Some recent events on campus have had me thinking about our students, and the role(s) that we might play, when they struggle.

As the newness of the school year wears off, and many of the distractions that come in the form of ‘kick-off events’ pass by, students who are struggling will find themselves face-to-face with the demons they’ve been trying to escape.

So my question to us is simple:

What role do we play in the lives of struggling students?

Sadly, too many of our students today are coming to campus with the ‘weight of the world’ on the shoulders — and they’re struggling to know how to deal with these struggles in appropriate and healthy ways.

Have we considered:

• How we make ourselves available to students?
• How we might partner with other offices on campus (like Student Affairs, Res Life, At Risk programs, the Counseling department, etc.)?
• What we are actually prepared and equipped to handle?
• At what point does our commitment to student confidentiality might need to be over-ridden by our need to assure their (or someone else’s) personal safety?

Walking with students during their ‘Dark Valley’ seasons is one of the most significant roles we can play on campus. Just as crucial is knowing our limitations and the appropriate resources on campus to work with in assuring the absolute best for our students.

Thoughts?  I’d love to hear them.