1. North Carolina A&T State University Vivian Barnette, Ph.D., HSP-P Director, Counseling Services North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Gregory A. Moorehead, Ed.D. Director, Student Disability Services The University of Chicago Promoting Retention Through Support Services: African American Students with Mental Health Concerns

2. History of Offices Student Disability Services and Counseling Services are Divisions within Student Affairs Supportive of the university’s mission Considered critical units within Student Affairs Demand of increase services Programs & services dedicated to academic success beyond the classroom

3. Importance of Offices Must be committed to establishing and maintaining a welcoming and accepting unit that is confidential Must make services available to all eligible students The University of Chicago’s Disability office was established in 2006 as a full-time office. In the last two years there’s been a 40% increase in the number of students registered with the office Due to students entering school with increased psychological concerns, A&T had to double staff in 2009

4. A Snapshot of U.S. College Students In 2009 there just under 20 million college student in the U.S. 15.0 million college students were white 2.8 million were black/African American (roughly 14%) 2.4 million were Hispanic 1.2 million were Asian

5. A&T: Students Served Females Anxiety, Identity, Relationship, Sexual Assault, Adjustment, Peer Issues, Grief, Depression, Anger, Substance Abuse Males Adjustment, Grief, Depression, Anger, Substance Abuse

6. Commonly Used Assessments Clinical Intake Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms (CCAPS) Beck Inventories (Anxiety, Depression, and Hopelessness) Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-II (MMPI-II) Wechsler Adult Intelligent Scale (WAIS-IV) Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA: ADHD) Barkley ADHD Self- & Other Report Form Woodcock Johnson III (WJ-III Achievement) Career Appraisals: (SDS, MBTI, 16 PF, COPS, Life History Survey, KTS) Marital Satisfaction Inventory-Revised (MSI-R) Life Values Inventory Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory-3 (SASSI-3)

7. Critical Units Critical units in the Division of Student Affairs, Campus & Student Life total more than 20 departments Student Health / Union / Recreation / Multicultural Center International Study Abroad Programs / Trio Programs Student Development / New Student Orientation / Greek Life Housing and Residence Life / Dean of Students University Police Department / Career Services Veterans and Disabilities Support Services Collaborations within the division, other student support services as well as Academic Affairs are essential

8. Recruitment: The University of Chicago Student Disability Services works with the Admissions Office by providing printed information for applicants in regards to the process for requesting accommodations. NC A&T State University Open Forums for New Students Q&A’s with Parents Display of Services

9. Services and Consultations Only admitted or currently enrolled degree seeking students are eligible to receive services Counseling Services and Disability Support Services provide training and outreach to assist faculty and staff with understanding and accommodating students with psychological, cognitive, or medical disabilities

10. Exposure: The University of Chicago Dean of Students in graduate and professional programs act as liaisons between Student Disability Services, faculty and the student Deans coordinate and implement most accommodations University-wide Committee on Assistive Technologies work to assure accessibility in conjunction with other departments

11. Exposure: NC A&T State University Open House Opportunities to meet staff Explore facilities Interact with other students Invitations extended to university and community partners Freshmen Week Table and booth displays Coordinating programs with student organizations Informational table tents Promotional items PSA / Other forms of media and social networking

12. Question… Why do underrepresented students under-utilize services from these critical units whose main purpose is to help them be successful and graduate in a timely fashion?

13. Possible Barriers Cultural and Institutional Denial of disability or psychological disorder Lack of Services in their high schools Lack of awareness and expectation of assistance Competition at elite institutions Cultural Background Spirituality Distrust Imposter Syndrome Unwilling to Access Services

14. Ways to help… Intentional efforts Address the stigmas—utilizing other university offices, as well as alumni Peer to Peer informational sessions “Real talk” with parents

15. Retention Academic Advisors Referrals Classroom Presentations Psychological Difficulties ADHD Learning Difficulties Career Interest Veteran Support Physical Disabilities Accommodations

16. Success Student Organizations Office of Greek Life Council of Presidents Active Minds Veteran Support Groups Non-traditional / Transfer student groups Create student advisory board Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Blog, & etc.) Student Newspaper / Broadband TV / Radio Word of Mouth: Exceptional Customer Services

17. Questions…

18. Thank you! NC A&T State University & The University of Chicago

19. Sources http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/cats/education/hig her_education_institutions_and_enrollment.html http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/cats/education/hig her_education_institutions_and_enrollment.html National Center for Education Statistics