Faculty Orientation - Responding to Students

New Faculty Orientation, Fall, 1999

RESPONDING TO STUDENTS

Rice has well-trained personnel available to respond to students in a variety of settings. Some advisors deal directly with academic issues, while others assist in the solution of personal problems which, in turn, may be reflected in the student's academic life. Some of the residential colleges have special tutorials and peer counseling. In general, it is wise initially to discuss an individual student with the appropriate College Master:

Baker College, James and Christiane Copeland, x4003 Brown College, Albert Pope and Katherin Brunner, x4962 Hanszen College, Klaus and Eugenia Weissenberger, 527-8210 Jones College, Enrique and Maribel Barrera, x6049 Lovett College, Spike Gildea and Bonny Tibbitts, x4959 Richardson College, John and Penny Bennett, x5397 Wiess College, John and Paula Hutchinson, x6025 Will Rice College, Dale and Elise Sawyer, x6053

Depending on the student and issue, other offices may also be helpful:

1. Psychological Matters: Early recognition of the existence of a potential problem is important. Professors should be as supportive as possible. The Rice Counseling Center provides professional counseling, psychiatric consultations, and crisis intervention for students with personal problems or issues. Faculty members are encouraged to consult with the Center's psychologists if they have concerns about particular students, including problems relating to substance abuse. A handout of guidelines for obtaining assistance for distressed students is available from the Center. CAPP, a peer counseling program available throughout the colleges, is a good resource for students who could benefit from additional emotional support and referral information. Rice Counseling Center, Dr. Lindley Doran, Director, 301 Lovett Hall, x4867 (24-hour)

2. Academic Advising: Students should be encouraged to become acquainted with their departmental advisors, the faculty associates and masters of their colleges, and especially the director of the Office of Academic Advising. Most departments provide tutors through the Rice Student Tutorial Program, under the direction of Academic Advising. Dr. Mark Scheid, Director, Ley Student Center, x4060. For questions involving exceptions to academic regulations contact Dr. Ed Billups, Chair, Committee on Examinations and Standing, 713-737-5694

3. Disciplinary Matters: Information on disciplinary and Honor Council regulations is provided by Patricia Bass, Assistant Dean of Student Judicial Programs, Ley Student Center, x4876. 4. Students with Special Disability Needs should contact Ms. Jean Ashmore, Coordinator of Disabled Student Services, Rice Memorial Center, x5841.

5. Health Issues: The Student Health Service, located in Hanszen College, is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. Call x4966

6. Wellness: The Health Education Office (HEO) provides educational information and skills training that enhance student wellness. The HEO works with the college system to promote wellness and prevent disease in physical, emotional, and social areas. These programs cover a variety of topics, including health eating habits, stress reduction, breast self-examination, sexually-transmitted diseases, contraception, and alcohol and substance abuse. Dr. Kimberly Lopez, Director, Rice Memorial Center Cloisters, x5194

7. Athletic Academic Services: Occasionally athletes suffer from conflicting demands of their athletic and academic programs. The Athletic Office provides special academic counseling and tutorial assistance. Ms. Julie Griswold, gymnasium, x6096

8. Multicultural Affairs: This office provides advice and support for students in this area. The office also coordinates and implements comprehensive educational, cultural, and social programs to promote intercultural awareness and respect for diversity. Ms. Catherine Clack, Director, Rice Memorial Center Cloisters, x5124

9. Financial Aid: The Financial Aid Office advises students on procedures for receiving financial aid, availability of student loans, and work-study grants. Ms. Nell Sandefer, Associate Director, 201 Lovett Hall, x4958

10. Office of International Students and Scholars: The Director of this office can be consulted if a problem arises with a foreign student. The office has special expertise in areas of INS law and cross-cultural communication. Dr. Adria Baker, Director, Abercrombie Lab, x6095

Further information regarding special services and response to emergencies is contained in the The Student Handbook. The Rice Campus Police should be contacted in emergency situations at x3333 or x6000. Dr. Zenaido Camacho, Vice President for Student Affairs, x4996 or x2713 is available to help when difficult issues arise.

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