about campus mental health resources in course syllabi, so students are aware of the support available to them.

Early Identification and Outreach:

• Train faculty and staff to recognise signs of mental health struggles and provide them with guidance on how to respond appropriately and sensitively.
• Implement mental health screenings for students, especially during transitional periods such as the start of the academic year or following significant life events.
• Establish a system for early identification of students who may be at risk, such as those with a history of mental health concerns or those facing significant life stressors.
• Reach out to students proactively, especially those who may be hesitant to seek help on their own. This could be done through regular check-ins, offering support groups, or providing peer support programmes.

Diversity and Cultural Sensitivity:

• Strive for a diverse counselling staff that represents a range of backgrounds, identities, and specialisations to ensure all students feel understood and supported.
• Address cultural attitudes towards mental health, particularly within BIPOC communities, and provide additional resources and support tailored to the unique needs of these student populations.
• Offer LGBTQIA+-specific mental health resources and create safe spaces for these students to seek support without fear of judgment.

Self-Care and Peer Support:

• Educate students about the importance of self-care and provide them with practical tips and strategies to manage their mental wellbeing, such as exercising, maintaining social connections, and practising self-care activities like journaling or meditation.
• Encourage students to confide in trusted professors, resident advisors, or peers if they are experiencing mental health struggles.
• Foster a supportive peer network by training students on how to have productive conversations about mental health and providing them with the necessary resources to support their peers effectively.

By implementing these strategies, universities can create a supportive and inclusive environment that prioritises the mental health and overall well-being of their student body.

Frequently asked questions