How can I get academic support and student wellbeing services?
This article outlines the range of academic and wellbeing services available to students, how to access tutoring, counselling, disability support and emergency assistance. It also provides referral pathways for agents and virtual assistants.
Overview
Universities and TAFEs offer a comprehensive suite of support services including academic skills workshops, peer tutoring, counselling, disability services, and wellbeing programs. Timely referrals can prevent academic difficulties from escalating and support student retention and success.
Types of Support Services
- Academic skills: Workshops on essay writing, referencing, exam preparation and time management
- Tutoring and mentoring: Peer-assisted study sessions and discipline-specific tutors
- Counselling: Short-term psychological counselling and crisis support
- Disability and accessibility: Adjustments for assessments, lecture recordings and assistive technology
- Financial and hardship support: Emergency grants, food pantry and financial counselling
Step-by-Step Referral Process
- Assess need: Use initial screening questions to determine urgency and type of support required.
- Provide immediate advice: For urgent mental health crises, advise contacting emergency services or the crisis hotline.
- Refer to specialist service: Make an appointment booking, or provide the link to self-refer via the portal. For disability support, request documentation and an intake meeting.
- Follow up: Check back with the student after referral to confirm they accessed services and offer further assistance.
Important Notes and Warnings
⚠️ Crisis situations: For imminent risk of harm to self or others, follow emergency escalation protocols and contact emergency services immediately.
⚠️ Confidentiality: Maintain confidentiality but be aware of mandatory reporting requirements and duty of care obligations.
Troubleshooting Common Referral Issues
| Issue | Cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Long wait times for counselling | High demand | Offer alternative supports such as external referrals, peer support, or online resources |
| Student needs urgent disability adjustments | Delay in documentation | Arrange interim adjustments and prioritise intake meeting |
| No response to referral | Incorrect contact details | Verify contact information and resend referral with clear next steps |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are these services free?
A: Many on-campus services are free for enrolled students; some external services may have fees.
Q: How confidential is counselling?
A: Counselling is confidential within policy limits related to safety and legal obligations.
Resolution / Key Takeaways
- Identify urgency and refer to appropriate service quickly
- Document referrals and follow up with students
- Escalate crises immediately following duty of care protocols
When to Escalate
- Imminent risk of harm or crisis situations
- Complex disability accommodation requiring academic board approval
- Repeated non-engagement that threatens student progress
Related Information
- Study skills workshops and calendars
- Disability and accessibility application process
- Emergency and crisis support procedures